US History
This state was its own republic for 9 years before it was annexed into the United States. Its leaders included Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, and Mirabeau B. Lamar.
Texas
In lowercase, it's any type of plant used for cooking, flavoring, or medicine.
Capitalized, it's what President Hoover's friends might have called him.
What is herb/Herb
Bob Dylan played in this neighborhood of Minneapolis before moving to New York.
Dinkytown
Of Nacho Libre fame
Who is Jack Black
This state split from Virginia to join the Union in the civil war.
West Virginia
In lowercase, it means socially unconventional, like a certain rhapsody.
Capitalized, it means (western) Czech.
What is bohemian/Bohemian
Robert Gore (Class of 63') invented this waterproof fabric popular in outdoor gear.
Gore-Tex
The first black boxer to hold the heavyweight champion title in the height of Jim Crow
Or that goofy white boy that sang "Upside Down" and other songs for the Curious George movie
Who is Jack Johnson
This US President and former Union General was the first to rightfully label the KKK as a terrorist organization.
Grant
In lowercase, it's a tiny town.
Capitalized, it's the name of a Shakespeare play, and its protagonist.
What is hamlet/Hamlet
Herb Brooks (Class of 62) was an ice hockey coach for the US Olympic team, leading the underdog team to beat the Soviets in this game in the 1980 Olympics
The Miracle on Ice
of WHATS POPPIN fame
Who is Jackman Thomas Harlow
In 1994, the US Supreme Court enacted a law that allows Native American communities to cultivate, harvest, possess, and consume this hallucinogenic drug during religious ceremonies.
Peyote (or mescaline)
In lowercase, it's a citrus fruit.
Capitalized, it's the most spoken first language on Earth.
What is mandarin/Mandarin
Hubert Humphrey (Class of 41') was a star on the university debate team and served as this president's vice
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lead singer and guitarist for the White Stripes that took his wife's last name and does upholstery in Detroit
Who is Jack White
We've planted the American flag here 6 times from July, 1969, to December, 1972. 5 of the 6 are still standing, but they're probably all bleached white due to the UV exposure.
The Moon
In lowercase, it's a type of artwork made of tiles.
Capitalized, it's an adjective referring to a Biblical figure.
What is mosaic/Mosaic
Stéphane Bancel is a french business executive who studied biological engineering the U and is the current CEO of one of the big Covid vaccine makers
Moderna
of Jack Torrance fame
Who is Jack Nicholson