Tag: women sports



Art McWilliams, a 1996 inductee into the Washington University in St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame and founding member of the W Club, the fundraising organization supporting WashU Athletics, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 23, at the age of 86.

Art, along with his wife Marge, have shared an abiding commitment to Washington University and its students. The McWilliams have been enthusiastic fans of the Bears’ athletics teams and attend many sporting events on campus.

“We will always be grateful to Art for sharing in the vision for the athletic program here at Washington University,” said Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. “He and Marge have played a critical role in the ascent of Bears Athletics and the quality experience enjoyed by our student-athletes. WashU student-athletes, past, present, and future, are indebted to Art McWilliams.”

As generous supporters of athletics and fitness, the McWilliams have provided resources for the McWilliams Fitness Center at the Athletics Complex and were the proud sponsors of the annual McWilliams Women’s Basketball Classic. Art served on the W Club Executive Committee and was also a member of the Sports Hall of Fame Committee from its inception.

In addition, Art and Marge made a leadership gift toward the Sumers Recreation Center that furthers their support of women’s athletics. They also provide six WashU students with academic scholarships through an endowed program in the Olin Business School. To date the McWilliams have supported 44 students with Olin scholarships.

“We are all saddened by the death of Art McWilliams. We lost a wonderful friend and valued member of the Washington University community,” said John Schael, WashU Director of Athletics from 1978-2014. “Art McWilliams was at the forefront of the resurgence of WU athletics. His leadership was instrumental in bringing about positive change for the benefit of students. Art’s generosity and encouragement provided students and student-athletes alike, with opportunities for achievement, fellowship and spirited competition. He was always there…always lending a helping hand.  I will miss him greatly.”

McWilliams received his BSBA degree from the Olin School of Business in 1949.

A public memorial service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Graham Chapel. The service will begin at 1 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a reception in Umrath Lounge.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Olin Business School Scholarship Fund (Attn: Sandy Jurgenson, Washington University, Campus Box 1202, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

This obituary was written and posted by the Athletic Department.