BGSU dedicates new Alumni Gateway during 100th Homecoming celebration

Gateway showcases the University's historic buildings with open walkways and sprawling green space

By Michael Bratton

From campus buildings to student learning, a lot has changed at Bowling Green State University since its founding in 1910 as a state normal college. Now, more than 100 years later, a piece of University history is making a return – of sorts – and creating a welcoming space for students, faculty, staff and the community to enjoy.

During its 100th Homecoming anniversary celebration, BGSU dedicated the new Alumni Gateway at the corner of Thurstin Avenue and Court Street on the western edge of campus.

The gateway – which resembles the original campus gateway that once stood in the same spot – showcases the University's historic buildings with open walkways and sprawling green space. The Alumni Gateway also seamlessly connects BGSU to the many shops, restaurants and stores in the city of Bowling Green, ranked as one of America's best college towns.

"The Alumni Gateway belongs to each of us, serving as a symbol that all are welcome on our campus who believe in our shared mission to do good," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "It represents the thousands of BGSU alumni who have come before us, and the generations of future alumni who will walk this Gateway on their journey to create public good."

Recognizing alumni support

Standing in place of the former Administration Building, the Alumni Gateway pays homage to the generous contributions of BGSU alumni in a park-like setting, offering people a place to study, socialize and relax.

"This project highlights the generosity and commitment of BGSU alumni to their University," said Pam Conlin, vice president for University Advancement and president and CEO of the BGSU Foundation, Inc. "Time and again, BGSU alumni respond in significant ways to advance and improve the campus community for future generations. It's exciting to see BGSU alumni be recognized and celebrated at such a prominent connection to the University and city."

The Alumni Gateway features multiple amenities, including WiFi access, electrical outlets, seating areas and places for hammocks, which were all made possible in part by the generous support of alumni for the community to enjoy.

One of the gateway's more prominent features is a fountain named in honor of William (Bill) F. Schmeltz, a former professor and dean in the Schmidthorst College of Business and longtime BGSU supporter. His wife, Peggy, earned a bachelor’s degree in business education in 1950 and a master’s degree in education in 1970. She also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the BGSU Foundation, Inc. from 1996 to 2003.

Serving as a centerpiece to the gateway plaza, the Schmeltz Family Fountain features nine programmable LED lights that can be lit to match any occasion.

"BGSU is grateful to Peggy and William Schmeltz for their generous support throughout the years," Conlin said. "They have been associated with BGSU since 1944 when Bill enrolled. Since then, the couple has dedicated their lives to supporting education and student outcomes."

Alumnus and current BGSU Board of Trustees Vice Chair Drew Forhan '81 and his wife, Nancy, also made a generous challenge gift to the project, inspiring many alumni and friends of the University to make contributions to support the Alumni Gateway.

Additional opportunities to name features and be recognized in a project plaque are available. Those interested in contributing are invited to do so through Oct. 31 at BGSU.edu/Give.

A project years in the making

While alumni support helped make building the new Alumni Gateway possible, project planning and preparation relied on the dedication of multiple people in the campus community.

In the works since 2010, construction on the gateway began in spring 2022 following the demolition of the Administration Building, which was built in 1961.

"It feels incredibly rewarding to see this project finally come to fruition," said April Smucker, associate vice president of Planning, Construction and Campus Operations at BGSU. "The Alumni Gateway had been talked about and planned for years. Now that it's finally here, it looks and feels like it's always been there."

Although it may look like a longtime staple of the BGSU campus, Smucker said a lot of time and intentionality went into ensuring the Alumni Gateway would be a perfect fit among some of the University's oldest and historic buildings.

"We wanted to make sure we got this right," Smucker said. "From the brick choice to the lighting, a lot of meaningful and creative thought went into ensuring the Alumni Gateway complemented and honored the historic part of campus that it's in. Thanks to teamwork, the gateway provides a seamless transition from the Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle right into the city."

With the Alumni Gateway completed, Smucker said she's excited to see how the adaptable space will be used and enjoyed by those at BGSU and in the community.

"There is so much opportunity with this space," Smucker said. "The Alumni Gateway is a true community connector and gathering place where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors. From concerts to student events and everything in between, it will be great to see how the campus community and city residents use it going forward."