Gavin White, front, with L-R: Lois Trench-Hines, Ken Shaw, Margaret Livacz, John Hogan, Rose Flynn, Mike Bergan, Liz Bergan, Clete Graham, Leslie Pfeil, Al Wachlin, Phil Roche, Rick Stehlik. Photo by Brian Roman.


Temple’s Gavin White was presented the Malta Boat Club’s most prestigious Award on November 15, the Illman award for lifetime contribution to the sport in Philly.


Following are the remarks of Dennis Egen, Chair of Illman Award Committee, and Dan McGuinn when presenting the Dr. George Morton Illman Award to Coach White.


Good evening, members, guests and friends of Malta Boat Club.


As chairman of the Illman Award Committee, it is my distinct privilege to present the Dr. George Morton Illman Award. This award recognizes individuals whose contributions to the sport of rowing—especially in the Philadelphia region—are exemplary in leadership, character, dedication and impact.


Tonight’s recipient is a true leader in our sport: Dr. Gavin R. White of Temple University.


Coach White’s record speaks volumes:

He served as head coach of the Temple men’s crew program for 37 years, beginning in 1979. Under his guidance his crews won 20 Dad Vail Regatta Varsity 8 titles, including 13 straight between 1989 and 2001. His teams competed at the highest levels internationally, including seven invitations to the Royal Henley Regatta. He coached at the Olympic Games and on multiple U.S. National teams. He has developed not only winning boats, but rowing men of character, whose influence extends well beyond the water.


What stands out is not just the numbers or the titles, but the sustained legacy: building programs, mentoring young athletes, and elevating the sport in the Philadelphia region and beyond. In the spirit of Dr. Illman—whose name honors service to rowing—Coach White embodies the values we aim to honor tonight.


Coach White, on behalf of the Illman Award Committee and Malta Boat Club, it is my honor to present you with the Dr. George Morton Illman Award. We thank you for your leadership, your commitment, and the example you set for all of us in the rowing community.


Before we conclude, I’d like to ask everyone to raise a glass. It is tradition that we toast the Illman Award recipient, and tonight we do so with gratitude for Coach White’s extraordinary impact on rowing in Philadelphia.


To Gavin R. White — for his decades of leadership, for the athletes he’s shaped, and for the legacy he continues to leave on and off the water.