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 activist, belonging to the Shriver and Kennedy families. She served as the First Lady of California during her marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger, with whom she has four children. Shriver is known for her journalistic work and her founding of The Women's Alzheimer's Movement, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for Alzheimer's prevention, particularly in women. She divorced Schwarzenegger in 2021.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 6, 1955: Maria Shriver Born

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

Others born on this day/year

1968: Mother founded Special Olympics

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

1968: Family Moved to Chicago

In the summer of 1968, Maria Shriver's family temporarily moved 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.

1973: Graduated Stone Ridge School

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

June 1977: Graduation 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.

November 17, 2003: Husband's Inauguration as Governor

On November 17, 2003, Maria Shriver's husband was inaugurated as the 38th Governor of California, and she became the First Lady of California. Following this, she returned to reporting, making two more appearances for Dateline NBC.

2003: Began Leading the 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 Diagnosed with Alzheimer's

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.

October 2004: Naming of Maria Shriver rose

In October 2004, a hybrid rose was named after Maria Shriver. The Maria Shriver rose contains starchy-white blooms and a powerful citrus fragrance.

2004: Attendance at 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.

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.

2010: The Women's Conference Attendance

In 2010, The Women's Conference event, under Maria Shriver's leadership, 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: Message to Twitter followers

On May 13, 2011, Maria Shriver thanked her Twitter followers for their kindness, support, and compassion in a message posted on Twitter.

May 17, 2011: Schwarzenegger's Public Admission

On May 17, 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger publicly admitted to fathering a child with a household staff member, leading to a painful and heartbreaking revelation for Maria Shriver.