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 a member of both the Shriver and Kennedy families. She served as the former First Lady of California during her marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Beyond her media and political affiliations, Shriver is the founder of The Women's Alzheimer's Movement, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for Alzheimer's prevention and treatment, particularly in women. Shriver and Schwarzenegger divorced 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: Family 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, Maryland

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

1972: Volunteered for Father's Vice Presidential Race

In 1972, Maria Shriver volunteered for her father's U.S. vice presidential race, an experience that ignited 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 in Bethesda, Maryland.

June 1977: Graduated from Georgetown University

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

1977: Meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger

In 1977, Maria Shriver was introduced to Arnold Schwarzenegger by Tom Brokaw at a charity tennis tournament.

April 26, 1986: Marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger

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

1997: Pregnancy of Mildred Baena

In 1997, Mildred Baena became pregnant with Joseph Baena, who was fathered by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

November 17, 2003: Became First Lady of California

Following her husband's inauguration on November 17, 2003, Maria Shriver became the First Lady of California. After 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 after Arnold 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 the 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: 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.

2004: Attendance at Democratic National Convention

In 2004, Maria Shriver attended the Democratic National Convention when her uncle Ted Kennedy spoke.

January 31, 2008: Schwarzenegger's Endorsement of John McCain

On January 31, 2008, Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed Senator John McCain for the Republican presidential nomination.

February 3, 2008: Endorsement of Barack Obama

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

November 2008: Launch of California Legacy Trails

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

2009: Shinnyo-en Foundation's 2009 Pathfinders to Peace Award

In 2009, Maria Shriver was honored with the Shinnyo-en Foundation's 2009 Pathfinders to Peace Award for exemplifying compassion, harmony, and peace.

2010: The Women's Conference Attracted Over 30,000 Attendees

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

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 on Twitter thanking her followers for their kindness and support following the announcement of her separation.

May 17, 2011: Schwarzenegger's Public Admission

On May 17, 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger publicly admitted to fathering Joseph Baena with a household staff member.

July 1, 2011: Filing for Divorce

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

2011: Separation from Arnold Schwarzenegger

In 2011, Maria Shriver separated from her husband, Arnold Schwarzenegger, after being married and having four children together.

2017: Alzheimer's Association Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2017, the Alzheimer's Association awarded Maria Shriver with its first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.

2018: Party Affiliation Change

In 2018, Maria Shriver revealed in an interview with the Commonwealth Club of California that she had changed her registration from Democrat to independent.