Dr. Anita Aldrich

Dr. Anita Aldrich, 98 SEPT. 20, 1914-OCT. 28, 2012 Dr. Anita Aldrich, 98 years and 39 days young, passed away in her home Sunday Oct. 28, 2012. She was born September 20, 1914 in Elmo, Missouri, a small town in Nodaway County, the only child of Earl L. and Ethel M. (Bailey) Aldrich. Growing up on a farm and greatly influenced by her parents, she embraced a love of the outdoors and a passion for learning, teaching and helping others that became the threads of her life. Anita earned her bachelor's degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 1936, her master's degree from the University of Missouri (Kansas City) in 1946, and her Ed.D from Pennsylvania State University in 1957. Anita began her teaching career in King City, Missouri, where she taught in both elementary and secondary schools, English, health, and physical education. In 1953, she initiated her enduring administrative career as Supervisor of Health and Physical Education for the Kansas City Schools, and, in 1960 she was named Director of Elementary Physical Education and Secondary Girl's Physical Education and Intramurals, where she served for four years. During this time, she spent several summers as a visiting professor at Utah State University and Indiana University. Through these early experiences, she developed a resilient passion for the advocacy of girls' and women's participation in physical activities and sports that paved the way for her momentous contributions to women's athletics in her various leadership roles at Indiana University. When she joined the faculty of Indiana University's School of Public Health (formerly the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation) in 1964, Anita Aldrich was well-known as a leader in the advancement of women's athletics. She joined IU's faculty with a joint appointment as chair and professor of Physical Education for Women and as a professor of education. Later, she served as acting dean for one year, from 1975 to 1976. After the men's and women's departments of physical education were combined in 1977, she was appointed the first chair of the new Department of Physical Education. It was the first of several for Aldrich. Most noted, she became the first woman member of the Indiana University Athletics Committee in 1971 and, after serving seven years, she was named the first woman to chair this committee, a position she held from 1978 to her retirement in 1985. On reaching the mandatory retirement age for administrators in 1980, she returned to teaching full time. She formally retired from IU in 1985. While at IU, Aldrich was president of the Women's Faculty Club, an advisor for Stone Belt, a member of the Bloomington Faculty Council, and numerous other university committees. She served on steering committees for the physical education curriculum guide "Motion and Direction" and for a Lilly Foundation study to determine the physical competencies of elementary school children. She was a member of the production committee for the "Physical Education College Facilities Guide" and a consultant to the Athletic Institute in production of the film "Careers in Physical Education." She co-authored the revised edition of "Education through Physical Activities" in 1959. She was a member of the Education Policies Commission of the National Education Association and in 1961 was appointed as an advisor to President John F. Kennedy's Fitness Council. Among her many state, district, and national leadership positions, Aldrich served as president of the Missouri Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and president of the Central District of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance and, finally, as president for the American Association (now the Alliance) for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. She also was on the on the editorial board of theJournal of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. Her many honors include induction to the Indiana University Athletic Hall of Fame, where she was introduced by friend and colleague Bob Knight at his request. She received acknowledgments as the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Missouri at Kansas City; the Leadership Recognition Award from the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; the Honor Award from the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance; and an award for Outstanding Service in the Advancement of Athletics from the Athletic Institute. She was named an Honor Fellow of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance and was elected to the American Academy of Physical Education. Aldrich is listed in Who's Who in America; Who's Who in the United States; Who's Who in the Midwest; Leaders in Education; and Outstanding Educators of America. In 2005, the School of Public Health (formerly HPER) established the Anita Aldrich Distinguished Alumni Award to honor an annual recipient who personifies the ideals of Anita Aldrich-demonstration of outstanding achievements, professional excellence, service to the community, and loyalty to Indiana University-all while making a significant difference in the lives of girls and women relative to participation in sports and fitness activities and healthy lifestyles. After her retirement from IU, Anita continued to give to the Bloomington community. For nearly two decades, she worked tirelessly with her long-time friend, Evelyn Davies, at the Salvation Army sorting and distributing clothing and goods and knitting thousands of mittens over the years for those in need. They teamed to deliver Meals on Wheels until neither could drive any longer. Anita also extended her love of working with adults to Monroe County Public Library's VITAL (Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners) Program where she served on the board and tutored many. Anita is preceded in death by her parents and long-time friend Evelyn Davies. She is survived by many colleagues, admirers, and friends. She is dearly missed and her touch on those who were fortunate to cross her path will be everlasting. Visitation will be this Friday, November 2, 2012, 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 South Old State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47401. Burial services will be held 11:00am Monday, Nov. 5, at the Larmar Cemetery, Elmo, Nodaway County, Missouri. Arrangements for a memorial service in the School of Public Health at Indiana University are pending In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions to VITAL, Meals on Wheels, or a charity of your choice. Allen Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Friends can send condolences to www.allenfuneralhome.org

Tributes

Dr. Anita Aldrich

September 20, 1914 - October 28, 2012