JEFFERSON DAD VAIL REGATTA 86TH ANNUAL Friday, May 9–Saturday, May 10, 2025 Pennsauken, NJ | Cooper River
We’ve been preparing students for the future of work for over 200 years. Jefferson offers programs in architecture, business, design, engineering, fashion & textiles, health, medicine, nursing, science and social science. At Thomas Jefferson University, we launch designers, thinkers, healers and leaders. Jefferson.edu/RedefinePossible SOME EXAMPLES OF OUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE: – Industrial Design – Organizational Leadership – Physical Therapy – Landscape Architecture – Speech-language Pathology – Fashion Design – MBA – Occupational Therapy – Engineering
Dear Regatta Participants and Enthusiasts, We are so delighted to welcome you to this year’s Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. It is such an exciting time for the athletes participating, and for the family, friends, classmates, and fans cheering them on! Indeed, this has been a year full of excitement for the Jefferson community. We concluded our bicentennial celebration, commemorating the University’s 200-year legacy of innovation and leadership in higher education, health care and community service. Our students, staff, and faculty marked that legacy with another milestone: collectively performing more than 200,000 hours of volunteer engagement and public service with the people and communities of Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. 2025 began our third century, and we are determined to broaden and deepen our impact. Like the athletes competing in this Regatta, we are constantly striving to move forward, continuously working to reach our full potential. As individuals and as collaborators, we are seeking answers to society’s biggest questions and solutions to our world’s most intractable problems. Like the teams in the Regatta, we too are pursuing ambitious goals. In our case, that means ensuring that a Jefferson education delivers enduring value for our students; that our graduates are prepared to capitalize on the new opportunities that dynamic times create; and are thus able to succeed throughout their professional careers. In short, Jefferson is striving to redefine possible. And we are proud to be closely associated with the Dad Vail athletes who carry that same spirit of possibility and embody a Jeffersonian commitment to collaboration in the pursuit of excellence. We extend our congratulations to everyone participating in the 2025 Regatta. Susan C. Aldridge, PhD President, Thomas Jefferson University to the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta! ARCHITECTURE | BUSINESS | DESIGN | ENGINEERING | FASHION & TEXTILES | HEALTH | MEDICINE | NURSING | SCIENCE | SOCIAL SCIENCE WELCOME
2025 CAMDEN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS The Board of Commissioners is proud and honored to host the 86th annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta on the Cooper River in the award-winning Camden County Parks System. In 2023, the event moved from its typical venue at the Schuylkill River National Racecourse, to the waters of Cooper River Park and each year since, the event has brought thousands of fans and athletes to Camden County. We are humbled that for the third year in a row, Camden County will be hosting the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta and we are incredibly grateful that the Board of Directors of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee chose our world-renowned venue once again as the location for this prestigious event. Cooper River Park in Pennsauken is home to many prestigious rowing events and boasts a world-class, Olympic-distance, 2000-meter narrow and sheltered straightaway. Cooper River Park encompasses 346 acres through Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Collingswood, and Haddon Township. In addition to the boathouse, the park has several top-quality amenities for visitors to enjoy which includes: a brand new skatepark, a newly renovated children’s playground with pavilions, a softball field, a cross-country course, the Camden County Driving Range, the Cooper River Yacht Club, bike trails, Jack Curtis Stadium, a track, picnic areas, Veterans Island, a brand-new dog park, a bocce court and more. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to Cooper River Park for another wonderful weekend at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. Camden County Board of Commissioners LOUIS CAPPELLI, JR. DIRECTOR EDWARD T. MCDONNELL DEPUTY DIRECTOR JENNIFER FLEISHER VIRGINIA BETTERIDGE AL DYER JEFFREY L. NASH JONATHAN L. YOUNG, SR. Welcome LETTER OF
Harry Emerson Vail, a former rower, captain (1892-93) and assistant coach at Harvard for seven years, was hired at Wisconsin after E. R. Sweetland, former Cornell rower, resigned after only three winter months on the job. Vail immediately made an impact on the Badger rowers, as chronicled by the Wisconsin State Journal of March 11, 1911, “All of the crew men like the strapping giant, who peels o his citizen clothes and gets into the gym suit to show them how to operate an oar in a shell.” A year later, Vail's varsity placed second to Cornell by only three seconds over four miles at the Poughkeepsie Regatta. Over the summer of 1914, the UWmedical faculty and the Athletic Council decided to ban crew as causing an enlarged heart and therefore being a danger to the athletes. Vail a nationally known sculler and coach, was therefore forced to bide his time at Wisconsin and wait ten more years before returning to the Hudson to compete again in the Poughkeepsie Regatta. His perseverance kept a national crew perspective at Madison. Later studies proved the heart, a muscle, enlarges like any other exercised muscle, and that rowers showed a lower risk of premature death over their lifetimes than non-athletes. During this period, crew became a club sport for some of the years and, after the ban was removed for the 1920-21 season, returned to shortcourse races against other colleges for the balance of the years. Vail is credited by all for maintaining a campus spirit for the sport of crew and for helping to bring it back to varsity status in the early 1920's. e truth is, crew would probably have never died completely, given the inherent advantages to the sport on a Madison campus situated between two large lakes. In 1924, Vail returned to the Hudson River and his varsity eight again took 2nd place at the Poughkeepsie Regatta. During the 1920's, Vail would host opposing crews and coaches that would touch him or Wisconsin in later years. Future Wisconsin coaches-Washington rowers Mike Murphy and Norm Sonju, rowed in Madison in the 1920's against Vail-coached Wisconsin crews. Washington Coach “Rusty” Callow (later a Penn and, nally, the Navy head crew coach)visited Madison with his crews in 1927 and was so moved by Vail's warmth, humor and humility, that he would later initiate, in 1934, the rst “Dad” Vail trophy in a regatta that later o cially became the “Dad” Vail Regatta. It is today the largest collegiate regatta in the nation, attracting men's and women's Division II crews and new crew programs from Division I colleges. When “Dad” Vail died in his native Canada in 1928, Wisconsin State Journal Sports Editor, Henry J. McCormick, who rowed for Vail, wrote of his mentor's death, he “never had a more abiding a ection for anyone” than he felt for Vail. Meet “Dad” Vail
DAD VAIL REGATTA ORGANIZING COMMITTEE OFFICERS JOHN R. GALLOWAY Chairman KIRSTEN L. MORASCO President JAMES R. HANNA Past President KEVIN F. BACKE Vice President PATRICK MCCANN Vice President/Treasurer BRADEN J. NEGAARD Vice President PAUL SAVELL Vice President JOHN F. LEONARD Regatta Secretary PATRICIA A. WINTON Recording Secretary JOHN MUSIAL Treasurer DIRECTORS BRIAN A. BAPTISTE WILLIAM BRADSHAW MICHIEL BARTMAN AMY R. CAMPBELL THOMAS G. DELUTIS DON DIJULIA LARRY DOUGHERTY THOMAS FEASTER WILLIAM K. JURGENS, JR. MORRIE LEDWITH ASIYA MAHMUD LOU MCCORMICK GREGORY MONTANARO JOSEPH MURPHY M.D. JOHN MUSIAL BRADEN J. NEGAARD CHRISTOPHER L. O’BRIEN, JR. LAUREN M. VIDAS PAUL SAVELL REGATTA MANAGERS JOHN MUSIAL Chief Referee KATE GODWIN Co-Chief Referee CHRISTA MUSIAL Director of Registration MARY LEDWITH Chief Medical Official MORRIE LEDWITH Dock Master Director TRICIA WINTON Director of Volunteers ATHLETE AWARDS AND RECOGNITION COLLEEN LAWSON PAYTON MORASCO KAREN O’BRIEN PATRICK O’BRIEN KEN SHAW VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CORINNE MURPHY TOM O’KEEFE RIVER MARSHALS JOHN LEONARD TOM FEASTER DAVE KACALA MICHAEL CIPOLLONE PETER MCNAMARA REFEREES JOHN MUSIAL Chief Referee KATE GODWIN Co-Chief Referee CINDY WHITEHEAD ISABELLE GREENBERG GAYLE RICHARDSON DAN JOES ANDRES CARAZO VINCE FITZPATRICK TOM RORER MIKE MURPLHY ED FAGAN LEEANNE DILUCCA KATHLEEN DAMEO LIND BAITTY DENNIS SMITH SHARON COLLINS SUSAN SCHMIDT JIM HOWLEY BOB KANZLER DENNIS STREEBEL TOM MANNLE JOHN KOWAL RUTH MACNAMARA JOAN SHOLL JOE KIEFER TOM TACNER LORRAINE BALTZER SCOTT WOODWORTH DAN HARMON JIM MURRAY JOHN RHEE KEN SCOTT TONY DENOFA MICHEALA CAMPBELL AUGIE MEROLLE ELLEN MACNAMARA VINCE CROCE LIVE STREAMING SUZE DIPIETRO BILL JURGENS MEGAN KALMOE JOE LEONARD NOLEN MORASCO BRAD NEGAARD ANNETTE NEGAARD GERRY PATERSON WHITNEY POWELL TOM O’KEEFE ATHLETE HOSPITALITY MARY LEDWITH AINSLEY MORASCO VIRGINIA CONWAY MARY MCDONNELL DANA MCGOVERN DOLORES LEDWITH ABIGAIL LEDWITH ANNE LEONARD MERCEDES WILLIAMS REGATTA OPERATIONS KEVIN BACKE MORRIE LEDWITH JOHN LEONARD PAT MCCANN JOHN MUSIAl BRAD NEGAARD RICK YELLIS PROGRAM PRODUCER STUART FRANKS WEB SITE MANAGER JON BERNSTEIN JUDGES AT FINISH BOB CLARKE LOU MCCORMICK, III LAUNCH AREA MORRIE LEDWITH JACK CONLIN JOHN JUGLER DIANE GODOROV REGATTA HOSPITALITY KATIE BACKE GIGI BACKE ALUMNI RELATIONS RICK YELLIS PRESS RELATIONS ED LEVIN SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING GIGI BACKE MADDOX STONE PHOTOGRAPHY CORINNE MURPHY RESULTS KEVIN BACKE DEBBIE CORNATZER LOU MCCORMICK III REGISTRATION CHRISTA MUSIAL KAT MUSIAL JUDY KAPLOW TIMING SYSTEM JASON MOODY STREAMING VIDEO FIVE TRIBES CINEMA PRODUCTIONS COLIN STEWART LED WALL AND STREAMING AUDIO APA MUSIC-PICTURES WEATHER MONITOR ANDREW SHIPOTOFSKY IT CONSULTANT DAVE KEPHART THE COACHES COMMITTEE CHRIS O’BRIEN (CHAIR) MICHIEL BARTMAN MIKE LANE STEVE WAGNER PRESTON WEINARD LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE MOORESTOWN ROWING CLUB PARA COORDINATOR TAYLOR ROBERTS SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR TIME REGATTAOfficials
The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee established “Friends of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta,” a membership supported endeavor, to rally both long-time and new fans of North America’s largest collegiate rowing regatta. Friends of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta accept financial gifts from individuals and groups to strengthen the financial underpinnings of an unparalleled rowing tradition that began in 1934 and has become an iconic Philadelphia regional event. To join the Friends of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta and make a financial gift, go to www.dadvail.org and click on the Donate Now button. Become a Friend of the JEFFERSON DAD VAIL REGATTA
Cuthbert Blvd Rt. 130 START FINISH 1500m 1000m 500m Cuthbert Blvd. S. Park Drive Rt. 70 Cuthbert Parking Main Concourse Race Course & FOOD COURT LEGEND S. Park Drive N. Park Drive Cuthbert Blvd Rt. 130 Browning Rd Crew / Trailer Dock 2 Dock 1 S. Park Drive N. Park Drive Rt. 130 Browning Rd Officials Parking Camden County Boathouse Boathouse McClellan Ave. Browning Rd. Dock 4 S. Park Drive N. Park Drive Cuthbert Blvd Rt. 130 Browning Rd Boat / Team Storage Dock 3 Alumni Village Crew / Trailer VIP Parking Finish Line Tower Grand Stands LaScala’s Birra N. Park Drive Donahue Ave. LEGEND Music Platform Awards Dock Athlete’s Fueling Station 6 5 4 3 2 1 Awards Tent N. Park Drive
Adrian College Andy Willmer American University Crew Team Jorge Galindo Boston College Genevieve Perrella Brock Rowing Club Katie Bruggeling Bryant University Stephanie Ricker Bryn Mawr College Catherine Ely Catholic University of America Katie O’Driscoll Carnegie Mellon University Rowing Club Adam Herrick Clarkson University Crew Club Boris Jukic Colgate University Rowing Khaled Sanad Dominican College Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky Drexel University Men’s Crew Matt Weaver Drexel University Women’s Rowing Paul Savell Fairfield University Rowing David Patterson Florida Institute Technology Adam Thorstad Fordham University Rebecca Gronsdahl GCRA Para rowing Joshua Sommers George Mason University Joe Richards Georgetown University Kendall Mulligan Georgia Tech Rowing Club Anna Denissiouk Gordon College Madeline Hopkins Haverford College Crew Sara Fakhry Jacksonville University Rowing Mike Lane LaSalle University Women Brian Perkins LaSalle University Men Ivo Krakic Lafayette College Crew Club Rick Kelliher Loyola University Rowing Megan Patrick Marietta College Abby Klicker Marietta College Greg Myhr Marist College Thomas Sanford Massachusetts Institute of Technology Amelia Patton Will Oliver Mercyhurst University Adrian Spracklen 2025COACHES You are cordially invited to attend The President’s Press Conference in recognition of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Friday, May 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. to be convened in the Camden County Boathouse Located at 7050 N. Park Drive, Pennsauken Township, NJ 08109 The winners of the 22nd Annual Art Poster Contest will also be honored! #001 presented by
Merrimack College Andrew Finch Middlebury College Crew Rich Connell Monmouth University Scott Belford Oklahoma City University Rowing Bryan Volpenhein Penn State Crew Lila Caton Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing Jeff McGinnis Robert Morris University Robert Weber Rochester Institute of Technology Carol Schoenecker Rollins College Crew Shawn Pistor Saint Joseph’s University Mike Irwin Saint Joseph’s University Gerald Quinlan Simmons College Andrii Ivanchuck Stetson University Crew Jamie Francis Stockton University Chris O’Brien Temple University Brendan Cunningham Thomas Jefferson University Michiel Bartman Trent University Rowing Jacey Mabee U. S. Merchant Marine Academy Derek Hartwick U. S. Military Academy Crew Tom Babbitt Union College Tomas White University at Albany Kim Chavers University of California-Berkeley Lightweight Rowing Annette Leber University of Delaware Men’s Crew John Williams University of Maryland Crew Anthony van Rheenan University of Pittsburgh Jacquelyn Rice University of Rhode Island Tim Nesselrodt University of Southern California John Wojkiewicz University of Tampa Bill Dunlap University of Vermont Victoria Edwards-White Villanova Wildcat Rowing Association Carissa Adams Washington College Alex Kincaid Western University Matthew Waddell William & Mary Rebecca Newman Wilmington Rowing Center William Beardwood &SCHOOLS
Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee SAFESPORT POLICY Effective as of January 1, 2015 Condensed SafeSport Policy (For Entire Policy and Program See Website www.dadvail.org) DVROC’s SafeSport program is designed to insure athlete safety and promote an environment free from six forms of prohibited conduct to include actual or alleged bullying, hazing, harassment (including sexual harassment), emotional misconduct, physical misconduct and sexual misconduct (including child sexual abuse). REPORTING AN INCIDENT Any person who has been a party to, or witness to any one or more of the six prohibited acts of misconduct shall prepare a written report and deliver a copy to two DVROC Officials at two, separate meetings. DVROC Officials, who can be recognized by their Gold colored jackets, circulate throughout the Regatta on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the Regatta weekend. All reports shall always be treated as confidential, shall be clearly marked as confidential, shall contain the name of the person who prepared the report, and the date and time of the alleged incident, the name(s) of the victim(s), the specific prohibition which has been violated, and the date and time the report has been provided to each of the two DVROC Official, as well as the printed and signed name of the two DVROC Officials who received copies of the report. A record of all information shall be maintained by the victim or the victim’s advocate. Due to the sensitive nature of any reported alleged incident, circulation shall be strictly limited to those parties with a specific “need to know.” For final disposition of any alleged incident, DVROC Officials will refer the matter to, and furnish the subject report to the Chief Referee who is always a US Rowing Licensed Referee, who shall be responsible to follow appropriate incident reporting receipt of any report to the President of DVROC, who shall assume for responsibility for providing notification to the proper authorities. In the event of an emergency or there exists a need for anonymity, hot line phone numbers follow: 610.213.0939 – DVROC, President, Kirsten Ledwith Morasco 610.952.4293 – DVROC, Immediate Past President, J.R, Hanna DRONE RULE Permission to use any drone at the Dad Vail Regatta must be approved, in writing, in advance of the first day of the Regatta, by DVROC and by the Chief Referee. Anyone seeking to operate a drone at the Dad Vail Regatta must petition for permission prior to the event. This petition shall include times, area of operation, operator name and contact information as well as the specific location from where the drone shall be operated. Any drone operating at the Regatta without proper approval will be grounded. The crew associated with the outlaw drone may be penalized. CAPSIZE RULE Any crew that capsizes in the marshalling area, starting line or while racing will not be permitted to compete. If a crew capsizes while rowing to the start (outside the marshalling area) they will be permitted to compete provided all of the athletes and the related equipment are deemed to be in good condition. No races will be delayed due to a capsize event. Capsize and Drone Rules Capsize Rule Any crew that capsizes in the marshalling area, starting line or while racing will be Drone Rule Permission to use any drone at the Dad Vail Regatta must be approved, in writing, in advance of the rst day of the Regatta, by DVROC and by the Chief Referee. Anyone seeking to operate a drone at the Dad Vail Regatta must petition for permission prior to the event. is petition shall include times, area of operation, operator name and contact information as well as the speci c location from where the drone shall be operated. Any drone operating at the Regatta without proper approval will be grounded. e crew associated with the outlaw drone may be penalized.
1. LaSalle University 2. Drexel University 3. Florida Institute of Technology 4. Temple University 5. Rollins College Crew 6. Fairfield University Rowing 7. U nited States Coast Guard Academy 8. Jacksonville University Rowing 9. U niversity of Delaware – Men’s Crew 10. Loyola University 11. Colgate University 12. Penn State Crew Alumni 13. Marist College Crew 14. Saint Joseph’s University Alumni TENTS
A History of the The Dad Vail Regatta is rich in history and traditions which make it unlike any other regatta in the country. The historical beginning in 1934 would not have been possible without the insights and unselfish leadership of its founders, Russel Stanley “Rusty” Callow and Lev Brett, the architect. Callow first saw the need to provide a regatta for programs which did not have the resources to compete at the highest level and for emerging programs not ready to compete at the highest level. With stops at the University of Washington (1922-1927); the University of Pennsylvania (1927-1950); and the United States Naval Academy (1950-1959) where he coached the 1952 Olympic gold medal eight, Callow wanted to hold a race for his colleague and friend Harry Emerson “Dad” Vail. For the first race in 1934, Callow donated a trophy called the “Dad” Vail Trophy in honor of his friend who at the time was the coach at the University of Wisconsin which had limited resources, less than adequate workout space, and no indoor rowing tank. Callow wrote that Harry Emerson “Dad” Vail was a beloved person. He was called dad by his rowers and epitomized what the Dad Vail Regatta stands for in his caring for people, his display of sportsmanship, and his positive and persevering attitude. (U. T. Bradley, circa 1961). After the Dad Vail Regatta began in 1934, the founding members realized structure was needed for the regatta to grow and better serve its constituents. In 1939 the Dad Vail Regatta became organized with a slate of officers and a constitution thanks in large part to Lev Brett, who had the impetus for the formation and as a result the regatta became known as the Dad Vail Rowing Association. Another important change for the regatta came in 1989 when they became a 501(c)(3) so volunteers could be protected from the risks associated with being a part of the Dad Vail Regatta; this was a relatively new protection granted by the state of Pennsylvania for incorporated organizations. With this needed change, the Dad Vail Regatta’s corporate identity became the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee. The Dad Vail Regatta and its leadership have changed over the years but the basic principle of providing a regatta that serves the interests and needs of all rowing programs has remained consistent throughout its history. The most recent change is having its first female President, Kirsten Ledwith Morasco to continue in the tradition of great leaders. Morasco exemplifies the importance of volunteerism and family involvement in running the Dad Vail Regatta. Her father, Matt Ledwith, long term Dad Vail Official, introduced his children to the enjoyment and rewards of working with other volunteers. Other outstanding leaders who preceded Morasco were Lev Brett (1939-1950), Anthony Savarese (1950-1952), Jim Nesworthy (1952-1954), Jack Bratten (1954-1966), Richard O’Brien (1966-1971), Tom Conville (1971-1977), Jack Galloway (1977-2001), and most recently Jim Hanna (2001-2023). The featured event of the Dad Vail Regatta has been the men’s and women’s varsity heavyweight eight. Throughout its history, which spans over eight and a half decades, five rowing programs helped develop their crews by competing in the Dad Vail Regatta before moving on to the IRA. These programs were Rutgers University with seven wins (1935-1942), Boston University with four victories (1947-1950), Dartmouth College with two (1954-1955), Brown University with three (1959-1961), and Northeastern University with one (1965). Marietta College won the first Dad Vail Regatta in 1934. The following year, Rutgers University began its seven-year win streak until the event had to be put on hold for four years (1943-1946) because of World War II. The success of Rutgers University in the 30s and 40s resulted in the retiring of the first “Dad” Vail Trophy to Rutgers, which coincided with Rutgers advancing to the IRA. In 1947 Lev Brett, Chair of the Board of Stewards, provided the second Dad Vail trophy which he presented to Head Coach James Nesworthy By Bill Jurgens You are cordially invited to attend The President’s Press Conference in recognition of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Friday, May 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. to be convened in the Camden County Boathouse Located at 7050 N. Park Drive, Pennsauken Township, NJ 08109 The winners of the 22nd Annual Art Poster Contest will also be honored! #001 presented by
Dad Vail Regatta of Boston University. In the 50s, LaSalle University twice won three consecutive men’s varsity eight races for a total of six victories (1951-1953 and 1956-1958). The 60s saw Georgetown University and Marietta College fighting it out for dominance with Georgetown winning four times (1962, 1964, 1968, and 1969) and Marietta with three victories (1963, 1967, and 1968). The 70s saw the emergence of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy who won six times (1972, and 1975-1979), The 80s began the long-term dominance of Temple University with six victories (1983-1987, and 1989) and Florida Tech (FIT) followed with two wins (1982 and 1988). The 90s were a complete dominance by Temple’s men’s varsity eight (1990-1999). The first decade of the 2000s saw three programs with at least two wins; Temple University with four (2000-2001 and 2003-2004), University of Michigan with two (2005 and 2009), and Purdue University with two (20072008). In the 2010’s decade, there were three programs with two victories; University of Michigan (2010 and 2011), Florida Tech (2015 and 2016), and Drexel University (2013 and 2017). The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the 2020s-decade, Temple won in 2021 before Drexel registered three victories (2022, 2023 and 2024). The Dad Vail Regatta introduced women’s rowing competition in 1976 with the varsity eight as the featured event. Ithaca College won two out of the four varsity eight races in the 70s (1976 and 1979). In the 80s, Western Ontario won three times (1981,1982 and 1989) with the University of New Hampshire winning two (1985 and 1986). The only team in the 90s to win more than once was Temple University with two (1994 and 1996). The first decade of the 2000s saw the University of Massachusetts winning twice (2002 and 2003). In the 2010’s decade, the University of Massachusetts won three times (2014-2016) and Boston University won twice (2018 and 2019). The Dad Vail Regatta was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the 2020s-decade, Drexel University won in 2021, Princeton University won in 2022, Boston University won in 2023, and Drexel won in 2024. The Jack Bratten Overall Point Trophy was established in 1967 to recognize the men’s overall champion, which in 1976 became the combined men’s and women’s overall champion. With the expansion of teams and events two additional all-point trophies were established in 1986: the Nancy J. Seitz Women’s All-Point Trophy and the Dr. Thomas Kerr Men’s All-Point Trophy. The traditions and practices of the Dad Vail Regatta are a big part of its success. A banquet is held on Friday evening following racing action to recognize volunteers for their service; to celebrate the 25th and 50th anniversary winners of the men’s and women’s varsity eights and to recognize the Coach of the Year along with the Volunteer of the Year. Volunteers who have been with the regatta for five years receive a Dad Vail Regatta Lapel Pin and volunteers who have been with the regatta for 10 years receive their highly coveted Gold Jacket. Another important tradition is showing appreciation for the communities surrounding the regatta by hosting an art poster contest for high school students and providing paid internships for the underrepresented population of local college students. It has always been a goal of the Dad Vail Regatta to provide the coaches and studentathletes with an experience that will last for a lifetime. References: Historical information provided by Jim Hanna, past president, Jack Galloway, past president and chair, and Ed Levin, Director of Publicity; U. T. Bradley (circa 1961). The Dad Vail Story. The Rollins Press, Inc.; and Ralph Lindamood (1994). Marietta Crew: A History of Rowing at Marieta College; and the Dad Vail Regatta web site.
THE HISTORY OFWinners OF REGATTA Men’s Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT EIGHT 1934 Marietta 1935-42 Rutgers 1947-50 Boston U. 1951-53 La Salle 1954-55 Dartmouth 1956-58 La Salle 1959-61 Brown 1962 Georgetown 1963 Marietta 1964 Georgetown 1965 Northeastern 1966-67 Marietta 1968-69 Georgetown 1970 Saint Joseph’s U. 1971 Georgetown 1972 U.S. Coast Guard 1973-74 Massachusetts 1975-79 U.S. Coast Guard 1980 Massachusetts 1981 U.S. Coast Guard 1982 Florida I.T. 1983-87 Temple 1988 Florida I.T. 1989-01 Temple 2002 Dowling 2003-04 Temple 2005 Michigan U. 2006 Marietta 2007 Purdue 2008 Purdue 2009 Michigan U. 2010 Brock U. 2011 Michigan U. 2012 Michigan U. 2013 Drexel 2014 U. Massachusetts 2015 Florida I.T. 2016 Florida I.T. 2017 Drexel 2018 Temple 2019 Colgate 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Temple 2022 Drexel 2023 Drexel 2024 Drexel Women's Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT EIGHT 1976 Ithaca 1977 Western Ontario 1978 Wesleyan 1979 Ithaca 1980 Trinity 1981 Western Ontario 1982 Western Ontario 1983 Georgetown 1984 Minnesota 1985 New Hampshire 1986 New Hampshire 1987 Georgetown 1988 Minnesota 1989 Western Ontario 1990 Western Ontario 1991 U. Virginia 1992 U. S. Naval Academy 1993 Georgetown 1994 Temple 1995 U. Michigan 1996 Temple 1997 Western Ontario 1998 Purdue 1999 Villanova 2000 Villanova 2001 Boston College 2002 U. Massachusetts 2003 U. Massachusetts 2004 Sacramento State 2005 U. Connecticut 2006 Saint Joseph’s U. 2007 Purdue 2008 Cal. Davis 2009 Grand Valley 2010 Cal. Sacramento 2011 Purdue 2012 Duke 2013 Grand Valley 2014 U. Massachusetts 2015 U. Massachusetts 2016 U. Massachusetts 2017 Drexel 2018 Boston U. 2019 Boston U. 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Drexel 2022 Princeton 2023 Boston U. 2024 Drexel Women's Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT 8 DIV II 2005 Barry 2006 Barry 2008 Dowling 2009 Mercyhurst U. 2010 Mercyhurst U. 2011 Mercyhurst U. 2012 Mercyhurst U. 2013 Barry 2014 Nova Southeastern 2015 Barry 2016 Barry 2017 Central Oklahoma 2018 UC San Diego 2019 Florida Tech 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Mercyhurst U. 2022 Mercyhurst U. 2023 Embry Riddle 2024 Mercyhurst Women's Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT 8 DIV III 2004 Marietta 2007 U. Rochester 2008 Dowling 2011 Marietta 2012 Marietta 2013 U. Rochester 2014 Marietta 2015 Marietta 2016 Ithaca 2017 Coast Guard 2019 Vassar 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Stockton 2022 Bryn Mawr 2023 Stockton 2024 Rochester Tech Men’s Varsity LIGHTWEIGHT EIGHT 1971 Marietta 1972 U.S. Coast Guard 1973 Marietta 1974 Drexel 1975 Florida I.T. 1976 U.S. Coast Guard 1977 La Salle 1978 Toronto 1979 Western Ontario 1980 Trinity 1981 Trinity 1982 British Columbia 1983 Florida I.T. 1984 Rhode Island 1985 U.S. Coast Guard 1986 New Hampshire 1987 Florida I.T. 1988 Georgetown 1989 Georgetown 1990 Georgetown 1991 Rochester 1992 Western Ontario 1993 Western Ontario 1994 Marietta 1995 Toronto 1996 Florida I.T. 1997 Saint Joseph’s U. 1998 Florida I.T. 1999 Saint Joseph’s U. 2000 Purdue 2001 Villanova 2002 Fordham 2003 Delaware 2004 Boston College 2005 Boston College 2006 Georgia Tech 2007 Georgia Tech 2008 Fordham 2009 Delaware 2010 Mercyhurst 2011 Mercyhurst 2012 Mercyhurst 2013 Delaware 2014 M.I.T. 2015 Delaware 2016 Mercyhurst 2017 Delaware 2018 Mercyhurst 2019 Mercyhurst 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Mercyhurst 2022 M.I.T. 2023 M.I.T. 2024 M.I.T. DAD VAIL You are cordially invited to attend The President’s Press Conference in recognition of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Friday, May 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. to be convened in the Camden County Boathouse Located at 7050 N. Park Drive, Pennsauken Township, NJ 08109 The winners of the 22nd Annual Art Poster Contest will also be honored! #001 presented by
Women's Varsity LIGHTWEIGHT EIGHT 1986 Lowell 1987 George Washington 1988 Cincinnati 1989 Washington U. 1990 George Washington 1991 Central Florida 1992 Florida I.T. 1993 Western Ontario 1994 Central Florida 1995 Central Florida 1996 Villanova 1997 Villanova 1998 Villanova 1999 Delaware 2000 U. Massachusetts 2001 Delaware 2002 Delaware 2003 Bucknell 2004 Purdue 2005 Dayton 2006 Dayton 2007 Ohio State 2008 Central Florida 2009 Bucknell 2010 U. Massachusetts 2011 Bucknell 2012 Bucknell 2013 Bucknell 2014 M.I.T. 2015 M.I.T. 2016 M.I.T. 2017 Boston U. 2019 Georgetown 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2024 Georgetown Men’s Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT FOUR 1979 Purdue 1980 Minnesota 1981 Marietta 1982 Tampa 1983 Tampa 1984 Ohio State 1985 Ohio State 1986 George Washington 1987 Minnesota 1988 Miami 1989 Michigan 1990 Connecticut C. 1991 La Salle 1992 British Columbia 1993 Jacksonville 1994 Florida I.T. 1995 Florida I.T. 1996 Minnesota 1997 Minnesota 1998 Minnesota 1999 Dowling 2000 Bowdoin 2001 Bowdoin 2002 Minnesota 2003 Grand Valley 2004 Georgia U. 2005 Dowling 2006 U. Cal Long Beach 2007 Dowling 2008 St. Thomas 2009 Dowling 2010 Grand Valley 2011 Georgia Tech 2012 Western Ontario 2013 Florida I.T. 2014 Colgate U. 2015 Brock U. 2016 Georgia Tech 2017 Georgia Tech 2018 Lafayette 2019 Oklahoma City 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Oklahoma City 2022 Florida I.T. 2023 Fairfield U. 2024 Drexel Women's Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT FOUR 1979 Central Florida 1980 West Virginia 1981 Wichita State 1982 Florida I.T. 1983 Simmons 1984 U.S. Coast Guard 1985 U.S. Coast Guard 1986 U.S. Coast Guard 1987 U.S. Coast Guard 1988 Kansas 1989 Central Florida 1990 George Washington 1991 McGill 1992 Western Ontario 1993 Vassar 1994 Western Ontario 1995 Minnesota 1996 Western Ontario 1997 Fordham 1998 Fordham 1999 Fordham 2000 Robert Morris 2001 Western Virginia 2002 Dowling 2003 Bowdoin 2004 Dowling 2005 Bowdoin 2006 Penn State 2007 San Diego 2008 Jacksonville 2009 Cal-Irvine 2010 Western Ontario 2011 Villanova 2012 Drake 2013 Western Ontario 2014 Bowdoin 2015 U. Massachusetts 2016 U. Massachusetts 2017 Lafayette 2018 Florida Tech 2019 Boston U. 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Princeton A 2022 Wisconsin 2023 Florida Tech 2024 Florida Tech Women's Varsity HEAVYWEIGHT 4 DIV II & III 2012 Nova Southeastern 2013 Bowdoin 2014 Humboldt 2015 Barry U. 2016 Barry U. 2017 Humboldt 2018 Barry U. 2019 Florida Tech 2020 Pandemic Cancellation 2021 Mercyhurst 2022 Embry Riddle 2023 Mercyhurst 2024 Tampa You are cordially invited to atte The President’s Press Confe in recognition of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regat Friday, May 10, 2024 at 9:00 a to be convened in the Camden County Boathous Located at 7050 N. Park Drive, Pennsauken Township, NJ 08109 The winners of the 22nd Annual Art P Contest will also be honored! presented by
PARA RACING AT MAY 9th-10TH, 2025 It’s nearly impossible to think of collegiate rowing without the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta coming to mind. Now celebrating its 86 running, the Jefferson Dad Vail has become a defining fixture of the spring sprint racing season—a regatta whose legacy stretches far beyond medals and photo finishes. While the Jefferson Dad Vail has evolved over the years, it remains distinguished not only by its scale, but by its commitment to access and inclusivity. th Each May, collegiate programs from across the country journey to the East Coast in pursuit of coveted Jefferson Dad Vail hardware. While it shares many qualities with other regattas, it continues to lead by example through its dedication to broadening participation. In recent years, this has taken shape through the addition of para and inclusion events, a strategic relocation to the Cooper River, and the introduction of club varsity racing. Last year’s race saw new and returning faces on the Cooper for the para events as athletes competed for medals and invitations to the annual USRowing Para Development Camp. Being able to provide this opportunity was supported in large part by the generosity of the The Gold Cup Foundation. This year, para rowers will be competing for the same invitation and opportunity to race at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in August. Through these collaborative efforts, the Jefferson Dad Vail continues to champion the spirit of inclusivity and expand its impact far beyond the racecourse. In a competitive landscape where para rowing opportunities remain limited, the regatta sets a powerful precedence of accessibility—one in which we hope will continue to be emulated across the sport. THE DAD VAIL REGATTA
National Open Intercollegiate Sculling Championships To be held within Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee, host of the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, is always looking for innovative ways to enhance its event and promote the growth of rowing. This year the organizing committee is pleased to announce the National Open Intercollegiate Sculling Championship will be held within this year’s 2025 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta in conjunction with the sculling events. Sculling (two oars per person) is an emerging intercollegiate rowing category that has increased in popularity over the past five years whereas sweep rowing (one oar per person) has been the traditional form of intercollegiate competition. The Dad Vail Regatta National Open Intercollegiate Sculling Championship is an open event in which Club, D1, DII and DIII categories compete against each other. National champions will be crowned in the Single, Double and Quad events and the top three finishers in each category will receive medals. Also, a combined overall championship trophy will be presented to the top men’s team and the top women’s team based on cumulative points for each of the three sculling events (single, double and quad). “The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta is excited to add a National Sculling Championship to our event,” said Dad Vail Organizing Committee President Kirsten Morasco. “Sculling is central to the future of competitive rowing, and we are championing this initiative because the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta wants to provide opportunities to our athletes and position them for success at the highest levels of the sport.”
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Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Athlete Tent Sponsors We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to all of our generous donors in 2025. Your support has made a lasting impact, and we are truly inspired by your commitment to our mission.
With this year’s Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta a mere eight weeks away, the Drexel men’s rowing program has their sights set on raising the bar even higher. Kowing there is a target on their back after winning its third consecutive Varsity Heavyweight Eight championship, Men’s rowing coach Matt Weaver keeps things simple, “We focus on our own daily improvement. We are not chasing externals or looking for the next piece of bulletin board material to find motivation. We are using each other to drive good competition, development and improvement throughout the season.” Senior Andrew Manns added, “I feel like my time at Drexel has flown by. In these four years I have experienced so much and seen so much of what it takes to be a successful team and crew. A big part of my goals for my last year was to leave this team better than I found it. One of the things I think that I really want to make sure I pass down is discipline. Rowing is a very simple sport. If you pull hard, you will go fast, if you go fast, you will win races. I feel like that principal can be applied to many aspects of life, if you do the work, you will get the reward. I always tried to embody this as a rower, attacking every erg or water session with intention and ferocity so that when I get rewarded, I am an example to the younger athletes. I hope they see that above all else, if you dedicate yourself to it and work hard enough at it, you can have it.” As the Dragons prepared for the Grand Finale, they knew defending their title would not be easy with the race featuring neighborhood teams, Temple, Saint Joseph’s University and LaSalle University, whom they edged out for the crown the year before. The race got off to a clean start and around the 500-meter mark, it was LaSalle getting out to the early lead with Drexel just one-seat off the lead. As the race approached the midway mark, it was the Explorers still holding a one-seat lead over Drexel and Temple not far behind, just one-seat off Drexel. Like last year’s race, Drexel took control with 750 meters remaining ramping up their row rate and turned a 1-seat deficit into a 1-boat lead. As they approached the finish line the crowd was at a fever pitch as Drexel crossed the line to win the newly renamed Richard O’Brien/James Hanna Cup and claim its third consecutive Varsity Heavyweight Eight title. “Threepeat means a lot for the continuity of Drexel rowing,” said Wever. “The first two of the threepeat happened when Coach Paul Savell was the men’s head coach. I am happy I could help contribute to it from the coaching side for the third. Really it takes the whole team to accomplish something like that, so the whole team was excited for each other.” “Winning the third straight Dad-Vail gold medal meant a lot me and everyone in that boat,” said Manns. “Being from South Jersey, I grew up rowing on the Cooper and Schuylkill. Much of rowing career has transpiring here on these rivers, so to be forever ingrained in the history of a regatta like the Dad Vail is extra special to me. I am so grateful to the sport of rowing for what it has allowed me to accomplish, I would have never imagined that I would have the opportunity to race with a team like Drexel in a moment like that. That feeling is something I will never forget. It was the culmination of years of hard unseen work from everyone. I am so grateful to have been able to share that moment with this team.” DREXEL MEN’S ROWING CONTINUES TO SET THE BAR HIGHER
The Drexel women’s rowing team has always held the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta in high regard. Unable to compete the past couple of years due to scheduling conflicts, the Dragons wanted to make the most of their return. In front of a raucous crowd on a sun splashed day at the Cooper River, the Dragons did just that by winning the 2024 Women’s Varsity Eight. The victory was Drexel’s first since 2021 and third in program history. “It meant a lot to us,” said senior captain Taylor Powell. “The Jefferson Dad Vail is a huge deal here for us and all the past dragons that were in the seats before us so coming back for the first time in a couple years validated all the hard work we put in. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement about our team culture and resilience.” Prior to lining up for the Grand Finale, the Dragons focused on staying composed and rowing their race. There were a lot of nerves,” said Powell, who was rowing in her first race after a rough back injury. “We reminded each other to trust the training, trust the rhythm, and stay locked in on our own boat. Our coxswain, Chloe Speciale, gave us the perfect mix of calm and fire and it really helped set the tone.” Drexel left the stakeboat clean and assumed control early. At the 500-meter mark, they felt the rhythm click and you could tell they were in sync composing a quiet intensity that helped them build a sustainable lead. This lead carried them through the race and earned Drexel Women its third Evelyn Bergman Cup in school history and their second in four years. As the 2025 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta approaches, the Dragons are hoping to continue the success they have been building.“It’s been intense, but focused,” Powell said. “Every race has been a chance to test ourselves and grow. We’re hungry for another win. The goal hasn’t changed, we’re here to defend and leave it all on the water.” JEFFERSON DAD VAIL HOLDS SPECIAL PLACE DREXEL WOMEN’S ROWING
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Our 1975 varsity heavyweight boat consisted of home-grown rowers who were scholar athletes with no high school rowing experience. The boat, with John Schott (bow), Ben Herrick (two), Rick Rosseau (three), Mike Shevock (four), Tom Mascoli (five), Dick Ingles (six), Doug Fluddy (seven), myself (stroke), and Glenn Wiltshire (coxswain), was eager to make an impact at the Dad Vail Regatta, the largest collegiate rowing regatta in the United States and considered the small-college national championships. Amongst us were rowers who won the four with coxswain and four without coxswain at the 1974 IRA National Championships in Syracuse. Following a solid fall and winter program, we matured as a team of rowers in the spring. The boat more consistently moved smoothy with power. Rowers and coaches could feel the momentum during the two Saturdays prior to the Dad Vail Regatta by defeating the University of Massachusetts, winner of the last two Dad Vail Trophies, and by prevailing over a strong Ivy League competitor, Brown University. The Coast Guard Academy’s rowing program was founded in 1971 by 1964 Olympian, Coach Bill Stowe. With an enrollment of 1000 cadets, all, admitted for the purpose of becoming officers in the United States Coast Guard, the Academy amazed the college rowing community by winning its first varsity heavyweight Dad Vail Trophy in 1972. We were defeated in the finals in 1973 and 1974. Now was our chance to bring gold back to the Academy. It was always a thrill to arrive at historic Philadelphia’s rowing tradition at Fairmount Park on the Schuylkill River. Our team of 58 oarsmen and 7 coxswains descended upon the riverbank as freshman through seniors prepared to participate in nine of ten heavy- and lightweight events. We were blessed with ideal rowing conditions for the finals. Glenn’s adjustments at the stake boat perfectly positioned us. With a strong start we sped out in front by one-quarter boat length of open water at the 500 mark, extending it to three lengths of separation by 1500 meters. Coast Guard crossed the finish line at 5:44.3, followed by UMass at 5:51.1, Ithaca at 5:51.5, St. Joseph’s at 5:52.8, Trinity at 5.53.3, and Marietta at 6:02.8. The Coast Guard Academy won the Dad Vail Trophy in the varsity heavyweight race, the Ernie Bayer Trophy in the junior varsity heavyweight race, and the Jack Bratton trophy, awarded to the school accumulating the most points. Our team earned an invitation to the National Intercollegiate Rowing Championships at Onondaga Lake, Syracuse, NY, on May 29 through May 31, 1975. We performed well in the heats, becoming the first small-college crew ever to race in the Varsity Eight Championship Finals. Eight of us graduated, earning our degrees and officer commissions with each of our classes of 1975, 1976, and 1977. Ben and I served on Coast Guard cutters in Alaska and California, respectively, and served in various Coast Guard civil engineering districts before entering civilian engineering careers. Tom left the Academy to attend the University of Pennsylvania. Doug Fluddy served in active duty for several years before he separated from service for medical reasons. Sadly, he passed away in 1993. Glenn Wilshire and John Schott served 30 years of meritorious service on active duty in the Coast Guard. Dick Ingles, Rick Rosseau, and Mike Shevock served on west coast cutters. Dick, an ocean engineer, joined Chevron where he worked for 33 years in offshore marine construction, Rick transferred to the Navy and had a successful medical career as an orthopedic surgeon. Mike served as a respected official in law enforcement. CGA rowing immensely added to our Academy education, training, and experience. Forging lasting friendships, we are proud of our perseverance, unity, spirit and representing the US Coast Guard Academy. Women entered the Coast Guard Academy in 1976. Since then, the Academy continues to develop competitive men’s and women’s crew teams. 1975 CGA varsity heavyweight crew 50YEARSAGO By Bob Stromsted, 1975 Crew Team Captain
JEFF Metaphorically, Thomas Jefferson University president Susan C. Aldridge, PhD, has an amazing vista around her: Founded in 1824 as one of the nation’s first medical schools, the first to open a clinic for the poor and in 1884 the first Textile School in the U.S., her institution enables her to view a 200-year legacy of leadership in higher education, research, clinical care and community engagement. Turning 180 degrees, Dr. Aldridge, the leader of one of the nation’s most innovative and effective institutions of profession-focused higher education, envisions Jefferson’s path forward, mapping out its opportunities and responsibilities to be a model for preparing graduates for career-long success in the dynamic, 21st century. At this historical pivot point, Jefferson today is a national doctoral research university with 10 colleges and more than 200 academic programs. It’s also a powerhouse of research discovery, translation and application, scholarship and clinical investigation. Dr. Aldridge is exactly the right leader at the right time. An accomplished higher education executive, strategist and futurist, she previously served as President of the University of Maryland Global Campus, President of Drexel University Online, and Vice Chancellor of Troy University. She was a member of the Jefferson Board of Trustees when she accepted appointment as interim president in June 2023, and was formally named president a year later. “People have asked me why I took on a university presidency at this time, when higher education is experiencing tectonic shifts that are shaking the foundations of hundreds of colleges and universities,” Dr. Aldridge says. “My answer is this: Our goal at Jefferson is to redefine ‘possible,’ and that’s exactly what’s called for in higher education today. The world desperately needs what our institutions are best-positioned to offer: New knowledge and the capacity to prepare the skilled and adaptable workforce required to apply that knowledge — enabling them to help solve complex, thorny global challenges.” A FOCUS ON THE FUTURE The post-World War II model of higher education served well for many decades, Dr. Aldridge observes, and its graduates drove extraordinary advances in the life and physical sciences, engineering, architecture, design, medicine and public health and biomedical research. “But that model is untenable in this century,” she explains. “Today, universities must be flexible and innovative, creative and courageous. We must stay aligned with society’s evolving needs — ensuring that our graduates have the kinds of knowledge, skills and personal capacities they need to succeed for decades to come.” Judging by some key metrics, Jefferson is doing just that: In the first year after earning their bachelor’s degree, 98% of Jefferson graduates are employed in their field or have been accepted to graduate school. Unlike most U.S. colleges and universities, Jefferson’s admissions are growing and it’s been launching new degree programs. Dr. Aldridge attributes its studentsuccess rates and program growth to the university’s future-focused and award-winning model for educating professionals, its commitment to pedagogical innovation that leverages both new technologies and the science of cognition and learning, and to dedicated faculty who excel in both their classrooms and their professions. Jefferson has another advantage: It’s one of the few multifaceted universities closely allied with a major academic health system and a non-profit health insurer. “The close relationship between the university, Jefferson Health and Jefferson Health Plans creates myriad opportunities for students’ hands-on engagement in professional activities and research,” Dr. Aldridge explains. “Those opportunities are not just in biomedical disciplines, they extend to students in fields ranging from industrial and textile design to arts and humanities to business and public policy.” Thomas Jefferson University is Pioneering Professions-Focused Education for a Dynamic Century
FERSON LEVERAGING AI IN HIGHER EDUCATION Having previously led the development of global online programs at two major universities, Dr. Aldridge has deep experience in guiding higher education’s adaptation to — and adoption of — major technology shifts. Now, she is a thought leader on how best to integrate computational science, machine learning and artificial intelligence into universities’ curriculum, teaching and overall operations. “At Jefferson, we work hard to make sure our graduates are prepared for the future of work in an era of — I’ll call it — ubiquitous computation,” she explains. “We want them to be facile and comfortable working with new technological resources like AI; and teach them to balance technologies’ strengths and weaknesses by applying empathy, creativity, intuition and human caring.” The university has also created resources that help faculty and researchers learn about and make best use of emerging computational science applications and technologies. Those include, for example, the AI and Deep Learning Networks Program and the AI Center of Excellence, which help faculty create novel content through machine learning. “But those are just down payments on what we know, intuitively, there will need to be a significant, long-term investment in new technical capacities and resources,” Dr. Aldridge notes. Starting this fall, Jefferson will also offer new academic programs in general computation and data analysis and in discipline-specific areas such as computational biology. “We are also adding teaching on specific data-based capacities to a range of courses where computation may not previously have been relevant — capacities such as creating multimodel large language models and using prompt engineering to shape Generative AI models in real time.” As a thought leader, Dr. Aldridge is also asking her peers this provocative question: How best can we proactively guide AI’s use in higher education and shape its impact on our students, faculty and institution — instead of just passively reacting to what comes next? She believes the answer requires pursuing several specific objectives. “First, we must ensure that across our curriculum we are preparing today’s students to use AI in their careers — in particular, to add human-skills value that enables them to succeed in parallel with employers’ expanded use of AI. Second, we need to employ AI-based capacities to enhance the effectiveness of the education we deliver to our students — and to strengthen their capacity for meaningful, lifelong learning. Third, we must employ AI to address specific pedagogical and administrative challenges, ranging from improving learning outcomes to maintaining our campus facilities.” MOVING FORWARD Achieving those objectives — alongside dealing with the slew of other challenges universities are grappling with these days — will not be easy. Which leads back to the question Dr. Aldridge is frequently asked: Why take on such an enormous task? “This is a pivotal point in time for both higher education and a university, like ours, that possesses unique characteristics, strengths and opportunities,” she observes. “Jefferson’s mission of improving lives compels us to both positively impact the people, communities and those our graduates will serve, and also help improve the quality of higher education and healthcare delivery for generations to come. “Given that context, how could I not be excited about this role and the opportunity it presents to help shape the future?”
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