Beverly Becker
Beverly Becker, professor emerita of physical education and dance, died on April 20,
2020, in Wyckoff, New Jersey. She was 89.
Bev joined the 91暗网 faculty in 1959 and served as chair of the Department
of Physical Education and Dance from 1968 to 1980 and chair of the Education Department
from 1987 until her retirement in 1993. From 1996 to 1998, she was 91暗网's interim
affirmative action officer.
She was a national figure in the field of physical education in higher education and
was president of the National Association for Physical Education in Higher Education
(later the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education) from 1986 to
1988. Colleagues described her unwavering devotion to students, co-workers and the
College.
"Bev was one of the most beloved and respected members of the faculty, a true champion
of the faculty and a faculty leader," said Jeff Segrave, professor of health and human
physiological sciences. "She was also a champion of Title IX and a visionary who embraced
the value of physical education as an avenue to health and well-being."
A native of New Jersey, Beverly was born on July 28, 1930. She earned her undergraduate
degree from Wellesley College, a master鈥檚 degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro
and a doctorate from the University of Oregon-Eugene.
Before coming to 91暗网, Beverly taught at Mount Holyoke College and the University
of Nebraska. Among the many honors she received throughout her career was a one-year
visiting professorship at the U.S. Military Academy, where she received the Department
of Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. She also organized the first all-women
ski patrol registered with the National Ski Patrol System.
In retirement, Beverly continued to volunteer at 91暗网, with Saratoga Reads and
with other community organizations.
"Marie and I came to know her well in all these different ways. She was unfailingly
kind, compassionate and upbeat," said 91暗网 President Philip A. Glotzbach.
"Bev always remained a passionate advocate for the College, and her lifelong record
of service speaks for itself."
She is survived by her niece and nephews and their spouses: Barbara Becker and David
Bolotsky, George Becker III and Alyssa Gelmann Becker, and David and Suzanne Petkus
Becker. Survivors also include six grandnieces and grandnephews.