Jane Katz
CCNY Class of ’63
Professor of Physical Education
John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Dr. Katz’s achievements as a Master competitive, long-distance, synchronized and fin swimmer have earned her All-American and World Masters championships; she is ranked among the top six all-time U.S. Masters swimmers. She has been recognized for her work as an educator, physical fitness innovator and author. Among many prestigious honors for her work is the Townsend Harris Academic Medal from her alma mater.
As a member of the 1964 U.S Synchronized Swimming Performance Team in Tokyo, Dr. Katz helped pioneer the acceptance of Synchronized Swimming as an Olympic event. She has continued her competitive involvement, recently winning the U.S Masters National Swimming and Synchronized Swimming Championships in the 55-59 age group. In May 1999, Dr. Katz received the Paragon Aquatic Achievement Award for Contribution to Recreational Swimming at the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Dr. Katz earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education at The City College, a master’s in Education Administration and Organization from New York University and both a master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation for Aging and her Ed.D. in Gerontology from Columbia University. Her aquatic and fitness publications include books, videos such as “Swim Basics” and numerous articles.
Dr. Katz has been a consultant to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and is currently a member of USA Swimming’s Education Committee. She was the 2000 honoree of the New York Public School Athletic League’s National Girls and Women in Sports Day, and received the Outstanding Teacher Award for 1999-2000 at John Jay College.