Service to Others Resonates for One Pioneer in BVU Women’s Athletics
Marcia Holsinger, a 1974 Buena Vista graduate, received a 2022 Governor's Volunteer Award for her work as a Counselor with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at the Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield
Marcia Holsinger, a 1974 graduate of Buena Vista University, earned a 2022 Governor’s Volunteer Award for her work as a Counselor serving the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at the Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield, the site she served for 18 years as a Physical Therapy Assistant before her retirement nine years ago.
Holsinger, a Des Moines native, enjoyed two 18-year careers. Her first involved her leadership and service with the Girl Scouts of the USA.
“Miss (Harriet) Henry conducted the practices for each sport; she did the laundry; she found the officials; and drove us to our games. She commanded a large presence, but had such a kind heart. She went into her profession for the love of those sports.”
Marcia Holsinger, 1974 BV graduate
Her careers and devotion to others can be partially traced to her experience as a BV student-athlete a half-century ago. Holsinger, a physical education major, participated in volleyball, basketball, softball, and track. She even swam on the men’s swimming team as a senior.
“I was a swimmer for a two-time state championship team at Des Moines Hoover High School,” she says. “We didn’t have a women’s swimming team at BV, so Coach Dan Hansen had me compete on the men’s team. I was treated very well by all my teammates.”
BV women’s sports at the time Title IX was passed were all directed by Coach Harriet Henry, Professor of Physical Education. Fifty years ago this winter, the Beavers’ second women’s basketball team finished the season with a mark of 10 wins against four losses.
“Miss Henry conducted the practices for each sport; she did the laundry; she found the officials; and drove us to our games,” Holsinger says. “She commanded a large presence, but had such a kind heart. She went into her profession for the love of those sports.”
Holsinger remembers other professors such as Dr. Gerald Poff (Professor of Biology), Dr. Roger Egland (Director of Athletic Training), and Dr. Al Lewis (Professor of Health and Physical Education). As a young transfer student, she also benefitted from the kindness shown by Dr. Robert Borgman (Professor of Botany) and his wife, Nancy.
“Dr. Borgman and Nancy had me to their house on Sunday afternoons because BV didn’t prepare meals on Sunday evenings,” Holsinger says. “I’d see Nancy at church on Sunday morning and then spend Sunday afternoon with them at their kitchen table.”
That kind of extra effort can also be seen today as Holsinger serves those in need through SHIIP.
“I try to help seniors who may be in a situation involving fraud, or if they’re being taken advantage of,” she says. “As a Physical Therapist Assistant, I specialized in geriatric treatment, so I know how complicated insurance can be for many people. I’m happy to be able to share some of my time and expertise to help others.”