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About Our Founder

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Dr. Earl Bridgewater

The Viterbo University Iowa Center team is honored to contribute to the many fond memories “About our Founder” in tribute to our friend Dr. Earl Bridgewater (Earl).

Earl’s impact on current and former Iowa Center staff, faculty, and students spans 25+ years. His heartfelt desire to serve Iowa’s PK–12 educators never wavered. His expertise and servant leadership approaches were especially realized for decades by educators, faculty, and the K12 communities impacted by Earl’s visionary approaches to serving under-served, non-traditional graduate education students in Iowa.

It was our privilege to know Earl as a faithful friend, mentor and servant leader. Earl, we will always miss your random visits and uplifting stories and conversations, always delivered with a handshake and smile!

God Bless!

The Viterbo University Iowa Center team:

Kathy Westcott
Carol Page
Michael Gonzalez

Earl Bridgewater

Dr. Earl Bridgewater, 92 of Des Moines, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 11, 2022. Earl served in the military during the Korean War from 1952–1954.

Dr Earl has been a professional educator for 56 plus years. They included 5-1/2 years in Eagleville and Albany, Missouri, and 37 years in Des Moines beginning as a History and Economics Teacher at North High School and ending as Associate Superintendent in 1995. Other positions in Des Moines were Vice Principal at Washington Irving, Kurtz & Lincoln; Principal at Washington Irving, Brody & East High; and Personnel Director for the Des Moines Schools.

From 1996 – 2012 Earl served as a teacher and Administrator for the Iowa Viterbo University Master’s Program, La Crosse, WI. Additionally, he conducted numerous consultant studies for various school districts. For the past 25 years he has served as a member of the Heartland Area Education Board as well as serving as a board member for the Iowa Area Education Agencies for 15 years.

The blueprint for Earl’s life included Faith, Family, Friends, and Education. He will be remembered for his generous heart and playful sense of humor. 

Read his full obituary here. 

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