EUGENE, Ore. — Bushnell University invites alumni, students, friends, and neighbors to gather in celebration of a major milestone—130 years of Wisdom, Faith, and Service—on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Event Details
Location: Bushnell University, 828 E. 11th Avenue, Eugene, OR
Time:
11:00 a.m. – 130th Anniversary Convocation Chapel
12:00 p.m. – Building Dedication & Ribbon Cutting for Goodrich Hall and Bell Tower (followed by a casual lawn reception)
12:15–12:45 p.m. – Building Tours
The event is open to the public. No RSVP required.
Parking is limited—walking, carpooling, and public transportation are encouraged. On-campus signage and maps will be available.
The celebration begins at 11:00 a.m. with the 130th Anniversary Convocation Chapel on the campus quad. Convocation will be followed by a 12:00 p.m. Building Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the two important campus landmarks: the recently renovated Goodrich Hall and the newly constructed Donna Racine Pomajevich Bell Tower. The tower is home to four bells, honoring members of Bushnell’s legacy, and a cross, symbolizing our commitment to Christ-centered higher education.
A Legacy Reawakened
Goodrich Hall first opened its doors on October 18, 1908, as one of the original three buildings constructed on land acquired in 1896. Funded in part by early benefactors, including James A. Bushnell, the building quickly became the centerpiece of campus life for what was then Eugene Divinity School, housing classrooms, administrative offices, and the school’s growing library.
Following a full interior renovation, Goodrich Hall now reclaims its role as a vibrant hub for learning and connection. The updated space includes modern classrooms, study areas, and collaborative spaces on the first and second floors. The third floor houses the Office of the President and the Office of Advancement. With Goodrich coming back to life, our community will enjoy a lively hub for learning and connection, enhanced by increased accessibility and comfort.
“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,” wrote Keith Potter, Vice President for University Advancement, in his chapter in Wisdom, Faith, and Service: Reframing the Bushnell University Saga (p. 50).
The Bell Tower: A New Symbol of Sound and Spirit
Standing tall beside Goodrich Hall is the newly constructed Donna Racine Pomajevich Bell Tower, which will house four newly cast bells and a cross visible from across the University District. The bells will chime to mark the hour, call the community to weekly chapel, and celebrate ceremonial moments like convocation and commencement. Together, the bells and the cross represent Bushnell University as a champion of wisdom, faith, and service in our community and our world.
The stories behind the bells and their honorees are shared in more detail by the Register-Guard in this news article.
Venture Forward: A Campaign Fulfilled
The renovation of Goodrich Hall and construction of the Donna Racine Pomajevich Bell Tower were made possible through Bushnell’s historic Venture Forward campaign, which surpassed its $18 million goal and raised nearly $22 million. This bold campaign has also fueled key initiatives across campus, including:
- Completion of Womack Hall, an active student residence facility
- A fully operational baseball program and stadium partnership at Hamlin Field
- Full funding for the Song Nai Rhee Honors Program
- Continued expansion of the School of Nursing in the College of Health Professions
- Planning and initial groundbreaking for the future Duke Student Commons at 1000 Alder Street
You can read more about Venture Forward on news.bushnell.edu.
Bushnell University is honored to mark this transformative moment in our 130-year journey. We invite the community to come celebrate the past, present, and future of a university built on wisdom, faith, and service.
