In 1979, the Final Four was pretty remarkable: Penn made it, which we’re pretty sure is the last time an Ivy got there. DePaul got Ray Meyer there and of course Larry Bird and Magic Johnson played in the iconic finale that marked the official beginning of their rivalry.
Penn and Michigan State played in one semi while Bird and Indiana State took on DePaul in the other (this was back when the Midwest and the Final Four were still said in the same sentence).
Amazingly, Ray Meyer got to the Final Four in 1942-43, his first season, but didn't get back for 36 years.