Pulling together
In Fall of 2023, a small group of women’s rowing alumnae started planning for a non-profit alumnae organization.
This group sought to continue the sense of community in the 50th anniversary celebration in 2022. The alumnae involved in planning that celebration put significant work into curating and updated our alumnae list.
We still are seeking current contact information for many alumnae (2,000 athletes and growing!) so if you aren’t hearing from us, please fill out the contact survey.
The immediate goals of this organization are:
- Communicate about the current program and alumnae
- Provide opportunities to gather in person
- Fundraise and financially supporting the team
Questions? Ideas? Want to contribute your time or treasure? In Madison and want to hop in a launch or come to the boathouse? Reach out to
Women of Wisconsin Rowing, Inc established in Spring 2026
Women of Wisconsin Rowing, Inc is now a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
WoWR is lead by a Board of Directors that represents a cross-section of our alumnae community – across the five decades of the program, both the lightweight and openweight programs (and the era where there was just one), and whether you rowed for a year, all 4, or went on to compete on the elite level.
These efforts will complement the Sue Ela Fund for the Future which is administered by the University of Wisconsin Foundation, and focused on the long view.
Most recently, the Sue Ela fund helped purchase the newest lightweight shell, the Heidi Hunsburger ‘09, which is being christened in Fall 2026 during the celebration of 30 years of lightweight rowing at Wisconsin.