Hall of Fame

Gladys Brightman
Sport: Multiple
Year Graduated: 1946
Year Inducted: 1992

A pioneer of the term "Student-Athlete," Gladys Brightman actively participated in athletics and student government during her four years at Boston University from 1942 to 1946.

After completing her high school education in neighboring Rhode Island, the highly versatile Brightman enrolled in Sargent College, where she became an eight-sport standout on the Terrier playing fields and courts. At the interclass level, Brightman competed in basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, volleyball, tennis, and badminton, while seeking further athletic opportunities outside the University.

At this time, however, Sargent College maintained a policy that limited its students from participating in intercollegiate competitions. Still, Brightman managed to compete against other colleges and organizations in field hockey, lacrosse, and basketball on a limited basis. In addition, she joined an American Softball Association club which played in Rhode Island. In her time away from the competitive realm of college athletics, Gladys Brightman played a key role in the student government, serving as class vice president, treasurer of the Athletic Association, and holding a seat on the College Council.