An Amazing Athlete
A passionate advocate of social change and athletics, Janice Rensimer Kuklick, M.Ed., Associate Professor of Physical Education Chair of the Physical Education Department, has longed practiced what she preaches through years of dedication and hard work.

A celebration
The premise of Janice Kuklick’s presentation last Wednesday afternoon was to celebrate the last 40 years of societal and legislative progress towards gender equality.

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance” (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to the Civil Rights Act).

Until this particular piece of legislation passed women struggled to be recognized as athletes, and indeed continue to. But thanks to the tireless efforts of women and students at Chestnut Hill College, and across the country, the fight to be seen as equals on and off the playing field doesn’t wage on in vain.

The Mission

Her entire career is essentially an attestation to the cause. Janice Kuklick has been named a member of the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Hall of Fame, the West Chester University Athletic Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Lacrosse Hall of Fame and the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame. These prestigious titles are only in addition to her 35 years of service to the college as staff since1977 and her being a student here as well. She has held almost every office involving the athletic department from player to amazing instructor to director, as well as playing her hand as author and mature role model for virtually any student that has come in contact with her.

Her Influence
Shannon Salandy, a senior education major, said “I have class with her now, yoga and pilates. And she’s still got it. She really pushes her students through hardwork and motivation…and pain.” She added comically as she related her experience on Kuklick’s class. Many students marvel at the intensity and drive Janice Kuklick manages to exude with every activity. Richard Browne, senior science major who learned how to swim from Kuklick’s beginners class , had this to say when asked what he thought about his teacher’s long career, “It’s ridiculous, but you know, in a really good way.”

Its not just the students that admire Janice and all that she accomplishes on a daily basis, but the Chestnut Hill faculty and staff as well. Susan Magee, M.F.A. Assistant Professor of Communications, reflects on when she was a student at the college and had Kuklick as her instructor. “She was like pregnant and doing more than I ever could. I mean it was hysterical that we couldn’t keep up with her.”

An Inspiration
She will always be remembered and loved as the most energetic and lively person at Chestnut Hill, and an inspiration to male and female athletes and students alike.