Sept. 19, 2008
Washington, D.C. - Georgetown University would like you to come celebrate 50 years of modern-era crew on September 19-21, 2008. The year 1958 was a special year in the history of Georgetown University and its athletics programs. It marked the return of intercollegiate rowing competition to the Hilltop forever. Fifty years later, we now look to celebrate this occasion with the oarsmen of that era, as well as with the rowers from all the intervening years. Join former teammates, friends, coaches, sons and daughters as we assemble the largest gathering of the Georgetown rowing community in the history of the program.
Are you ready for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Georgetown Crew in the modern era? Are you from the pioneering Cadle era? Do you remember calisthenics in McDonough gym? Are you a member of the Society of the Golden Oar or a member of one of the successful lightweight squads? Are you a champion of the Dad Vail? Were you part of the early years of women's crew or a member of one the women championship teams? Do you remember ergathons on the lawn or refrigerators for rent?
We hope everyone who ever put an oar in the water will come home to the Hilltop and the River for the grandest reunion and celebration of Georgetown rowing ever held.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday
Outdoor Reception at Nick's Riverside Grill (6-8 p.m.)
Cash Bar
The first event of the weekend is an outdoor reception at Nick's Riverside Grill in Washington Harbor, fifty meters upriver from Thompson's Boat Center. Get reacquainted with former teammates and meet the current coaches and rowers. Make plans to dine afterward with your fellow rowers at one of the neighboring restaurants in the historic village of Georgetown.
Saturday
Alumni Row (9:30 a.m.)
You've done this before ... Pull yourself out of bed and get down to Thompson's Boat Center along with your teammates for an early morning row. Conditioning is not critical, but if it has been too many years, you can enjoy coffee, doughnuts and the familiar ambience of the Potomac.
Fred & Cynthia's Backyard Barbecue (noon-2 p.m.)
From 1975-94, Georgetown crews at the Dad Vail Regatta were feted to a backyard feast hosted by Fred and Cynthia Pennekamp on the eve of the finals. Don't miss the 50-year picnic on the Georgetown waterfront, courtesy of Fred and Cynthia.
John Glavin's Campus Tour (2:30-4 p.m.)
Georgetown English professor and Hoya alum John Glavin `64 will conduct a special walking tour of the Georgetown campus. Proffesor Glavin's insights and reminiscences of years gone by make this stroll through the grounds unlike any other tour given on campus. The tour will conclude with a memorial mass for our departed rowing brothers and sisters in Wolfington Hall.
Georgetown Crew on Display (3-5:30 p.m.)
Take a few moments before the big Gala to stop by the fifth floor of Lauinger Library where the University Archives is featuring a special exhibit on the history of the crew at Georgetown. This presentation will be on display for one month only, so come in and see it while you can. The exhibit will also be open on Friday until 5 p.m.
Mass of Remembrance (5:15 p.m.)
A mermorial mass for our departed rowing brothers and sisters will be offered by Otto Hentz, S.J. at the Jesuit residence in Wolfington Hall. All are welcome.
Racing Shell Social (6 p.m.)
Start the evening off in a special way on the expanse of lawn in front of McDonough Gymnasium. There you can see a libation with your boat mates as you drift among many of the current shells of Hoya crews. Don't be late or you'll miss the toast in tribute to Timothy S. Healy, S.J., whose support for Georgetown crew and its rowers was legendary. Sponsored by the name on every Hoya shell in our boathouse: Vespoli (Michael '68 and Nancy).
50th Anniversary Gala (7 p.m.)
The one event of the weekend that is a "can't miss" experience ... If you ever wore the blue and gray for Georgetown, the gala celebration dinner on campus at Leo J. O'Donovan S.J. Dining Hall, overlooking the Potomac, is about you. Come and raise a toast to the spirit of the Crew. Never row!
Sunday
Breakfast at Thompson's (All morning)
The annual Head of the Potomac races featuring all of Georgetown's varsity boats in intercollegiate competition on the Potomac starts early Sunday morning. Come down for coffee and doughnuts at Thompson's Boat Center and stay as long as you can. Sponsored by the same folks who have always been there for our rowers; our Hoya rowing parents.
