Dr. Wayne F. Geisert (1921-2017) succeeded the retiring Warren D. Bowman as president of Bridgewater College on July 1, 1964. His official inauguration as President of Bridgewater College took place on Founder's Day, April 3, 1965.

Dr. Geisert was educated at McPherson College and at Northwestern University. He was an instructor at Hamilton (Kansas) High School, instructor in economics and accounting at Kendall College, graduate assistant in money and banking at Northwestern University, associate professor of economics and business—later professor and department head—at Manchester College, and academic dean of McPherson College until his hiring by Bridgewater College.

The April 3, 1965 inauguration of President Wayne F. Geisert included a grand academic processional and a convocation with a special address by Dr. Harold W. Dodds, president-emeritus of Princeton University. Other inauguration activities were a reception for delegates and guests, a buffet lunch, and a football game.

Wayne F. Geisert was presented a Bridgewater College presidential medallion at his inauguration. This sterling silver Bridgewater College seal on a chain was a gift from the Bridgewater College Alumni Association. Dr. Geisert was the first Bridgewater College president to wear the presidential medallion at academic occasions, a tradition that continues today.

Dr. Wayne F. Geisert served as Bridgewater College President until his retirement in 1994. He was succeeded as the President of Bridgewater College by Dr. Phillip C. Stone.

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