Jeanne L. Rowlands, a pioneer in women’s
athletics, passed away in Naples, FL on April 2, 2008. Jeanne Rowlands
retired from Northeastern University in 1991 after twenty five years as a
Professor of Physical Education, Basketball Coach and Director of Women’s
Athletics. She was revered as an advocate for women’s issues in collegiate
sports, both before, during and after the passage of Title IX helping
to raise the collective conscience of university administrators and
government officials, nationwide.
Basketball was one of her many passions. She served as the Head Coach of
Women’s Basketball at NU from 1966 to 1978. She served as manager and
Chief of Mission for many of our Olympic and pre-Olympic teams from 1973-1978.
The America East Women's Basketball Championship trophy is named in Rowlands' honor for her influence on the conference and the sport.
The National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators honored
her with the Lifetime Achievement and Administrator of the Year awards.
The ECAC bestowed honors with the Katherine Ley Award and James Lynah
Distinguished Service Award. She was recognized by Northeastern University when
she received the prestigious Founders Day Award. Jeanne also served as a
Co-Director of the NACWAA/HERS Institute for Administrative Advancement.
A celebration of the life of Jeanne L.
Rowlands will be held at 10:30 AM on April 26 at the First Parish Unitarian
Universalist Church in Sudbury, MA followed by a luncheon reception at
Northeastern University’s Henderson House in Weston, MA.
Memorial tributes my be sent to: Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane,
Naples, FL 34105 or the Alzheimer’s Support Network, 660 Tamiami Trail N. Suite
21, Naples, FL 34102.