DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake athletics hosted a ground breaking ceremony Friday morning at Prospect Park for its new Bright-Beckwith Boathouse that will serve as the new home of the Drake University rowing program.
 
The ceremony featured remarks from director of athletics Sandy Hatfield Clubb, rowing head coach Charlie DiSilvestro, rowing student-athlete Emily Householter, Drake Vice President for Alumni and Development John Smith, Dr. P. Sue Beckwith and Ben Page the City of Des Moines Park and Recreation Director.
 
"This is a proud day for this program, its alums and supporters," said Charlie DiSilvestro. "This facility has been in the works for some time and to reach this point is rewarding. The Bright-Beckwith Boathouse is going to be a significant symbol of great pride for our program and to have a space of our own is going to help take the program to the next level in the ever competitive landscape of college athletics."
 
The boathouse is named in honor of Lois Bright, the late founder and president of the H. Dale and Lois Bright Foundation and Dr. Beckwith. The $1.3 million state-of-the-art Bright-Beckwith Boathouse will provide Drake rowing and the Greater Des Moines rowing community with the proper environment to safely and efficiently hone their craft. It will feature three bays for boat and equipment storage, as well as a dedicated locker room and team room for the Drake rowing program. The heated indoor space will allow the team to practice when water and weather conditions prevent outdoor training.
 
"I want to thank you all of the supporters of the Bright-Beckwith Boathouse especially the Bright Foundation and Dr. Beckwith who helped make this a reality," DiSilvestro said. "Dale and Lois had a tremendous impact on this program. I'm disappointed they passed before being able to see this come to fruition, but we will never forget their contributions to make this project. We are honored to be able to row out of this facility that bears their name on it. Sue was a catalyst for this project and had the vision and the commitment to get this project started and finished."
 
Following the remarks, Hatfield Clubb, DiSilvestro, Dr. Beckwith, representatives from the Bright Foundation, former rower Joe Saluri along with Drake historian Paul F. Morrison put ceremonial shovels in the dirt. As a Drake student, Saluri started the Bulldog rowing program back in 1987.
 
The Bright-Beckwith Boathouse will significantly help advance Drake University's mission to provide its student-athletes with the environment and resources they need to pursue championships in competition and excellence in life.
 
The Greater Des Moines rowing community will benefit from a bay dedicated to community members and group rowing programs, as well as two unisex bathrooms, complete with showers. Additionally, construction of the Bright-Beckwith Boathouse, will help to transform Prospect Park and the surrounding neighborhood.
 
While construction is set to begin, Drake University is still actively fundraising approximately $300,000 to complete the project in its entirety. For more information on supporting the Bright-Beckwith Boathouse project please contact assistant athletic director of development, Frank Pucher (frank.pucher@drake.edu or 515-271-2138).