Celebrating Women's History Month | Susan Nattrass, Beta Beta-Alberta
By Archivist/Historian Diane Hall, Eta Upsilon-Drexel
During Women's History Month, we celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of extraordinary women who have left a lasting impact on society. Among these barrier-breakers are the Notable Delta Gammas, who have advanced our mission of doing good and left lasting legacies in various fields, from business and politics to arts and philanthropy. This month serves as a reminder to honor their achievements, inspire future generations, and reflect on the collective power of women who continue to shape our world.
The first modern international Olympic Games were held in the summer of 1896. The original values of the games were expressed in the Olympic Charter: encouraging effort, preserving human dignity and developing harmony. Over time, these values evolved, and today, they include celebrating friendship, demonstrating respect and striving for excellence. These ideals can be seen in Susan Nattrass, Beta Beta Alberta.
To understand what Susan accomplished, you first must understand how hard women had to fight to be equally included in the Olympics. 1900 was the first year female athletes were allowed to participate (incidentally, it was also the first year Canadian athletes participated). The events female athletes were allowed to compete in were limited. It would not be until 2012 that women were permitted to compete in all Olympic sports.
Susan helped show the world that women deserved the same opportunities in the games as male athletes. Born in 1950, she was introduced to the sport of trap shooting by her father. While her father would take her shooting with him from the age of five, he did not teach her how to shoot until the age of 12. Trap shooting involves clay pigeons being launched at a high rate of speed, mimicking a bird’s path, and the shooter attempting to hit as many as possible. Typically, five pigeons will be launched during a round.
As her skill grew, she began competing internationally in 1969. Just a year later, she was initiated into Delta Gamma. As her international reputation in trap shooting increased, Susan also developed her mind. She made the Dean’s list her sophomore, junior and senior years, then earned an M.A. in physical education and went on to teach at multiple universities.
Then, in 1976, with the Olympics being held in Montreal, she became the first woman in history to compete in the Olympics in trap shooting. This would not be her last appearance at the Olympics. As of 2012, she was among only 122 athletes to compete at six or more Olympic Games. Besides being an Olympian, Susan is also a seven-time Women’s World Trapshooting Champion, four-time Silver Medalist at World Championships and two-time Silver and three-time Bronze medalist at Commonwealth Games.
In 1977, Susan was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, and in 1981, she was named Canada’s best athlete, male or female, amateur or professional, receiving the Lou Marsh Trophy (now called the Northern Star Award).
In 1987, she completed her Doctorate in Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the University of Alberta. In 1996, she joined the Pacific Medical Center, where she worked as a medical researcher in osteoporosis. In 2007, she became the director of research, and she remained there until 2013. Today, she owns and operates the Puget Sound Osteoporosis Center, where she continues her medical research.
Is there a Delta Gamma you think should be included on our Notable Delta Gamma’s list? Submit their name for consideration by filling out this form.