Current and former members of the Simmons rowing program gathered together on the dock of the Riverside Boat Club on the morning of Sunday, September 8 for the dedication of the program's newest eight-person racing shell.
The program welcomed back alumnae/i from each of the last six decades as Head Coach Andrii Ivanchuk christened the "Jaws of Perseverance" under clear blue September skies. Along the side of the boat, nine alumnae have their names prominently featured – Clarice Johnson '18, Ronnie Bennett '18, Elsbeth Colson '18, Dalila Marzialo '24, Linda Pfatteicher '92, Cathy Coons '79, Cynthia Reynolds '13, Karina Bercan '17 and Mackenzie Gondek '22.
"As we dedicate this boat today," said Erica Schuling, Director of Athletics & Recreation on Sunday morning. "We are not just adding a vessel to our boathouse – we are reinforcing the strong bond that connects past, present, and future generations of Simmons rowers. This boat will carry the spirit and energy of all who have come before, and it will pave the way for those who are yet to follow."
Additionally, the name of the boat was intentional.
"The goal was to find a name that represents our current team, the teammates before us, and the team we strive to be in the future," says Ivy Maynard '27, current Simmons rowing captain. "The word 'perseverance' stuck out to us as a best way to capture this. We also wanted to incorporate the pride that we have for the University and this team, so we gave a nod to our mascot, the Sharks, by naming it 'Jaws.'"
Also in attendance was Lynn Perry Wooten, Simmons University President, Rae-Anne Butera, Vice President for Student Engagement & Dean of Students, Laura Brink Pisinki, Vice President of University Real Estate & Facilities Management, Corey Zohlman, Assistant Vice President, Operations and Administration and Nicole LeBlanc '05 '08 MS, Associate Director of Affinity, Engagement and Individual Giving.
They were joined by Lynn Osborn, former President of Riverside, who has been a consummate supporter over the past three decades.