We have two big events planned for April 6th worthy of a FIT Rowing Alumni Reunion!
First, we will be paying our respects to the late Erik Joh who was a huge benefactor for FIT Rowing. He passed away last year after being an advocate of rowing for 24 years on the Board of Trustees and founder of the Intercollegiate Rowing Endowment at FIT which is now valued at over $336,000!
Second, there will be a book signing event for “A History of Intercollegiate Athletics at FIT from 1958 to 2023” co-authored by Bill Jurgens and Bill Potter. Have your personal copy of the book signed by Bill!
Given the above, we have planned several activities to make it a fun weekend reunion for all. Contact your buddies and make reservations now. Most importantly, if you do plan on attending, and haven’t done so yet, please fill out the survey asap so we can properly plan the weekend.
Hope to see many of you in Melbourne 5 – 7 April! Ready All, Row!
Weekend Schedule with FFRA Sponsored Events
- Friday 5:30 p.m. Happy Hour
- Broken Barrel Tavern (4700 S. Babcock St. Palm Bay, FL 32905)
- We will provide some party platters to get things going but you will be responsible for drinks and any dinner.
- Saturday 10:30 a.m. Erik Joh Tribute and BBQ at the Anchorage
- Dedication of Memorial Bench in honor of Erik Joh
- Missing Man Silent Row in tribute to Erik (11:00 a.m.)
- Catered BBQ no cost (donations accepted) (11:30 a.m.)
- Saturday Book Signing in conjunction with the BBQ at the Anchorage
- Bill Jurgens will be present to sign your personal copy of A History of Intercollegiate Athletics at FIT 1958 to 2023
- Bring your book or purchase on site. Also, email us at friendsfitrowing@gmail.com if you want us to mail you a signed copy.
- Saturday 3:00 Informal Meeting/Hang Out at the Anchorage
- An opportunity to hang out, reminisce, and do some strategic planning
- BYOB and snacks
- Saturday 6:00 p.m. Homecoming Gala at the University
- We have filled a table of ten with five couples that will represent FIT rowing at the Gala!
- Saturday 6:00 p.m. Dinner gathering for those not attending the Gala
- Hotel Melby rooftop. No formal reservation… we will just be claiming tables like we did in July 2022 and stay until closing!
- Saturday 8 – 12 p.m. Post Banquet meet up at Hotel Melby
- Those attending the Gala, can join the fun on the rooftop at Hotel Melby
- Sunday 8:00 a.m. Rise and Shine Row at the Anchorage
- Come join your fellow alumni and friends for an early morning row. Based on the Survey, it looks like we will have enough for two eights. The more the merrier!
- Sunday 10:30 a.m. Brunch
- Join your fellow alum/friends and current rowers at Frigates Restaurant. We have a group reservation for 30. If you plan on attending, but didn’t complete the Survey, just email us at friendsfitrowing@gmail.com.
More Details
Erik Joh Tribute and BBQ
Erik Joh was a very kind and generous man who was also a strong advocate for rowing at Florida Tech. His passion for rowing developed at Dartmouth where he rowed from 1963 – 1966 and coached 1966-1967. He subsequently became a very successful lawyer and very involved in his community and numerous charities. FIT rowing was blessed when he joined the Board of Trustees in 1998 and started the Intercollegiate Rowing Endowment. He contributed to it every year along with a few others to where it is currently valued at over $336,000. The endowment allowed for the purchase of critical rowing equipment over the years. He retired from the Board of Trustees in 2021. Sadly, Erik succumbed to Alzheimer’s in May 2023.
We have purchased a Memorial Bench that will be located at the anchorage overlooking the water where he stood many times watching the boats row off into the Indian River. Following speakers and dedication of the Memorial Bench, the Erik Joh eight will silently row by with one seat empty for Erik. After the row, FFRA will host a BBQ for all attendees.
More information on Erik and his endowment can be found at this link. You can also make a donation in Erik’s honor that will be added to his Endowment Fund. Make your donation via our FFRA donor page, with a comment that it is in honor of Erik Joh. FFRA will consolidate the donations with any donations received at the event, into a single check to the Erik Joh Endowment Fund.
Bill Jurgens Book Signing
A History of Intercollegiate Athletics at Florida Institute of Technology 1958 – 2023 was released this past December. The book co-authored by Bill Jurgens and Bill Potter, covers all sports at FIT with two chapters dedicated to Men’s and Women’s Rowing. Other chapters discuss the emergence of Title IX and women’s athletics noting that Crew was the first Women’s Varsity sport at FIT. (And don’t tell anyone, but the book discusses the Men’s Rowing Title IX lawsuit). It also has an appendix with the names of FIT Dad Vail Champions.
The December FFRA Newsletter (click here to see it) provides more details on the book as well as how to order it online.
The book signing event is a one time opportunity to get Bill’s personal note and signature on your copy, which if you don’t already own one, can purchase at the event. If you can’t make it, but want a copy signed by Bill, email us at: Friendsfitrowing@gmail.com, and we can facilitate getting you that signed copy.
Informal Meeting/Hangout at the Anchorage
What better way to spend a Florida afternoon than hanging out at the boathouse with fellow rowers/coxswains/friends. Come on down with your favorite drinks and perhaps some snacks and catch up with others that share your passion for Florida Tech Rowing.
Note only can we reminisce about the past, we can collaborate on planning for the future. With the recent release of the University’s Strategic Plan, we need to create one for FFRA! This is an excellent opportunity to brainstorm together ideas to solidify the program for years to come!
Saturday Night
Okay, not everyone will want to attend the Homecoming Gala. So we are planning an alternative dinner gathering at Hotel Melby. Weather permitting, the informal dinner will be on the rooftop and flow into an evening of camaraderie until they kick us out. Those going to the Gala can join the fun after the Gala.
Rise and Shine Alumni Row
8:00 a.m.! Who’s brilliant idea was that …. look no further than Dan Copeland. But hey, what better way to start off the day! It will be a relaxed and fun reacquaintance with the skinny carbon fiber vessel and squeaky voice at the stern! So why, not? Let’s just do it and have some laughs over good (and not so good) memories. Based on the survey results thus far, it looks like we will be able to float two eights!
Lodging
We also were able to secure a special rate of $139/night at the new chic Hotel Melby in downtown Melbourne. To get the special rate, go to this link and use 2222233 in the Corporate Code Box. Note, that as of 1 April, the Hotel no longer has the two night minimum.
Make sure you sign up to ensure you get emails about this and other upcoming events!