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Title IX legacy is focus of Women's History Month at St. Olaf

By David Gonnerman '90
February 24, 2004

The national theme for Women's History Month in March is "Women Inspiring Hope and Possiblity." St. Olaf College has lined up a series of speakers and presentations focusing on this theme along with the legacy of Title IX and the achievements of St. Olaf women athletes. All events are free and open to the public.

Signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1972, Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity within an institution receiving any type of federal financial assistance.

"Many of the former athletes and current coaches appearing at St. Olaf this month have lived through Title IX. They remember what life was like without equity for women's athletics," says Le Ann Finger, men's and women's golf coach and sports information director at the college. "It's important for younger women to understand the value of Title IX, which has been under threat in recent years."

Judy Mahle Lutter, founder of the Melpomene Institute (an organization devoted to health issues affecting physically active women), will conclude the month's activities with "The Bodywise Woman" at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, in the Sun Room of Buntrock Commons. Audience questions will follow the presentation.

Mahle is known for her dynamic style and ability to get audiences "off their seats and on the road to responsible exercise." She will trace the changes in opportunities for girls and women to participate in sport and physical activity, but will focus mainly on the importance of physical activity in daily life.

"College women who are not involved in a team or individual sport often discover that finding time to be physically active is very difficult," says Lutter. "Many women of all ages are not aware of the mental benefits, which include stress reduction." Lutter believes that woman of all ages, physical abilities and health status can make changes that will make a significant difference in overall well-being.

The celebration began on Thursday, Feb. 26, with the honoring of Edlo Solum, a St. Olaf Athletic Hall of Fame inductee and the college's first Title IX coordinator.

For more information about these events contact Bonita Bartholomew in the St. Olaf Office of Community Life and Diversity at 507-646-3334 or bartholb@stolaf.edu

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-646-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.