Bridgewater College raises $36.7M in five-year campaign

Bridgewater College announced Monday that it successfully concluded its five-year Connections fundraising campaign, raising $36.7 million from more than 1,100 donors and exceeding its $35 million goal.

Connections: The Campaign for Bridgewater College, which ended June 30, raised money for  scholarships, teaching and learning initiatives, and capital projects.

Spokesperson Heather Cole stated that the college spent a significant portion of the money raised during the campaign over the past five years to address these needs.

The college raised around $15.1 million for teaching and learning initiatives. As part of this component of the campaign, the college named three of its schools for donors: the Bonnie Forrer and John Harvey Rhodes School of Arts and Humanities in 2021; the Rev. Wilfred E. and Dr. Joyce A. Nolen School of Business and Professional Studies in 2023; and the Greg L. and Betty P. Coffman School of Natural Sciences in 2024. Funds donated by the schools’ namesakes supported faculty development, internships, study abroad programs, summer research projects, equipment and travel expenses.

Connections funds raised also went toward establishing several endowed funds for student research and the creation of the college’s new engineering major, which provides students with access to upgraded labs, 3D printing and mechatronics. The courses prepare students for careers in mechanical, aerospace and nuclear engineering and automotive design.

For capital projects, Bridgewater raised $13.1 million. Money went toward the creation of Rebecca Quad, an outdoor learning space completed in 2023; the renovation of the interior spaces of Bowman Hall, the main classroom building on campus, completed in 2024; and upgrades to the Jopson Athletic Complex, including improvements to the track, javelin throw area, steeplechase and turf replacement. The college completed the upgrades to its athletic complex this year.

The campaign also raised more than $8.1 million for the Eagle Fund, a scholarship fund that provides direct and immediate scholarship support to students.

“The success of the Connections Campaign is proof that when the Bridgewater community comes together, extraordinary things happen,” Bridgewater College President David W. Bushman said in a statement. “We are humbled by the generosity of our donors — their philanthropic spirit will have a lasting impact on Bridgewater students, now and for generations to come.”

Founded in 1880 and located in the town of Bridgewater in Rockingham County, Bridgewater College is a private, four-year liberal arts institution with 1,450 students. It offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as four graduate programs.