MICHAEL JORDAN

If a basketball fan were asked to pick the most influential jersey number that a player has ever worn, they would undoubtedly say 23. When it comes time to pick jerseys on basketball teams, number 23 is still one of the most sought after numbers. Players want what that number represents. To those who grew up watching him, Jordan represented more than a man. He showed that three repeat championships were attainable, amazing dunks were possible and the impossible did not exist.

In a nation that loves an underdog victory story, Michael Jordan’s early basketball career is a classic example. He was cut from his sophomore high school team only to become the greatest basketball icon to date in the history of basketball.

“Growing up, if you played basketball, there is not another player who you would have rather been than number 23,” Jordan fan, Dan MacDonald, a sophomore in chemistry said. “I believe most males who look up to MJ do because of his will to never give up.”

With countless endorsements such as the Nike Air Jordan line and Gatorade ads there is no question about Jordan’s influence not only in sports but also in how advertisers marketed their products. Everyone wanted a piece of Mike, and all those basketball hopefuls wanted to “Be Like Mike.”

“Not only are [Jordan’s basketball] achievements a reason to idolize MJ, but his image was just as spectacular,” MacDonald said. “With his insane dunks, fancy shoes and clothes and Ôbizarre tongue,’ he is simply a legend in the eyes and minds of many people around the world today.”

AL PACINO

Whether playing Tony Montana in Scarface or Michael Corleone in The Godfather, Al Pacino embodies what it means to be a gangster. College students across America embrace this attitude by adorning their walls with Scarface posters.

“The idea that he would do anything to get on top and to stay there with no regard for anyone else is something that can be admired in a strange way,” Travis Miller, an Al Pacino fan and sophomore in aerospace engineering said. “The guns and violence don’t hurt either.”

Between his lust for power and his cutthroat attitude, Pacino’s characters apologize to no one.

Pacino’s characters also show complete confidence and never doubt their judgment. The raw emotion and utter dominance of his characters are what make these roles and legendary actor so intriguing to fans.

“In The Godfather he is just as ruthless [as in Scarface], he is just more calculated about it,” Miller said. “Al Pacino is an icon because of how committed he is to his characters.”

Whether admiring his ruthlessness or just imitating his accent and endless quotes from Scarface and The Godfather movies, Pacino’s characters embody the quintessential tough guy.

JACKIE KENNEDY ONASSIS

Women loved her style, men idolized her and the American public adored her. She was articulate, talented and far from being the stereotypical pin-up of the era. Her timeless beauty and style are what make her an icon today.

As a president’s wife she had to look the part. For a woman of only 31 when her husband took office, looking fashionable and presentable in the political world was not always an easy task, but Jackie made it look easy. She combined classic looks with sophistication and invented her own timeless style.

“She is a fashion icon because when she came into the public eye during JFK’s time in office she changed the view of the first lady from being someone who was older and more mature in their fashion to a young woman who was fashionable yet still very elegant and sophisticated,” Jaimie Paugh, an Onassis fan and freshman in business management said. “I’m just personally a fan of her style as far as it being so classic and simple.”

Whether dressed for a formal affair or vacationing with her two children, Onassis knew how to dress. People still copy her signature look today by wearing pearl necklaces, oversized sunglasses and fitted jackets.

SUPERMAN

Clark Kent is a hero to every little boy who happens to pick up a comic book. He sent boys and girls into their parents’ linen cabinets digging out sheets to use as capes. But Superman has not lost his luster over the years; the little boys and girls grow up and become men and women who still watch, read and love this man of steel.

Alicia Wade, a sophomore in engineering, is a fan of Mr. Kent. Wade said he is a popular icon because “he’s been around for a long time and people know who he is.”

Although Superman has superpowers, Wade still thinks he is not perfect, unlike some superheroes.

“Yes, he’s not perfect, but he definitely goes out of his way to help people when he doesn’t have to. If that isn’t admirable, then I don’t know what is.” Wade said.

AUDREY HEPBURN

Audrey Hepburn is most known for her classic role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but her elegance was admired far beyond the silver screen. Hepburn was known for her classic style and grace, making people know that her beauty was not just skin deep.

Barbara Buskard, a senior in French, loves Audrey Hepburn. Buskard said she idolizes Hepburn because of her “interior.”

“She was a wonderful, bright, intelligent person,” she said.

According to Buskard, Hepburn had a hard life starting from when she was a child.

“She had to be strong from the get-go. But she never played up her hardships,” Buskard said.

Hepburn was also classic, she said.

“She was the anti-Hollywood Hollywood,” Buskard said. For her and other students, Hepburn is and always will be the icon of all icons.

MARILYN MONROE

Norma Jeane Mortenson, also known as Marilyn Monroe, was the queen of blonde bombshells. Monroe turned people’s heads with a beautiful face, curvy body and tempting smile. Appearing in the first edition of Playboy, she was not afraid to show what she was all about. This starlet’s name and memory has lingered far beyond her years. Even today, students still look at her in adoration.

One of those students is Molly Robinson, a freshman in business management. She said Monroe is a “big” fashion icon for everyone. Robinson has adored the starlet since she was “about 10.”

“She is a great actress and model,” she said.

JAMES BOND

Ladies love 007. Men want to be 007. And all the villains, they hate 007. Mr. James Bond has welded his way into the hearts of movie-goers since the 1960s. Although the actors who have played James Bond have changed more than five times over the decades, the characteristics of Bond are constant — dashing good looks, spectacular charm and a wit to match any other man alive.

“James Bond is the guy that every guy wants to be,” Richard Bullock, sophomore in mechanical engineering, said.

Bond skis down the side of a mountain next to his girlfriends, kills the bad guy and says a witty comment at end, Bullock said, laughing.

“He is a real-life superhero. Everything he does is completely possible,” he said.