Built in 1875, Penn Rowing’s home on Boathouse Row has launched countless shells over the program’s distinguished history. That legacy is not lost on today’s student-athletes.
Making Waves
The renovation of Penn’s boathouse marks a new era for a storied program
Published: October 27, 2022
“I remember my first year on the team, being in awe of the historic feeling of the old boathouse,” says Quinn Solberg, ENG’23, co-captain of the men’s lightweight rowing team along with Niels Terwiesch, C’23. “With Boathouse Row and being surrounded by the history of Quakers rowing out of Penn’s boathouse, it seemed like we were a part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Although the original facility was a marker of a proud tradition, the passage of time necessitated a revitalization to meet the demands of a top-tier rowing program. Penn Athletics responded to the need by embarking on a substantial renovation, aimed at modernization while preserving its iconic details.
“I love that the new boathouse maintains the same outward-facing architecture that has been an iconic piece of Boathouse Row despite being nearly completely rebuilt,” says Niels Terwiesch. “This is the best boathouse I have ever had the experience of rowing out of and undoubtedly among the best in the country.”
“The new boathouse illustrates how much commitment exists at Penn for excellence amongst our alumni, our current team, and the University as a whole,” says Wes Ng, Head Coach for Women’s Rowing.
Renamed as the Burk-Bergman Boathouse in honor of two legendary coaches, highlights of the renovation include a two-story lobby featuring exhibits and displays from the program’s history; an improved Grand Hall and meeting rooms, creating spaces for community building; and a multipurpose room suited for teaching and training.
“With the original Boathouse built in the late 19th century and multiple additions in subsequent years, it never had a unified layout as it does now,” says Colin Farrell, the Fred W. Leonard Head Coach of Lightweight Rowing.
Success in competitive rowing requires a high level of synchronization, with all team members working in unison during a race. Penn Athletics harnessed those qualities of teamwork and coordination through a fundraising effort that raised $12.6 million from more than 200 donors, including many Penn Rowing alumni.
Rowing was the best part of my undergraduate days at Penn. It gave me a community and shared values. I was motivated to support this renovation both by the experience I had as an athlete and by the legacy that is Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, architecturally and as part of a vibrant urban community.”Daphne Klausner, CGS’88, G’93, PAR’18, Co-Chair of the Friends of Penn Rowing Board
“Being a member of a nationally ranked rowing program filled me with pride and confidence as an undergraduate. Balancing the demands of a rigorous academic curriculum with competing each and every day cemented in me a drive to be my best,” adds John Glomb, C’94, WG’02, a member of the Friends of Penn Rowing Board. “This renovation provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance Penn Rowing’s recruiting profile while at the same time providing an exceptional facility that naturally contributes to the broader student-athlete experience for current and future men and women of this great program.”
Farrell emphasizes that state-of-the-art athletic facilities play a crucial role in recruiting top scholar-athletes. “The boathouse showcases Penn’s history and pride in our rowing programs. To me, it is a clear message on how well supported our teams are, how engaged our alumni are, and how important rowing is at Penn,” he says.
“It is a stunning medium for student-athletes and recruits to imagine their futures at Penn,” adds Ng.
Alanna Shanahan, T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W’69 Director of Athletics and Recreation, joined roughly 350 alumni and supporters to celebrate a new era for Penn Rowing at the opening of the Burk-Bergman Boathouse on Saturday, October 15. Many more visitors toured the new facility throughout the day.
As the new facility stands as an impressive presence on Boathouse Row, it also signifies the powerful bonds that are created through spirited competition and lifelong loyalty.
“On our team, we often talk about how we are a family, supporting each other in athletics, academics, and all aspects of life,” says Quinn. “The continued support from our alumni shows that this family doesn’t end when we graduate. It is something that brings a wide group of people together for the rest of their lives.”
“As an athlete, it’s meaningful to see our alumni maintain their support even after their tenure at Penn,” adds Niels. “This program is built on the success of previous generations, and we’re proud that this renovation can support the program’s future.”
