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BGSU to recognize pioneer in women’s sports BOWLING GREEN, O. — Homecoming is a time when many Bowling Green State University alumni return to campus to reunite with
old friends and cheer on the Falcons. This year, alumni and friends of the School of Human Movement, Sport and Leisure Studies
will gather to dedicate the Eppler North Gymnasium in honor of Dorothy Luedtke, a retired BGSU faculty member.
The ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, in 221 Eppler North.
Luedtke earned her undergraduate degree from BGSU in 1947 and her master’s degree from the University in 1950. She taught
physical education and other health related courses for 35 years at the University. However, she is most remembered for her
trailblazing contributions to women’s sports and education outside the classroom. “
She was really focused on her students and how she could help them,” said Dr. Janet Parks, Distinguished Teaching Professor
of Human Movement, Sport and Leisure Studies. “I taught with Dorothy for over 20 years, and I felt she was long overdue to
be recognized for her work.”
Luedtke served as the director of intramural programs from 1955-68 and, as director of the women’s athletics program, helped
form women’s varsity swimming, field hockey, basketball and volleyball teams. Over the years, several of her teams were nationally
ranked in their sport. Additionally, she presented scholarly research across the country to professional groups, at a time
when it was unusual to do so.
As a result of her ideas, the Physical Education and Recreation department was the first in the College of Education to assign
sophomores to assist a junior high school teacher on a regular basis. As a result of her work in her field, Luedtke was honored
as the Health, Physical Education and Recreation faculty member of the year in 1981-82. In 1985, she was inducted into the
Ohio Association for Intercollegiate Sports for Women, and in 1986, into the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame.
(Posted October 01, 2003 )
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