A new exhibition tells the stories of more than a century of international students at Bridgewater College. Curated by BC Special Collections, “Global Eagles: Celebrating International Students at Bridgewater College, Past and Present” is on display now through October 8, 2026, in the Forrer Learning Commons.
“Global Eagles”uses photographs and other unique archives to highlight the experiences of international students throughout the history of BC. From A. J. Sugar, who arrived from Russia in 1889, through the present, international students have been a part of academic and student life at Bridgewater.
“Our international students bring with them curiosity, resilience and an eagerness to engage fully with college life,” says Anne Marsh, Director of Study Abroad and International Student Services. “They are not just ‘international students,’ they are Bridgewater students, and can be found in leadership roles on campus, sharing their perspectives in the classroom, conducting research, tutoring their peers and educating the community through campus cultural events.”
Among the artifacts on exhibit are a 1910 Czechoslovakian prayer book donated by exchange student Zuzana Firbasova in the 1990s and cultural items given by international students to Marsh. Also featured are short interviews with current international students and materials from BC’s cultural celebrations and study abroad opportunities.
The exhibit was curated by Special Collections Librarian Stephanie Gardner, intern Sebastian Kochall ’26 and volunteer Jadaya Hollins ’27. The trio will discuss the exhibit and the importance of sharing the voices of international students in a presentation moderated by Dr. Yuka H. Kishida, Associate Professor of History, on Wednesday, April 8 at 3 p.m. in the lower level of the Forrer Learning Commons. This talk is part of ASPIRE, BC’s celebration of the arts, scholarship, performance, innovation and research excellence, and is free and open to the public.
“Global Eagles” is free to view and is open to visitors on the lower level of the Forrer Learning Commons whenever the building is open to the public. A calendar of library service hours is at https://libguides.bridgewater.edu. Call ahead for holiday and summer hours.
Media Contact:
Heather Cole
Editor & Media Relations Director
hcole@bridgewater.edu
3/27/26
