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University Corrects Historical Injustice for PE Grads
14 Jun
Summary
- Over 250 women receive honorary degrees decades later.
- A six-year campaign proved their studies deserved degree status.
- A 100-year-old former hockey player is among recipients.
Decades after completing rigorous physical education courses, over 250 women, all aged 70 and older, will be awarded honorary degrees by the University of Bedfordshire this weekend. These women studied at Bedford College of Physical Education between 1940 and 1978, a period when their three-year programs were not recognized as degree-level studies.
A determined six-year campaign, spearheaded by the Bedford Physical Education Old Students' Association, successfully advocated for the recognition of these courses. "It's just this great sense of at last. It's just absolutely amazing that after all this time, our quest has come to fruition," stated Jackie Gregory, 79, a former student and campaigner.
The ceremony will honor the depth and quality of the women's education and celebrate their achievements. Notably, 100-year-old Hilda Moore, a retired England hockey player, is expected to be the oldest recipient. The university's origins trace back to 1903, with the college eventually becoming part of the University of Bedfordshire.
Many alumnae forged successful careers as physiotherapists, PE teachers, and even represented their country in sports. Gregory, who had a career as a PE teacher in Manchester, recalled facing challenges for promotions in mixed-sex schools, needing formal degree qualifications. She added, "I think that made us stronger."
