University of Michigan Hall of Honor
Bell, Margaret
Margaret Bell
- Induction:
- 1990
Dr. Margaret Bell was the Director of Physical Education for Women from 1923 to 1957 at the University of Michigan. At the time, Bell did not support varsity competition for women, believing it was not a woman's place to compete and fearing that athletics could have adverse effects on the female reproductive system. Even though that that was her belief, Bell was a strong supporter of the Women's Athletic Association, which continued to act as the "recreational arm" of the Department of Physical Education for Women until 1957. She encouraged Women's League funding for the WAA and intercollegiate "play days" of team competition. In 1966, the new women’s swimming pool was named in her honor. Fritz Crisler -- U-M Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at the time -- said, “It would be most rewarding in the twilight of Dr. Bell's existence for her to learn that her early dream of a new women's swimming pool had been named in her honor. Dr. Bell became associated with the University in 1923 with an appointment in the dual role as Director of Physical Education for Women and as a physician on the Health Service staff. For 34 years, her dedicated service in the aims and objectives of the University, together with her unselfish contributions to the welfare of women students, were of the highest order. As she crossed their paths in the lives of students, they became better citizens as a result of the experience. Her flaming spirit will stand high in the memories of those whose good fortune it was to know her.”
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