Student Research Projects

Section 1

Content

AN UNTOLD STORY - VIRTUAL EXHIBIT

It is perhaps no surprise that intercollegiate sports play a critical role in the University of Illinois’ extracurricular life. They are, however, equally important to the academic and educational mission of the University.

In her Fall 2010 course "Sport and Modern Society," Professor of Kinesiology Synthia Sydnor's students researched the historical role of female physical education and kinesiology faculty at the U of I. An Untold Story: U of I Female Faculty in the History of American Athletics and Sports Scholarship at the University of Illinois was the result of this research. Students' posters were exhibited at EUI's Fall conference, as well as the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Spring of 2011. Inspired by the stories of these women, painting major Brett Eaton also produced a large three-panel piece (see photos below of the work in progress) that now hangs in the lobby of Freer Hall, home to the Kinesiology Department.

Sponsored by EUI and funded by the Provost’s Gender Equity Council, “Sport and Modern Society” highlighted the importance of women in physical education on this campus in introducing national athletic tournaments for women, establishing practices in the discipline of kinesiology, and in contributing to the founding of scholarly organizations such as the North American Society of the Sociology of Sport. Eaton's artwork was also made possible by support from the Department of Kinesiology & Community Health, Provost’s Gender Equity Council, EUI, and the College of Applied Health Sciences.







(Virtual exhibit of student posters coming soon!)