BRIDGEWATER, VA. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Bridgewater College will rededicate its newly renovated Bowman Hall as part of the College’s 2024 Homecoming.

The ceremony will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, followed by building tours.

Bowman Hall recently reopened after an $8.5 million renovation. It now features modern classrooms with flexible furnishings and upgraded technology to support diverse teaching styles and engaged learning, according to a news release.

Many donors contributed to make this renovation a reality. The project was funded by contributions from the late Dr. Garner H. Downey ’47 and his late wife, Mae Frances; a $250,000 challenge grant from The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation of Richmond, Va.; and members of the Classes of 1972, 1974 and 1975. The Class of 1972 raised funds for a Neuroscience Lab, the Class of 1974 for a Digital Media Lab and the Class of 1975 is fundraising for the third-floor wing of the building.

“We are deeply grateful for the generous philanthropic support to renovate Bowman Hall into the dynamic engaged learning space it is today. The investment from our alumni and friends will transform the student experience now and for generations to come,” Vice President for Institutional Advancement Meg Flory Riner said in the release. “It is particularly special to have the building opening timed with the public phase of Connections: The Campaign for Bridgewater College so our donors can see in real time the impact of their support.”

Bowman Hall hosts seven undergraduate and three graduate programs. Nearly every student takes at least one class there during their time at Bridgewater, and many take most of their classes there every year.

The renovation began in 2023 and finished before classes began this semester. Bowman Hall opened its doors in 1953.