Childhood and Education Journey of Maria Shriver in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Maria Shriver, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Maria Shriver is an American journalist, author, and member of the Kennedy and Shriver families. She served as the First Lady of California during her marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger, whom she divorced after 25 years. Shriver founded The Women's Alzheimer's Movement, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for Alzheimer's prevention. She has been a prominent voice on women's health issues and social justice causes.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 6, 1955: Maria Shriver's birth

On November 6, 1955, Maria Owings Shriver was born. She is an American journalist, author, a member of the prominent Shriver and Kennedy families, former First Lady of California, and the founder of the nonprofit organization The Women's Alzheimer's Movement.

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1968: Mother founded Special Olympics

In 1968, Maria Shriver's mother founded the Special Olympics, and Shriver has been a lifelong advocate for people with intellectual disabilities.

1968: Family moved temporarily to Chicago

In the summer of 1968, Maria Shriver's family moved temporarily to Chicago following Eunice Kennedy Shriver's work with the Special Olympics.

1970: Returned to Bethesda, Maryland

In 1970, Maria Shriver returned permanently from France to Bethesda, Maryland.

1972: Volunteered for her father's U.S. vice presidential race

In 1972, Maria Shriver volunteered for her father's U.S. vice presidential race and discovered her passion for broadcast journalism.

1973: Graduated from Stone Ridge School

In 1973, Maria Shriver graduated from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart high school.

June 1977: Graduated from Georgetown University

In June 1977, Maria Shriver graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American studies.

April 26, 1986: Marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger

On April 26, 1986, Maria Shriver married Arnold Schwarzenegger in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

August 2003: Took leave of absence from NBC News

In August 2003, Maria Shriver took an unpaid leave of absence from NBC News when her husband became a candidate in the 2003 California gubernatorial recall election.

November 17, 2003: Became First Lady of California

Following her husband's November 17, 2003, inauguration as the 38th Governor of California, Maria Shriver became the First Lady of California. She then returned to reporting, making two more appearances for Dateline NBC.

2003: Began leading California Governor & First Lady's Conference on Women

In 2003, Maria Shriver began leading the California Governor & First Lady's Conference on Women when Schwarzenegger took office.

2003: Father's Alzheimer's diagnosis

In 2003, Maria Shriver's father, Sargent Shriver, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, leading her to become an advocate and fundraiser for Alzheimer's patient care and biomedical research.

2004: Attended both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions

In 2004, Maria Shriver attended both the Democratic National Convention to watch her uncle Ted Kennedy speak, and the Republican National Convention to watch her husband speak.

2004: Left NBC News

In 2004, Maria Shriver left NBC News to focus on her role as First Lady of California.

2005: Launched WE Connect Program

In 2005, Maria Shriver launched her WE Connect Program, which connects working families in need with money-saving programs and support services.

January 21, 2008: PBS aired American Idealist: The Story of Sargent Shriver

On January 21, 2008, PBS aired "American Idealist: The Story of Sargent Shriver", a documentary executive-produced by Maria Shriver about her father.

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February 3, 2008: Shriver endorses Barack Obama

On February 3, 2008, Maria Shriver endorsed Senator Barack Obama for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination at a UCLA rally.

February 2008: Launched Lovin' Scoopful ice cream company

In February 2008, Maria Shriver launched an ice cream company called Lovin' Scoopful with her brother, Tim Shriver. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from Lovin' Scoopful benefits the Special Olympics.

November 2008: Launch of California Legacy Trails

In November 2008, Maria Shriver launched the California Legacy Trails, a web-based multimedia learning tool designed to help students learn California history.

October 2009: Launched "The Shriver Report"

In October 2009, Maria Shriver launched "The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Changes Everything", a national study and comprehensive report conducted in partnership with various organizations.

December 2009: Created the WE Connect–Million Meals Initiative

In December 2009, Maria Shriver, in partnership with The Women's Conference, created the WE Connect–Million Meals Initiative.

March 2010: Held a Community Resources Fair

In March 2010, Maria Shriver held a three-day Community Resources Fair in Fresno and Los Angeles through WE Connect.

2010: Published "The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Takes on Alzheimer's"

In 2010, Maria Shriver and the Alzheimer's Association published "The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Takes on Alzheimer's".

2010: The Women's Conference attracted more than 30,000 attendees.

In 2010, The Women's Conference attracted more than 30,000 attendees and 150 world opinion leaders over three full days.

May 9, 2011: Separation announcement

On May 9, 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver announced their separation after 25 years of marriage.

May 13, 2011: Twitter message

On May 13, 2011, Maria Shriver posted a message for her Twitter followers, expressing gratitude for their kindness and support.

May 17, 2011: Schwarzenegger's admission of paternity

On May 17, 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger publicly admitted to fathering Joseph Baena. Shriver described the admission as "painful and heartbreaking".

July 1, 2011: Filing for divorce

On July 1, 2011, Maria Shriver filed for divorce from Arnold Schwarzenegger, citing "irreconcilable differences".

2011: Divorce Filing

In 2011, Maria Shriver filed for divorce from Arnold Schwarzenegger, her husband at the time.

2013: Release of The Shriver Report in partnership with TIME and NBC News.

In 2013, The Shriver Report was released in partnership with TIME and NBC News.

2014: Published "The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Pushes Back from the Brink"

In 2014, Maria Shriver published "The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Pushes Back from the Brink", which focuses on women and their children in poverty.

2018: Co-executive producer of Take Your Pills

In 2018, Maria Shriver and her daughter, Christina Schwarzenegger, were co-executive producers of "Take Your Pills", an hour-long documentary on psychostimulant medications.

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2018: Published I've Been Thinking...

In 2018, Maria Shriver published "I've Been Thinking...: Reflections Prayers and Meditations for a Meaningful Life", which became an instant No. 1 New York Times bestseller.

I've Been Thinking . . .: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life

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2018: Registration change to independent

In 2018, Maria Shriver revealed that she had changed her registration from Democrat to independent.

January 2019: Released a companion journal

In January 2019, Maria Shriver released a companion journal, "I've Been Thinking...The Journal: Reflections, Prayers and Inspirations for Your Meaningful Life".