Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater State University
"Move-In Day 2026" Captured on Video
Okay, quick, what would a BSU alum who graduated before 2003 think of the photo above?
The young man seated at the front desk of Woodward Hall would have certainly surprised them and, indeed, shocked the housemothers of Woodward Hall should they have seen such a sight.
You see, Woodward Hall - opened in 1911 - was the last of the university's residence halls to go "coed" in 2003.
Up until then, for nearly 90 years, men couldn't get past the front door except to the building's first-floor parlour, never mind to sit at the desk greeting visitors.
Enforcing that rule were the housemothers - all mature women, residential staff members responsible for overseeing student behavior, social decorum and keeping men out of women's private rooms, 24/7.
But life and the university moved on (for another reflection on the subject, read below an excerpt from Dr. Thomas Turner's 2010 history of Bridgewater State, with a focus on the Class of 1949 and a photo that caused a minor uproar in its yearbook).
Back to the "Move-In Day 2026" video: click on the link below for a look at residential life today, produced by BSU's highly-talented web team:
On September 11, 2001, a BSU Student was in
the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.,
a Likely Fourth Target of the Attack on America
We're grateful to Ms. Heather Harris Michonski, G '26, of BSU's Office of Enrollment, Marketing and Communications for allowing us to print the following article about a day we will never forget which she authored and published on September 14, 2026.
Just 10 days after moving to Washington, D.C., for an internship, Katie McCue, ’03, found herself in the middle of a day that would forever change the United States — and her understanding of what she wanted to do with her life.
That day was September 11, 2001.
On that fateful day, terrorists hijacked four airplanes and used them to strike the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in D.C.
Ms. McCue was working in an office on Capitol Hill when security guards rushed in and instructed anyone wearing heels to take them off and run.
“They thought more planes were coming to hit the Capitol building … It was quite traumatic and life-changing,” she said.
Ms. McCue was ushered into a car with a staffer who brought the young intern to their home in Maryland.
She stayed there until things settled.
When she made it back to her apartment, she could see the Pentagon burning from her balcony.
Despite that unsettling beginning McCue felt connected to the city and found her purpose.
Twenty-five years ago, McCue, then a junior at Bridgewater State had secured the internship through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.
She was turned on to the opportunity by Political Science Professor Dr. George Serra.
“He was a mentor to me, and it was through his leadership that I learned of the internship at the Washington Center,” she said.
Ms. McCue arrived in Washington, D.C., eager to work in the nation’s capital.
She couldn’t have known how quickly that experience would become unforgettable.
Despite that unsettling beginning, McCue felt connected to the city and found her purpose.
“It sounds a little crazy, but I just fell in love with being at the center of the decision-making. I believe government is a force of good. The notion that it’s bad or can take something from you, that’s not true. Government can do the most good for many people,” she said.
After graduating from BSU with a degree in political science and minor in public relations, Ms. McCue continued her education and earned a master’s in political management from George Washington University.
Since then, she has built a career across several roles, each adding another layer to the experience she brings to her work today.
For the past 15 years, the BSU alumna has worked for the Massachusetts Municipal Association, where she is now deputy executive director.
The organization represents all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, serving as a unified voice for local governments across the state.
“When I was in my early 20s, like most young people, I thought government only happens in D.C. I didn’t know then, but I do now. Local government is the closest to the people,” Ms. McCue said.
“Local government is making sure the streets are plowed, the trash is picked up, it oversees public safety and schools.”
She often comes back to her alma mater to talk with students and encourages them to reach out to her on LinkedIn to learn more about working in local government.
Ms. McCue also stresses that a degree from a state school is just as valuable as one from a school with a more prestigious name.
“I think public higher education is more important now than ever. We need to make sure we have affordable options that make sense for families to get a high-quality education,” she said.
“I’m really proud of my career, and it’s fun to be able to talk to students and say, ‘You can have an impactful career, too, after your time at Bridgewater.’”
Remembering William Hunt, '91,
Lost on 9/11
William Christopher "Bill" Hunt, a 1991 graduate of Bridgewater State University, was tragically killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Bill was the son of Diane (Osgood) Hunt, '69, and Lawrence R. Hunt, '70, G '75, and brother to Daniel, '97.
On the brick pavilion outside of the Horace Mann Auditorium, there is a brick for Bill, surrounded by bricks bearing the names of his mother, father and brother.
September 11, 2021: From our photography archives . . .on the 20th anniversary of the tragedy that unfolded on September 11, 2001, President Clark led a memorial service in honor of all victims of that horrific event.
William Hunt was a Dean's List student, captain of the university's rugby team, and earned his degree in public relations and management.
After working locally for Dean Witter Brokers, Bill went to New York City and became a bond trader for Euro Brokers, rising to the position of vice president of the company.
After marrying Jennifer Woodward Hunt, Bill and Jennifer went on to have a daughter, Emma, who was 15-months old when her father was at work on the 84th floor of Building Two at the time of the attack.
He was one of 61 Euro Brokers employees to be lost that day.
Journey back with us for a moment to
Bridgewater State Teachers College, Circa 1947
Faculty men in suits, faculty women wearing hats, female students in "bobby sox" in front of Boyden Hall.
Such a small campus - a half dozen buildings, slightly more than a few acres of land, rules where students going "uptown" to Bridgewater Center had to dress appropriately, just as resident students were expected to dress appropriately - jackets and ties for men, skirts or dresses for women - for the evening meal.
Strict rules: students who failed to achieve a passing grade in at least 12 credits during a single semester were subject to immediate academic probation or dropped from the college entirely.
Strict social life: student dating and social interactions were strictly monitored and dictated by the college administration under the doctrine of in loco parentis (acting in place of a parent)
While specific handbook rules evolved over the years, the core historical rules governing dating and male-female interactions included:
· The Parlor Rule: "Dating" or hosting a gentleman caller could not happen in private dormitory rooms. It was strictly confined to the dormitory reception rooms, parlors, or common assembly halls under the watchful eyes of the house matrons ("dorm moms").
· Strict Curfews: All dates and socializing had to abide by rigid evening curfews (often requiring students to be back in their dormitories by 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM on weeknights).
· Chaperoned Events: Campus mixers, dances, and socials required faculty or administrative chaperones to ensure "conventional conduct."
· Signing Out: Female resident students had to formally "sign out" with their house matron, explicitly stating who they were going out with, where they were going, and exactly when they would return.
Now, read on . . . we share an excerpt from Dr. Thomas Turner's 2010 history of the university concerning the class of 1949 and the photo in its yearbook that caused a minor uproar:
Dr. Thomas Turner, professor emeritus of history
"In 1946, the alumni reunion commemorated the construction of the first normal school building in the United States a century earlier," Dr. Turner wrote.
"The occasion also honored some 350 Bridgewater veterans, who were requested to attend in uniform.
"Faculty, including the president, worked with students who presented a pageant about the opening of he building. Sixteen training school students also participated.
"One thing that had changed enormously due to the war was that students were looking for less regulation and more freedom," he continued.
"The Campus Comment [the student newspaper} began to run a column called 'Clearing House,' which raised provocative issues and backed particular causes.
"While this gave students the opportunity to blow off steam and to be witty or even outrageous, the topics discussed reveal just how much times had changed.
"One question raised was 'Should married women be given opportunities to teach in schools?'
"Marriage still generally precluded women from the profession," Dr. Turner explained, "although the Campus Comment began to carry marriage announcements in the late 1940s.
"The women, however, then usually left the college," he said.
"Smoking had previously been an expellable offense, but now the Campus Comment asked for a women’s smoking room.
"One letter writer proposed that since attendance was generally small at male smokers where speakers gave lectures, women should be allowed to attend.," wrote Dr. Turner.
"Other columns explored additional issues.
"One asked if there should be any rules at all. Gus Antanakos responded, 'There should be no rules and regulations. The ones who don’t know how to take care of themselves, don’t belong here anyway.'
"Gary Pike added, 'No rules then we can’t break them.'
"Students also questioned if there should be a dress code off campus. Harry Nickerson responded, 'This is America. I feel I should be able to dress as I please downtown.'
"Perhaps the most stunning symbol of the change was a photograph in the 1949 yearbook.
"A couple is seen holding hands, and the young woman has a cigarette. One can only imagine," concluded Dr. Turner.
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This scandalous photograph appeared in the 1949 yearbook . . . a couple holding hands and a woman smoking a cigarette.
In case you missed it . . . we share again in this space the announcements we published in last week's edition.
All are welcome!
The Bridgewater State University Police Department will host its 2nd annual National Night Out on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Tinsley Center.
Event Details
· Date: September 17, 2026
· Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
· Location: Tinsley Center, 325 Plymouth St., Bridgewater, MA
· Admission: Free and open to the public
Activities & Attractions
· Police and fire vehicles
· K9 units and comfort dogs
· Helicopters
· Food trucks
Dr. Stephen Smalley, professor of art emeritus, to host Display at the
Flora T. Little Art Gallery,
Bridgewater Public Library,
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
September Artist Reception | HENRICUS VIII ReDux
Meet Stephen Smalley, the artist behind this month's art exhibit, on September 23 from 4:00 to 7:00PM.
Can't make it to the meet & greet? Check out Dr. Smalley's exhibit "HENRICUS VIII ReDux" from September 8th through September 29th any time the library is open.
The Flora T. Little Art gallery is located on our second floor.
Biography and statement:
Dr. Stephen Smalley, a Bridgewater resident and professor emeritus at Bridgewater State University, graduated from Massachusetts College of Art, State College at Boston and The Pennsylvania State University.
He joined the art faculty at BSU in 1972 and served as department chair from ‘72-‘84.
Dr. Smalley retired in 2005 and taught part-time until 2022.
He chaired the Emeriti Faculty Club (revised to Retired Faculty Club) from 2011-2022.
Other teaching positions were at Rindge Technical HS (Cambridge MA),The Pennsylvania State University, Massachusetts College of Art and the American College in Paris.
For twenty years, he conducted an art workshop for BSU on the Maine coast and over many years, he offered art history study tours for BSU to London and served often as a faculty associate for Bridgewater-at-Oxford.
Dr. Smalley continues to expand on his long-standing theme relating to Henry VIII and his new works include acrylic and mixed media pieces as well as a subset of miniatures on handmade paper.
Guided by Hans Holbein’s portraits, Dr. Smalley references popular culture and Indian/Persian miniatures.
A small assemblage and historical book will also be included.
To see video interview (Part Two) done with Dr. Smalley in 2025, please click on the link below:
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This concludes the report for Monday, September 14, 2026
This concludes the report for September 8, 2026
Next edition: Monday, September 21, 2026
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