Reader Responses to Fighting the Good Fight

In 1948, “Ronnie” Gorton (as she was known to her friends), and I entered Pembroke College as “city girls” (“Women’s Warrior,” April/May ’20). As commuters, we had much in common, including spending time at the Gate for snacks and playing bridge while we waited for softball or basketball practice. In our senior year, she was named president of girls athletics and I was chair of the softball team. Arlene was one of my best friends at Pembroke. Her passion for sports for women carried through her entire career, benefiting many students since 1952. Thanks Ronnie, for all my great memories and for all the great memories for the women of Brown.

A toast to the late Arlene Gorton ’52. I joined the Brown varsity women’s tennis team before the passage of Title IX. We were given tennis balls, one thin Brown jacket each, plus a coach whose sport wasn’t tennis. But we were rich in pride, discipline, spirit, and a sense of mission—much of it due to the commitment and advocacy of Ms. Gorton. 

I was saddened to hear about the passing of a true advocate/pioneer, Arlene Gorton. As a 1992 field hockey alum, I was lucky enough to have her as a fan. Even though the obituary was wonderful, I was disheartened that she did not get the BAM’s cover spot. Since she fought for the equality of female athletes, a true tribute—more than deserved—would have been splitting the cover between the men’s 1960 rowing crew and her.

I was saddened to read of the death of Arlene Gorton (“Women’s Warrior,” Obituaries, April/May) but heartened by Anne Hinman Diffily’s excellent article. I thank Anne for resurrecting memories of Ms. Gorton and what she meant to so many athletes. I entered Brown in the fall of 1971, a member of the last class to have applied to Pembroke and the first class of women to attend four years at Brown. Halfway through my sophomore year came the passage of Title IX, so I witnessed first-hand the contributions made by Ms. Gorton during this time of transition. Her leadership and guidance were manifested both at the administrative and personal level. As Anne points out, Ms. Gorton’s office was always open to the athletes that she both led and served. In many ways I owe my education at Brown to Ms. Gorton. Coming from a working class background, I often found it difficult to navigate the Ivy League world. Sports were my outlet and Ms. Gorton was my mentor. She was always there for support and reassurance. I thank her for all she meant to me.