by Margie Peterson
When Anne Lacroce Linden, the beloved coxswain of the women’s lightweight 4 of 1988, lost her battle with breast cancer last fall, her former teammates did what they had done so well 26 years ago: They pulled together.
Allison Cromey Davis ’88, Carren Panico ’88, Susan Foight Kovar ’88, and Leigh Ann Alexander Evans ’89 spearheaded fundraising for the boat, garnering more than $30,000 in donations in six weeks. Among alums aiding in the effort were Paige Macfarlan ’90, Eric Voit ’87, and John Wilkins ’89. The teammates also reached out to Linden’s sorority sisters from Alpha Gamma Delta.
More than 100 people contributed to the fund, including members of 16 classes ranging from 1983–2011.
“That says a lot about how powerful Lafayette is in the hearts of alumni,” Linden’s sister, Lisa Lacroce Patterson ’86 said at the April 26 dedication ceremony. Linden ’88, of Gillette, N.J., died in October, leaving behind husband Tom and 4-year-old son Patrick.
The team was highly successful, including winning a bronze medal at Dad Vail Regatta on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia—the largest intercollegiate crew competition in America.
Two other new boats—purchased through fundraising and a grant from the Lafayette president’s fund—were dedicated. One was named for Julie Kelliher, wife of crew coach Rick Kelliher, who died of cancer just as he was named coach. The third boat was dubbed Vision Quest after the 1985 movie that the team watches each year for inspiration.
“As we compete against some of the top teams on the east coast we are so grateful to have equipment that keeps us competitive,” said Allie Nagurney ’16, coxswain and organizer of the ceremony.
The new boat is the second with the Lacroce name. Saverio Lacroce P’86 ’88 donated a boat when Anne was a student. The bow, which broke off just before the 1988 Dad Vail, hangs in the college boathouse.
On the weekend of May 10, Evans attended the Dad Vail regatta in Philadelphia. “The women’s lightweight 4 took a silver medal. We are more proud of them than we can say.”