BUFFALO, NY — Elizabeth A. (Betty) Dimmick, the woman who helped lay the foundation for the University at Buffalo’s thriving women’s athletic programs, is retiring after 26 years of dedicated service.

Dimmick, who has been a coach, administrator and faculty member during her tenure at UB, was UB’s Coordinator of Women’s Athletics from 1976-86 and has seen a fledgling women’s program grow into a successful Division I-A member.

"Soon after Betty took that position she began to build the women's athletic program," said Ed Michael, who came to UB in 1970 and has supervised Dimmick for the past 12 years as the Director of Recreation and Intramural Services. "Through her efforts the women’s programs have become what we see today, which is the finest program in Western New York. I believe much of the foundation that is in place for women’s athletes at UB was built by Betty Dimmick."

Dimmick came to UB in 1974 as the head coach of the women’s tennis program and later coached the field hockey team as well. Dimmick, a Kenmore, NY native, came to UB after serving in teaching-coaching positions at Buffalo State College, University of California at Santa Barbara, Lancaster Middle Schools and Batavia City Schools.

In August of 1976, Dimmick was named Director of Women’s Athletics and held that position for ten years.

"The funding for women's sports at that time was extremely modest, around $8,000 for the entire women's athletic budget and we only had four sports at that time," recalled Michael. "In all the years that I have been at this University I can't think of a more valued employee within the Division of Athletics. "As recently as four years ago, Betty had a two-year stint as the Senior Woman Administrator and for the last two years has served as coordinator of Recreational Instruction. Her service to the Division of Athletics over her 26 years cannot be overstated."

A 1967 graduate of Brockport State, Dimmick was a standout in volleyball, field hockey and softball at her alma mater and was inducted into the Brockport Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991. She is also a member of the Kenmore East High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

An outstanding athlete throughout her life, Dimmick’s contributions at UB have to be measured against the fact that early in her tenure she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite the challenges that the disease poses, Dimmick continued to teach and serve as an administrator capably throughout her tenure at UB.

"In addition to her work in athletics, Betty has been a tireless advocate for those who are challenged," said Michael. "In particular with those afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis, where she has put on special clinics that have to do with yoga-based exercises that have been designed to improve people's functions as well as their ability to manage stress.

"She has spoken to newly diagnosed people with MS and has given them hope," said Michael. "She has been a wonderful role model as she has dealt with this condition herself with great courage and purpose."

During her time in Recreation and Intramural Services, Dimmick coordinated the "Natural High" program for students, offering healthy physical activities as a valuable outlet rather than alcohol and drugs. She also founded the Pacesetters Club, which encourages people to work out regularly and also oversaw a walking program for local residents in a group home.

"The way that Betty has worked here has been a win-win situation for all of us," said Michael. "She has been a star and a great source of pride and we will miss her dearly."

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