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Van Fossen, a PhD candidate in engineering who is currently studying at the University of Cambridge in Great Britain will receive the Filippi eight as part of her prize for winning the 2015 Parmigiani Spirit Award which recognises university rowers worldwide who demonstrate the core values of rowing in his/her social, academic and sporting life.

The presentation and christening of the Filippi eight took place at 12pm CET at the Lake Varese regatta course. This is an apt location for the boat christening as Filippi boat builders are from Italy and the venue is a popular regatta location for Italian rowers.

Van Fossen, 25, is from the United States and has studied at a number of universities including Harvard University in the United States and the University of Sao Paolo in Brazil. Though her university career Van Fossen has made rowing an integral part of her life. Van Fossen plans to donate the Filippi eight to her current rowing club, Cambridge University Boat Club.

The World Rowing Federation (FISA) and Parmigiani Fleurier are delighted to be part of the boat christening in Varese.

The Parmigiani Spirit Award is an annual award and is open through a nomination process to university rowers worldwide who demonstrate the core values of rowing in his/her social, academic and sporting life.