California State University Northridge Athletics
CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2010
Dorothea "Granny" Heitz was inducted into the CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010. Heitz's was a beloved, record-setting, and unofficial spirit leader at CSUN. Enrolling at San Fernando Valley State College in 1966 as a 53-year-old student, she founded the "Granny Girls" spirit squad and served as the university's #1 fan. Her legacy is honored annually with a top university volunteer award. Her school spirit and devotion to CSUN and the Matador athletics program are still talked about.
Granny started a Matador spirit squad called the "Granny Girls" in the 1960s, the unofficial campus ambassadors. Through the years, she embraced her role as an unofficial campus spirit leader. She attended numerous community, academic, and athletic events to increase the spirit of the University.
In recognition of her leadership and appreciation of her loyalty, the University's award for Outstanding Volunteer Leadership appropriately bears her name. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a CSUN volunteer leader.
She ultimately earned her bachelor's degree in sociology and became a fixture at CSUN sporting events and alumni gatherings
In 2005, Granny and dozens of others made initial contributions to create the Dorothea "Granny" Heitz Award for Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Legacy Scholarship. This prestigious award is presented annually to alumni and community members who demonstrate exceptional dedication and service to the university. Just weeks prior to her passing (August 12, 2007), Granny learned that contributions to the scholarship fund were sufficient to create an endowment.
