Princeton University Athletics
Shea Rowing Center Sets a New Standard
September 13, 2001 | General
Three generations of Princeton rowing enthusiasts gathered on the shores of Lake Carnegie on Oct. 7 for the dedication of the impressive new C. Bernard Shea '16 Rowing Center.
Brilliant sunshine enhanced a colorful scene: approximately 500 current and former rowers, families and friends, most wearing the orange and black T-shirts designed for the occasion, clusters of orange and black balloons decorating the ceremonial pavilion, lustrous orange-and-black banners flying from the boathouse tower, and Lake Carnegie itself, reflecting the autumn foliage along its banks.
Speakers at the event included president Harold T. Shapiro *64, Jeffrey D. Peterson '84, project architect for Architectural Resources Cambridge, Inc., Gary D. Walters '67, director of athletics, and Richard O. Prentke '67, president of the 3,000-strong Princeton University Rowing Association. Prentke noted the "stunning generosity" of Irene C. Shea W'16, whose $4 million gift, with the gifts of 1,200 other donors, made possible the new facility that honors her late husband.
Mrs. Shea herself received a standing ovation and sustained cheers when she rose to speak of "my dear husband" and her desire "to do something to recognize his love for Princeton and his dedication to rowing." Commenting on "the joy in this place," she said, "I owe you a debt of gratitude for the joy you have given me."
The Shea Center blends the traditional and the modern in a manner particularly congenial to Princetonians. The venerable Class of 1887 Boathouse remains, completely renovated, with a striking 13,500-square-foot addition. The entire complex offers state-of-the art facilities and equipment: expanded locker rooms, 60 indoor rowing machines (also known as rowing ergometers), three separate training rooms, offices, an apartment, two new boat bays and a 16-person rowing tank-which provides a stable platform for teaching, as well as a haven from weather that is too inclement. The Shea Center "sets a new standard for collegiate boathouses," according to PURA trustee Bruce Soden '60.
Princeton crew has more than 200 participating undergraduates. It boasts four components: the men's heavyweight crew, the men's lightweight crew, the women's open crew and the women's lightweight crew, each with its own freshman team. Crew is also one of Princeton's most successful sports in competition: Among the four programs, Princeton has won at least one national championship in seven of the last eight years.
by Caroline Moseley