Recently retired Humboldt Women’s Rowing Coach Robin Meiggs (R) and husband Scott Heller at the November 21 ceremony honoring Meiggs.

November 22, 2019—Recently retired Humboldt Women’s Rowing Coach Robin Meiggs was honored during halftime Thursday evening at the women’s basketball game, and the recognition ended with a surprise that will help support student-athletes for generations.

A new endowed scholarship has been created in Meiggs’ name. It is compliments of a $250,000 gift from Robin and her husband Scott Heller, as well as more than $5,000 in additional gifts from alumni, boosters, and community members.

The donation is the largest single gift given to support Humboldt State University Athletics, and the endowed fund it created is the largest for Athletics.

Efforts to raise additional funds for the scholarship are continuing.

Donate to the Robin A. Meiggs Scholarship

The Robin A. Meiggs Scholarship Fund will award scholarships to selected athletes on the Women’s Rowing Team. Because it is endowed, the fund is designed to last in perpetuity, with earnings used to fund the scholarships.

The scholarship came as a surprise to Coach Meiggs. Her husband had been able to keep it a secret during the planning for Thursday night’s event.

“This is a way to honor my wife and the work she has done over the years,” Scott Heller said. “She made a real impact in the lives of so many student athletes. Now this scholarship will make a difference for the athletes for years to come."

In addition to the scholarship, Meiggs was honored with the unveiling of a new boat for the team. It is named for her dog, Ui Nalu’, who was also on hand for the evening.

Just prior to the announcement of the scholarship, Meiggs spoke from half-court about her experiences.

“My goal in life was to be a strong female mentor to young women, to try to teach perseverance, vision, values, ambition, and how to live life with urgency,” Meiggs said. “More importantly, it was to try to teach young women how to utilize and find their voices during a time in their life when the world isn’t always ready for strong women.”

Meiggs spoke eloquently of her appreciation for mentors, athletes, colleagues and friends. And she said professors, staff, community and others had helped her athletes be successful in the classroom and in competition.

“Teamwork does, in fact, make the dream work. I love you, and thank you all.”

Meiggs enjoyed a remarkable career at Humboldt State, and is recognized as one of the University’s most successful coaches. She helped grow the rowing program from a club sport into a Division II powerhouse, and served as its first and only head coach for 25 years. Over the years, the team won two national championships and its student-athletes excelled academically.

To support HSU women’s rowing athletes, you can make a gift to the Robin Meiggs Scholarship Fund. For more information, call the HSU Foundation and Development office 707-826-5200 or email giving@humboldt.edu.