Hall of Fame
As an undergraduate at McGill, Zerada Slack was among the founders of the Women's Intercollegiate Athletic Union in 1921 and she remained active in WIAU affairs for many years. Following graduation, she undertook graduate studies in the United States and Europe, then taught at McGill from 1928-39. She then organized the women's athletics department at Mount Allison University from 1939-42 and served an Secretary for Health Education, National War Services for the YWCA of Canada from 1942-45.
Slack joined the staff of the University of Toronto Department of Athletics and Physical Education, Women in 1945 and became Director and Assistant Professor in 1949. She was promoted to Associate Professor in 1959 and retired as Director in June, 1965. During her career, she was a member of numerous professional associations in Canada and the United States, and was a Founding Member of the International Congress of Physical Education.
At UofT, Slack was instrumental in the campaign to gain support for the construction of the Benson Building, which opened in 1959. Previously, the women's athletics programs were operated in 14 different facilities on the St. George Campus. She earned a reputation as a constant innovator and inspiring leader. A former colleague has commented, "Zerada Slack was among those enlightened physical educators who saw the positive benefits gained from encouraging vigorous athletic competition for women."
Her many contributions to UofT athletics and recreation programs are honoured in the annual presentation of the Zerada Slack Trophy to the female intramural athlete in her graduating year, adjudged worthiest in the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and performance.
