Our mission is to help maintain Men’s and Women’s Rowing at Florida Institute of Technology and aid, encourage, foster, support, and promote the sport of rowing at FIT.
| Donation Levels | Why a Campaign? | Donors |
| Testimonials | FAQ | RMD |
| Women’s Prog Video | Campaign Flyer | Campaign Video |
Support Florida Tech Rowing by making a one-time custom donation or becoming a member of one of the following Clubs. Your gift will help support the day-to-day operational needs of Men’s and Women’s Rowing. All money received will be managed and distributed by FFRA. You can set up automatic recurring payments or a one-time donation.
Power 10 Donors
One time donors who contribute when called upon (e.g. Day of Giving).
The Graduates Of the Last Decade (GOLD) Club
Graduates Of the Last Decade are for members that have recently graduated from the University. It is to foster engagement with FIT rowing alumni, instill pride in alumni status, cultivate awareness of the program’s rich history, and underscore the importance of being an integral part of this close-knit alumni family. Members of the GOLD Club would make monthly donations of $10 or an annual donation of $120.
The 1968 Club
1968 is the year rowing was established at the University. Members of the 1968 Club would make monthly donations of $19.68 or an annual donation of $236.
The Robert H. Dunlap Club
Following the 1968 concept, this increases the level of giving to $50 a month, or an annual donation of $600. It is named after the “Father of FIT Rowing” inducted into the FIT Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990.
The Jerome P. Keuper Club
A step-up to $100 per month, or an annual donation of $1,200, recognizing the founding President and his vision and support for crew.
Why a Fundraising Campaign?
A trend exists across the country of universities cutting Varsity sports programs such as rowing that do not bring in large revenue to the school. University rowing programs that have survived and flourished all have organized Alumni associations that year after year reliably generate additional support for the rowing programs. FIT Alumni and Friends must follow suit if we want rowing to continue be a competitive program that all can be proud of.
FIT Crew has benefited from the University’s past policy of funding all operational costs of its sports programs. Alumni and Friends in the past (prior to June 28th, 2022) have typically only been called upon to offset some of the cost of major purchases such as a new shell. However, given the University’s current financial limitations, the men’s Varsity program’s operational budget will not be as robust as in the past, and the Women’s Club program due to its small size will not survive without alumni/friends support. An active and engaged base of alumni and friends must help support both programs going forward.
DONOR WALL
As of August 1, 2025
Jerome P. Keuper Club
($1,200/yr or $100/mo)
Ray Walker, ’72
Marian Dionne, ’76
Craig McKay, ’81
Mike McAndrews, ’83
Steve Somosky, ’83
Tim Edsell, ’84
Alan Taggart, ’86
Art Schofield, ’90
Guin Shaw, ’12
Robert H. Dunlap Club
($600/yr or $50/mo)
Jeff Benes, ’75
Gene Angus, ’76
Tak Brocato, ’77
Dan Copeland, ’79
Andrea Krikorian, ’80
Sue (Dinkel) McKay, ’80
Charlotte Fuller, ’81
Troy Borema, ’86
Joe Bogan, ’91
John Corelli, Friend
Allison Freiberger, Parent
Shawn Pearson, Parent
1968 Club
($236/yr or $19.68/mo; $100/yr or $9/mo for “GOLD” Alumni)
Jerry Smith, ’74
Casey Baker, ’74
Anonymous, ’78
Mary Bayers-Theriing, ’75
Anonymous, ’81
JoAnn (Alden) Michalsky, ’84
Rose Trapp, ’84
Bob Feckner, ’86
Kathleen (McDevitt) Wojtas, ’87
Peter McLoughlin, ’88
Eileen Corelli, ’89
Amber (Chang) Armstrong, ’04
Susie Allen-Sierpinski, ’05
Sal Macaraig, ’11
Joe Stehno, ’13
Guin Shaw, ’14
Troy Toggweiler, ’14
Emily Hall, ’19
Billy Dietrich, ’20
Steve Wagner, Past FIT Coach
Paul Sierpinski, Friend
Jak Linkel, Parent
Graduates Of the Last Decade (GOLD) Club
($120/yr or $10/mo for “GOLD” Alumni)
Anonymous, ’07
Frederica Pala, ’19
Taylor Greene, ’20
Ben Komita, ’21
John Freiberger, Parent
Power 10 Club
(One Time Donations)
Donald Bee, ’74
Joe Eckelman, ’74
Marian Dionne, ’76
Doug Engler, ’76
Ruthanne Kurz Hoppe, ’76
Eve Duddy, ’77
Anonymous, ’78
Robert Miller, ’78
Glenn Bunting, ’79
Sally (Harrington) Eckelman, 80
Wilton Jordan, ’80
Daniel Doyle, ’81
Sharon Rodier, ’81
Jim Kenny, ’82
Bob Neild, ’85
Tom Bohrer, ’86
Jim Colletto, ’86
Jon Tate, ’88
James Brethauer, ’92
John Gontkof, ’95
Dana Manalang, ’98
Casey Dalal, ’11
Jessica (Mellinger) Krog, ’14
Natalia Arasa Bonavila, ’19
Alizabeth Olhasso, Parent
Lauralee Siebold, Friend
Mario Kuhar, Friend
Doug Schuler, Friend
Testimonials
Syd Freiberger, ’26
I was shooting hoops in the end of October, 2021 (my freshman year), when Coach Davie approached me about joining the women’s rowing team. I had never even thought about rowing before–previously I was a tennis champ and an athlete of multiple other sports. But, I have always been open to trying new things when the opportunity arose, and saying “yes” to Davie about trying rowing was probably one of the best things I have ever done in my life. Of course, it wasn’t easy at first. My first 5k in the novice 4+ at Head of the South (and after 2 weeks of experience) was slowly raced in 33 minutes–and in tears from catching about 12 crabs and from all the crazy blisters I was getting. It’s absolutely insane to me that in the span of 2 years, I’ve gone from being the one crying in the boat, to breaking a team record my sophomore year (2022-2023), and becoming a 2 time national champ. All from a sport that I had never thought about until someone asked me about it. This is all because of the excellent coaching staff and the great support from my teammates.
The decision in the summer of 2022 to cut my newfound sport was absolutely heartbreaking. Although I had only placed in 1 race (bronze) my freshman / novice year, it didn’t matter to me, because I grew to love the sport. It made me stronger mentally and physically. I thought about switching schools, but I decided to stay because learning to row at FIT was, like I said, one of the best things I have ever done in my life. The results from the 2022-2023 season speak for themselves. Although we were a small team of 5 women–we were mighty, and grittier than any other crew we raced. Through all of the times together–we became a family. Together, we claimed an undefeated victory in the 2023 spring season. And together, we will grow our numbers and continue to do great things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Women’s Varsity Program not get reinstated?
– The University can not reinstate Women’s Varsity rowing (or increase the numbers of any Women’s Varsity program) at this time because the University in not in compliance with the Federal Title IX law.
What is Title IX?
– Title IX is a Federal civil rights law. It prohibits schools that receive Federal funding from discriminating based on sex in their programs or activities. FIT has fallen short, or had a significant participation gap of male athletes, for 16 of the last 18 years. FIT’s enrollment for the 2018–2019 school year comprised of 71.3% men 28.7% women. For 2018–2019, men represented only 64.2% of athletes compared to their 71.3% undergraduate enrollment. This represents a shortfall of 132 athletic opportunities for men. FIT had a similar shortfall of 117 opportunities for men in 2021–2022 and a shortfall of 121 opportunities for men in 2022–2023. Because FIT was already in violation of Title IX, it could not legally cut a viable men’s team.
Can the Women’s Varsity program ever be reinstated?
– Yes, FFRA will work with the University over the next four years, as the University becomes compliant with Title IX, to find viable path to reinstatement.
Why do the programs need funding from Alumni and Friends?
– Varsity rowing at FIT costs more per athlete than other sports because, unlike other sports, most of its competition is out of state. Though the Men’s program has been reinstated, its budget will be around 35% less than in the past to be in line with the other Varsity sports. The Women’s program, as a Club, must apply each Semester for funding from Student Life. The amount received is not guaranteed and can not exceed $12,500 from the University.
Can either Program use money from the existing rowing Endowments?
– Yes, if needed, the annual Endowment withdrawal could be as much as $30,000 with $15,000 available to each program based on the current values of $322,673 for the Erik Joh Intercollegiate Rowing Endowment, and $258,890 for the Bill Jurgen’s Rowing Center Endowment (as of June 30, 2022). The exact income available from the funds is based on a 3 year rolling average each year as of June 30. This assumes a 5% maximum withdrawal and 50/50 split between the Men’s and Women’s programs. However, the intent is not to withdraw for operations but to use them for their intended purposes of Capital Equipment and a future boathouse.
Does the Women’s Program have to pay for a Coach?
– The Women’s estimated budget does not cover the cost of a coach since the University is allowing the Men’s coaches to “advise” i.e. coach the Women’s program. However, as the Women’s program grows, funding of a part-time coach dedicated to the women and directed by the Men’s Varsity Head Coach may be required. The cost of a part-time coach is estimated at $20,000 annually.
Will the athletes fundraise?
– It is expected that athletes from both programs will conduct fundraising (independently and in conjunction with the Athletic Department) during the school year as their time allows recognizing that education and sports performance take priority. Potential FIT Rowing Fundraising Campaign fundraisers that have been discussed are a weekend “Rent a Rower” event and tutoring local students.
Will the Programs be soliciting Sponsorships?
– Sponsorships from local and national businesses will be pursued. Business names can be displayed on shirts, tents, banners, and possibly boats all subject to Varsity, Club, and US Rowing rules. Alumni and Friends that own/operate a business are encouraged to consider being a sponsor. Details on the structure of the sponsorship levels will be developed by the Fundraising Committee.
Will the Women’s Program require Dues?
– Club programs typically charge members’ dues to help support their operations. However, the university composition is not conducive to sustaining a women’s team while collecting “significant” dues. Only ~30% of the campus is female and there are other Varsity and Club sports as well as numerous non-athletic clubs available to the relatively small on-campus student population. Significant dues could potentially negatively impact recruiting critically needed for rebuilding the program.
– FFRA will subsidize the Women’s program expenses as needed to avoid dues for the 2023/2024 school year. The subject of dues will be revisited at the end of 2024 Spring season. This allows time for the Women’s program to get organized as a fully functioning University Club program and determine what a viable dues structure would entail that would support rebuilding the team and what support would be required from FFRA for them to remain competitive. There are several variables to assess over the year such as the actual/realistic costs of operations, expected realistic size of the team, synergy benefits from the Men’s program, feasibility and type of fundraising initiatives, and the process and amount of endowment withdrawals.
Will there be other fundraising events?
– The above fundraising initiatives are designed for supplementing the annual Operations Budgets. The programs will require additional funding for capital expenses. Capital equipment purchases, such as new rowing shells, have historically been paid for in-part by endowments as well as friends of the rowing programs, such as alumni and former university presidents. Boats have been named by their major donors, and in some cases, multiple donors, such as the class of 77-78 that contributed towards the purchase of a boat. Other rowing programs have successfully generated money for boats from the local community based on a specific cause, e.g. Veterans, Cancer, etc..
– The FFRA Fundraising Committee will consult with the coaches to determine annually what equipment is required, additional funds needed for the equipment, and propose a specific fundraising plan for that equipment.
What if more funds are raised than needed in one year?
– Should there ever be a budgetary surplus, FFRA will place these funds in reserve accounts that will build up over time to create FFRA endowments to be used for long term sustainability of the rowing at Florida Tech. The FFRA Board of Directors will leverage Alumni financial expertise in determining the best investment vehicles (e.g. Mutual Funds, CDs, etc..) to achieve fundraising objectives.
How will I know what the money is spent on?
– An annual report will be generated accounting for all money received from the fundraising campaign and how it was expended. The report will be published on the FFRA website and distributed to all FFRA members on the FFRA subscriber list.