Bridgewater, Va. – Bridgewater College received a $1 million anonymous donation in honor of A. Edward “Ed” Burgess ‘62,  who died in February 2020. 

The gift will be divided into two funds: $900,000 to create the A. Edward Burgess Current Scholarship Fund and $100,000 to create the A. Edward Burgess Endowed Scholarship Fund. 

“Overcoming the challenges of access for our students is a principal commitment for BC,” said Bridgewater College President David Bushman. “The financial hardships created by COVID-19 have only heightened the need for direct student support.”

Burgess graduated with a bachelor degree in history from Bridgwater College and then went on to earn his Ph.D. in history at Duke University. He furthered his love for education by teaching at Duke, North Carolina State and St. Mary’s College (Raleigh, North Carolina). 

As an alumnus, he served as president of the Bridgewater College Alumni Association from 2003-04 and co-chaired his 50th Reunion Committee. His class of ‘62, established the Class of 1962 Endowed Scholarship Fund, which was presented to the college at their 50th reunion in 2012. 

“The donor said Burgess wanted the money to go towards scholarships, but he was open to whatever we thought was best,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Maureen Silva. “We have a strong endowment and a number of scholarships that support students. The issue still remains the ability to cover education costs.”