The University of Rhode Island women’s rowing program officially added two new racing shells to its fleet on October 24, 2026, following a donation from alumni Dan Johnson ’82 and David Johnson ’80, along with their wives, Sharon ’82 and Suzette ’82. The vessels, named “Uncle Bernie” and “Big Ed Johnson,” were unveiled during a dedication ceremony in Kingston.
Support for the Rowing Program
The new shells are named in honor of family members, with the “Big Ed Johnson” recognizing the donors’ father and the “Uncle Bernie” honoring their uncle. Both Dan and David Johnson were members of the URI rowing club team while they were students at the university. The donation was facilitated through the Rhody Athletics Challenge, during which the brothers matched the first $66,500 raised by the team, contributing to a total of more than $120,000 raised in a single day.
Head coach Shelagh Donohoe noted that the gift provides athletes with top-notch equipment
as the team trains for upcoming competitions. The Rams, who are the three-time defending conference champions, are scheduled to debut the new shells this weekend at the Princeton Chase in New Jersey.
Additional Contributions
In addition to the Johnson family’s gift, the rowing program recognized other supporters who contributed during the Rhody Athletics Challenge. Coach Donohoe extended thanks to Tom and Cathy Drury, as well as Diane and Stephen Sullivan, for their ongoing involvement with the team. URI Vice President and Director of Athletics Pat Lyons characterized the donors as difference makers
for the program, which is currently pursuing its 13th Atlantic 10 title.
