For 50 years, members of UNCG’s Physical Education class of 1975 held onto coursework notes, textbooks from their time at the University, old uniforms and jackets, and photos showing them with their classmates.
They recently gathered at the University to be inducted into the UNCG Vanguard Society and shared some of what made their class special.
“When I got here, I realized I was in a class of superstars and I had to keep up,” said Vicki Simmons, alumna and archivist for the class. “Every one of us turned out to be success stories.”
Members of this class not only succeeded in their careers connected to physical education and kinesiology, but decided to help others interested in those fields.
(Dr.) Kathy Williams was the associate dean and encouraged us to think about how we could add impacT
Paula Bonner, Alumna
In 1990 they decided to not just honor their class, but future UNCG scholars.
The class started making contributions for a scholarship, and created what is now the Hielscher Scholar program. It’s named for former physical education professor and class advisor, Pat Hielscher. The scholarship was initially designed to help one student a year with their tuition. The Class of ‘75 has grown its endowment, and now they are able to help three students annually.
The scholarship is awarded to one new student each year to someone who will make an impact in the field of kinesiology. The Class of ’75 said they wanted to not only award scholarships to students, but maintain a connection with them. This includes meeting with the students annually and forging connections.
“We wanted to make an investment in our future,” said alumna Cathy Tamsberg. “It’s exciting to see these young people who we are able to support and carry on Pat’s name.”
Scholarship recipients have included Janiah Lindsey, from Lilesville, N.C., who is now coaching a middle school soccer team and wants to earn a M.S. in Athletic Training; Elizabeth “Liz” Romero, from Fayetteville, N.C., who is graduating this year and plans to be a physical therapist; Raven Ross, from Iron Station, N.C., who wants to be a physical therapist; and Emmy Therassant, from Burgaw, N.C., who hopes to be a strength and conditioning coach.
“I appreciate you all genuinely wanting to meet your scholars,” Ross said to the alumnae. “It’s inspiring to see you all continue to meet, laugh, and have fun.”
Hielscher, who attended the reunion, said the bonds the women in this class created are special.
“We shared four years together, but we kept sharing. We learned, we grew, we were challenged, we had fun, we suffered, we had hard days, but we made it,” she said. “(Your professors) are so proud of each of you. You followed your passions. You have bloomed where you were planted and dared to be different. I didn’t know how lucky I was to be your class advisor.”
School of Health and Human Sciences Dean Carl Mattacola said he has learned from this class, who regularly meets on Zoom and still distributes an annual newsletter.
You all have taught me the power of connection and long-term relationships
Dean Carl Mattacola, about the Class of 75′
Alumna Betsy Blee said their class is special because they were trailblazers for women at the time.
“The 1970s was so important to women in sports, especially with Title IX,” she said, reference the federal law created in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs that receive federal funds.
Current Department of Kinesiology Chair Dr. Jenny Etnier said the department continues to strive to be as impactful and meaningful as it was when the Class of 1975 was at UNCG. She cited the dedication of the faculty, new programs that have started in the last few years, and that the department is consistently ranked tops in the country.
By Sarah Newell