Anna Margaret Ross Alexander (1913-1995) was born in Lafayette, Indiana but lived most of her adult life in Indianapolis. She graduated from Jefferson High School in Lafayette, obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in 1935, and an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Purdue University in 1986.

In 1935, she married John A. Alexander, whom she met at Purdue University. Her husband became a corporate lawyer, with Krieg, DeVault, Alexander and Capehart located in Indianapolis. They had two sons, David Linn and Stephen Ross Alexander.

Mrs. Alexander became involved with the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and was President of the PTA of School #80, and of the Broad Ripple High School PTA. She expressed her interest in federal aid to schools, only if it would be economically advantageous. She was concerned about the reading ability of school pupils, about the home influence, and lack of religious training of many school children. Eventually she was elected to the Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners and served from 1966-1970 and was its president in 1970. During her tenure, instructional TV and hot school lunches were instituted in all elementary schools in the IPS system, and the conflict with the U.S. Department of Justice over desegregation plans was the major issue. In this same period, she also served three years on the Marion County Tax Review Board, representing all of the school systems in Marion County.

Over the years she was a member and leader of numerous civic organizations including the following:

Alpha Mu Latreian Service Organization Children's Museum Christamore House Board Community Centers of Indianapolis Community Chest (later United Way) Connor Prairie Farm Contemporary Club Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Honorary Historic Landmark Foundation of Indiana Indiana Federation of Clubs, GFWC, 7th District Indiana State Symphony Society Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners Indianapolis Museum of Art John Purdue Club Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority Alumnae Association Marion County Mental Health Board Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center Morris Butler House Mother's March of Dimes for Polio Mental Health Gift Lift Mental Health National Convention, Indianapolis Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Purdue Alumni Association and Purdue President's Council Purdue Centennial Drive, Marion County Purdue Women of Indianapolis St. Paul's Episcopal Church Honors:

1968 Theta Sigma Phi (now Women in Communications) TSP Award 1970 Theta Sigma Phi Woman of the Year Award 1984 Purdue Citizenship Award 1986 Doctor of Humane Letters from Purdue University 1990 Kappa Alpha Theta Twin Star Award