Kaling rose to prominence as Kelly Kapoor on NBC's sitcom The Office. She currently writes, executive produces, and stars in her own sitcom, The Mindy Project, and has published a best-selling book of essays.

IMPACT ON DARTMOUTH

Kaling began as a Latin major, but decided to pursue a degree in playwriting instead;she went on to earn an Eleanor Frost Playwriting Award for in 1999. She also wrote the popular comic strip "Badly Drawn Girl" for The Dartmouth.

IN HER OWN WORDS

Kaling enjoyed Dartmouth's supportive audience, saying, "If you were to do a play or a sketch or an improv troupe, [the venue] was always packed."