Students throwing bright pink and blue chalk in the air
Home Life at Bridgewater Student Engagement

Student Engagement

Explore New Interests

College is more than classes and study sessions. It’s the perfect time to try something new. Sing in a choir. Plan events with the Campus Engagement and Activity Team. Build a house with Habitat for Humanity.

Experiences outside the classroom are an important part of your education. Join a club or group that matches your interests or venture beyond your comfort zone. You’ll become more well-rounded. More aware. More interesting.

Do things you never imagined possible. Broaden your worldview. Find friends who share your interests. Have fun.

Community Engagement and Belonging

Group gathered in the living room of the IDEA Center

Center for Community Enrichment

The Center for Community Enrichment supports programs and events that embody Bridgewater College’s values of Goodness, Truth, Beauty, and Harmony. Through student organizations, mentorship, leadership development, and cultural programs, the Center promotes understanding, respect, and the development of ethical and engaged citizens.

  • Community Conversations
  • Community Connections
  • BC Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
  • Social and Educational Cultural Programs
  • Heritage Month Recognition Programs
  • Meeting and program space
  • One-on-one consultation with members of the campus community
  • Training and development with student organizations and campus departments
  • Community engagement

Learn about the over 60 student-run clubs and organizations at Bridgewater College.

Two students sitting with the college chaplain smiling during a spiritual life event

Spiritual Life

Bridgewater College is historically affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, a Christian denomination founded on the core values of equality, community, simplicity, service and peace. Bridgewater honors its heritage while welcoming students of all religious, spiritual, and philosophical perspectives as part of an open, inclusive, and diverse learning community.

The College chaplain oversees the spiritual life program and offers spiritual guidance and support to all members of the campus community. No matter what you believe, you are welcome here.

Student Success Resources

We are here to support student success so that you stay on track towards graduation. The student retention and success services provide support for students who prefer a support network or additional resources to navigate the campus. Our Eagle Success program and student organizations are great strategies for students to be connected on campus.

The Eagle Success program is a student success initiative for new students at the College.  It is a peer mentoring program that supports students who seek advice or information from upper class students who could have similar experiences.  We understand that it can be comfortable to reach out to your peers about personal or student related questions.

Eagle Success is an open opportunity for Bridgewater College students; however, research shows that Pell-eligible and first-generation students experience strong outcomes by participating in peer mentoring programs.

We invite first-year students to participate in Eagle Success so that you develop a stronger connection to campus and feel a sense of belonging.  Upper class students should consider being mentors to help support and guide new students.

Please email the Eagle Success team at ES@bridgewater.edu to learn more about being involved as a mentor or a mentee.

Bridgewater College is home to over 60 student-run clubs and organizations, as well as numerous honors societies and musical ensembles. Don’t see a club you’re interested in? Start your own!

Questions? Contact us!

Department of Student Life
540-828-5380
studentlife@bridgewater.edu

Portrait of Whitney Smith

Whitney Smith

Assistant Dean of Students for Engagement

Whitney has worked in student engagement for 20 years and received her bachelor of science degree in biology from BC in 2001. The best part of her job is helping students find their place and excel as they learn and grow outside of the classroom, try new things, and experience the different facets of campus recreation. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, camping and working in their garden.

Sam Schlernitzauer portrait

Sam Huyard

Director of Student Engagement and Leadership

Samantha is a two-time alumna from Chapman University receiving her B.A. in Theatre Studies and M.A. in Leadership Development with an emphasis in Higher Education. At Bridgewater, she works with our clubs and organizations, the programming board, student representation, oversees spirit initiatives and the mascot program, develops leadership opportunities, plans traditional events including Homecoming, Family Weekend, SpringFest, etc., and works with Commuter students. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and spending time on the water.

Portrait of Nina Andrews

Nina Simone Andrews

Coordinator of Community Enrichment & Belonging

nandrews2@bridgewater.edu
540-515-3794

Nina Simone Andrews graduated from Bridgewater College in April 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication, Technology and Culture.

Tori Tyler

Coordinator of Student Involvement and Belonging

Tori serves as the Coordinator of Student Involvement and Belonging at Bridgewater College. She graduated from James Madison University with a Masters of Education in Counselor Education concentrating in College Student Personnel Administration. Prior to JMU, Tori received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. At Bridgewater, Tori fosters student engagement by working with student organizations and facilitating programs. In her free time, she enjoys being outside and spending time with family.