Amanda “Mandy” Smith-Chung-Fat ’04 Honored with New Shell

Rowing in Memory: Amanda “Mandy” Smith-Chungfat ’04 Honored with New Shell

Within days of its arrival, RPI Crew’s custom-built racing shell took to the water in a moving tribute to Amanda “Mandy” Smith-Chungfat ’04, a teammate, friend, and mother whose legacy continues to shape the team. The shell, named Row in Memory of Mandy ’04, brought together alumni, students, and friends this October to celebrate her life and lasting impact.

From a Boat Campaign to a Legacy Worth Sharing

The project began when then Crew Club President Henry Rogers ’25 partnered with RPI’s Annual Giving office to launch a student-led campaign for a new racing shell. When alumni learned about the project, Mandy’s close friends Diana (Lauring) Ostberg ’05, Elizabeth (Widmeyer) Frederick ’05, Keri (Kiernan) Giuliano ’05, Laura (Pisterzi) Roosma ’03, and Kelly (Borst) Ringler ’05 made lead gifts in her memory. Their generosity inspired the broader RPI community, including alumni, students, parents, and friends, to contribute, resulting in 81 donors and $55,500, making it the largest student-led campaign of the year in terms of funding.

By supporting student-led initiatives through Annual Giving, alumni strengthen the student experience, honor legacies, and inspire future generations. Row in Memory of Mandy ’04 stands as a lasting testament to her life, values, and the enduring impact one person can have on a community.

 

The Dedication Weekend

Within 72 hours of the boat’s arrival, Mandy’s alumnae friends gathered to honor her and be with the team. They hosted an intimate ceremony for current rowers, bringing food and beverages, offering heartfelt toasts, and sharing stories so the team could understand who Mandy was and the impact she had on everyone around her. Alumnae and student-athletes then took the new shell on its maiden voyage, leaving seat seven, Mandy’s seat, empty in her honor. The event created a meaningful bridge between generations of RPI rowers, connecting past experiences with the present team.

Honoring Mandy

Gone too soon, Mandy, a graduate of the School of Science with a degree in Chemistry, lived a beautiful life even while facing a deadly disease. She was “pint-sized” in stature but immense in heart, pushing teammates not only on the water but in life. Her philosophy was simple: “The size of the rower does not determine the heart of the rower.”

Academically curious, unyieldingly motivated, quick to laugh, and forthright in her views, Mandy welcomed everyone to the team and inspired those around her to be their best selves. Beyond rowing, she was a fierce friend, a loving partner to her husband Mervyn, and an amazing mother to her sons Cedric and Damian. Her warmth, leadership, and dedication continue to resonate with the RPI community.