From Bassett, Va., to the halls of Bridgewater College, Judy Nolen Henneberger‘s journey is one of music, generosity and unwavering ties to her alma mater.
Henneberger’s late mother, Gladys Young Nolen ’33, attended Bridgewater, and Henneberger ’64 had early exposure to the College. She recalled visiting Cole Hall during a childhood church conference and being enchanted by the sounds of the pipe organ.
“It just affected me in the most positive, wonderful way,” Henneberger said. “From that occasion, at age five, I said ‘I’m going to Bridgewater College, and I’m going to play the big pipe organ.’” She eventually fulfilled that dream, graduating in 1964 with a degree in music education.
Her late parents, A.D. and Gladys Nolen, were long-time supporters of Bridgewater College. Henneberger said she inherited from them both a love of music and a spirit of giving. Inspired by their example, Henneberger and her late husband, John “Ed” Henneberger ’63, embarked on a lifelong mission to give back to the College.
In 2009, they established the endowed Nolen-Henneberger Scholarship, marking their commitment to supporting future generations of Bridgewater students. Henneberger has also given gifts that funded startup costs for the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band, in memory of her husband, and renovations to the Concert Hall in the Carter Center for Worship and Music.
Henneberger worked for many years as a music educator with Fairfax County (Va.) Public Schools and said her support of BC’s music programs complemented what she described as her life’s work. Her focus on creating global citizens and career-ready students echoed through her support for initiatives like the Ed and Judy Nolen Henneberger Funds for Teaching and Learning, which aims to enrich student experiences and foster interdisciplinary connections.
“Motivation is what my life has always focused on, and I am motivated by sharing and integrating music with other disciplines, because that was part of my career. So I was greatly interested in these connections and integrations that I could see would become a part of the students’ educations,” Henneberger said.
Henneberger has been involved in many Bridgewater College music activities over the years. She has sung in the Oratorio Choir with her granddaughter Sarah Henneberger ’24, attended student concerts and traveled with the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band and BC Chorale.
She also made a philanthropic gift that enabled BC Chorale students to travel to New York City this summer to study under composer Christopher Tin and perform at Carnegie Hall. The trip was reminiscent of Henneberger’s own impactful experience as a high school student winning a scholarship to study at Sherwood Music Conservatory in Chicago. Henneberger said that early summer study in Chicago opened her eyes to the wider world of music, and she wants BC students to have similar experiences.
“I am grateful to be part of new opportunities for developing long-lasting, life-changing connections that enrich the lives of students at Bridgewater College,” Henneberger said.
– Logan Bogert
Bridgewater magazine, spring/summer 2024
