Members of the Class of 1975, celebrating their 50th reunion this year, are fundraising to name the third-floor wing of Bowman Hall as a class gift donation. The Class of 1975 was inspired by the Class of 1974, which raised funds to name a new Digital Media Lab, and the Class of 1972, who named the Neuroscience Lab in Bowman through their 50th reunion efforts.
Each year for the past decade, Bridgewater classes celebrating their 50th reunions have fundraised for a college gift. In previous years these gifts have included current-use and endowed scholarships, funds to support the Center for Engaged Learning and naming the Great Room in the John Kenny Forrer Learning Commons.
According to Tyler Bradley M’21, Senior Director of Donor Engagement, alumni decided to give toward the renovation of Bowman Hall because they remember their own experiences in the classroom building.
“When we talk about Bowman Hall it immediately sparks memories,” Bradley said. “Everyone has such fond memories of the building. They share memories like they happened yesterday.”
Bowman Hall has long been the main academic building on campus, and most students take at least one class there during their time at BC. The $8.5 million renovation project included replacing traditional classrooms with dynamic engaged-learning spaces and turning faculty offices into advising suites. Bowman Hall was rededicated during Homecoming weekend in the fall.
Dr. Larry Czarda ’74 and Jeff Heppard ’74 led the fundraising effort for the Class of 1974 as co-chairs of the class gift committee. Currently President of Greensboro College in North Carolina, Czarda said that he reconnected with Bridgewater several years ago after realizing how impactful his time at BC was on the course of his life. Czarda, Heppard and Donna Price Walker ’75 all contributed to BC’s 2024 Day of Giving last spring, which helped raise more than $330,000 to support the College.
Walker has made donations to support a variety of capital projects and student scholarships. She said she attributes her success to her BC education and continues to give to the College to make sure future students can take advantage of the opportunities Bridgewater gave her. Walker earned her degree in business administration from Bridgewater and retired as Vice President of Tax Administration for PPG Industries in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 2011.
“I started giving to BC about five years after graduation. PPG had a matching gift program, and I started by giving about $10 a year. Now BC is part of my estate planning,” she said.
“Every gift that is made helps create a better experience for future students,” Bradley added. “Even $500 can change the course of someone’s life.”
A version of this story originally published in Bridgewater College’s Annual Report of Donors, 2023-2024.
– Heather S. Cole
