Nov. 18, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. - This weekend, 265 female athletes from the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's will be inducted into the N-Club. 51 of these former student athletes will be on hand for this important event, with the ceremony starting at 4 p.m. Friday in the Stadium Club.
The Women's Athletic Association existed prior to the late 1970's to provide athletic opportunities for women. At the time, women were not granted varsity status at the University.
Almost two years in the making, the Northwestern Department of Athletics has compiled a list of female athletes to be inducted and, for the first time in their career, they all are eligible to receive a varsity letter. Information was collected from Northwestern archives as well as through individual correspondence.
Athletes from 16 states will be present for the ceremony on Friday. Four graduated in the 1940's; 25 in the 50's; 20 in the 60's; and two in the 70's. All 51 will again be recognized at halftime during Saturday's football game vs. Illinois.
Two NU Hall of Fame members will be recognized: Meriam Bailey Leeke (golf: Class of 1959) and Julia Ade Levering (tennis and field hockey, president of the USTA; Class of 1960).
Also scheduled to attend are Tannie Bragiel, NU's Athlete of the Year in 1956 (basketball, field hockey, swimming and softball) and Northbrook Racquet Club tennis pro Betty Hibben (field hockey, basketball, tennis, softball and badminton).
Northwestern extends its thanks and congratulations to all Wildcats receiving varsity status and N-Club membership this weekend!