Less than ten years out of school, Andrew Beaton, and his wife Genevieve, have set the bar for their generation. Through the ever-present demands on their life from careers (he works for a Seattle-based asset management firm and frequently travels to the Bay Area) and starting a family, the Beatons still find the time to help organize the annual Class Day BBQ, sell gear on Opening Day, and donate to the program.
Here is what Andrew had to say about the influence of Washington Rowing on his life, and why he gives back.
What was your most memorable moment as a Husky?
The 2007 Cal Dual in the Cut, junior year. It was the JV race, we were down 3/4 of a length with 600 meters left, and the feeling that it was another Cal “rout” began creeping in (my first two years were plagued by Cal dominance). Then our stroke, BJ Caron, the Flying Dutchman, the Swedish Chef, or whatever teammates “affectionately” called him, began swinging. Micah Perrin, our otherwise jovial coxswain, put BJ’s actions into words, igniting a move that had us walking back on the Bears. My field of vision narrowed in what I can only describe as akin to the end of a Looney Tunes cartoon as our boat heaved through the Cut… we won by a boat length (or was it open water? The distance grows with time…) And the varsity dominated from line-to-line, signaling what would turn out to be a seismic shift on the West Coast and national scene for years to come.
Who influenced you when you were a student?
Bob Ernst taught me the importance of process and to have faith that the program has given you the best opportunity to reach success on the last day of the year. And Michael Callahan for trying to imbue us with strong leadership qualities from his first day in the boathouse (even though it took me a few years in corporate life after rowing to fully appreciate).
What has changed, and what has stayed the same, about Washington Rowing to you?
Clearly the turnout gear ascends to a new level each year, causing envy among the alums on race day. The rowers wearing the gear, though . . . they haven’t changed. Students, competitors, winners, that’s been consistent.
What do you see as the role of the alumni in the success of Washington Rowing, and why?
Support in all forms: money, time and cheering, whether all of it or simply giving $20 or attending a race and yelling your voice hoarse.
Why do you give to Washington Rowing?
One small way to give back as gratitude for the things you’ve seen on these pages before: strong desire to succeed in life and lasting friendships.
