Union County College had an inspiring night celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Title IX and how it has influenced higher education. The event was held in the Union County College gymnasium with high school students-athletes, parents, coaches in attendance along with Union County College and Kean University student-athletes and coaches.
Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin, President of Union County College, kicked off the event with a warm welcoming to the 1st Annual O.W.L. Celebration, Outstanding Women Leaders. Linda Carter, Chair of the Union County Freeholders, spoke on behalf of the Freeholders. In attendance were also Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholder Vernell Wright. Tammy Smith, Dean of College Life, was the host for the Title IX Game Show where student-athletes came up on stage to participate in a fun game show where they tried to answer question about Title IX, with some help from the audience.
Dr. McMenamin gave an informative presentation on what life was like prior to Title IX and throughout the lobbying process of Title IX being passed as a Federal Law. The Keynote speaker, Carol “Blaze” Blazejowski, spoke about her life experience throughout the early days of Title IX and her personal path to success throughout collegiate and professional basketball as a player, coach and management. Ms. Blazejowski also took the time to answer questions during a Q & A session from coaches and students about Title IX.
O.W.L Awards were presented to Union County high school female–athletes who were nominated by their coaches and athletic directors for their achievements both academically and athletically.
The evening concluded with a reception where the guests were able to look at sport memorabilia and mingle with Carol Blazejowski. The O.W.L. Celebration will be an annual event each spring at Union County College.