Men’s Rowing alumni Tom Siddall ’15 received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and ever since, he has been an active member of the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ community.
Why did you choose to attend Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ?
Athletically, I was deciding whether to pursue running or rowing in college - Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆseemed like a great option to ultimately end up rowing. What sealed the deal for me was driving in the North Benson entrance for the first time and seeing the whole campus laid out down the hill. I was psyched just after that first visit!
How are you involved with the University now?
Currently, I serve as one of the leads for the Friends of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆRowing. We work with Dave Patterson (Director of Rowing), advancement, athletics, as well as parents and alumni to help provide an awesome experience for the undergraduate athletes while setting the program up in a strong position for the future.
What inspires you to stay involved with the University?
I had such a great experience at Fairfield, both athletically as well as in the psychology department - it makes it easy and rewarding to spend some time giving back.
How do you hope your support will impact the future of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ?
I hope my support will impact the team for years to come. Whether it is the path to creating and maintaining sustainable endowments for the team or just raising enough money to get new boats and host great events, I think it will be worth it.
Any advice for fellow Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆAthletics alumni and friends about how to stay involved?
I would highly recommend other groups look into the Monarch program. Monthly, recurring giving seems to be a great access point for young alumni (or anyone!) to give back. For just $20 a month you can get started, and next thing you know you've given $1250 to your team over five years. We like to position the Monarch program for yearly operational expenses, and Stag Giving Day, Giving Day, and other targeted fundraising for endowments and bigger projects.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ Tom Siddall and Family
Tom (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ'15) is a coach with the men's heavyweight rowing program at Harvard University, as well as a coach with the United States para rowing team heading to Paris for the Paralympics this summer. He lives in the greater Boston area with his wife, Lily, who coaches at Tufts University.
