The Class of 1975 presented a donation of $1.68 million to Bridgewater College President Dr. David Bushman earlier this month, marking the largest class gift in BC’s history. Given in celebration of their 50th reunion, this gift will name the third floor of Bowman Hall in honor of the Class of 1975.
The gift was presented to the college by alumna Donna P. Walker on behalf of the class at a celebration in Bowman Hall. The event was attended by nearly 60 members of the Class of 1975, who reminisced about their time at Bridgewater as they toured the renovated building. The reunion planning committee was chaired by Robert Armbruster.
Bowman Hall, the primary academic building on campus, recently underwent an $8.5 million renovation that included modernized classrooms, upgraded technology and a new digital media lab. Fundraising for this most recent renovation of the 1953 building was a core goal of the recently completed Connections: The Campaign for Bridgewater College that raised $36.7 million from more than 1,100 donors.
Walker, also a college trustee, said the class had initially set a fundraising goal of $500,000 towards the Bowman Hall renovations.
“We set a goal and far exceeded it,” Walker said. “I’m so proud of our class.”
As he accepted the donation, Bushman thanked the class for their donation and their ongoing belief in the value of a Bridgewater education.
“To all Eagles—especially the Class of 1975—your confidence and trust has made this project a reality. Your belief in Bridgewater and our mission made this possible,” he said.
The Class of 1972, Class of 1974, The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation and many individual donors also contributed to the renovation of Bowman Hall, which was rededicated last year. Bowman Hall is home to seven undergraduate programs and three graduate programs. Nearly every student takes at least one class in Bowman Hall during their time at Bridgewater and college leadership describes it as central to the BC student experience.
Media Contact:
Heather Cole
Editor & Media Relations Director
hcole@bridgewater.edu
10/22/25
