Last modified: Monday, February 11, 2008
IU's School of HPER honors D. Jeannine Butler, Jerry D. Wilkerson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 12, 2008
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- D. Jeannine Butler and Jerry D. Wilkerson, both long-time leaders in girls' and women's athletics on the high school and collegiate levels, will be honored Feb. 17 on National Girls and Women in Sport Day by the Indiana University School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, the IU Alumni Association and the IU Office of Women's Affairs.
Butler, a retired educator, administrator and coach, will receive the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation's 2008 Anita Aldrich Distinguished Alumni Award.
Butler, who earned master's and doctorate degrees in physical education from HPER in 1962 and 1973, has served the local community in many capacities but most notably in those areas involving youth. A former dean of students at Bloomington High School North, Butler was one of Monroe County Community School Corp.'s first female secondary school administrators. She coached high school girls' volleyball, basketball and track for MCCSC and was named its Coach of the Year in 1979. In 2005, she was the recipient of Bloomington's Lifetime Contribution Award, and in 2006, she was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
Jerry D. Wilkerson, executive associate dean for the School of HPER, has been named the 2008 recipient of the Office of Women's Affairs Award for Excellence in Support of Women in Sports.
From physical education class to national championships -- she coached two championship women's gymnastic teams at Youngstown State University -- Wilkerson has shown professional excellence through her personal achievements and influence. In 2004 she joined a local volunteer group of National Girls and Women in Sports Day and has been shaping and building the celebration ever since. Through the annual NGWSD weekend celebration, she has worked to connect diverse social and economic groups to the IU college experience. She works with inclusionary zeal to ensure minority participation and to involve students and alumni representing all aspects of athletic participation.
Butler and Wilkerson will be honored during half-time of the Indiana University women's basketball game on Sunday, Feb. 17, as part of IU's NGWSD celebration. The theme for this year's celebration is "All In." Pre-game activities will include exhibits and activities for girls, highlighting opportunities and experiences available in sports and fitness.
The NGWSD was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to honor female athletic achievement and recognize the importance of sports and fitness participation for all girls and women. NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies and activities honoring the achievements and encouraging participation of girls and women in sports.
In conjunction with the NGWSD events, the School of HPER, Indiana Alumni Association and Office of Women's Affairs co-sponsor an annual banquet to honor recipients of the Anita Aldrich Distinguished Alumni Award and Office of Women's Affairs Award for Excellence in Support of Women in Sports. This year's banquet will be held at Terry's Banquet and Catering in Westbury Village on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 5:30 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available through the School of HPER.
If you are interested in attending the banquet or would like information on sponsoring a table, please contact Dara Eckart at 812-855-7891 or deckart@indiana.edu.
