"Portrait of Sr. Jess T. Hopkins", 1946

This document, published by the Cultural Center of Physical Education Teachers of Uruguay, is a biographical sketch honoring Jess Townsend Hopkins (Springfield College alumnus, class of 1918) and explaining their decision to appoint him an Honorary Fellow. The document describes his substantial contributions to the field of physical education and the years he devoted in Uruguay and America to both promoting physical education reform and researching educational and sociological issues.The YMCA of Montevideo was founded April 6, 1909, and focused on organizing activities related to religion, moral, social, recreational and educational areas. In 1912 the first gym and the physical educational area was built. Jess T. Hopkins arrived in Montevideo to become the first Director in Physical Education. The YMCA introduced basketball, volleyball and competitive swimming to Uruguay. In 1920, Hopkins introduced social development and extension programs, such as the work with "canillitas" (people who sell newspapers on the streets). Hopkins is also credited with raising the standards and expectations for gymnasiums and physical education at the Uruguay YMCA. Before he arrived, gymnasiums were poorly ventilated rooms with only heavy weight lifting equipment. Hopkins transformed them into arenas for popular classes, exercise routines, and YMCA drills. He introduced hot and cold baths, embraced the “Play Fair” philosophy, and brought physical training and health education into school curriculums. Hopkins was also crucial in creating Uruguay's National Committee on Physical Education.Cover is not clear due to problems with original digitization. Written on the cover is "Sp. College alumnus" and "X461.43 H77 Misc. Pub