MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the renaming of two of its athletic facilities. Effective immediately, the Old PE Building will be renamed Ruth Lautenbach Hall, while the New PE Building will be known as the Wolves Athletic Center, highlighting its role as the primary venue for training and competition for many WOU athletic teams.
The renaming of the Old PE Building honors Ruth Lautenbach, Ph.D., the pioneering female physical education teacher and advocate for women’s sports at Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University). This renaming aims to recognize her legacy while also enhancing the visibility and prestige of the Wolves’ athletic program.
Former OCE administrator, women’s basketball coach, and athletic director from 1993 to 2010, Jon Carey ’76 shares that Lautenbach’s strong personality and devotion to what she knew was right led to a wide range of athletic opportunities for women at OCE. “This powerful foundation created the opportunity for female athletes and coaches at OCE, and her influence continues to be felt at Western Oregon University.”
Along with Carey, Carol Brownlow, a former teacher and coach at OCE, and former student-athlete Sharon Baugh ’75, ’86, both proponents and advocates of women’s athletics at OCE, shared that Lautenbach was instrumental in developing the Physical Education curriculum at OCE, setting a standard of excellence for teaching and coaching. They are thrilled that the Old PE Building will now be known as Ruth Lautenbach Hall, honoring her lifelong contributions in that space.
Professor Emeritus Ruth Lautenbach was a trailblazing faculty member in health and physical education at Western Oregon University, serving for over 30 years. She began her career at OCE in 1940, becoming the sole PE teacher during World War II, and retired in 1974. Lautenbach was instrumental in establishing the health, physical education, and athletics departments, coaching volleyball, basketball, and bowling, and managing the swimming pool.
“We are excited to rename Old PE in honor of Dr. Ruth Lautenbach, a pioneer in women’s sports,” said Randi Lydum, executive director of intercollegiate athletics. “This decision not only pays tribute to her remarkable legacy but also emphasizes our commitment to elevating Wolves athletics in today’s landscape. By highlighting our history and identity in both building names, we are moving forward with pride and purpose.”
A staunch advocate for women’s sports long before Title IX, Lautenbach expanded participation opportunities when they were scarce. Upon her retirement, the women’s athletic program budget had quadrupled to $9,000. She played a crucial role in developing the curriculum for nearly 300 physical education majors, which helped support her induction into the NAIA District 2 Hall of Fame in 1974. An active supporter of WOU athletics, she established a scholarship endowment to benefit future generations of women athletes and was part of the inaugural Wolves Athletics Hall of Fame class in 2004.
Naming the Old PE Building after Lautenbach is fitting, as her career spanned from its construction in 1936 to the completion of the New PE Building in 1971, marking her deep connection to the Old PE Building.
“As we look to the future of our university, it’s essential that we symbolize our progress and commitment to excellence,” said Western President Jesse Peters. “Renaming these buildings not only honors the legacy of Dr. Ruth Lautenbach, but also reflects our desire to innovate and move forward as we enhance our vibrant community.”
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.