KINGSTON, R.I. - The Rhode Island women's rowing program dedicated two new racing shells, made possible by the generosity of Rhode Island alumni Dan Johnson '82 and his wife Sharon '82 and David Johnson '80 and his wife, Suzette '82.

On Oct. 24, the rowing program held a dedication for the Uncle Bernie and the Big Ed Johnson, the newest shells in the URI fleet. The three-time defending champion Rams will debut the boats this weekend when Rhody competes at the Princeton Chase in New Jersey.

"We are incredibly grateful to the entire Johnson family for their generous donation of two new rowing shells," Rhode Island head coach Shelagh Donohoe said. "Their support has made a tremendous impact on our program, providing our athletes with top-notch equipment as we train toward accomplishing our goal.  Their generosity helps us pursue excellence, and we are proud to dedicate these boats in recognition of their lasting impact on our team."

Both boats are named in honor of Johnson family members. The Big Ed Johnson is named for Dan and David's father, while the Uncle Bernie is for their uncle. Both members of the URI rowing club team during their days as students at Rhode Island, the Johnson brothers made a significant gift for the women's program during the recent Rhody Athletics Challenge.

The Johnsons matched dollar for dollar the first $66,500 raised by the rowing team during the Rhody Athletics Challenge. This ensured that more than $120,000 in a single day was raised for the team.

"Rhode Island has been the class of women's rowing in the Atlantic 10 for more than a decade, and we are doing everything possible to keep it that way," URI Vice President and Director of Athletics Pat Lyons said. "It is an incredible feeling to have the support of Johnson family, who truly are difference makers for the women's rowing program."

In addition to the Johnson family, Donohoe

"We would also like to recognize and sincerely thank Tom and Cathy Drury, as well as Diane and Stephen Sullivan for their continued support of our rowing program," Donohoe said. "Their recent donation on the Rhody Athletic Challenge will make  a meaningful difference in the lives of our athletes and the success of our team. We are truly grateful to have the Johnsons, Drurys and Sullivans as part of our rowing family."

This Spring, the women's rowing program will take aim at its 13th Atlantic 10 title overall, the most of any women's team at Rhode Island. Donohoe has led the Rams to nine NCAA Championship appearances in her 20 seasons at the helm.