St. Lawrence University Athletics

One of the pioneers in women’s athletics at St. Lawrence, Susan Birrell participated in every sport available during a time in which women’s athletics were small and informal.

President of the Women’s Athletic Recreation Association, she played basketball and field hockey and participated in swimming while an undergraduate and was one of the women who laid the groundwork for today’s vastly expanded women’s athletic programs.

In addition to athletics, she was a member of the Irving Bacheller Society, on the U.C.A Council, Thelmo Cabinet and sang in the University Choir.

She is now Chair of the Women’s Studies Program and a Professor in the Department of Sport, Health and Leisure Studies at the University of Iowa and has played a major role in moving women’s athletics to a position of prominence.