The Rondileau Campus Center: A History of Bridgewater State University's "Living Room"

Bridgewater State University (BSU), originally founded as Bridgewater Normal School in 1840, has a rich history of growth and adaptation. From its humble beginnings in the basement of the Old Bridgewater Town Hall to its current status as the largest of nine state universities in Massachusetts, BSU has consistently evolved to meet the needs of its students. A key part of this evolution is the Rondileau Campus Center (RCC), a building designed to be the heart of campus life.

The Genesis of a Student Union

The story of the RCC begins in the 1960s, a period of significant change and expansion for Bridgewater State. According to Edward J. Meaney, a BSU alumnus and former director of the campus center, the need for a student union arose from the lack of adequate facilities for commuter students. In those days, commuters were relegated to a small, cramped lounge in the basement of Boyden Hall, hardly a suitable place to relax or socialize between classes.

Driven by the need for a better space for students, Meaney and his fellow students began lobbying the administration for a dedicated student union. Their efforts paid off in 1962 when they secured funding from the state legislature. Meaney, who was president of the Student Government at the time, was personally appointed by President Rondileau to serve on the planning committee.

Planning and Funding Challenges

The planning committee embarked on a mission to visit other campuses and gather ideas for their own student union. The initial estimate for the project was $4-5 million. However, the state legislature didn't initially allocate sufficient funds.

To overcome this hurdle, Jim Henry, Meaney's successor as president of the Student Government, organized a march on the state house in Boston. This demonstration proved successful, and the necessary funding was secured.

Construction and Initial Design

Construction of the student union began in 1968 on the site of the old football practice field and soccer field. The building was nearing completion in the spring of 1970 when President Rondileau offered Meaney the position of director of the campus center.

The original purpose of the building, as envisioned by Meaney and the planning committee, was to serve as the "living room of the college," a central gathering place for all students. However, due to funding constraints, some features were cut from the original design, including air conditioning, which was deemed essential for a year-round use building. The cafeteria roof, made of silicon, also presented problems due to leaks that were difficult to locate.

Early Years and Popular Features

Despite these initial challenges, the student union quickly became a popular hub for campus life. In the basement, there was a bowling alley and The Rathskeller, a bar and nightclub that offered entertainment and drinks. The building also housed campus security, providing a sense of safety and security for students.

The student union hosted a variety of events, including concerts by famous musicians such as the Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin, Jake Isles Band, and Ike and Tina Turner. It also served as a venue for political events, featuring speakers such as Jimmy Carter (before he was president), Edward Kennedy, Josiah Spaulding, John Glenn, and various other notable figures. Additionally, the building featured an art gallery showcasing the work of Wallace Anderson and a student-run art gallery.

The Rondileau Campus Center Name Change and Evolution

After President Rondileau retired in 1987, the student union was renamed the Rondileau Campus Center (RCC) in his honor. Meaney, who was executive vice president at the time, played a role in the renaming process.

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Over the years, the RCC has undergone several changes and renovations to adapt to the evolving needs of the university. As BSU's student population grew from 3,500 to over 10,000, the RCC faced challenges in accommodating the increased demand for space and services.

Renovations and Additions

Renovations and additions to the Rondileau Campus Center (RCC) began in spring 2013 and were finished by December.

A Space for Remembrance: The Bear Statue

In recent years, the RCC has also become a place of remembrance and reflection. Following several student and faculty deaths on campus, senior Nick Amo advocated for a safe space where students could remember those who had passed away.

Amo's idea was quickly approved by university President Frederick W. Clark and Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Joseph Oravecz. They commissioned Chris Williams, an artist based in Essex, Massachusetts, to create a sculpture for this purpose. Williams, who had previously created a bear statue for the Tinsley Center, designed a new bear statue made of welded metal.

The base of the statue sits on top of three massive rocks transported from Maine. Clark hopes that the sculpture will provide students and staff with a sense of safety and pride and that it will serve as a symbol of community and resilience.

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Bridgewater State University: A Legacy of Growth and Adaptation

Bridgewater State University has a long and storied history, dating back to its founding as Bridgewater Normal School in 1840. Over the years, the institution has undergone numerous transformations, adapting to the changing needs of its students and the evolving landscape of higher education.

Early Years and the Normal School Tradition

Founded by Horace Mann, Bridgewater Normal School was the first permanently-located institution of public higher education in Massachusetts. The school's initial class consisted of 21 women and seven men, with Nicholas Tillinghast serving as the first principal and sole instructor.

In 1845, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts constructed the first building in America specifically designed for teacher preparation. This two-story wooden structure served as the institution's educational plant for nearly half a century.

Bridgewater Normal School established a professional standard for teacher preparation, breaking away from traditional academics. The school's early motto, "Not to be Ministered Unto but to Minister," reflected its commitment to public service and the education of future generations.

Expansion and Transformation

In the decades that followed, Bridgewater State continued to grow and evolve. The curriculum expanded to include liberal arts, business, and aviation science, and the institution's name changed several times to reflect its broader mission.

In 1924, a devastating fire destroyed several of the college's buildings, prompting a major rebuilding effort led by then-principal Arthur Boyden. New dormitories and academic buildings were constructed, ensuring the institution's continued presence in the town of Bridgewater.

The 1960s marked a period of significant expansion, with the introduction of the liberal arts curriculum and the construction of new dormitories and academic buildings. Enrollment quadrupled between 1970 and 1990, and the number of faculty tripled.

In 2010, Bridgewater State College officially became Bridgewater State University, a move that was intended to boost its popularity, attract more contributions, increase student applications and enrollment, and give the school a higher profile.

Campus Life and Student Activities

Bridgewater State University offers a wide range of student activities and organizations, including the Student Government Association (SGA), which represents the student body and advocates for their needs. The university's student newspaper, The Comment, has been providing news and information to the campus community since 1927.

In addition to the RCC, BSU has invested in numerous campus improvements and expansions in recent years, including a new Welcome Center, renovations to Woodward Hall, and the construction of a new residence hall, Weygand Hall. The university has also opened satellite campuses in Attleboro and on Cape Cod to better serve its students.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Bridgewater State University has a long list of distinguished alumni and faculty who have made significant contributions in various fields. These include:

James H. Fagan:
Raymond J. Warren G. Phillips:
Martin V.
M. David B.
Richard T.
Zenos E.
John J.
Clement C.
Gerard T.
Frederick W. Clark Jr.
Albert Gardner Boyden: Led the institution from 1860 to 1906, overseeing extensive expansion and using personal money to buy land that now holds Scott Hall, Maxwell Library and the Rondileau Student Union.
Arthur Boyden: Led the rebuilding effort after the 1924 fire and oversaw the construction of Boyden Hall.

tags: #rondileau #student #union #history