Sept. 16, 2008

Photo Gallery from Sherman Dedication

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - A 4-woman Vespoli racing shell, donated by Peter and Joan Andrews of Washington, DC, was dedicated to longtime Marist College trustee Jonah Sherman and his wife, Joan, at a ceremony held September 13 in front of the historic Cornell Boathouse on the Marist College campus. Sherman was a Marist College Trustee for more than 25 years and served several terms as an officer of the board. He passed away April 23. The Andrews are longtime friends of the Shermans.

The "Jonah and Joan Sherman" was unveiled before a crowd of family, friends, college officials, and the coaches and student-athletes of the Marist College rowing program. A four-woman crew, that included Mr. and Mrs. Sherman's daughter, Amy Sherman of Millbrook, launched the racing shell into the Hudson River at the conclusion of a ceremony conducted in front of the historic Cornell Boathouse on the Marist campus.

Among those speaking at the event were President Dennis J. Murray, Director of Athletics Tim Murray, family members Jim and Terry Youngelson, and Director of Rowing Tom Sanford. Sanford pointed out that "Dedicating a shell in someone's name is the highest honor in the rowing community." He acknowledged the generosity of the Shermans' longtime friends for their special donation. The Andrews also offered remarks.

Led by Joan Sherman and Joan and Peter Andrews, the shell was also revealed by the Sherman's son Bruce and his wife, Peggy; the Sherman's daughter, Amy Sherman, and her children, Jesse and Ethan Page; Mrs. Sherman's brother and sister-in-law Jim and Terry Youngelson, and their son and daughter-in-law, Jack Youngelson and Justine Harris, and their children Nora and Elias. Each also participated in the traditional pouring of champagne across the bow.

Both Peter and Joan Andrews are active rowers and focused on the idea of donating a shell to Marist when Jonah Sherman passed away. "Twenty years ago when I was 63, I started rowing," Peter Andrews said. "It is such a beautiful sport -- psychologically and physically challenging. We thought it would be a beautiful thing to name a boat the Jonah and Joan Sherman ... When Joan sits on the banks of the Hudson, she can watch the boat and have many positive memories. Today we are celebrating the life of this great couple," he said. "We admired them very much."

Jonah and Joan Sherman were married for 55 years. Joan Sherman is a graduate of Vassar College, where she and Joan Andrews were classmates. A lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie and graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, Jonah Sherman was a prominent businessman in the area for over 50 years. He served as President of Sherman Furniture Rentals, Inc. and studied at the University of Chicago.

Marist College President Dennis J. Murray said the Sherman family was always proud to call the Hudson River Valley home. "Joan and Jonah Sherman were citizens of the world, but no matter where they traveled, they were sure to remind everyone that the Hudson River Valley was their home," he said. "This generous gift by Peter and Joan Andrews honors two great people who loved each other, were true friends of Marist, and served as ambassadors of our region, state, and nation."

Longtime community leaders in human services and arts organizations, the Shermans became international volunteers in their later years. They worked with the International Executive Service Corps, American Jewish World Service, and the United Way of America to assist people and organizations in Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia.

In 1993, Jonah and Joan Sherman were instrumental in establishing the Marist College Center for Lifetime Study (CLS), an educational program for senior citizens that has been duplicated by other colleges and universities regionally and nationally. Today, nearly 500 members annually enjoy courses in the arts, humanities, and social and general sciences.

In 2007, Jonah Sherman donated to Marist a personal collection of materials and artifacts that documented the business and commercial history of Poughkeepsie. Included were rare objects, books, newspapers, photographs, correspondence, and advertisements. The Jonah Sherman Collection is part of the Marist College Archives & Special Collections in the James A. Cannavino Library.