OSHKOSH, Wis.- A celebration of life for Helen Briwa, the only women's director of athletics in UW-Oshkosh history will be held on Friday, May 1 at the Campus Center for Equity and Diversity (717 Irving Avenue) from 5-7 p.m.
 
The celebration of life is open to the public. Guests should enter the CCED from the Elmwood Avenue entrance. Cookies and refreshments will be available and following a social, those interested will have the opportunity to speak about Helen starting at 6:30 p.m.
 
Born in 1932 in Hudson, N.Y. to parents William and Dorothy, Briwa received her bachelor's degree from Skidmore College (N.Y.) in 1953, her master's degree from Smith College (Mass.) in 1956 and her doctorate degree from Ohio State University in 1966. After arriving at UW-Oshkosh from the University of Colorado in 1968, she helped form the Wisconsin Women's Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and became women's athletic director in 1971. She was also associate professor of physical education and head coach of women's badminton, volleyball, track & field, softball and field hockey. As the Titans' women's director, programs won four national titles (two NCAA Division III, one NAIA, one AIAW) and 18 WWIAC titles.
 
Briwa received a Special Recognition Award from the WWIAC in 1989 following her retirement as women's athletic director in 1988 and was inducted into the UW-Oshkosh Athletics (2006) and WIAC (2022) halls of fame.
 
An avid Brewers and Packers fan, Briwa loved raising and showing her dachshunds. She was active in the American Kennel Club as well as the Oshkosh Kennel Club. She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Ball, her niece, Jennifer Wagar, and her nephew, Barent Ball.