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 accomplished American journalist, author, and prominent member of both the Shriver and Kennedy families. She served as the former First Lady of California during her marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger, whom she divorced in 2021. Beyond her media career and political associations, Shriver is recognized for founding The Women's Alzheimer's Movement, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funding for research on Alzheimer's disease, particularly its impact on women.

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 founder of The Women's Alzheimer's Movement.

Others born on this day/year

1968: Moved 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

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

1972: Volunteered for Father's Campaign

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

1973: Graduated from High 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.

November 17, 2003: Became First Lady of California

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

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.

2004: Attended 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.

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, with 25% of the proceeds benefiting 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.

2010: Women's Conference Attendance

In 2010, The Women's Conference, led by Maria Shriver, attracted more than 30,000 attendees and 150 world opinion leaders.

May 9, 2011: Schwarzenegger and Shriver announce separation

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

May 13, 2011: Shriver posts message to Twitter followers

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

May 17, 2011: Schwarzenegger admits to fathering a child with staff member

On May 17, 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger publicly admitted to fathering Joseph Baena with a household staff member. He confessed to Maria Shriver only after she confronted him.