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This essay commemorates the National Academy of Kinesiology’s 90th anniversary meeting, even though the first meeting of fellows of an “[American] Academy of Physical Education” occurred in 1904, some 118 years ago. Clark W. Hetherington, Robert Tait McKenzie, William Burdick, Thomas A. Storey, and Jay B. Nash met in October 1926 to reignite the Academy of yesteryear. On December 31, 1930, just 14 months and 1 week into the Great Depression, they and 24 others formally launched what the Academy has become today. “Clearly, they were a bold, hearty, and optimistic group. Their determination, inspiration, and perspiration remain guiding lights for us to this day!” This essay aims to demystify and humanize the Academy by sharing stories of how it was formed and how it continues to inform all those working in kinesiology and related fields through its distinguished Fellows, one of whom is a Nobel Laureate.
Bradley J. Cardinal, a professor at Oregon State University, was elected Fellow #475 in the National Academy of Kinesiology in 2007, served as the Academy’s secretary-treasurer during 2012–2014 and as president during 2018–2019, and was appointed historian in September of 2020. Send correspondence to Brad.Cardinal@oregonstate.edu. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3163-8918