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n MAC’s centennial year, another significant milestone was reached when Marilyn Lindgren was elected as the first female president of the MAC Board of Trustees. Her 1992 report still resonates (with a nod to an early definition of family values). “… 1991 was a glorious time for the Multnomah Athletic Club. The year-long celebration of our centennial showcase(d) our commitment to health and fitness. The year allowed us to show … our commitment to family values. We can take pride in the knowledge that we are fulfilling our Mission Statement to be one of the finest athletic and social clubs in North America.” Lindgren continued with a review of parking challenges, MAC’s good neighbor activities, team and membership accomplishments. Child care was subsidized, light rail brought consternation, and Power and Cardio Sculpting were added to “the already phenomenally popular step and high-intensity aerobic classes.” She thanked her boss for his “support and counsel” during days she experienced as “arriving late, leaving early and talking on the phone the entire time (she) was there.” Today, Lindgren reflects on that year, and the 24 since, with appreciation. “I’m the perfect example that the club is cradle to grave. … I took the really strenuous yoga classes, and now I do a gentle yoga. I took French through the club, and went on to teach French to little kids. There is nothing you can’t do at the club.” Lindgren’s presidency was not imaginable when women first joined MAC in 1894, three years after the club opened. The 30-plus women using MAC during specific days and hours included names known to us: Carrie Flanders, Fannie Brazee and Clara Dekum. Now, 125 years later, men and women join in equal numbers, with single female and male members representing 16 percent of the total
MAC women have always enjoyed a variety of exercise options.
membership (21,956) during 2015-16. Today’s female members owe gratitude to those early MAC pioneers who expanded the range of opportunities for women. During 1991, Title IX results included the first television broadcast of the NCAA Women’s Final Four College Basketball competition and the first woman referee at an international soccer event. Prior to the new laws, MAC women and men had participated equally in a handful of athletics, including swimming, with female athletes competing locally, nationally and internationally. In the Continued on page 14 February 2016 | MAC Anniversary Special Edition |
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