Dr. Patricia A. Rosenbrock, Bemidji
Pat came to Bemidji, MN in 1969 when she was hired as professor and coach as Bemidji State University. As shown by her induction into the BSU Athletic Hall of Fame, Pat has always been a high achiever. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and a Master’s from San Diego State in Physical Education and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, which included Athletics Administration.

Experiencing barriers to women athletes shaped Pat and made her into a strong advocate for women. When she first arrived, Pat was one of seven coaches in the inaugural season of organized women’s intercollegiate athletics at BSU, and was truly a Pioneer of Women’s Athletics. In the ensuing 20 years, Pat coached three different sports very successfully. More important than her win-loss record or the number of championships won, her influence and impact on her athletes as a role model is still being felt. The majority of women athletes in the BSU Athletic Hall of Fame were Pat’s athletes, testimony to their ongoing contributions to athletics and the community.

Beyond coaching, Pat had a great influence in the classroom teaching Physical Education and Women’s Studies. Students recognized her impact on Title XI, and that gender equity issues and equity issues for other disenfranchised groups were important topics in many courses, thus contributing to the progress of women through education.

In 1987, Pat took over as the director of Women’s Studies at BSU and was the driving force behind establishing a minor in the study. Her work in led to the creation of Dust & Fire, an annual anthology of writing and art by women of Minnesota. It has evolved and gained strength over the years, and the 2006 edition was dedicated to Pat “for her guidance and support, and for her faith in women.”

Pat was also the driving force behind activities for Women’s History Month. She has supported the Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund as an advisory committee member, a founder, and sharing her clear intellect, insights and passion. Pat served on this committee for nearly nine years until her retirement in 2006. During her tenure, she began a joint venture with Ruth Edevold to establish the Northwest Minnesota Women’s Hall of Fame. This achievement represents the essence of Pat’s work, preserving and recognizing the accomplishments of women past and present, educating and inspiring women to contribute in the present and future.