DONATE TO THE TITLE IX LANDMARK (Learn more below)
* LETTERWINNER TITLE IX CELEBRATION REGISTRATION CLICK HERE
LIST OF CURRENT LETTERWINNER RSVPs
PURCHASE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER TICKETS
ABOUT THE CELEBRATION - REGISTRATION FORM
Illinois State Athletics is in the middle of a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the adoption of Title IX in June 2022.
The celebration officially began with the unveiling of a banner at Redbird Arena for ISU trailblazer and longtime coach/administrator Dr. Linda Herman prior to the Redbird volleyball match against Illinois on September 17, 2021.This ceremony was the first of many throughout a year-long celebration that will recognize Illinois State trailblazers from the past, educate the current generation of student-athletes, engage our fans with memories, and lift up all that has been accomplished to give greater access and opportunity to women.
"One of the first things I learned about Illinois State when getting here was how important this University and department were in the growth of women's athletics in this country," ISU Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan said. "The women here in leadership positions fought hard at a time when it certainly wasn't easy to get women more opportunities to play the sports they love. I am thrilled we will kick off this anniversary celebration by recognizing Dr. Linda Herman for her humble servant leadership, vision and loyalty to Illinois State Athletics. Throughout the next year, we look forward to telling stories and educating our current student-athletes, coaches and staff about the sacrifices that resulted in the opportunities they have today through Title IX."
The year-long celebration will culminate with a celebration on campus June 24-26, 2022, just days after the 50th anniversary of the June 23, 1972, passing of Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational institution that receives federal funding, which gave women many more opportunities to play.
TITLE IX CELEBRATION SCHEDULE
- Dress is casual for everything except the Celebration Banquet which is business attire.
Friday, June 24
- 5-8 pm: Title IX Tip-off Reception, Redbird Arena
Saturday, June 25
- 7-8 am: Redbird 5K Walk/Run
- Event is an informal 5K on a campus path. More details to come
- 9-Noon: Leadership Seminar, Bone Student Center
- Limited to the first 150 former or current student-athletes that register.
- 11-Noon: Campus Tour
- Noon-3 pm: Team Time, Hancock Stadium East Concourse
- Complimentary food and drinks
- Cornhole games and music
- 5-8 pm: Celebration Banquet, Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center
- 5:00 pm Doors Open
- 6:00 pm Dinner
- 6:45 pm Testimonials
- Lori Ramsey ‘58
- Margie Wright ‘74
- Tina Lindsey ‘94
- 7:00 pm Program
- Welcome – Kyle Brennan, Director of Athletics
- Emcee – Connie Bauman ‘70
- Reclaiming the Title IX Narrative
- Linda Herman and Jill Hutchison
- Student-Athlete Experience
- Melba Jean Fink ‘48
- Melinda Fischer ‘72
- Pat McKinzie Lechault ‘80
- Cathy Boswell ‘83
- Cathy George ‘85
- Angie Taylor ‘87
- Jill Hollembeak ‘90
- Jaci McCormack ‘05
- Kendee Hilliard ‘21
- Dani Grgas ‘23
- Keynote Speaker
- University President Terri Goss Kinzy
OTHER OPTIONS FOR SATURDAY:
- Golf Tee Times: Call course directly and indicate you are with the ISU Title IX Celebration. Everyone is responsible for their own golf fees.
- Weibring Golf Course at 309-438-8065: 5 tee times at 11:40 am, 11:50 am, 12:00 pm; 12:10 pm; 12:20 pm
- Ironwood Golf Course at 309-454-9620: 6 tee times at 9:00 am, 9:08 am, 9:16 am; 9:24 am; 9:32 am; 9:40 am
- Pickleball Courts: Please bring your own equipment. No charge.
- Ironwood Park at 1920 N Linden St, Normal, IL 61761, 6 courts: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday, June 26
- 9-10 am: Continental Breakfast with Redbird Coach & Student-Athletes, Redbird Arena
Those wanting to participate in the weekend celebration are encouraged to book your hotels soon at one of these preferred partners.
A limited number of rooms have been arranged at:
DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington-Normal - LINK (block called ISU Title IX Celebration)
Room & Rates: 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds - $111 per night
Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center – (309) 662-0000 and (block called ISU Title IV Celebration Group Code 4754)
Room & Rates: 1 Queen Bed or 2 Double Beds - $111 per night
Hyatt Place Bloomington-Normal – https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/PIAZN/G-ISTN (block called G-ISTN)
Room & Rates: 2 Queen Beds (with sofa bed) - $114 per night
Other preferred partners of ISU Athletics are listed below. Please call for best available rate.
Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 309-862-9000
Comfort Suites Normal University Area, 309-452-8588
Courtyard by Marriott Bloomington-Normal, 309-862-1166
TITLE IX LANDMARK FUNDRAISING UPDATE
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
Those 37 words made a difference for many, and will continue to shape our future.
It is important that our history remains visible to those who walk by it daily and chart our future path, and to those who have advocated for Title IX.
We are hopeful you will consider a donation to financially support this landmark we want to build between Horton Field House and Redbird Arena. We encourage all former letterwinners to be a part of history and support this monument recognizing women in our programs.
Please find the enclosed donation card and return to us to assist with this special project. Your consideration and generosity are greatly appreciated!
- Leanna Bordner (Senior Woman Administrator) and Melinda Fischer (Head Softball Coach)
HISTORY
Female students organized their own sports at Illinois State as early as 1898, when the first women's basketball team was featured in the yearbook. In 1919, the Women's Athletic Association was formed with 18 charter members and varsity sports began to emerge throughout the 1920's when they began to earn their the first "N" letters and WAA pins to be worn on sweaters. Then, in 1967, Dr. Phebe Scott became chair of HPERD for women and led the nation into competitive sports for women through the CIAW.
That move paved the way for the 1969 softball team to compete in the first-ever Women's College World Series in Omaha and for ISU to host the first-ever CIAW National Swimming and Diving Championships in 1970. That was followed by ISU hosting the first-ever Women's National Basketball Tournament inside Horton Field House in 1972.
The rest of the 1970's saw the CIAW become an institutional membership organization called the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) and women's athletics split from Physical Education to form a separate department led by Dr. Laurie Mabry. She would lead the Redbirds into the NCAA era and usher in Title IX at Illinois State.
Trailblazers, pioneers, and strong leaders bravely set out to lead a new generation of women in collegiate athletics with the adoption of Title IX, so women who followed them would have fewer barriers moving forward. Due to the passion and advocation of those pioneers, millions of brilliant, bold, gifted student-athletes have been able to showcase their talents and make a competitive difference for their teams, their universities, and their communities ever since.
Redbird Athletics encourages fans, alumni, and community members to share memories throughout the year on social media, as the department highlights pioneers, letterwinners, coaches and staff that paved the way and continue to empower women today and every day.
ISU Athletics Launches Title IX Apparel Line
As part of a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of passing of Title IX legislation, Illinois State University Athletics is excited to launch a Title IX inspired line of apparel.
This first crewneck sweatshirt is available now in store and online at Alamo II in Uptown Normal as well as at men's basketball games and select women's basketball games this winter. The design features the commemorative 50th Anniversary logo lockup created by Evan Walles, Graphic Designer in the University Marketing and Communication office at Illinois State University.
Designed by Kelli Aho, Assistant Director of Graphic Design with Illinois State Athletics, the four forthcoming apparel designs will feature slogans inspired by current Redbird female student-athletes that celebrate women.
SOCIAL MEDIA
