Redbird Athletics To Honor Trailblazers At Title IX Celebration

NORMAL, Ill. – As a culmination to its year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the adoption of Title IX, Illinois State Athletics will host its Title IX Anniversary Celebration dinner sponsored by State Farm on Saturday, June 25, inside the Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center.

The year-long 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.That ceremony was the first of many throughout the year that recognized Illinois State greats from the past, educated the current generation of student-athletes, engaged our fans with memories, and lifted 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. Over the past year, we have enjoyed 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. We look forward to this weekend's events and the Title IX Anniversary Celebration dinner and welcome all of our alumni, their families and staff who are coming back to campus to celebrate together."

The Title IX Anniversary Celebration takes place just two 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.

Attendees will hear testimonials from former Redbird student-athletes Lori Ramsey '58, Margie Wright '74, and Tina Lindsey '94 before the official program begins with a welcome from Brennan.

Emcee Connie Bauman '70 will then welcome Redbird legends Linda Herman and Jill Hutchison to the stage for a segment titled "Reclaiming the Title IX Narrative". That will be followed with conversations with several former student-athletes about their experiences at ISU and beyond, before Illinois State University President Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy wraps up the evening as the keynote speaker. 

For more information on the Illinois State's Title IX Anniversary year-long recognition, visit GoRedbirds.com/TitleIX.

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