Leadership
For decades, Dr. Margaret Bell and Professor Marie Hartwig served as integral faculty advisors for the Women’s Athletic Association.[1] As the director of the Department of Physical Education for Women beginning in 1923, Dr. Bell promoted women’s athletics for its health and social benefits, but warned against professionalism and too much competition in women’s sports. After Bell’s retirement in 1957, Hartwig, who had worked with the WAA for almost 30 years,[2] took over as director of the Department of Physical Education for Women. The women of the WAA greatly appreciated Bell and Hartwig’s work and guidance, and even wrote a song for Dr. Bell which they performed at one of their annual events.
[1] Executive Officer’s Report 1946-47, Women’s Athletic Association 1946-48, Box 3, Women’s Athletic Association (University of Michigan) Records 1905-1962, University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library, Ann Arbor, MI.
[2] Michiganensian, Vol. 32, 1929, University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library, Ann Arbor, MI.
[3] “Song to Dr. Bell,” Women’s Athletic Association 1917-1926, Box 1, Women’s Athletic Association (University of Michigan) Records 1905-1962, University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library, Ann Arbor, MI.