Hall of Fame
Before the College’s burst onto the scene in women’s athletics in the Division III era, the foundation of those teams were put in place back in the 1960s. Dr. Joan Manahan was one of those who was a part of getting those programs headed in that direction.
While at the College from 1959 to 1962, varsity sports for women were just getting started and not many games were played. That didn’t deter Manahan from being active in a number of programs as she played fullback on the field hockey team under coaches Dr. Roloff and Dr. Wright. She participated in all sports offered by the Women’s Recreation Association, including four years of basketball as she played guard. On the softball diamond, she played second base and was also involved in fencing.
Manahan graduated Cum Laude from the College in 1962 with a degree in health and physical education. She then obtained her master’s degree and doctorate from Columbia University Teacher’s College.
Manahan shared her passion for athletics and education for 35 years as health and physical education teacher in Bloomfield, NJ. In addition to teaching, she was a very successful coach for 25 years directing young athletes in archery, softball, gymnastics, and field hockey.
During her professional career, Manahan has served as a consultant for the National Dairy Council and for the Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
She was also very active in the New Jersey Athletic Association for Girls and helped organized an annual play day for the organization that was held on campus. Manahan got involved with the program during her freshman year and remain instrumental until the mid 1970s when the program ended.
Another target Manahan took aim at was archery establishing the Junior Olympic Archery Development Program in Bloomfield, donating her services as the program’s coach for 25 years. During that time, her teams captured numerous state championships and national medals.
Manahan is an annual contributor to the College and is establishing a scholarship trust fund for future students.
