"Laura Woodberry Jessiman '80 was the consummate team player and women's rowing captain. Laura began rowing freshman year and along with her two brothers and husband made a significant impact on rowing at Dartmouth. The Big Green was always a huge part of Laura's life as her father, uncle, two sisters, one son and daughter also attended Dartmouth. In 2009, Laura died in a freak hiking accident while with her family in Scotland at her husband's family's beloved home. Laura's friends and family immediately made plans to honor Laura with the donation of a shell, the best that money could buy. Within 10 days, the money was raised to purchase the women's program's first Empacher along with custom riggers and a set of oars. The generousity of Laura's friends was telling and indicative of their love for her.
The Laura Woodberry Jessiman '80 was dedicated in May 2010 after it had raced to victory earlier in the day against Cornell. Family and friends came from as far as India to celebrate Laura's life on this day, and to ensure Laura's spirit remains on the Connecticut River where she spent much of her college years."
- Trina Olin-Santry '80