The sense of community Bridget Cheney ‘05 found at Aquinas, coupled with the push to expand and diversify her experiences, was the perfect balance for her. An education major, Cheney graduated from Aquinas in 2005 with her elementary education teacher certification in language arts and social studies. Aquinas greatly impacted Cheney by showing her how important it is to be a part of a strong, supportive community that challenges one to think outside of themselves.

Cheney is currently the principal of Congress Elementary in Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS). Cheney is very passionate about the families within GRPS. The community drives her to develop and implement the very best, enriching learning environment as possible. Together with GRPS’ families, staff, and community partners, they have been able to create a thriving school.
Cheney’s work in the community is broad and diverse. This ranges from reclaiming their old neighborhood school to building a reciprocal relationship with the community in which Congress is situated.

Mike Williams, PhD., Professor Emeritus In-the-College, is working with Cheney during the 2014-2015 school year to develop Congress Elementary’s fifth grade community service class. This class helps students put into action what they learn in the classroom: a prosperous community only flourishes because the members work together. Students giving their time and talents to make the school a better place helps accomplish this lesson.

Williams met Cheney last summer, when he was introduced by a friend as someone who might be able to help Congress students perform community service. “Bridget is charismatic and engages everyone positively,” said Williams. “She was excited about my working with Congress and connected me with two teachers who worked with fifth-graders. We brainstormed about ways to engage the kids. She was a model for what a principal should be. I know, because I was a principal of a small inner city elementary school in Milwaukee, and I am so impressed with her ‘withitness’ and energy. She said she was an Aquinas grad, but I never met her when she was in the program. My loss. I know that she is being used by GRPS as a mentor to other principals.”

The relationships and connections Cheney established at Aquinas have allowed her to help her current students as well as current Aquinas students. The School of Education places AQ student assistants and student teachers at Congress Elementary, helping Aquinas students experience a neighborhood school in a diverse setting.

Cheney also partners with Aquinas for the College’s annual Project Unite, a service project held during New Student Orientation. AQ Coordinator of Service Learning Eric Bridge works with Cheney to bring first year Aquinas students into Congress Elementary classrooms each August to help staff prepare the school to welcome families and students.

“Bridget has been an outstanding community partner to work with,” said Bridge. “I have collaborated with Bridget and GRPS on several Project Unite events over the years. Aquinas students also tutor through the Schools of Hope program at Congress Elementary School. Bridget consistently welcomes Aquinas students and she is a well-respected principal and community leader who actively cares.”

Without Aquinas, Cheney said she would not be where she is today. She is proud to represent Aquinas and Grand Rapids Public Schools. “Because of Aquinas, I can empower others to explore their interests and follow their passion.”