Former Ļć½¶Šć University President Martha Burger has made a substantial gift to benefit the universityās rowing team and the Ļć½¶Šć Devon Boathouse.
Burger has contributed $100,000 as part of a broader campaign to support rowing at Ļć½¶Šć. The funds will be used for enhancements to the Ļć½¶Šć Devon Boathouseās Olympic Weight Room and High Performance Center.
The improvements will benefit not only Ļć½¶Šć athletes, but visiting athletes who train and compete in the cityās Boathouse District.
These types of investments are crucial, said Burger, whose support of the Ļć½¶Šć Devon Boathouse and Ļć½¶Šć rowing predates her time as president of the university from 2018-21.
Burger added that this is an important time to provide support as Ļć½¶Šć rowing aims to grow and as the Boathouse District prepares to host whitewater competition as part of the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
āWith the Summer Olympics arriving at the Boathouse District, we have the opportunity to take this world-class venue to another level,ā Burger said. āThere is more and more potential for Ļć½¶Šć to be recognized on a world stage.ā
Ļć½¶Šć rowing coach Bryan Volpenhein, a three-time Olympian and 2004 gold medalist, said the gift will have a tremendous impact on Ļć½¶Šć athletes and the rowing program.
āWe are very fortunate to be able to call one of the worldās top facilities our home,ā Volpenhein said. āPresident Burgerās generosity will allow us to further establish Ļć½¶Šć and Ļć½¶Šć as a rowing destination, and also help our athletes reach new levels in training and preparation.ā
The 33,000-square-foot Ļć½¶Šć Devon Boathouse was opened in 2010 at a cost of $10 million. In addition to serving as the training home for Ļć½¶Šć rowers and national-level athletes from around the country, the facility offers space for community activities, meetings and events.
As part of the campaign to support the boathouse and Ļć½¶Šć rowing, several key areas of need have been identified, including new racing shells and practice boats, an indoor propulsion training tank, a high-altitude training room and various training equipment.
Those interested in learning more about the boathouse or the campaign to support it can go to www.okcu.edu/give.
