Thanks to the generosity of more than 600 donors, Bridgewater College’s 2024 Day of Giving was a resounding success. Approximately $335,000 was raised, far surpassing the fundraising goal of $225,000.
Among the donors during the April 3 event were 148 individuals who gave to BC for the very first time. This number included some who, like Olivia Taylor ‘24, had yet to graduate from BC at the time.
“I see my donation as a way to help improve the future of current students as well as students not yet at BC,” Taylor said. “While not everyone can donate a large amount of money, I know that any bit can come together and make a huge impact.”
Taylor’s gift was part of a campaign run by the Class of 2024 during Day of Giving to raise money for the Eagle Fund—the College’s current-use scholarship fund and one focus of Connections: The Campaign for Bridgewater College.
Giving to the Eagle Fund can involve contributions of any amount, large or small, making it an attractive choice for donors. The money raised for the Eagle Fund will go toward helping generations of BC students experience all that Bridgewater has to offer.
Taylor, a native of Mechanicsville, Va., came to Bridgewater in 2022 after graduating from high school with both her high school diploma and associate’s degree from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Regarding her Bridgewater experience, Taylor speaks highly of the small, close-knit community. For her it was a significant factor in choosing to come to BC.
“I have never been to a big school, and I do well in smaller social situations so I knew the class size and campus size would help me find friends. Just knowing people in every class was a huge help socially,” Taylor said.
A digital media arts major, she also values how the digital media arts courses she took guided her down a new artistic path since she had previously only worked with physical art. Taylor describes how the major’s comprehensive nature, a cornerstone of a liberal arts education, allowed her to experiment to find the digital art niche that suits her best. Still, the Bridgewater experience goes beyond academics and classroom learning.
“I honestly enjoyed the events the most. Bingo, Founder’s Day, Homecoming and formals. It was just a great time for me and all my friends, and the memories I made are so special,” Taylor said.
Although she has only just begun her post-college journey, Taylor says she is excited to continue giving back to Bridgewater when she can. To other alumni who might want to do the same, she reiterates that “a little bit can go a long way.”
“Think about the impact you could personally have on BC and its students.”
Originally published in the Bridgewater College Annual Report of Donors, 2023-2024.
– Eli Quay ’20
