Stephen “Woody” Woodward ’05 Memorial Rowing Endowment

At our inception, the long-term goal for FWMR was to fundraise for a boathouse in Williamsburg.  Upon successful completion of the Tack Family Boathouse in 2011, we shifted our attention to another extended fundraising campaign, an endowment fund that would provide a permanent and steady stream of income to support W&M Rowing.

With the unfortunate passing of a William & Mary Rowing alum and long-time friend, Stephen Alexander “Woody” Woodward, on March 4, 2022, Woody’s family, friends and former teammates came together to finalize an endowment and seed it with donations and pledges in excess of $100,000.  Woody was an exemplary rower of his era, giving everything at each race or practice with a quiet humility that epitomizes a rower.  He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him, but his legacy will live on through this endowment.

The endowment was established in connection with the William & Mary Foundation and operates as a subsidiary fund of the College of William & Mary’s broader endowment.  Donations to the Stephen “Woody” Woodward ’05 Memorial Rowing Endowment are invested for the long-term benefit of William & Mary Rowing with a portion of the earnings disbursed annually.  Annual disbursements are added to the operating account of W&M Club Rowing and support critical operating expenses such as coaching salaries, race entry fees, equipment purchases, etc.  The initial funding of $100,000 is expected to contribute $4,000 – $5,000 per year in perpetuity, but will grow over time with additional donations.

Rowing is an expensive sport, particularly with regards to equipment.  Therefore, in the long-term, we aspire to see Woody’s Memorial Endowment growing to $1,000,000 or more, which would provide annual support to W&M Club Rowing of at least $40,000 – $50,000 at a 5% disbursement rate.  This would provide funds to cover coaches salaries or purchase a new 8+ or 4+ every year plus additional equipment such as oars, coaches launches, etc.

If you would like to donate to the Stephen “Woody” Woodward ’05 Memorial Rowing Endowment, please visit the College’s website and make your donation online (W&M Fund Code #5120).  These donations will have a lasting impact for years into the future, so please consider making your donation today!

Donate to the
Stephen “Woody” Woodward ’05
Memorial Rowing Endowment