A celebration marking the 175th anniversary of the founding of Bridgewater State University was held Wednesday afternoon on the historic Boyden Hall Quadrangle.
President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83, welcomed members of the campus community, alumni, friends of the institution, and residents of the town. He shared a handful of facts and stories about the institution’s history, including how it came about.
“It was described as ‘a holy and philanthropic cause’ that needed to be supported,” President Clark said.
John Quincy Adams, Horace Mann and Daniel Webster, leaders of the normal school movement in the commonwealth, were involved in the vote regarding the site of a new normal school. “The vote landed the prize here,” President Clark said, “ And we think it’s quite a prize.”
The founding principles of the normal school endure today, President Clark said, including “a complete dedication to the teaching of truth.”
The president was thankful to the town and its residents.
“We dedicate our anniversary, our birthday to you – the people of the Town of Bridgewater,” he said. President Clark made special mention of retired State Rep. David Flynn, ’58, who was instrumental to Bridgewater’s expansion over the past several decades and was in attendance at the cake-cutting ceremony.
The president also announced a gift to the town of $175,000. A proclamation honoring the university’s anniversary was presented by the town, which was represented by Kevin Perry of the town council.
The day of celebration was also marked by the rededication of Woodward Hall, across from the quadrangle on Grove Street. The oldest residence hall on campus, Woodward opened in 1912 and has been fully renovated over the course of the past five summers.
A Day of Giving was held in conjunction with the anniversary celebration. The Institutional Advancement team surpassed its goal of having 175 people make a donation to the university’s foundation early in the day. Funds raised will help fund internships, financial aid and other student activities.
President Clark announced a $1.8 million donation by the estate of the late Ruth Donnelly. The largest gift ever received by the College of Education and Allied Studies, the donation will fund 15 annual scholarships of $5,000 each for students planning to become educators.
Throughout the years, Bridgewater has been: Bridgewater Normal School (1840-1846), Bridgewater State Normal School (1846-1932), Bridgewater State Teachers College (1932-1960), State College at Bridgewater (1960-1965), Bridgewater State College (1965-2010). The institution attained university status five years ago and celebrated the occasion at the start of the 2010-2011 academic year.
