Farwell Family Endowment

STANFORD, Calif. – The Stanford men's rowing head coach position has been endowed by a gift from the Farwell Family.
 
"This is a time in our global culture that young people need to work together in a selfless and dedicated manner," said Craig Amerkhanian, who will become Stanford's first Farwell Family Director of Men's Rowing. "Rowing provides an environment of explosive learning and virtues that radiates through life. I am fortunate to continue working with many dedicated student-athletes. On behalf of generations of Stanford rowers, a heartfelt thank you to the Farwell Family for this timeless gift. Stanford Rowing will impact and develop scholar athletes for forever."
 
Nick Farwell, a two-time graduate of Stanford, earned his undergraduate degree in 1970 as a member of the Stanford rowing program. He also returned to earn his MBA in 1980, and along with his wife, Gail, have been important benefactors to Stanford Athletics for many years. The Farwells have two sons, Garrett, and Brandon '08, an alumnus of the Stanford men's rowing program.
 
"My wife, Gail, and our two sons, Brandon and Garrett, are extremely proud to support Stanford men's rowing and the athletics department," said Farwell. "We believe in the power of the Stanford student-athlete experience and want to ensure future generations will receive the same benefit. I had the privilege of rowing at Stanford, as did my son, Brandon, and some of the greatest lessons I learned were realized on the water. This gift is a way for us to express our appreciation to the rowing program and recognize the program's ability to prepare student-athletes for leadership and service beyond The Farm." 
   
In his 18 years at the helm, Amerkhanian has been named the Pac-10 Coach of the Year twice, earning the honor in 2006 and 2009, the latter being a year in which the program's varsity eight boat placed third overall in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) Championships. During his tenure Stanford rowing has evolved into a complete program that continues to rank among the nation's best.
 
The men's rowing program placed 22 student-athletes on the Pac-12 Conference All-Academic teams this season, the most of any program in the conference. In the last three seasons, Stanford has totaled 58 selections and placed at least 15 on the teams in nine of the last 10 seasons. The Cardinal also placed 10 student-athletes on this year's IRA All-Academic team, which recognizes academic achievement among IRA member programs annually.
 
"We are so incredibly thankful to Nick and the entire Farwell family for this extraordinary commitment to the men's rowing program," said Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics, Bernard Muir. "The level of generous support from this endowment will greatly enhance the student-athlete experience well into the future and aligns perfectly with the core mission of Stanford Athletics."
 
The Farwells' gift will provide necessary resources and ensures support in perpetuity. The Farwell Family Director of Men's Rowing is the 16th endowed head coach position and the 28th overall endowed position in the athletic department.