Jane Brissman scrapbook

Jane Sweet Brissman (1910-2006) became Augustana's first full time physical education teacher for women when she joined the faculty in 1936. During her time at Augustana she instituted a physical education program for women and founded "play days" for female students. These contests, which were later known as Women's Sports Days, commenced competitive athletics for women at Augustana. She coached women's swimming and diving from 1961 to 1974 and organized the college's first pom-pom (cheerleading) squad. She also served as an advisor for the Woman's Athletic Association (WAA).

Brissman was a 1932 graduate of Purdue University and earned a master's degree in education from Northwestern University. She was a teacher at New Trier High School (1933-1934) and an instructor of physical education at Bethany College (1934-1936) before assuming her position at Augustana. In 1938, Jane Sweet married LeRoy Brissman, who served as chair of the physical education department and director of athletics. Both Jane and LeRoy retired in 1974. Jane Brissman was inducted as an honorary member of Augustana's Tribe of Vikings Hall of Fame in 2002.