BOSTON, Mass. – When anyone looks back at the history of UMass Boston athletics, one name truly stands out above the rest, and that is Catherine "Kit" Clark. As part of the 50-year anniversary of Title IX, Beacons Athletics will be honoring its history by highlighting some of the most influential administrators, coaches, and moments in the department's history.

Kit Clark was a lifelong resident of Savin Hill and a longtime Dorchester civic leader, whose concern bridged youth and older generations, local government and higher education, and unified them with an uncompromising belief in community. Clark was a member of the UMass Boston Board of Trustees from 1974 until her death in 1977 and is fondly remembered by those who served with her for her candor, warmth and humor.

Most particularly, she is remembered for her deep commitment to services of high quality for students and led the effort to assure the construction of an athletic facility on the UMass Boston campus. As a tribute to her leadership in developing an enduring partnership between university and community, the Trustees voted to name the campus athletic facility in her honor.

She served as president of the Columbia-Savin Hill Neighborhood Housing Service and the Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association, as well. Clark also held the office of vice president of the Dorchester United Housing Association, was the director of Senior House of Federated Dorchester Neighborhood Houses and served as vice president of the Republican City Committee and was a Republican State Committee member.