THE NEXT CHAPTER
Starts Now, With Your Support.
Wisconsin Rowing’s first 150 years built a legacy defined by grit, pride, and excellence.
Championship crews. Lifelong brotherhood. A standard earned stroke by stroke on Lake Mendota.
Now, the landscape of college athletics is changing — and the next chapter requires intention, innovation, and collective commitment.
Project 2030 is our response.
This initiative brings alumni, supporters, and athletes together to ensure Wisconsin Rowing remains competitive at the highest level — not just today, but for decades to come.
Because this tradition only grows stronger when we pull together.
PROJECT 2030
Our Five-Year Strategic Initiative
Project 2030 is Wisconsin Rowing’s five-year strategic initiative designed to position the program for sustained competitive and organizational success by the end of the decade and beyond.
Project 2030 Pillars:
- Wisconsin is consistently in IRA Grand Final
- Wisconsin is a top destination for US National Team Talent
- The Legacy Fund is on track to support the program in perpetuity
- The Stewards Annual Excellence Fund is providing the financial support to close the funding gap and support immediate program needs
- Hold an annual marquee rowing event in Madison
WISCONSIN HIGH PERFORMANCE
A US Rowing-sanctioned training center (the only in the midwest) that operates like a club within the Porter Boathouse and allows us to:
- Hire a third coach, Director of WHP, Lowell McNicholas, adding to our on-water coaching and focused on recruiting top talent
- Develop high-potential walk-ons without violating roster caps
- Provide financial support to high-caliber athletes
- Creating National Team and Olympic Team pathways
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Strengthening the Badger Rower community is a major pillar of Stewards’ mission. Several events have been established to bring our community together on a regular basis:
- Redwood Shores Alumni Event
- Head of Charles, Along the Course and Evening Event
- IRA BBQ and Along the Course Gathering
- Memorial Michael Patinkin Golf Outing
- Wisconsin Rowing Hall of Fame Event (Inaugural event June 2026)
SUSTAINABLE FUNDING MODEL
Championship programs require financial stability, and in this environment, the need has never been higher
We have two funding mechanisms:
Annual Stewards Excellence Fund: annual fundraising to support the immediate needs of the program in support of Project 2030
Legacy Fund: long-term endowment focused on major and estate gifts that will secure Wisconsin Rowing’s future in perpetuity
WISCONSIN HIGH PERFORMANCE
A US Rowing-sanctioned training center (the only in the midwest) that operates like a club within the Porter Boathouse and allows us to:
- Hire a third coach, Director of WHP, Lowell McNicholas, adding to our on-water coaching and focused on recruiting top talent
- Develop high-potential walk-ons without violating roster caps
- Provide financial support to high-caliber athletes
- Creating National Team and Olympic Team pathways
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Strengthening the Badger Rower community is a major pillar of Stewards’ mission. Several events have been established to bring our community together on a regular basis:
- Redwood Shores Alumni Event
- Head of Charles, Along the Course and Evening Event
- IRA BBQ and Along the Course Gathering
- Memorial Michael Patinkin Golf Outing
- Wisconsin Rowing Hall of Fame Event (Inaugural event June 2026)
SUSTAINABLE FUNDING MODEL
Championship programs require financial stability, and in this environment, the need has never been higher
We have two funding mechanisms:
Annual Stewards Excellence Fund: annual fundraising to support the immediate needs of the program in support of Project 2030
Legacy Fund: long-term endowment focused on major and estate gifts that will secure Wisconsin Rowing’s future in perpetuity
