We are a 501(c)(3) dedicated to the ongoing support of Wisconsin Women’s Rowing through alumni engagement. We are committed to strengthening, promoting, and sustaining the tradition of both openweight and lightweight programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Our mission is to empower current, future, and former student-athletes by providing financial support, community engagement, mentorship, and advocacy. 

WoWR has been working behind the scenes following the 50th Women’s Rowing Reunion, when alumnae from the openweight and lightweight programs across several decades capitalized on the energy generated by that event. Over the past 12–18 months, that initial momentum has evolved into an official 501(c)3 nonprofit to organize alumnae support and develop a thoughtful, sustainable plan for supporting Wisconsin Women’s Rowing.

WoWR was formed to create a lasting connection between alumnae and the program, while providing a coordinated way for former athletes to give back and help advance the success of current and future generations of Wisconsin rowers.

WoWR provides flexible support to strengthen the competitive success of Wisconsin Women’s Rowing today while building toward the program’s long-term sustainability as the collegiate athletics landscape evolves. Your generous support will fund team operations, equipment, technology and training, staff development, travel and competition opportunities, and initiatives identified by the coaching staff of both squads. We also aim to strengthen connections between current student-athletes and alumnae through mentorship, networking, and engagement opportunities. Together, these investments meet immediate program needs while helping build a stronger, more sustainable future for Wisconsin Women’s Rowing.

POWR is how parents of active student athletes can work together to volunteer their time towards the team at various regattas, or organize items for current student athletes. POWR is also a space for parents to ask questions to other parents and grow a community in helping to aid their athletes in specific moments.

WoWR is focused on supporting active athletes through monetarily supporting the Wisconsin Women's Rowing Programs, while also working to engage and unite our alumni and current athletes together. 

We welcome support and donations from all sources, parents, spouses, siblings, children, employers, etc. 

The Coach Sue Ela Fund for the Future is a quasi-endowment held within the University of Wisconsin Foundation. Because of its affiliation with UW Athletics, the fund has specific parameters governing how its resources may be used. It represents an important part of the long-term vision for supporting and sustaining Wisconsin’s women’s rowing programs.

Women of Wisconsin Rowing (WoWR) is a separate nonprofit organization with a complementary mission. As an independent organization, WoWR has greater flexibility to raise and direct funds toward the current needs and priorities of Wisconsin Women’s Rowing—including opportunities that may extend beyond the programs’ existing operational budgets or fall outside the parameters of the Sue Ela Fund.

WoWR strongly supports the long-term vision behind the Coach Sue Ela Fund and will encourage our community to support it as an important vehicle for the future of both Wisconsin women’s rowing programs.

Together, the two efforts provide different but complementary ways to support Wisconsin Women’s Rowing: the Sue Ela Fund helps build long-term financial strength, while WoWR can provide flexible support for the programs’ current and evolving needs.

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The organization is led by a founding board of directors. Check out our list of officers here!

No fee or application or formal membership, you just need to have rowed on Wisconsin Women’s Rowing Team. “If you had blisters, you belong”. Inclusion is not limited to letterwinners or four-year athletes.

Make sure to update your contact information with us here.

Alumnae & friends of the program can sign up for our newsletter here. 

WoWR is intentionally structured to maintain close communication with the current program while remaining independent. Two non-voting, ex-officio seats on the WoWR Board are reserved for current coaching staff, and the lead coaches of both programs have a standing invitation to attend WoWR meetings. This provides regular communication and insight while maintaining appropriate separation and avoiding potential conflicts of interest.

While some WoWR members may also belong to the W Club, the Athletic Department’s organization for letterwinners, WoWR is a separate organization. We maintain active relationships with the W Club, Athletic Department, and Foundation to ensure our efforts complement the program’s needs and priorities. We also coordinate with the Stewards of 1874, the alumni support organization for Wisconsin Men’s Rowing. 

Check out our Giving page for more detail!

When you donate, you can direct which program your donation goes to in the memo or note (restricted or nonrestricted). We allow you and honor that designation. 

Yes, you can direct which program your donation goes to in the memo or note (restricted or nonrestricted). We allow you and honor that designation. We work with both lightweight and openweight head coaches to determine where program needs overlap or differentiate, as well as providing updates from each program.