BRIDGEWATER, Va. – Student Life is piloting changes to the Eagle Success program this semester in an effort to better connect students with mentors, beginning with a name change to Eagle Connections.
Adrianna Hayes, Coordinator for Campus Enrichment and Belonging, and Grace Warren, Director of New Student Experiences and Belonging, are initiating changes to make Eagle Connections more visible on campus this semester by being present at events.
As part of the redesign, program participants will be assigned to peer mentors, known as Eagle Guides, based on shared interests and activities.
“The hope is to align those participating in the Eagle Connections program with an Eagle Guide,” Warren said. “The Eagle Connections program is meant to serve as an additional kind of deeper connection.”
A 2024 report found that peer mentorship on college campuses improved student grades and enabled students to experience a stronger sense of belonging on campus.
The former Eagle Success program was originally under the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion divisional umbrella. In response to pressures from the Trump administration, the program has been forced to relocate its position in the Student Life structure.
Both Hayes and Warren began working at Bridgewater College in September 2025 and have assumed responsibility for the Eagle Connections program.
In addition to Eagle Connections, Hayes oversees student clubs and organizations, the Campus Engagement and Activity Team, and multiple Student Life events. These responsibilities expanded following the departure of former Student Life staff members Nina Andrews and Sam Huyard. Hayes now coordinates events including MLK Day activities, Roll and Refresh and Bingo.
“Bridgewater students really stand on community,” Hayes said. She added that her goal in overseeing Eagle Connections is to ensure students feel supported and heard.
Working at Bridgewater College is a testament to her time at Bridgewater, said Hayes, who is a Bridgewater alumna.
“I am excited for all the things students are leading,” Hayes said.
Warren works alongside Hayes and focuses primarily on first-year students at Bridgewater. She is beginning her first full semester planning summer orientation, welcome week, the fall SOAR team and preparation for the upcoming Eagle Connections program.
“We are already looking ahead toward summer,” Warren said.
Student Life Student Assistant and Eagle Connections Guide Safalta Shrestha said she hopes Hayes and Warren contribute to a positive and welcoming campus environment, starting with Eagle Connections.
“I hope they make Bridgewater a more inclusive and safe space,” Shrestha said.
