Influential Figure in America East Women's Basketball Passes Away

Influential Figure in America East Women's Basketball Passes Away

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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.