Carita Robertson

As a graduate of State Teachers College at Moorhead, Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin, Carita Robertson joined the University of Illinois’ physical education faculty in 1925.

She received a master of arts from the University of Illinois in 1929 and went on to serve as head of the Department of Physical Education for Women, a post she held until her retirement in 1963. Beginning in 1960 she acted as supervisor of the teacher education program in physical education and chairman of the University Area Committee in the Preparation of Teachers of Physical Education for Women. In 1967, she returned to the faculty on a part-time basis to instruct the teaching of sports. In addition to her unique instructional style, alums may remember Robertson’s role in the 1969 homecoming ceremonies marking the naming of Louise Freer Gymnasium.

“Miss Robertson was one of those people who made a lasting impression on you,” shared Lucille Kann (BS ’53). “She instilled the concept of professionalism with a sly sense of humor. When you think of what the U of I is and means, you think of her. She was and will always be ‘Miss Robertson.’”

Following her retirement, the PEW Alumnae Scholarship was renamed the Carita Robertston Scholarship Fund in her honor, and today this fund continues to support deserving undergraduate students in the department.