CWRU Athletics

Eva Gertrude May served as the director of physical education at Flora Stone Mather College for nearly 30 years, transforming the department during the early 20th century. May impacted all graduates of the college, with the Cleveland Plain Dealer reporting that she directed nearly every student who attended the school during her tenure. The first full-time director of physical education at FSMC, May transformed the department from just one book to a full program of scholarship and activities. She coached students in myriad sports for intramural competitions, including basketball, track and field, hy-lo, hockey, and soccer, and taught classes in fencing, dancing, and swing. When Mather Gymnasium (now Mather Dance Center) opened in 1908, May reimagined physical education, embracing the aesthetic and athletic aspects of training. She helped found the Mather Athletic Association, which remained active until the federation, and guided the letter sweater program at the college, recognizing the top athletes among the students each year.