NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--A true pioneer in the world of running and medicine, Dr. Julia Chase-Brand '64 will be speaking at Smith College on February 9 at 7:30 p.m.  The event, sponsored by the department of Athletics and Recreation, the Athletic Association, the Project on Women and Social Change and the department of Exercise and Sport Studies is free and open to the public.

Dr. Chase-Brand will be discussing the history of women's distance running, the attitudes towards women in sport during the 1960's, when she was an undergraduate at Smith, how Smith was different, and her continued career in research biology and medicine, having made the decision to attend medical school when she was nearly 50 years old.

While a student at Smith, Dr. Chase-Brand defied convention by being one of three women who competed in the 1961 Manchester (Conn.) road race.  At the time, women were not allowed to run with men in these races.  After trying out for the 1964 U.S. Olympic Team, she received her doctorate and taught at Barnard and Rutgers.  She also did research, showing how bats navigate with vision as well as sonar.  In November of 2011, Dr. Chase-Brand ran the Manchester road race again, wearing the same blue tunic she wore 50 years previously. 

At the age of 49, Dr. Chase-Brand went back to school, becoming the oldest person to receive a medical degree from Yeshiva University in New York City.  She continues to practice psychiatry today. 

The discussion will take place in McConnell Hall.  For directions, please click here.  A light reception will follow.