Dr. Theresa Lammers is the pioneer of the women’s athletics program at Westfield, and is also regarded as one of the college’s most outstanding teachers and contributors. 

Lammers’ 39-year teaching career at Westfield began in 1926. For the next 17 years, she was the director of physical education for women at Westfield State Teacher’s College, and was responsible for the formation of the Women’s Athletic Association. 

She transferred to science in 1943, and received her doctorate degree from Columbia University in 1948. in 1951 she achieved the rank of full professor, and in September of 1956 – when the college moved to the new campus – she became chairman of the department of biological sciences. 

On her retirement in 1965, Lammers was instrumental in establishing and operating the Alumni Office at Westfield State College. She was general chairperson of the college’s centennial celebration in 1939 and chairperson of the 125th anniversary observances in 1964-65.