BOSTON – The Boston University Department of Athletics has joined schools and sports organizations from across the country in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX, as it kicked off a nine-month celebration on Tuesday (March 1). 
 
From March through November, BU will take a look back at the past half-century and acknowledge, honor and amplify the great success of its varsity women's programs while also recognizing the pioneers who helped build momentum towards the passing of Title IX back in 1972.

"We are excited to take this opportunity to celebrate a pivotal moment in the history of collegiate athletics," said BU director of athletics Drew Marrochello. "In large part to Title IX, female student-athletes from across the country and throughout the world have been afforded the opportunity to achieve their athletic goals and set a path for career success in various fields. This department has long supported the growth of women's athletics, and during this nine-month celebration we look forward to telling the stories associated with each of our women's programs."
 
A logo for the celebration includes 14 lines, one for each sport that has been offered at the varsity level for women at BU over the past half-century, and incorporates a golden "Title IX" within TERRIER at the top of the circular mark to commemorate the anniversary. Paw prints on either side of the logo note the years 1972 and 2022, recognizing the 50-year span. 
 
BU's association with women's athletics starts back in the 1930s, when the school expanded its curriculum by acquiring the Sargent School of Physical Training, now Sargent College. Sargent offered women the opportunity to play on class teams and compete against each other in addition to joining local club teams, which led to numerous placements on U.S. national teams and various international accolades. 
 
Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education activities, was enacted in 1972 and was an impetus for intercollegiate competition for women. The success of the BU club rowing team led to it becoming the first women's varsity sport at BU in 1974, and it enjoyed immediate success, claiming back-to-back national titles. Basketball, swimming, sailing and skiing became the four other sports to start up in 1974 and were soon joined by field hockey, track & field, lacrosse and tennis. 
 
"I have had the opportunity to see the growth of Title IX over the past 50 years as a high school athlete and as a college athlete in addition to over four decades as a collegiate coach," said head field hockey coach Sally Starr, the longest-tenured head coach in BU history. "Quite honestly, that growth started very slow, and one of the reasons I chose to work at Boston University in the early '80s was because of their commitment to Title IX and women's athletics. I am very proud of the great opportunities and tremendous support from our department that have enabled our athletes to compete and train at the highest level."
 
Many women's programs at BU have reached notable and consistent success for decades, whether it be local, regional or national. These teams have combined for 132 conference championships over the years while developing dozens of All-Americans. There are currently 83 women in the BU Athletic Hall of Fame.
 
The anniversary celebration will honor accomplishments and standouts by decade and include photos, social media posts and video panels with former and current Terriers. 
 
Jane Musky (CFA'76), one of the pioneers on the first women's varsity rowing team, will kick it off with a video about the experiences she shared with her teammates and how their efforts helped pave the way for future success across the department. 
 
The homepage of the celebration can be accessed at GoTerriers.com/T950.