Scholarships
Named in honor of one of OBC’s most beloved members, Julia Shew, the Julia Shew Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. supports high school athletes who need financial assistance to join their schools’ rowing teams. The scholarships are funded by proceeds from the Occoquan Memorial Sprints and generous donations from those who understand the value rowing has for young people.
From 2011 through 2024, OBC has proudly awarded more than $106,000 in scholarships to rowers from a multitude of different high schools that row on the Occoquan.
About Julia Shew
One of OBC’s most active and outgoing members, Julia Shew provided snacks and encouragement to the high school rowers who practiced daily at Sandy Run. In her last season on the water, at the age of 65, Julia attained the club record and her personal goal of rowing over 3000 miles in a single season. A college rower at UC Berkeley, Julia had turned to sculling after her retirement. She could be found most mornings at Sandy Run before or after her daily rows to Bull Run, eager to describe the eagles and other wildlife she encountered. In the fall of 2010 Julia passed away. Because of her energy, generosity, and warmth, and in memory of her enthusiasm for youth rowing, OBC’s created a scholarship fund in Julia’s honor.
Making a Donation
The scholarships are funded by the proceeds from the Occoquan Memorial Sprints regatta, which the original OMS organizers founded and envisioned as the source of support for high school students who need financial assistance in order to row. Other donors have contributed to the scholarship fund in Julia’s memory or because they understand the lifelong value rowing has for young people.
If you would like to make a donation, please mail your contribution made payable to the Julia Shew Memorial Scholarship Fund, 6308 Golf Course Square, Alexandria, VA 22307.
Because the fund is a 501(c)3 organization, contributions are tax deductible.
Scholarships Awarded
Recent awards have ranged from $500 to $600. Checks are presented to each athlete’s Booster Club to assist eligible rowers with their membership dues.
Download application and fill out. More instructions are in the application.
Questions? Contact Karin Udler at kgudler@gmail.com