Sarah Miriam Paine was born in Peoria, Illinois on October 9, 1904. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and her Master of Arts degree from Columbia University Teachers College. She became a public school teacher specializing in teaching physical education in San Diego, California. Miriam taught 17 years at San Diego High School and lived in Point Loma. She ended her career as a physical education supervisor of San Diego City Schools. She served three years during World War II as a Navy Wave lieutenant.
She was the 1962-63 president of the Southern California Physical Education Administrators Association and a past president of the San Diego chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma honorary society.
In 1963 Miriam co-authored a book with Doris Schaefer published by San Diego City Schools titled “A guide for teaching girls’ physical education in the secondary schools.” (Source)
Miriam never married. Prior to her untimely death September 19, 1965, a scholarship was established (July 1961) in her honor at San Diego State for female upper division students majoring in Physical Education. In 2016 the Miriam Paine Scholarship is open to all upper division majors in Kinesiology (formerly Physical Education).
The endowment was created by Carolyn Kutzke, a mentee of Miriam Paine. Carolyn says it was her way of “giving back.” Miriam Paine had been responsible for many students, including Carolyn, being able to attend college. Carolyn Kutzke is a graduate of San Diego State and completed her Masters degree (1965) in Physical Education under noted exercise physiologist and researcher Dr. Fred Kasch. Her thesis was titled “Pulmonary function in high school girls determined by maximum breathing and vital capacity tests.” Carolyn taught and was an administrator in San Diego City Schools for many years. She currently (2016) owns a property management business.
- The number of scholarships awarded will be determined by the scholarship committee.
- The Miriam Paine Memorial Scholarship has a value up to $500.
- Must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.50.
- Open for Upper Division Undergraduate (Junior or Senior) with an emphasis in Physical Education.
- Must be a member of at least one physical education professional organization.
- Renewal is not automatic.
- Scholarship awards may be renewed.
- Undergraduate Students must be enrolled at least full-time.
- Recipients must have financial need, as determined by the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and scholarships.
- To be considered, applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) or the California Dream Act Application by January 1st.
