She began her professional career at Iowa State in 1948 as an instructor in physical education. She became chairperson of women's physical education in 1958, and department chair of physical education in 1974, when the men's and women's programs merged. Forker served on the U.S. Olympic Committee and was appointed by President Gerald Ford to a commission that examined U.S. participation in the Olympics. She served as national president of the American Alliances for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. A golf outing for Forker's friends and colleagues begins at 2 p.m. Friday at the Ames Golf and Country Club.
All events are open to the public.