Master of Physical Education, 1961
The late and great May Brown, who first taught physical education at UBC then later attained her Masters in Physical Education, is one of this School’s most revered individuals. She was a life-long supporter of physical education, fitness and recreation which included founding and directing boy’s camps, extensive work with the YWCA and YMCA, serving as president of the Canadian Camping Association.
For decades May was an advocate for UBC sports particularly women’s field hockey and swimming, both of which she coached at UBC during the late 1940s and early 1950s. She reached such esteem that UBC created the May Brown Trophy which is awarded annually to the Outstanding Graduating Female Athlete of the Year.
After serving as a faculty member in UBC Physical Education during its initial years, May achieved her Masters in Phys. Ed. at UBC in 1961. While she taught and coached at UBC it could be said she began UBC’s field hockey dynasty which has so successfully continued through to the present. Team loyalty and accountability were among the qualities instilled by coach Brown.
May’s varied contributions to our community included a high profile career in politics. She was elected Vancouver Park Board Commissioner from 1973 through 1976 and she served on Vancouver City Council for ten years.
The ever-popular and deeply respected May Brown has been acknowledged by so many, including a UBC Alumni Achievement Award, Sport BC Award, UBC and BC Sports Halls of Fame, YWCA Woman of Distinction, the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada among others. According to one of her former players, “May Brown was wonderful! The sun rose and set on her.”
Written by Fred Hume, UBC Historian
