The has received a $1,050,000 gift from Richard N. Laurance ’74 to establish the Puget Sound Endowed Fund for the university’s crew program. The endowment will provide unrestricted support for the Loggers, helping sustain the school’s 60-plus-year tradition of competitive rowing.
“We are deeply grateful to Richard for this generous gift,” said President Isiaah Crawford. “By investing in our crew program, he is advancing a championship culture that empowers student-athletes to achieve at the highest levels academically and athletically, building on an enduring legacy that has shaped generations of Loggers.”
The gift follows another standout season for Logger rowing. The women’s team continued its dominance by winning the coveted Lamberth Cup against Pacific Lutheran University for the third consecutive year. The women finished their second straight undefeated season in Northwest Conference (NWC) races, securing another NWC championship title. Additionally, the women’s novice 4+ boat earned a bronze medal at the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association championships, competing against Division I programs. The men’s squad has reached the Grand Final at WIRA in each of the past two years, including a medal-winning performance in 2024. With a strong group of underclassmen, they aim to build on this momentum in the seasons ahead.
Laurance’s passion for rowing began during his time as a student at Puget Sound, where he joined the Logger rowing team in 1970 and competed for four years before graduating with a degree in economics. As an athlete, he excelled in national competitions, winning silver medals in two events at the 1981 U.S. Rowing Championships—one in a double scull event and another in an eight-oared event. Five years later, he added to his achievements with a silver and a bronze medal in different team events at the 1986 U.S. Rowing Masters Championships.
After his competitive career, Laurance transitioned to coaching, spending 22 years working with college rowers, followed by 14 years working with high school rowers. His teams competed at prestigious events like the historic Henley Royal Regatta in England and earned multiple medals at the Dad Vail Championships, one of the largest collegiate regattas in the U.S. His success extended to the international stage, where he served as a coach at the World Rowing Championships in 2016.
“Richard Laurance’s extraordinary gift ensures that future generations of Loggers will have the opportunity to experience the unique challenges and rewards of competitive rowing,” said Interim Athletic Director Jeff Thomas. “His dedication to Puget Sound and to the sport of rowing will leave a lasting legacy at our institution.”
Laurance’s decision to establish the endowment was driven by a desire to ensure the program’s survival.
“Rowing is a minor sport compared to football or basketball, but it’s given me so much,” he said. “I was a competitive swimmer in high school, but not exceptional. When I was introduced to rowing at Puget Sound, I found my sport and my life’s passion — it’s for anyone who wants to work hard and find their place.”
He also hopes his gift will inspire others to contribute.
“This endowment is something that will support the program long-term,” he explained. “I’ve been fortunate in life, and I wanted to give back — I’m hoping this will inspire other alums to join in."
