Who is Cory Aiello from Jeopardy? An Indiana University Professional Blending Higher Education Leadership with Creative Talent

Cory Aiello is a higher education professional based in Indianapolis, Indiana, who currently serves as Development Services and Administrative Coordinator at the Indiana University Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. In this role, Cory supports advancement operations, administrative coordination, and development initiatives that help strengthen the school’s long-term goals and fundraising efforts.

Since joining the Luddy School in July 2016, Cory has built a reputation for organizational expertise and strong collaboration with senior leadership. Responsibilities include managing complex administrative processes, coordinating communications, supporting donor and development activities, and ensuring that operational systems run efficiently behind the scenes.

Prior to this position, Cory worked as a Senior Administrative Secretary for the Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing at IUPUI. That role involved managing executive calendars, coordinating travel and meetings, conducting research, and handling high-level administrative communications. The experience strengthened Cory’s ability to work in fast-paced environments that require discretion, precision, and strong institutional knowledge.

Experience Across Major Universities

Before returning to Indiana University, Cory gained additional experience at Northwestern University as a Program Assistant in the Department of French and Italian. There, responsibilities included managing departmental communications, coordinating events and logistics, maintaining the department website, and producing newsletters and promotional materials.

The role also made use of design and content skills, including work with Adobe tools to support marketing and outreach efforts. This combination of administrative coordination and creative communication helped broaden Cory’s professional skill set.

Across multiple institutions, Cory’s career has focused on supporting academic departments, strengthening internal operations, and helping faculty and leadership carry out strategic priorities.

Creative Talents Beyond the Office

Alongside a career in higher education, Cory maintains a strong creative background in the performing arts. Skills include theatre, singing, acting, improvisation, and musical theatre, reflecting a long-standing interest in performance and storytelling.

Earlier in the career, Cory was a company member of the Strange Tree Group from 2012 to 2015, an experience that highlighted ongoing involvement in collaborative creative work. Additional strengths include editing, social media content, and creative production, blending artistic ability with communication expertise.

Cory also completed a LinkedIn Learning certification titled A Crash Course in Writing Well: Learn to Write with More Style, Flair, and Impact, further strengthening professional communication skills.

A Lifelong Dream Realized on Jeopardy

In March 2025, Cory achieved a longtime personal goal by appearing as a contestant on Jeopardy. The episode aired on March 5 on WTHR in Indianapolis, marking a meaningful milestone after years of interest in the show.

The appearance also carried personal significance as part of a family connection to the program, continuing a legacy tied to the long-running quiz show. Competing on the national stage represented both a personal achievement and a celebration of a lifelong passion for knowledge and learning.

The experience reflected the same curiosity and intellectual engagement that have shaped both Cory’s professional and creative pursuits.

Education and Professional Presence

Cory attended Indiana University Bloomington from 2001 to 2005, establishing the academic foundation for a career in higher education administration. Over time, Cory has built a professional network of more than 130 connections and maintains an active presence within the higher education and development community.

With experience spanning university advancement, executive support, creative arts, and communications, Cory brings a well-rounded professional background grounded in service, organization, and creativity.

Cory Aiello at a Glance

Name: Cory Aiello
Location and Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana
Profession: Development Services and Administrative Coordinator, Indiana University Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Previous Roles: Senior Administrative Secretary, Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing at IUPUI; Program Assistant, Northwestern University Department of French and Italian; Company Member, Strange Tree Group
Gender: Male
Nationality: American
Education: Indiana University Bloomington (2001 to 2005)
Skills: Administrative operations, development support, event coordination, theatre, singing, acting, improvisation, editing, social media, design and communications
Notable Achievement: Jeopardy contestant, episode aired March 5, 2025 on WTHR Indianapolis
Professional Development: LinkedIn Learning certification in professional writing
Professional Network: More than 130 LinkedIn connections and over 100 followers