LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – The city of Louisville continues to reflect on the life and legacy of Junior Bridgeman, a basketball giant whose impact extended far beyond the court.

While many remember him as a University of Louisville basketball standout and NBA professional, his greatest success, some say, came from his contributions to education. 

“Like most people, I knew Junior before Junior knew me,” said Dr. Kevin Cosby, president of Simmons College of Kentucky.

Bridgeman, a household name in Louisville, built a successful career in business after retiring from professional basketball. He took his success and its benefits to support educational institutions in the city, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations.

“You will see the fingerprints of Junior Bridgeman,” Cosby added, emphasizing the many ways Bridgeman shaped the city’s educational landscape.

Bridgeman was a longtime trustee at Simmons College of Kentucky, Louisville’s only Historically Black College and University (HBCU). His involvement went beyond decision-making; he was also a generous donor. He played a critical role in helping Simmons acquire its administration building and donated $1 million to secure the school’s first dormitory.

“The reason we have student housing is because of Junior Bridgeman, and that has been a game changer for our college,” Cosby said.

Bridgeman’s dedication to education extended beyond Simmons College. He was instrumental in helping start Louisville’s West End School, a tuition-free boarding school for boys that will soon expand to include a girls’ program.

“First guy I went to was Junior,” said Paul Perconti, Board Chair Emeritus of the West End School. “I didn’t have to say but 10 words, he says, ‘I’m in.’”

Bridgeman’s generosity stemmed from his deep appreciation for those who helped him in his own youth, Perconti added. 

“He was so appreciative of anybody that ever helped him when he was a young person, and I think he had made a commitment to himself that he would return that,” he said.

Those who knew Bridgeman describe him as a man who always smiled and never hesitated to help others.

“He’s got a great presence, right?” Perconti said.

“We are richer today as a community, as a city, and as a nation because God sent us God’s servant, Junior Bridgeman,” Cosby added.

Bridgeman collapsed at a luncheon for the Lincoln Heritage Council of the Boy Scouts of America, according to sources with direct knowledge of the incident. The Al J. Schneider Company, which owns the hotel, confirmed the news in a statement Tuesday evening.

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