History Maker Gala - Lindsay Whalen

Please join us for our 2019 Gala!

The event kicks off a yearlong celebration of the history of women in sports in Central Minnesota, and celebrates the impact of Title IX on Minnesota athletics.

The Stearns History Museum will honor retired Judge Peggy A. Brenden for her role in the advancement of Title IX with the Zapp Historian Award.  Each year the Museum presents an award to someone who has made a significant contribution to the history and culture of Stearns County.

Peggy A. Brenden, a 1972 graduate of Technical High School, was the first female student to letter in a sport at the institution.  With the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, Brenden legally challenged the school and won.  It was one of the first lawsuits in the nation to challenge rules that forbid girls from playing on boys\’ athletic teams and ushered in the implementation of Title IX.

Lindsay Whalen, coach of the University of Minnesota women\’s basketball team, is the keynote speaker, and the event kicks off a yearlong celebration of women\’s athletics in Central Minnesota.  The Zapp Award presentation will take place before Whalen takes the stage.  Kelly Skalicky, president and CEO of Stearns Bank, will introduce Whalen.  Skalicky is a celebrated Central Minnesota golfer and basketball player from Albany High School.