Celebrating Women in Sport and Physical Activity - Profiles

Bob Richthammer - 2018 Honoree

Bob Richthammer has helped countless high school students earn scholarships to play rugby in college. He helped establish Grand Valley's women's rugby club team as a national powerhouse.

Kristy Bayer, '01 - 2018 Honoree

Bayer served as assistant volleyball coach at Emporia State and Grand Valley after earning a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley in public relations and advertising. She earned a master's degree from Grand Valley and is pursuing a doctorate...

Carol Vande Bunte, '78 - 2018 Honoree

After graduating from Hudsonville High School in 1974, Carol Vande Bunte followed her older sister, Judy, to Central Michigan University. Vande Bunte tried out for the Chippewa tennis and basketball teams but failed to make either squad.

Catherine Jones-Rikkers, '85 and '97 - 2017 Honoree

Catherine Jones-Rikkers grew up in Allendale and on campus as her parents were Grand Valley faculty members.

Molly Mahoney, '09 - 2017 Honoree

Molly Mahoney has been ice skating since she was in elementary school. She first wore figure skates, but when her younger brother wanted to play hockey, Mahoney, then 11, wanted to try, too.

Dr. Jaida Bourke Fitzgerald, '06 - 2017 Honoree

As an anesthesiologist at one of the country's leading pediatric hospitals, Jaida Bourke Fitzgerald, �06, often needs to communicate well under pressure.

Kathleen Kinkema, '79 - 2017 Honoree

Kathleen Kinkema recalled a time when she and other girls at her high school were not allowed to run more than 800 yards during track events. When the state high school athletic association said it was OK to run one mile, Kinkema was among the first girls