Dr. Gayle Hutchinson '79 receives Elaine Sortino Alumna Award for Achievement
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Getting her start as a dual sport athlete at UMass, Dr. Gayle Hutchinson has dedicated her life to education, mentorship and inspiring others to dream big. Receiving her bachelor's in physical education and teacher education from UMass in 1979, Hutchinson spent four years in Amherst as a model student-athlete. A three-sport athlete competing in basketball (1975-77), field hockey (1975-78) and lacrosse (1976-79), Hutchinson helped lead and establish multiple programs on the national stage. Serving as co-captain for both lacrosse and field hockey programs, she assisted each team in advancing to the USWLA and AIAW National Tournaments during her career. A standout defender on the lacrosse team, Hutchinson posted a 52-6-3 record during her collegiate career, helping uplift a program that would go on to become the first-ever NCAA National Champion in 1982.
Recently retired from her position as president of California State University-Chico, Hutchinson was a pioneer in higher education as the first woman president of Chico State and the first gay president of a California State University. Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford said, "Dr. Gayle Hutchinson's experience as a three-sport student-athlete with dual degrees from the flagship campus kicked off a truly exceptional life. A highly-regarded leader and pioneer in higher education, Gayle has represented her alma mater with distinction. Without question, Dr. Hutchinson has demonstrated significant achievement and lasting contributions in her respective professional field post-graduation."
Dr. Hutchinson was inducted in the UMass Athletic Hall of Fame in November, 2024.