Feb. 28, 2008

On a sunny Sunday morning, February 24, the LMU men's crew team, coaches, friends, family, and sponsors gathered at the Jane Browne Bove Boathouse in Marina del Rey to dedicate the newest boat in LMU's fleet, the Fr. Bob Lawton, S.J. Named for the university's 14th president, the Fr. Bob Lawton, S.J. will be used by the men's varsity 8 and make its racing debut this Sunday at the Parker Cup in Newport Beach.

The Fr. Bob Lawton, S.J. is a top-of-the line eight-man racing shell designed by Resolute Racing, measuring 54 feet and weighing 200 pounds. Its purchase was made possible through a generous donation from the Newcombe family, who are avid rowing fans and friends of Fr. Lawton from his years at Georgetown University. Jack Newcombe was a rower on the Georgetown crew, serving as team captain before graduating in 2004. Jack was on hand for the ceremony, along with his parents, Carole and Rick, who helped Fr. Lawton christen the shell.

We are very grateful for this contribution to the program from the Newcombes," Crew Director Patrick Kelly said. "We depend on gifts of this kind to keep the crew competitive. It is fantastic to have this opportunity to celebrate the leadership that Fr. Lawton has brought to LMU. The guys are excited to get on the water with the shell and push that bow across the finish line."

Fr. Robert Lawton became LMU's 14th president on June 1, 1999 after serving for 10 years as the dean of Georgetown College at Georgetown University. Recently, Fr. Lawton was honored with four others as recipients of the 2008 Cardinal's Award by Cardinal Mahoney. The recognition is given to "members of the Los Angeles Catholic community who have extensive and distinguished records of service."

Joining Fr. Lawton and the Newcombe family at the dedication ceremony were LMU Director of Athletics Bill Husak, Director of Development Brian Luft, Crew Program Director Patrick Kelly, Men's Varsity Coach Brooks Jones, and the entire LMU men's crew team.