One of the most meaningful features of the Venture Forward campaign has been the restoration of Goodrich Hall, which will reclaim its place at the heart of campus when it reopens its doors this winter. “The aggressive renovation gives a beloved, aging building a long future with high functionality, as well as offering an attractive, six-story bell tower and a cross to declare visibly and audibly the centrality of Christ at Bushnell,” (Wisdom, Faith, and Service, p. 50)
Goodrich Hall opened its doors on October 18, 1908. It was one of the first three buildings that the University built on land acquired in 1896. James Bushnell was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for the building, and he and his wife gave the funds to purchase a set of rare Bibles for the school’s growing library. By the time of the building’s dedication, 53 students were enrolled and the University library contained 3,000 books. At the time it was known as the Administration Building and considered the centerpiece of campus life for what was then Eugene Divinity School. Goodrich has housed almost every program and department at some point in the last 116 years, even the university library.
The school’s graduates have served the Church with distinction throughout the nation and in the mission fields of the world. – Martha Goodrich, History of Northwest Christian College, 1940, namesake of Goodrich Hall
In 1998, the building was renamed the Goodrich Administration Building in honor of Martha Goodrich, a lifelong friend of and advocate for the University. She died in 1996, leaving $1,000,000 to the University, in addition to her long legacy of devotion and strong faith.
Today, the building is known simply as Goodrich Hall. It will be home to six large, high-tech classrooms, as well as study rooms and common space. The third floor will house the Office of the President and the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations, where all alumni and friends of the University will be eagerly welcomed. A visual historic timeline of the University will adorn the walls of this space, where all generations of alumni, staff, faculty, and friends will be able to come see their history as a piece of the grand whole.
There were three principal donors to the Goodrich Hall renovation: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Doug McKay, whom the advancement conference room will be named after, and the Jim Pomajevich ’64 family. The tower will, in some way, be named to honor the late Donna (Racine) Pomajevich ’63.
The four bells that will hang at the top of the six-story tower were an especially momentous piece of this project. Each bell honors a different person or family: Ada Oi Lan Lee, Linda Lee McKay Korth, The Faye & Lucille Stewart Family, and Edwin M. “Ted” Baker. Each honoree claims a deep, enduring connection to the University, the Church, and the local Eugene community.
The cross at the top of the tower will be one of the tallest markers in the University District area, reminding our community of our faithful calling on this historic location. The bells will issue the call to weekly worship in campus chapel, as well as mark the beginning of the year at convocation and chime twice yearly for graduation. Together, the bells and the cross represent Bushnell University as a champion of wisdom, faith, and service in our community and our world.
A vital piece of campus has been missing since Goodrich Hall closed for construction in 2022. Without it, classroom and office space elsewhere on campus has been constricted while the building has lain dormant under a curtain of construction equipment. With Goodrich coming back to life, our community will enjoy a lively hub for learning and connection, enhanced by increased accessibility and comfort.
Soon, Goodrich’s grey, rusticated stonework, pillared sandstone entry façade, and classic Italian Renaissance style will be illuminated again by the bright smiles and keen minds of students in its halls. We can’t wait.
1907: Goodrich Construction
1908: Goodrich Building
1920: EBU Day