Edith Betts

By Cheryl Reed-Dudley

In Memory of A Generous, Inspirational Leader

Former College of Education professor Edith Betts died peacefully in her Salem, Ore., home on Thursday, December 13, 2011 at the age of 90.

From 1951 to 1983, Edith taught physical education at the University of Idaho, and is fondly remembered for her leadership, generosity, inspiration, and the impact she had on girls and women in sport.

Edith was highly respected on campus as well as nationally, and internationally. She served as chair of the Women’s Physical Education Department from 1968 to 1978, and taught undergraduate and graduate courses along with advising students until her retirement. She also founded the first class in ethics in sport, was a good listener, and frequently counseled others.

Edith served several professional local, national, and international organizations, including as president of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; chairperson of the Inland Empire Board of Officials; governing board member for NW Women’s Extramural Sports Association; and Region 9 Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women representative. She was also very active serving on the basketball, softball, and field hockey rules and exam committees in the 1950s, and in the 1960s became an active delegate to the International Association for Physical Education and Sports for Girls and Women’s Congresses. In 1969 she was invited to present a paper at the Congress in Tokyo.

Some of her hobbies included field hockey, racquet sports, mountain climbing and swimming. She was also interested in the history of the Moscow area. Her leisure time was spent gardening and with her golden retriever dogs. In 1985, Edith moved to Oregon and enjoyed retirement until her passing. A memorial service was held on Thursday, January 5, 2012, in Oregon.

What her students had to say:

“She was a class act ... great teacher, motivator and a wonderful role model for physical education teachers. She was passionate about educating the physical as well as the total person and she truly was a people-person. When you were around her it was obvious that she not only cared for her students but all mankind as well.”

~Steven Cox

“My encounters with Dr. Betts were marvelous. I loved visiting with her. Always smiling. I started out majoring in P.E. before switching to Gen. Education with P.E. as my minor. She’s the one that steered me to go that way; 34 years of teaching later, I still love what I do!

~Sandy Racine (1978)

Oh my, what a loss!

She was in the P.E. Department when I was at Idaho from 1953-1957.

~ Virginia McDonald

Memorials can be forwarded to the Edith Betts Scholarship Fund at the University of Idaho Foundation, 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3143, Moscow, ID 83844-3143.

A Message from Edith

To all of you I say – do not mourn my passing as I believe deeply in the Lord and feel that I have gone to be with Him and with others who have gone before.

May his blessing be with each of you. ~Love, Edith.

Julius Edward “Pete” Peterson has established scholarships in the College of Education and the College of Letters Arts and Social Sciences to help other first-generation college students pursue their educational goals. The first scholarships are being awarded in 2012, and Peterson plans to add to the scholarship endowments annually. His final gift to the endowments will be through a generous estate gift.

Peterson earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Idaho in 1962. He was highly involved in campus activities, including the NROTC. During his junior year, he received the Lambda Chi Alpha Leadership Award, and at his graduation ceremony, received the American Legion Navy Award.

Following graduation, Peterson was commissioned ensign in the Navy and served during the Vietnam era. He attained the rank of lieutenant and received several medals.

Peterson has a heart for first-generation college students. He understands the increasing financial challenges they face and is passionate about ensuring student success by helping future teachers graduate without high student loan debt.

With more students graduating with increasing debts, Peterson wants to do his part in making a difference, and inspiring the futures of the next generation of Vandal leaders.