Our Crowdfunding Groups
Thank you for your interest in donating to MSOE Rowing!
This campaign has ended but if you would still like to support our team, you can make a gift at any time by visiting give.msoe.edu/donate and marking Rowing as your area of support.
The MSOE Men’s Rowing program started in 2007 because of the selfless donations of an anonymous donor and a unique collaboration between MSOE and the Milwaukee Rowing Club. In fall of 2016, six women and their male coxswain began a women’s club team. Both teams became successful quickly. Women's Rowing rose to Varsity status in 2019 with the assistance of philanthropic support. In the fall of 2021, The Women’s team received a welcome addition to their squad as Marissa Castello was hired as their coach.
Most of our rowers have never picked up an oar before starting school at MSOE. This program gives students the opportunity to be involved in athletics and become part of a passionate group of people that build lasting relationships. Our students are 100% committed to the program and that is showcased at every practice and competition.
“Rowing has made my years at MSOE much more enjoyable. Being a part of the rowing team has provided me with numerous friends, comradery, a sense of worth, value, and a way to show my school pride. I can’t imagine life at MSOE any other way without rowing.” – Paul Wichmann ‘19
Rowers are responsible for packing, loading, and transporting all their own equipment as well as unloading and re rigging at the end of the competition. The Varsity Rowers practice daily from 5:00am to 7:30am from August through May while the Freshman/Novice Rowers practice daily from 6:30pm to 8:30pm from the beginning of school through May.
In addition to the rigors of training and competition, the team has partnered with the Milwaukee Rowing Club to offer opportunities to middle school children from the central city through the STEM to Stern program. STEM to Stern offers swimming lessons, transportation, rowing lessons and STEM tutoring.
Once a student graduates their roles change but the new alums continue to stay connected with the team. The Rowing Alumni have established an Alumni Board which assists the team with volunteering, job and internship opportunities, Alumni/ team social events and fundraising.
“Rowing helped to shape the person I am today by instilling discipline and work ethic. As an alumni board member, I see the impact that rowing had on all our alumnae and have the privilege to see the current team members learn and grow. I carry with me the lessons learned and relationships formed from my time on the team, and I will forever be grateful to the MSOE rowing program!”-Rachel Hunter ‘20
While we have some wonderful donors and have been very successful in fundraising - travel and equipment are very expensive. MSOE Rowing is looking to raise funds that will be used to continue to grow the program by providing our students access to the best equipment, coaching and travel opportunities to competitions around the nation. The rowing experience positively affects all the people involved with the program and serves the Milwaukee community. We want to continue to offer this opportunity with the same quality and professionalism that makes it so successful. Thank you for making an impact on our students’ experience. We all really appreciate your continued support.
