Begun in 1840 as one of the nation's first teacher training schools, Bridgewater has evolved over time into a full-fledged institution preparing students for a variety of careers.
Now, as it marks the 175th anniversary of its founding, the institution is recalling its unique story and the many people that helped shape it.
Over the next seven months, a series of special events is planned; a celebration officials hope will remind current-day students, staff, and alumni of the university's rich history and traditions.
The 175th observance kicked off Thursday, March 26, with a national academic conference, "The Arc of Teacher Education." About 200 educators and others took part in the inter-disciplinary event, which explored the history and varied facets of teacher preparation.
"It's a time for us to pause for a moment and celebrate our past - all the way back to 1840, but certainly the last 15 years – and all the remarkable accomplishments," said Dr. Anna Bradfield, BSU's executive director for university initiatives. Among the more recent achievements, she cited the university's progress in raising graduation rates and closing the achievement gap.
Dr. Bradfield said the coincidence of the 175th celebration and the approaching inauguration of a new president - Frederick W. Clark Jr. - makes this "a really pivotal moment in our history."
While noting the strides BSU has made under retiring President Dana Mohler-Faria and his predecessor, Adrian Tinsley, Dr. Bradfield said Mr. Clark is focused on the future and "how we can grow and change."
The anniversary celebration continues on April 6 in the Horace Mann Auditorium when President Mohler-Faria, Mr. Clark, and former President Tinsley join in a "Presidential Fireside Chat, concerning BSU's past, present, and future.
That event, like the opening conference, will feature an appearance by Horace Mann, himself - played by a re-enactor. It was under the legendary education reformer's leadership that Massachusetts established its first normal, or teacher training schools, including the one in Bridgewater.
On May 20, during commencement week, the university plans a gala event to celebrate the 175th and Dr. Mohler-Faria's presidency. The anniversary will also be a theme during commencement itself, on May 16.
The observance continues June 17 with a "Salute to Justice" event at which Dr. Mohler-Faria and Mr. Clark will reaffirm the university's historic commitment to fairness, equality, and equal opportunity.
Later that month, on June 23, the anniversary will be a prominent theme at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for BSU's newly-opened Cape Cod facility in Yarmouth.
The celebration then heads into the fall, with the 175th a key theme of the inauguration ceremony for President-Elect Clark and the student convocation, to be held concurrently on Sept. 1. On Sept. 9, the actual anniversary date, a campus-wide party is planned on the Quad that will include a large birthday cake and the sealing of a time capsule.
The observance will close on Homecoming Weekend in October, which will feature a distinctive 175th anniversary theme.
While the key events are set, Dr. Bradfield said she would welcome hearing from any campus organizations and clubs that feel inspired to plan their own 175th festivities.
"It's just a time to have a party," she said. (University News)