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In 1966, Helen Smith was the first woman hired on the professional staff in what was then the Department of Physical Education and Athletics. Under the direction of Lou Alexander, former director and a Hall of Fame member, Smith supervised the women’s intercollegiate athletics program in its infancy, taught physical education classes, and was responsible for scheduling women’s activities. In addition, she started and coached RIT’s volleyball, and women’s and men’s bowling teams, guiding the latter to national prominence. In 1975 the bowling team finished runner-up to University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse, losing by a mere seven pins. The team was one of 12 qualifying for the first national intercollegiate bowling championship. In 1977 the squad again qualified for the nationals, finishing seventh in the nation. When the sport reverted to club status, Smith remained as coach and advisor. In 1991, the team won the New York State Association of College Union International (ACUI) championship. Three of Smith’s former men’s bowlers went on to become active professional keglers. She also has the distinction of writing the lyrics for RIT’s Spirit Song.

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