The Next Chapter

Starts Now

The Next Chapter

Starts Now

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.

Wisconsin Rowing Team

What Is Project 2030?

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:

  1. Wisconsin is consistently in IRA Grand Final
  2. Wisconsin is a top destination for US National Team Talent
  3. The Legacy Fund is on track to support the program in perpetuity
  4. The Stewards Annual Excellence Fund is providing the financial support to close the funding gap and support immediate program needs
  5. Hold an annual marquee rowing event in Madison

Execution of Project 2030 is well underway thanks to the support of the Stewards.

Key initiatives include:

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

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)

SEE SCHEDULE

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

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WISCO Rowing Win

Powered by the Stewards

Project 2030 isn’t just a roadmap.

It’s a commitment.

A shared belief that Wisconsin Rowing deserves to compete with the best programs in the country — and win.

A growing community of alumni is already driving Project 2030 forward through recurring, sustainable giving. Tradition alone doesn’t win championships.

Vision does.
Support does.
Action does.

Every contribution strengthens the system behind the boat.