Steward Speakers celebrates Women’s History Month

Steward Speakers hosted Olympian and track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee along with Jacqie McWilliams, the commissioner for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, at the NCAA Hall of Champions March 21. The 2024 Steward Speakers’ theme is Sports and Education. “Each year, we recognize the valuable contributions of women across our country. We are excited to host Ms. Joyner-Kersee and Ms. McWilliams during our annual celebration of Women’s History Month,” said President Matthew Steward. During the talk, moderated by Maurice Meriweather, Joyner-Kersee and McWilliams spoke to the audience about their success, upbringing and careers in sports and business. Named “The Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century” by Sports Illustrated, Joyner-Kersee made history in track and field by winning three gold, one silver and two bronze medals in the heptathlon and long jump at the Olympics. Her world record of 7,293 points in the heptathlon is undefeated, and her long jump distance in the 1994 Olympics is the second longest in history. “For me, no one could outwork me, period, that was the mindset. If I show up for practice, I practice to be the best, and the best might not be winning, but knowing that I gave my best and being...