Bradley University Summer 2008
bradley.edu/hilltopics
Imagine what we’ll do next
BU community kicks off $150 million campaign
president’s prelude
When we started planning the April 24 Red Tie Gala to kick off the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance, the goal was to create a “wow” event, one that would showcase to the entire Bradley community — and beyond — all of the great initiatives that are happening on the Hilltop. If the comments I’ve heard are any indication, we did not disappoint. The gala was a “must see” evening, from the impressive Points of Pride that highlighted our students’ achievements to the Bradley game show that tested the audience’s BU knowledge, from the perfectly timed confetti drop to the decadent white chocolate Bradley Sweet Spot dessert for all 1,000 guests. All in all, it was a perfect event, and I’m glad so many friends and alumni could attend. The highlights were the announcement of our campaign goal — $150 million; our total raised to date — more than $104 million; and the largest gift in the University’s history — $30 million from Caterpillar Inc. I cannot thank enough Cat chairman and CEO Jim Owens for being a part of our program and all the men and women of Team Caterpillar for making this gift and our wonderful partnership with Caterpillar a reality. Including Caterpillar, there were 20 individual, corporate, foundation and estate gifts of $1 million or more — donors who are now charter members of our Bradley Renaissance Circle Society. While every one is very important to the University, there is one I want to highlight here because it was so unexpected and so special. The story started four decades ago when a young student came to Bradley from South Bend, Indiana. CHARLES F. CREAMER III ’68 found a home and friends on the Hilltop. He studied journalism and history, and pledged Sigma Nu fraternity, where his brothers remember him as bright, social and caring. He was the kind of guy who would go out of his way for others without being asked. Charlie left Bradley after the 1968 academic year and entered the Army. Tragically, the helicopter he was piloting was shot down on Nov. 28, 1970 in Vietnam, and Charlie was killed. That was the last contact the University had with the Creamer family for 37 years. And then Charlie’s mom passed away in Florida last August. Marie Creamer had a successful career after losing her only son. She became one of the nation’s foremost designers of high-fashion rugs, creating many innovative and CHARLES CREAMER ‘68 creative designs and devising technical changes that were duplicated around the world. By the time of her death at 94, Mrs. Creamer had amassed a substantial estate. And thinking back to her son’s wonderful experience at Bradley, she left the University an unrestricted gift of $3.7 million. We didn’t have the opportunity to properly thank Mrs. Creamer. But I pledge that her generous gift will be used to help generations of Bradley students who come to the Hilltop looking for a top-quality education and lifelong friends, just as her son did in 1964. And because of her gift, the memory of Charles Creamer III will live on at Bradley. These are truly exciting times on the Hilltop. The future is bright, and I remain humbled and honored to serve as your president. The Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance is just part of our effort to transform Bradley from being a very good university into a great one. Our goal is to make Bradley a university of national distinction. I know we can do so with your help. Thanks for all you’ve done and all you’ll do in the future to support Bradley. And remember, “Once a Brave, always a Brave.”
Summer 2008 Volume 14 Issue 3 Imagine what we’ll do next
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At a Red Tie Gala in April, more than 1,000 guests were asked to imagine what could be next in Bradley’s future. During the kickoff event of the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance, Caterpillar Inc. pledged the largest gift in the history of the University.
Renaissance Campaign to change face of campus
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Six major academic and recreational facilities upgrades are among the campaign initiatives, including a new Alumni Center, a new Center for Engineering and Business Convergence, an expanded and renovated Westlake Hall, and construction of the Markin Family Student Recreation Center, Athletic Performance Center, and Puterbaugh Men’s Basketball Practice Facility.
Renaissance Circle Society
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The success of the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance relies on the support of the University’s many generous donors. Meet the charter members of the newly established Renaissance Circle Society.
Coming up roses: Keepsakes mark campaign kickoff
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The Cradle Oak Press operated in high gear during April in preparation for the Red Tie Gala. Art professors Paul Krainak and Oscar Gillespie share how they created 600 limited-edition rose prints.
Departments
20 On the cover: Members of Bradley’s competitive dance team, theatre students, and members of Orchesis performed during a celebration of Caterpillar’s $30 million-plus gift to Bradley. The announcement was made April 24 at the Red Tie Gala, a kickoff for the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance. The event featured a combined multimedia and theatrical show developed by faculty members George Brown and Jim Ferolo. About 150 students, faculty and staff were involved. Cover photo by Duane Zehr.
ViewPoint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
InMemory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
NoteBook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
AlumniNews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
SportScene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
CampusView. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
ClassNotes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Staff
Administration
Karen Crowley Metzinger, MA ’97 editor
Joanne K. Glasser president
Nancy Ridgeway associate editor
Kathy Fuller assistant vice president for university relations
Justin Phelps ’05 assistant editor Gayle Erwin mcdowell ’77 contributing editor Aimée Roy contributing writer eric shellito designer Duane Zehr university photographer Daniel Manson director of web communications
Student Staff Assistants katie hamill ’08 Abby Wilson ’10 Tyler fox ’10
ViewPoint
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Accolades from alums All I can say is “Wow!” The Spring 2008 issue of Bradley Hilltopics should receive awards and accolades for its layout, design, content, artistic quality, and overall classy and classic presentation. I can’t say enough about the excellent product you have produced. Bravo!!! Neil Sullivan ’92 Arlington Heights, Ill. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading the most recent Bradley Hilltopics. I am always excited to get it, but this one is just that much better. All of the articles were interesting, especially those about the soccer program, the Field House, and the employees who have been there for 25-plus years. It all serves as a reminder of what a special place Bradley was, is, and will continue to be…
Fourth generation continues BU legacy Removed at request for online content. Phil Hofreiter ’71 MA ’75 Rockford, Ill.
Jennifer Dujka McCormack ’98 MA ’05 Mishawaka, Ind. I love Bradley Hilltopics magazine. Kudos to everyone who works on it. As a marketing specialist at Harper College in Palatine, I know how much time and talent goes into a publication such as this one. Thanks! Donna Koperny Harwood ’93 Arlington Heights, Ill.
Congratulations Dr. Jungck I was very fortunate to have had Dr. Jungck as my math professor during my first two years at Bradley. Dr. Jungck was by far the best teacher I have ever had. He taught and motivated students to learn to the extent of understanding the “why” of the subject. That was a lesson that benefited me throughout my professional career. Paul Rouse ’63 Moline, Ill. Editor’s note: Dr. Gerald Jungck was recently awarded a Caterpillar professorship of mathematics. He began teaching at Bradley in 1959.
© Bradley University 2008 Bradley Hilltopics is published in winter, spring, summer, and fall by Bradley University for alumni, faculty, staff, parents of students, and other friends of the University. Send letters and address changes to: Hilltopics, Bradley University, 1501 West Bradley Avenue, Peoria, IL 61625. 309-677-2249 fax 309-677-4055 e-mail: hilltopics@bradley.edu Web site: bradley.edu/hilltopics campus information: 309-676-7611 Bradley University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and the promotion of equal opportunities for all persons regardless of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University also is committed to compliance with all applicable laws regarding non-discrimination, harassment, and affirmative action. Bradley Hilltopics reserves the right to edit all letters to the editor based on length and content.
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NoteBook Bradley awards first professional doctorate degree
duane zehr
BU news, views & updates
by Aimée Roy
Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2008
Ann Conver
When Dr. Mary Jo Mays began teaching in the physical therapy department at Bradley 18 years ago, she was the Dr. Mary Jo Mays department’s only faculty member. Now, there are 10. Sixteen students earned the doctorate of physical therapy degree on May 17 as part of Bradley’s inaugural class in the program instituted three years ago. Bradley’s bachelor of science in physical therapy was first offered in 1990 and transitioned to the master of physical therapy degree in 1997. Bradley replaced the master’s program with the three-year professional doctorate in physical therapy in 2005. The first professional doctorate ever to be offered at Bradley, it continues to be the only program of its kind in downstate Illinois. “Education was headed that way,” explains Mays, who retired in May. “It took nine years to get from offering just Among the approximately 1,100 students receiving degrees in May, 16 were awarded doctorates in physical the bachelor of physical therapy degree therapy (Front row, from left) Janet Gayan, KATE MABRY ’05, Maureen Egizii, MELISSA FOX ’05, Jamie Steiglitz Eilts, to offering the master of physical Sarah Ribando, and MARY WALDER ’04. (Back row, from left) KARA RATHMEL BUSHONG ’04, KIM SZARADOWSKI ’05, therapy degree. It took another five JAMIE WAY ’05, SEAN CARTER ’05, ANDY WIGGERS ’05, CHRIS ESTERLING ’05, NICOLE NAUYALIS ’05, Megan Swearingen, years before Bradley offered the doctor and MONICA PROMBO STEWART ’05. Visit bradley.edu/hilltopics to read where graduates have accepted positions. of physical therapy degree. More than 80 percent of the graduate programs in physical therapy are now at the More children will need physical therapy as technological advances doctorate level. We needed to be at the doctorate level, as well, because of the kind of knowledge students must gain. It allows time to save the lives of more newborns with severe birth defects. Future medical developments will also permit a higher percentage of trauma victims to integrate experience with classroom instruction.” survive, creating additional demand. “The field is very wide open, and After earning a bachelor’s degree in health science or a related field, we are constantly getting e-mail from recruiters,” says Mays. with coursework in physics, biology, statistics, and kinesiology, students Dr. Joan L. Sattler, dean of the College of Education and Health complete 105 credit hours of concentrated academic and clinical work. Sciences, hired Mays to develop the programs, establish the department, Five supervised clinical experiences are also required, in areas including and hire and mentor faculty. “Dr. Mays was undaunted by the enormity pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, neurologic, and general acute care. of the tasks before her. She made a plan and implemented activities “I found that you really learn the most from the clinical affiliations. incrementally from establishing academic facilities to obtaining national There is only so much that can be taught in the classroom. I liked that accreditation for the program in 1994. She is highly respected within the the five clinicals were spread throughout the curriculum rather than Bradley community, has served as the Senate president, and is well-known saved for the end because it was easier to learn some of the material nationally in the physical therapy higher education community. I feel after having seen a patient for comparison,” said Jamie Eilts DPT ’08. extremely fortunate to have recruited her.” Applicants for the program increase each year, with about 190 “Dr. Mays shaped the curriculum into the challenging set of standards students applying for 20 to 24 openings in 2008. Demand for physical that it is, and always expected us to live up to those standards, no matter therapy services continues to be strong. The growing elderly population is the setting,” said Megan Swearingen DPT ’08. particularly vulnerable to conditions that require therapeutic services, and Dr. Steven Tippet, PT, ATC, SCS, professor and associate chair of the baby-boomers are entering the prime age for heart attacks and strokes, Department of Physical Therapy and Health Science, succeeds Mays as increasing the demand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation. chair of the department.
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NoteBook BU news, views & updates
Alcohol Plan Aims To Change Culture pointofpride Internet2 Award Innovative use of Internet2 technology captured a 2008 IDEA award for Bradley. The national award was in recognition of The Adding Machine, presented at BU in March 2007. Along with a Bradley cast, actors on location in Florida and Canada were seen onstage in Peoria, thanks to the efforts of George Brown of Theatre Arts, Jim Ferolo of the Multimedia program, Chuck Ruch of Information Resources and Technology, and hundreds of students. Collaborating with Bradley on the project were the University of Central Florida and the University of Waterloo in Ontario. IDEA (Internet2 Driving Exemplary Applications) awards are designed to recognize users whose work has enabled transformational progress in research, teaching, and learning. Internet2’s Jack Suess credited Bradley with “truly pushing the boundaries of new technology.” Visit addingmachine. bradley.edu or bradley.edu/ hilltopics/07summer/ feature2/ to read more about the production.
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by Tyler Fox ’10
The new Comprehensive Alcohol Action Plan was released this spring after months of meetings with a special committee of faculty, staff, and students. The plan comes after a string of alcohol-related incidents on campus. President Joanne Glasser says, “These recommendations are a substantive and serious effort to curtail the use and misuse of alcohol on our campus and in our community. The plan is intended to make a meaningful difference at Bradley.” The plan took effect in June and involves many events, programs, and penalties. Solutions include “Late Night BU” programs for students on the weekends and increased Shown from left, student body president Jordan Ticaric ‘08; penalties for drinking tickets, such as a $50 university fine. Dr. Alan Galsky, associate provost for student affairs; and President Freshmen in fraternities or sororities who receive two Joanne Glasser announce a new alcohol plan. drinking tickets will not be allowed to live in-house their sophomore year. Student body president Jordan Ticaric ’08 says, “Our objective is to help change the campus culture.” Students were e-mailed a copy of the Alcohol Action Plan. Visit bradley.edu/alcoholplan to read the entire plan.
Mba Students Win International Competition by Abby Wilson ’10
From left: JENNIFER FRANCZAK ’06 MBA ’09; HANA SYSLOVA MBA ’09; HELENA RACICKA MBA ’08; Dr. Moustafa Abdelsamad, president of the Society for the Advancement of Management; DR. LARRY WEINZIMMER ’83 MBA ’85; and ABISHEK MANMADHAN ’07 MBA ’09 receive their award at the Society for the Advancement of Management International Case Competition.
Four MBA students took first place April 4 at the annual Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM) International Case Competition in Washington, D.C., besting 13 other MBA teams. The first Bradley team to compete in such a competition included Jennifer Franczak ’06 MBA ’09, Hana Syslova MBA ’09, Helena Racicka MBA ’08, and Abishek Manmadhan ’07 MBA ’09. In January, the team received a case assignment from SAM about Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. They had to develop a turnaround strategy for the company’s declining sales. The team analyzed the problem, then created a three-year plan
with specific goals and milestones. Dr. Larry Weinzimmer ’83 MBA ’85, professor of strategic management and the team’s advisor, thinks Bradley’s team was a cut above the rest because they approached the problem from a professional perspective instead of a student perspective. “They set a precedent for a different model and the judges liked that,” Weinzimmer said. Racicka, who had previous experience with case competitions while in Prague, agreed, “In doing such a thing we prepare ourselves for our future life in business.”
Institute of Internal Auditors partners with BU by Abby Wilson ’10
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) recently named Bradley’s accounting department to provisional partner status in its Internal Audit Education Program (IAEP). The IIA, the leading international organization for internal auditors, partners with universities around the world in their IAEP programs to further the education of students interested in internal auditing. Susan Meinert ’87 MSA ’97, a former member of the local IIA’s Board of Governors, contacted Bradley’s Department of Accounting on behalf of the local IIA chapter a few years ago to BECKY QUIGLEY ZASTROW ’97 addresses Dr. Simon Petravick’s internal auditing class. She works for discuss the possibility of starting State Farm Insurance’s internal auditing department and serves on the Department of Accounting an internal audit program. The Advisory Board and the Central Illinois Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors. accounting faculty offered a course in internal auditing and 25 students took the initial class. The department continued to offer the course and develop others, and eventually applied for membership in the IAEP. The department was accepted at the provisional partner level in December 2007. Helen Young ’78, president of the local IIA chapter, says, “Participation in the IAEP program would better assist Bradley in developing knowledgeable and competent graduates with unrivaled internal audit education.” According to Dr. Simon Petravick, associate professor of accounting, most schools are admitted at the basic level, the first of three levels. Bradley, however, was admitted at the second level. Petravick sees the higher entry level as a direct result of the programs the department had already implemented. “We wanted to make sure it would be a good fit for us and our students,” says Petravick. As the program continues to grow, the IIA will accept Bradley to full partner status. In order to apply for the partnership, the accounting department made a five-year plan outlining its intentions for the internal audit program. The plan includes possibly adding an internal auditing minor or concentration for accounting majors, as well as adding more courses. Petravick says the department hopes to take a group of accounting students to Atlanta for the international IIA meeting in two years.
French philosopher encourages giving French philosopher Jean-Luc Marion spoke to a standing-room-only crowd at the Marty Theatre on April 10. A professor of the philosophy of religion and theology at the University of Chicago, Marion has earned global acclaim for his many published works on love and “the givenness.” He shared his theories regarding the “gift” in his lecture. “To some extent, there is nothing we know better than to give,” Marion said. “We give — because all our behavior is about giving.”
pointofpride Residence halls For the third consecutive year, Bradley’s Association of Residence Halls (ARH) was named the Small School of the Year by the Illinois Residence Hall Association (IRHA). Schools eligible for this award must have less than 3,500 students living in the residence halls, have affiliation with IRHA, and have prepared a bid and presentation for review. The award is given to the school that best recognizes the contributions of an institution’s residence hall government. LOUISE OSBOURN ’09, president of ARH, says, “Bradley won the award in large part because of the outstanding programming that occurs on campus every semester.”
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Eye on the Ebeling PR-ize By Karen Crowley Metzinger, MA ’97
take Take 5 minutes for the Bradley Hilltopics Summer ’08 readership survey! Share your thoughts at bradley.edu/hilltopics.
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Chuck Ebeling ’66 relishes his career as a communicator. The retired McDonald’s vice president, creator of McDonald’s Global Media Center, and communications advisor to every McDonald’s CEO, including founder Ray Kroc, Ebeling believes the “field of public relations should be called the field of public relationships.” Indeed, Ebeling is adept at establishing relationships with everyone he meets. He has an incredible array of professional contacts and is involved with the Chicago Literary Club and in conservation issues. His quick wit, years of eclectic experiences, and his ability to craft engaging stories make Ebeling a favorite mentor of Bradley public relations majors. Involved with the Department of Communication for more than a decade, Ebeling’s desire to inspire Bradley’s PR students led him to fund the Ebeling Chuck Ebeling ’66 is pictured with the Spring 2008 Ebeling PR-ize winners: PR-ize, a competitive, trademarked program Michael Barnes ’08, Megan Weinstein ’08, Beth Hoops ’08, and Chevie Ruder ’08. that completes its initial five-year cycle this fall. Winning campaign team members each receive a $500 check and a letter of recommendation from Ebeling, and they attend a luncheon in their honor. “If I hired a local communications firm to design and implement any one of these award-winning PR programs, it might cost anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000,” says Ebeling, whose service as a public affairs officer in the Army steered him into PR instead of a career in journalism. “The program has evolved over the years into a marvelous outreach from Bradley to the Peoria community for pro bono consulting for more than 40 local businesses and nonprofit organizations.” According to Dr. Jeff Huberman, dean of the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts, “The genius of the PR-ize, as conceived by Chuck and professors Ron Koperski and Mike Thurwanger, is that it challenges seniors in the COM 480 capstone course to find a public relations strategy between two unlikely partners.” More than 40 teams have risen to the challenge over the past nine semesters. As Ebeling proudly notes, the competition has “set a wonderful example for the students that you can do good and do well in the world at the same time.” Team goals involved raising money for a cause and publicizing a benefit event for a nonprofit organization. For example, the 2008 spring semester winning team brought together Children’s Hospital of Illinois with Rocking C Day Camp and Stables in Brimfield. The seniors planned and executed a successful campaign, “Kids Helping Kids — Saddle Up and Donate,” which included a fund-raising event at the stable, with all proceeds targeted for the hospital. A selection committee judged five team campaigns. “Our main goal was to attract the attention of children and help them realize that giving to charity is important,” says Megan Weinstein ’08. “We wanted children to know they are never too young to make a difference. We raised more than $2,000 that day. Many of the children also donated crafts and handmade greeting cards they had made at the event to Children’s Hospital. We are proud of the work we did and the relationships we formed.” The team liaison at Children’s Hospital was Erin Durbin ’97 MA ’05, program coordinator in the advocacy department. “The students were excited that their generous gift will purchase items for our activity room and classroom for children who are required to stay long periods of time at the hospital.” Ebeling boasts that the public relations faculty has developed one of the most creative senior programs in the country. “I have lectured at Northwestern and Loyola in Chicago and at schools as far-ranging as Harvard, but I haven’t seen as great a combination of learning experience, community outreach, case studies, and PR projects as students experience at Bradley University.”
Econ major awarded Cambridge Scholarship by Aimée Roy
In campus construction news: • The
Markin Family Student Recreation Center and a 600-space parking deck at Main Street and Maplewood Avenue remain on schedule to be completed this fall. Visit explore.bradley. edu/construction/ to view the latest progress on the Markin Family Student Recreation Center. • An
Brian Biggs ’08, center, is congratulated by President Joanne Glasser and professor of economics Dr. Bob Scott. He was awarded the Davies-Jackson Scholarship to study social and political sciences at Cambridge University in England.
Economics major Brian Biggs ’08 was recently awarded the prestigious Davies-Jackson Scholarship to study social and political sciences at St. John’s College at Cambridge University. The scholarship pays for room and board, travel to and from England, and all living expenses for the academic year and the summer. One recipient is selected each year from among several hundred applicants across the United States. Candidates must have exceptional academic records and be among the first in their family to graduate from college. Biggs is a Pekin Community High School graduate. His mother’s formal education ended with tenth grade and his father’s at eighth grade. After two years of study, candidates are awarded a Cambridge B.A. degree, known as the Cantab degree, which is often regarded as the equivalent of a master’s degree in the United States. “When the application for the scholarship came across my desk last fall, I thought it fit Brian to a T,” said Dr. Bob Scott, professor of economics. As an undergraduate, Biggs worked closely with Scott on a number of projects, including a paper they presented to a scholarly journal. Biggs also helped teach a mathematical economics class, a class he had never taken, which required him to first teach himself how to use the computer program Mathematica. “My professors pushed me to do my best,” said Biggs. “They have all contributed substantially to where I am now and where I’m going.” Biggs’ interests go beyond the economics classroom. With a major in economics and minors in philosophy, sociology, and
math, Biggs is president of Bradley’s Amnesty International organization. His study abroad experiences have taken him to Spain and Taiwan, where he lived in a Buddhist monastery for a month. His personal travels have taken him to Peru, France, and several visits to Canada, where he volunteered at a camp for underprivileged children.
“Statistically, this award will not happen again for Bradley in the next 400 years.” Dr. Bob Scott “I am interested in studying how to use economics as a tool for social change…to look for ways to make things more equal in places like Latin America,” said Biggs. He enjoys doing research and hopes to earn a doctorate degree and possibly become a college professor. Biggs said he developed his love of learning from teachers who encouraged him, and by the example set by his grandparents, with whom he spent much of his childhood. “My grandparents were very loving and hardworking. The example they set contributed greatly to my work ethic and character,” said Biggs.
internal emergency notification system will be installed in new campus buildings. In addition, workers began installing the system in Bradley Hall and Swords Hall in June. Other existing buildings will be addressed in the future.
• Robertson
Memorial Field House was demolished in April, and construction of the new Athletic Performance Arena began immediately.
• The
second phase of a three-phase, three-year lighting project began this spring. Phase 2, expected to be completed this fall, will replace lights on campus from Bradley Avenue to Main Street and University Street to Elmwood Avenue.
Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2008
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pointofpride Project Springboard 2008 competition Les Memoires — a technology-based multimedia company created by Adesegun Sun-Basorun ’08, Brad Kusak ’09 and Vanessa Carranza ’09 — won the second annual Project Springboard entrepreneurship competition in April. The group, which won $15,000 cash and one year of “knowledge capital” valued at more than $100,000, was selected from 12 business plans. Les Memoires provides clients an easy-to-use interactive audio visual guestbook experience for weddings and special events. Project Springboard’s inaugural winner, iRepair Squad, announced in February that sales topped $1 million in the first 10 months, and they project $17 million in sales in 2008. Visit bradley.edu/ hilltopics for more information.
Calling all alums: The Bradley Fund by Katie Hamill ’08
Derek Hartmann ’09, shown above, has spent a lot of time on the phone over the course of the past few years. It’s not because the junior civil engineering major has that much extra time on his hands, though he does enjoy talking on the phone. Hartmann is an intern with the Bradley Fund, a team of students who call alumni with campus news and ways in which alumni can contribute to the University. “You want to get to know them,” Hartmann says of his calls to alumni. “That’s why it is so important to call rather than just send something in the mail. They can get feedback on what has changed and talk about memories they recall from their years at Bradley.” Although Hartmann concedes the difficulty of getting people to open up, he’s no stranger to long phone calls. His longest lasted 109 minutes and 16 seconds. While a donation did not result from the call, Hartmann remembers it as one of his most memorable calls for the stories shared by the alum. “The main reason for the call is to get financial support for the University, but that’s only one reason. It’s also neat for the students to experience what alumni have to offer.”
Visit
bugreeklife.com to check out the new Greek Alumni Newsletter.
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“The Bradley Fund is vital to the institution,” adds Shelly Smith, MA ’93, senior director of the Bradley Fund. “The connections our student callers make with alumni are so important. We are often their only “live” link with campus after they graduate. They appreciate the updates. We also give them the opportunity to support their alma mater. The student callers are trained to ask alumni to make an annual gift to BU and help alumni understand just how important their annual gift is to us.” Calling alumni has proven to be not only an enlightening campus job, but also a source of practical career skills for Nicole Mladic ’01. She vividly remembers her four years at the Bradley Fund, where “horns were honking, prize wheels were turning, and the walls were always decorated with bright colors.” While the cold calls were not always easy to make, and some nights consisted of listening to a lot of dial tones, she says she loved her time calling and considers it an invaluable experience. Now a public relations manager in Chicago, Mladic often finds herself in the position of making cold calls to reporters with story ideas. She says that while many young PR professionals struggle with this, she found it an easy transition to make. “My time at the Bradley Fund taught me to keep a positive attitude at all times, to have a thick skin and to never take rejection personally.” Of course, Mladic says, she also still tells her junior staffers to “put the smile in the dial!” Mladic was interviewed by Katie Couric on CBS Evening News in April about her budgeting blog for young, working women. Visit bradley.edu/hilltopics to view the video. Visit bradley.edu/development for more information about the Bradley Fund.
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Famed violinist shares Stradivarius stories pointofpride Radio award Matt Shaver ’09, a student employee of WCBU, was recognized with two awards for his work at the radio station. He won first place in the newscast category of the Public Radio News Directors Inc. (PRNDI) student competition for his newscast on Weekend Edition Saturday. This award makes Shaver a finalist for a PRNDI scholarship. A piece on the Peoria Chiefs won Shaver second place in the sports reporting category of the Student Illinois News Broadcasters Association competition.
Dr. Jeff Huberman, center, dean of the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts, and Marcia Henry Liebenow, Bradley professor of music, pose with internationally recognized violinist Joshua Bell. Bell’s Huberman Stradivarius violin, made in 1713, was owned and played by Huberman’s great-great-uncle, Bronislaw Huberman (above right with Einstein, with whom he closely worked in the founding of the state of Israel). Bronislaw was a famous violinist between the World Wars and the musician for whom the violin is named. The violin was stolen from his dressing room in Carnegie Hall in 1936. A strolling musician confessed to the theft on his deathbed in 1985. Huberman heard about the Huberman Stradivarius on the CBS Evening News and began researching its history. The violin, owned for a short time by Japanese violinist Midori, was eventually put up for auction for $3.5 million, when Bell purchased the instrument. Huberman says the violin is now worth $5 million. Bell invited Huberman to visit backstage and hold the violin during a rehearsal for his concert with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra on March 24. He was the first Huberman to hold the instrument since 1936.
Speech team duels in Texas by Tyler Fox ’10 The speech team placed second with 413.5 points at the American Forensic Association (AFA) National Tournament in Austin, Texas, on April 5-7, falling short of attaining its 20th AFA national championship. Individually, the team boasts three first-place winners. Erin McCarthy ’08 won the After-Dinner Speaking category, and Emambu Atabong ’09 and Elijah Misigaro ’09 earned top marks in Duo Interpretation. The team is coached by Dan Smith, temporary assistant professor of communication. At the National Forensics Association (NFA) Tournament on April 17-21 in Nashville, the speech team repeated a second-place finish, with three more first-place winners. Atabong and Misigaro were named national champions in the Duo category, Atabong won the Dramatic Interpretation category, and Adam Sharples ’08 took the Prose category. In March the team placed first in the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensic Association State Tournament (IIFA) for the 16th consecutive year. Communication major Sharples says, “The IIFA tournament is one of the most difficult state tournaments in the country. Each school is allowed to enter its top four competitors in each event, so the competition is dense and difficult.” Bradley accumulated 317 points. Second place Northwestern University amassed just 80 points. For graduating members of the team, their focus has turned to the Bradley Forensics Alumni Network (BFAN). Alumni have been an integral part of the success of the speech team. McCarthy says, “Bradley speech alumni are the best in the world. I could not have won nationals without the guidance and encouragement of Misty Newberry-York ’03 and Tyler Billman ’05.” Visit bradleyspeechteam.com for more information.
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SportScene Nursing grad seizes football opportunity by Justin Phelps ’05
pointofpride Bradley leads the Missouri Valley Conference in student-athlete graduation rates for the eighth year in a row according to the Federal Graduation Rates Report by the NCAA. Men’s and women’s sports each had a 77 percent graduation rate, up one percent from last year. A total of 102 student-athletes also earned a minimum 3.0 GPA to be on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
was something I had to weigh and consider,” she said of an injury possibility. “But being a skydiver, I’m willing to take some physical risk to participate in sports I love. Unfortunately, it’s just part of the game. It’s something you accept to play.” Before she was sidelined by her knee, the Forest Park resident and outreach nurse manager with Resurrection Health Care practiced three days a week — Monday, Thursday and Saturday, unless there was a game on Saturday. “You’re pretty sore and tired,” Gladfelter said of days after practice, “but all the women have made this time commitment, so there’s no whining. You just love it.” They must truly enjoy it. It’s a pay-to-play league, in which players pay to cover the costs of the field, referees, travel, uniforms, and equipment. There is no compensation for playing. However, players can be sponsored and, according to Gladfelter, the Chicago franchise, which plays its home games at North Park University and drew a crowd of about 800 for its home opener this season, is among the best in the league at providing fundraising/sponsorship opportunities to its players to help offset the cost. Gladfelter has found a bonus in new friendships with teammates and opponents alike. Typically, teams travel on game day and return the following day, leaving time after the game to socialize with their opponents. “Now that I’m involved, I’ve found the team camaraderie, and being on a team with 70-plus people is amazing,” she said. “The athletes are incredible on and off the field. They’re amazing women.” About 1,600 women play in the IWFL, which was founded in 2000 and has teams in the U.S. and Canada. Visit iwflsports.com for more information.
Scott Renshaw
Eitan Barbalat ’08 has been recognized as one of 10 finalists for the 2008 Division I Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award in baseball. Barbalat, who was also named a first-team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American this spring, carried a perfect 4.0 grade point average in preprofessional biology into his final semester. On the field, Barbalat owns a 5-4 career record with two saves and a 3.86 ERA in 32 career appearances. The award’s acronym, CLASS, stands for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, and honors senior student-athletes who excel in four areas: classroom, community, character and competition. The Senior CLASS Award has become one of the nation’s most prestigious college senior awards.
Amy Jo Gladfelter ’97 MSN ’00 played volleyball, basketball, soccer, and golf at East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, but she was always intrigued by football. “I grew up on the Chicago Bears,” she said. “I just love the sport.” However, when Gladfelter found an opportunity to play organized football last summer, she hesitated. The chance presented itself in September as she walked through North Halsted Market Days in Chicago. She came across a booth for the Chicago Force of the Independent Women’s Football League, an eight-year-old, full-tackle football organization in which 41 teams compete nationwide. “Initially I thought I was too small to play because the women in the booth were significantly larger than I am,” said the 5-foot-5 cornerback, who at Bradley volunteered her time with Alpha Phi Omega, which left little time for sports or intramurals. “But when I went to the Web site, I found women smaller in height and weight than I am who have been playing for years. That encouraged me to look into it.” By October, she significantly increased her training schedule for a November tryout. She made the team and began practicing. “There’s a lot of learning, because a lot of us are learning a new sport, but at the same time you’re going full speed,” Gladfelter said. “The intensity, excitement and adrenaline are all present when you’re out there, even scrimmaging against your own teammates. It’s one of the most challenging sports I’ve ever played, but to have that level of athleticism with that much physical contact… there aren’t many female sports where you’re full contact.” She practiced for three months with a broken right hand in 2008. In April, she learned she had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee. While it wasn’t a football-related injury, she noticed symptoms of ACL tears during practice. “It
Amy Jo Gladfelter ’97 MSN ’00 did not have the opportunity to play high school football, but now she’s a member of the Chicago Force, a full-tackle football team in the Independent Women’s Football League.
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Sports Illustrated writer Deford tells tales Legendary sportswriter Frank Deford, best known for his work in Sports Illustrated, spoke April 2 at Bradley as part of the Department of Communication’s Robison Lecture Series. A six-time winner of U.S. Sportswriter of the Year as voted by his peers, contributor to HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,” commentator on National Public Radio and author of 15 books, Deford spoke to a near-capacity crowd of about 300 at Neumiller Hall. His 45-minute lecture, entitled “A Half Century (well, almost) in Sports Journalism,” focused on sports being a common ground for society. Deford shared tales from his writing career, ranging from bathroom breaks with Alabama football coach Bear Bryant to a wrestling bear. “Sports is one thing that unites us all,” the gangly 6-foot-4 Deford said. “And for all its abuses and excesses, it’s truly a unifying element. And no, it’s not unworthy to be one of its troubadours.” The program concluded with a 15-minute question-and-answer session, followed by a book signing and reception. The Robison Lecture Series was established by the late Mary Leslie Robison, a journalism professor at Bradley from 1957 to 1969.
Men’s basketball plays in inaugural CBI championship by Justin Phelps ’05 The men’s basketball team is approaching the goal coach Jim Les ’86 set for the program. With a run to the championship series of the inaugural College Basketball Invitational (CBI), the Braves won a postseason game for the third consecutive season, a feat done only once previously in program history. They also won 21 games for the third consecutive season, which was last done from 1959 to 1962. “From three years ago, when we went to the Sweet 16, our goal was consistent excellence, to be a competitive team year in and year out,” Les said. “We’re starting to establish the consistency of excellence, which is sometimes tougher than getting to the Sweet 16 the first time.” The CBI is a 16-team tournament created by The Gazelle Group in Princeton, N.J. Its intentions were to provide a meaningful opportunity for teams deserving of a postseason, but left out of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) and the NCAA tournament. It is a single-elimination tournament until the final, which is a unique best-of-three series. Tulsa defeated Bradley in three games, with the home team winning each game, to win the tourney. While it may not have the allure or history of the NCAA tournament or the NIT, the Braves took advantage of the opportunity presented by the CBI. After a season of playing many games without at least one starter, Bradley was at full strength for the tournament run. “Our guys were excited,” Les said, “particularly our seniors, who had a chance to put on the jersey one more time and play. And our younger guys gained experience with a chance to play in a hostile environment at Virginia, against Cincinnati and at Tulsa, twice.”
Jeremy Crouch ’08 was named to the all-MVC first team. Daniel Ruffin ’08, who became the second player in Missouri Valley Conference history to amass 1,200 points and 600 assists in a career behind Anthony Manuel ’89, was selected to the league’s honorable mention team. Therron Wilson ’10 was picked for the all-newcomer team with Sam Maniscalco ’11, who was also selected to the all-freshman team.
Men’s Basketball Championship Game History 1950 NCAA tournament runner-up 1950 NIT runner-up 1951 National Campus Tournament runner-up 1954 NCAA tournament runner-up 1957 NIT Champion 1959 NIT runner-up 1960 NIT Champion 1964 NIT Champion 1982 NIT Champion 2008 College Basketball Invitational runner-up
Kalmer retires
Baseball coach Dewey Kalmer, who last season became the 36th collegiate coach to record 1,000 wins, is retiring after 29 years as the winningest coach in Bradley Athletics history. Although the Braves were eliminated from the 2008 MVC tournament, Kalmer ranks 34th on the Division 1 all-time wins list. His record is 1,032-914-5 in 40 seasons.
Spring wrap-up Women’s basketball player Skye Johnson ’09 was named MVC Defensive Player of the Year. … Dan Brewer ’09 was named to the baseball all-MVC first team. … Whitney Cox ’08 earned first-team all-MVC honors by placing third at the MVC women’s golf championship in April, and two-time all-MVC golfer Rikki Sobel ’08 received the Watonga Award. … Katie Nowak ’09 placed second in the 1,500-meter run (4:31.84) at the MVC women’s track & field championships. … The BU men’s and women’s cross country teams were both named allacademic teams by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Teams must compete and score at the NCAA Regional and earn a cumulative team GPA of at least 3.0 to qualify. … The men’s golf, soccer, women’s tennis and volleyball teams have received Public Recognition Awards from the NCAA in honor of their Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores. These teams have posted multi-year APR scores in the top 10 percent of all squads in their respective sports. Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2008
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From left, Jim Owens, Caterpillar chairman and CEO; Bradley President Joanne Glasser; and GERALD SHAHEEN ’66 MBA ’68, president of the Bradley Board of Trustees and chair of the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance, celebrated the announcement of Caterpillar’s $30 million gift to Bradley.
About 1,000 Bradley alumni, employees, students, and friends attended the Red Tie Gala, held in the ballroom at the Peoria Civic Center.
Imagine what we’ll do next
Imagine
By Nancy Ridgeway Photos by Duane Zehr
1,000 people attending a Red Tie Gala to kick off the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance. announcing a $30 million lead gift from Caterpillar Inc.
recognizing 20 individual, corporate, foundation, and estate gifts of $1 million or more. having raised $104,562,197 toward a $150 million goal.
“Imagine what we’ll do next” was the theme for the gala, as attendees watched a multimedia presentation that included renderings of upcoming construction projects, students sharing their successes and imagining their futures, and much more. “We want you to imagine, imagine, imagine, and together, we can seize the moment,” President Joanne Glasser told the group of Bradley alumni, friends, students, and faculty-staff who gathered April 24 in the ballroom of the Peoria Civic Center. She added, “This is the first step toward transforming our campus, taking Bradley to the next level, and freeing the University to dream big dreams — really big dreams. I believe Bradley can become nationally recognized for our innovation and our achievement. I believe our top-notch faculty and students are poised to make a significant impact on our nation and throughout the world. I believe Bradley can do great things — will do great things — once we have the physical and personnel infrastructure in place. Once we allow ourselves to imagine the possible, imagine a bright new future, imagine what we will do next.” GERALD SHAHEEN ’66 MBA ’68, chairman of both the campaign and the Board of Trustees, shared the overall vision for the University and introduced the proposed bricks and mortar projects. He commented, “It’s not enough to keep pace with our competition. We must move to a higher level.”
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Caterpillar announces lead gift
Dancers, confetti, and a brilliant multimedia show heralded an announcement by Jim Owens, Caterpillar chairman and CEO, that Caterpillar is donating up to $30 million, the largest gift in Bradley’s history. With two matching gift incentives, the total effect of the gift could reach $48 million. In honor of the unprecedented gift, Bradley will formally name the College of Engineering and Technology in Caterpillar’s honor during a ceremony at a later date. Owens said, “I’m privileged to be the latest in a long line of Caterpillar chairmen who have recognized the special, mutually beneficial relationship between Bradley University and Caterpillar.” Reflecting on Caterpillar’s giving record, he noted, “In 1963, Louis Neumiller led a fundraising effort to restore Bradley Hall following the fire that ravaged the historic building. Five years later, William Blackie announced a $500,000 gift to the University. In 1986, George Schaefer described Caterpillar’s $5 million lead contribution to the Campaign for Bradley as ‘one of the best investments we have made.’ This campaign would ultimately surpass its $26 million goal by raising $32 million. In the 1990s, Don Fites chaired Bradley’s highly successful Centennial Campaign. Caterpillar pledged $20 million, including an employee challenge goal of $4 million. Led by employee campaign chair Gerry Shaheen, Team
Caterpillar contributed a record $5.3 million to a fundraising drive that eventually raised $127 million.” Owens added, “As a Fortune 50 corporation with a vision to be the admired global leader, we look to Bradley University as a premier source of talent. Today, more than 2,400 Bradley alumni are active members of Team Caterpillar. Another 750 are Caterpillar retirees. Hundreds of Bradley students work as interns at Caterpillar facilities. The University’s talented faculty collaborates with us on research projects and continuing education opportunities that give Caterpillar a competitive edge.” Caterpillar and Bradley also were involved in founding PeoriaNEXT, a group of community leaders organized to stimulate technology-based economic growth in the Peoria area, and to establish its Innovation Center. For more about the connection between Bradley and Caterpillar, visit bradley.edu/hilltopics.
Visit campaign.bradley.edu to make a gift to the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance.
Bradley Jazz Band members entertained as guests gathered in the ballroom for the gala.
The Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance just completed the “silent phase.” At the gala, a total of $1 04,562,197 was announced.
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President Joanne Glasser presents the President’s Award to former Congressman ROBERT H. MICHEL ’48 HON ’81 at the gala event. The President’s Award recognizes leadership among leaders. It is given to the donor or donors who set an example for others by their continued relationship and involvement in the progress of the University. Michel served 19 consecutive terms as Congressman from the 18th District. He served nine presidents and is the longest serving House Minority Leader in our nation’s history. In 1994, he received the nation’s highest civilian award, the Medal of Freedom. Michel became a member of the Bradley Board of Trustees in 1982, and was named a lifetime honorary trustee in 1994. A recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award, Michel is a member of Bradley’s Centurion Society. He also became a Distinguished Adjunct Professor of American Government Emeritus when he retired from public office. Bradley’s student center is named in his honor.
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Westlake Hall
Markin Family Student Recreation Center
Puterbaugh Men’s Basketball Practice Facility
Defining moments.
Moments when key decisions determine the path for the future. Bradley University has flourished on such defining moments. Look at the defining moment when William Rainey Harper, president of the University of Chicago, convinced Lydia Moss Bradley to move forward with plans to found an educational institution, rather than leave the means to organize and construct it in her will. Consider the defining moment when school leaders decided to offer a more comprehensive educational program, leading the way for Bradley Polytechnic Institute to become Bradley University. Just as the face of Bradley changed from a high school, junior college, and technical school to a comprehensive, master’s-granting university, the University is again on the cusp of another defining moment — a Renaissance — as it positions itself to be a nationally renowned, innovative, premier university forging new ground in higher education. The University is embarking on the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance. This campaign will change the face of campus as it allows the University to expand and build facilities that will enhance the full Bradley experience. Academic and recreational facilities are among the campaign initiatives. They include an expanded and renovated Westlake Hall, a new Center for Engineering and Business Convergence, and
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construction of the Markin Family Student Recreation Center, Puterbaugh Men’s Basketball Practice Facility, Athletic Performance Center, and Alumni Center. As Westlake Hall is renovated, the landmark building will retain its classic architectural features as it is transformed into one of the premier academic buildings on campus. Plans call for 60,000 square feet of academic space, including “smart” classrooms with Internet2 capabilities; counseling classrooms and counseling research and training areas; labs for science and mathematics education, language arts, reading, and literacy; and a production center for teaching materials. Faculty offices and offices for the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service also will be housed in Westlake.
ing point between the two buildings, will house many of the joint facilities and activities. The Convergence Center will include two innovation and commercialization laboratories that will provide facilities equivalent to those of a small company where multidisciplinary teams will design, develop, prototype, finance, market, pilot, manufacture, and distribute productions. The Center will have a 200-seat auditorium for meetings, presentations, and workshops; technically sophisticated classrooms and conference rooms; public areas for study groups and social gatherings; and offices for the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship and for the Deans of both colleges. Each college facility will be designed and developed to answer the specific needs of the college and will allow for growth and flexibility to meet changing needs in the coming decades.
Center for Engineering and Business Convergence
Markin Family Student Recreation Center
Interdisciplinary education reaches a new level as plans are underway for a 327,000-square-foot facility that will house the College of Engineering and Technology and the Foster College of Business Administration. The Convergence Center, a connect-
Construction is underway for the Markin Family Student Recreation Center. Slated to open later this year, it will house exercise facilities and practice space for intramural sports, as well as the Wellness Program, Counseling Services, the Health Center, and
Westlake Hall
Center for Engineering and Business Convergence Athletic Performance Center
labs to support the Department of Nursing. The recreation center will serve as a social fitness area for the Bradley family, with a jogging/walking track; swimming pool; weight training, aerobics, and fitness facility; four basketball courts for intramural games; championship basketball court; juice bar and café; and lobby, lounge, and locker rooms.
Puterbaugh Men’s Basketball Practice Facility The Puterbaugh Men’s Basketball Practice Facility marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bradley basketball’s storied history. With this dedicated facility, the men’s basketball program can provide players with resources that allow them to succeed both on and off the court. They will be able to use the facility any time of the day or night, not only to practice, but also to study, lift weights, relax, and meet with coaches. The practice facility also will include a sports medicine center with a hydrotherapy room for all student-athletes, a strength and conditioning center, players’ locker area and team lounge, coaches’ offices and locker rooms, team meeting room, and a basketball academic center equipped with computers and work space.
Athletic Performance Center The entryway of the new Athletic Performance Center will reflect the lines of Robertson Memorial Field House, the historic building it replaces. Inside, a Hall of Fame will pay tribute to Bradley sports legends. The center will serve as home court for women’s basketball and volleyball. Combined with the new Puterbaugh Men’s Basketball Practice Facility, it will eliminate scheduling conflicts that have hampered both men’s and women’s teams. In addition, popular performers will entertain in the 4,200-seat arena. The arena lobby and concourse will open to the top level of arena seating, and a hospitality/conference room with an adjoining terrace will be available for pre- or post-game receptions. The facility also will house a ticket office arcade, women’s locker rooms, and coaches’ offices and locker rooms.
Alumni Center While the front of Bradley Hall will remain the same, the campus centerpiece building will be expanded to the west to make way for the new Alumni Center. Inside, alumni can gather in the large ballroom that opens to a balcony overlooking the Alumni Quad, conduct meetings in wired conference rooms, stroll through the Alumni Hall of Pride, browse in the library,
Alumni Center
or meet with Alumni Relations personnel. In addition to facilities, the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance seeks to increase scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. The University would like to enhance its support for students and faculty who wish to pursue international study. Bradley also seeks faculty support through endowed academic chairs and professorships and through excellence funds that offer financial support for faculty and students to collaborate on research and present their findings at academic conferences. Just as the campaign will focus on outward changes, it also will allow the University to enhance its program support with basic and advanced technology and equipment. Funds also will support Bradley’s Centers for Distinction, such as the Center for Principled Leadership and Public Service, the nationally recognized entrepreneurship program, and the speech team. These and other distinctive programs add a rich dimension to the curriculum but require funding beyond departmental budgets. Finally, campaign funds will be used for annual operations support. Gifts given through the Bradley Fund provide essential, flexible funds for library resources, campus beautification, intercollegiate athletics, cultural programming, and other needs. Consider a gift and visit campaign.bradley.edu. Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2008
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Renaissance Circle Society IN APPRECIATION and in honor of the generous individuals, corporations, foundations, and estates giving $1 million or more to the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance, the University has established the Renaissance Circle Society. The University accorded charter membership to the following exemplary donors at the April 24 Red Tie Gala, where GERALD SHAHEEN ’66 MBA ’68, chairman of the Board of Trustees and chairman of the campaign, introduced them to those in attendance. Two anonymous donors were named to the Society, as well. Others are invited to carry on the tradition of outstanding dedication to the University throughout the five years of the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance and beyond. Individuals
Bradley University Faculty, Staff and Emeriti A $1.2 million gift to the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance Bradley University’s faculty, staff and emeriti have been and continue to be the heart and soul of this institution. They provide the knowledge, experience and guidance for students as they prepare for life beyond the Hilltop. Not only do they give generously of their time and talents, they give their financial resources, as well. Many of today’s faculty and staff are veterans of two capital campaigns that succeeded due to their hard work and support. These campaigns changed the face of the campus and helped ensure the University’s financial well-being. Once again, Bradley’s faculty, staff and emeriti have responded enthusiastically to another campaign challenge — The Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance. Through their generous and unifying support, Bradley University will reach an even higher level of excellence.
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Robert and Kathleen Clark A $2.5 million unrestricted gift to the endowment After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, ROBERT CLARK ’67 earned an MBA in 1974 from Northern Illinois University. He began his career as internal auditor with Northern Illinois Gas Co. (now Nicor Gas) and rose through the ranks to vice president of Nicor Exploration in Denver before leaving the company in 1985. He then served as vice president of Ladd Petroleum Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Electric, and in 1988, he was named senior vice president of Snyder Oil Corp. In 1995, he formed Bear Paw Energy, LLC, which operated gathering systems in Oklahoma, Wyoming, Texas, Kansas and Colorado and three natural gas processing plants in North Dakota. The company was sold to Northern Border Partners, L.P., in 2001, and subsequently, Bear Cub Energy, LLC was formed with Clark as director, president and CEO. Bear Cub operates Madisonville Gas Processing, a natural gas treating plant near Houston. Clark currently serves on the board of directors of Storm Cat Energy Corp. and Evergreen Energy Inc. He previously served on the board of directors of Patina Oil & Gas Corp. and Evergreen Resources, Inc. He has also served on the boards of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, the Independent Petroleum Association of Mountain States, and is past president and board member of the Denver Petroleum Club. Clark is a Bradley Centurion. He and his wife, Kathleen, reside in Golden, Colo., and are members of Bradley’s Rocky Mountain Alumni Chapter.
Jay and Joan Janssen
A $1 million unrestricted gift to the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance A native Peorian, JAY JANSSEN ’59 majored in political science, was a member of the forensics team and was recognized as the 1957 Outstanding Forensics Student of the Year. After graduating with honors, he pursued his juris doctorate from the University of Illinois and began private practice in 1961. His firm, the Janssen Law Center, specializes in personal injury. He has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer and as a Premier Lawyer by Fortune magazine. Joan Lorig Janssen ’69, an English and history major, wrote for the Scout and was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority and the English Club. She taught at Richwoods High School, had a career in modeling and worked in property management for the Janssen Building. A member of the board of the Crittenton Center, she served as its president and received the Charles N. Crittenton Distinguished Merit Award. She was instrumental in founding the center’s Crisis Nursery and was recognized as the Junior League’s Volunteer of the Year. She has been a member of Bradley’s Communications and Fine Arts International Advisory Council, served on the BU Council from 1986 to 1994, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. The Janssens established the Janssen Oratorical Contest and Scholarships at Bradley. The contest is the prime recruitment tool for outstanding speech students to participate in Bradley’s nationally recognized forensics program.
David Markin
James and Carolyn Petersen
Michael and Benita Romano
An $8 million naming gift for the Markin Family Student Recreation Center DAVID MARKIN ’53, a business major, was captain of the tennis team and a co-founder and president of Alpha Epsilon Pi. Following graduation, he joined his family’s business, Checker Motors Co. As its CEO, he expanded the company from a manufacturer of taxis to a major supplier to the automobile industry. On the national tennis scene, Markin served as president of the U.S. Tennis Association and piloted the development and building of the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. Markin is the only individual to twice receive the President’s Award for leadership, service and philanthropic support. A Bradley Centurion, he was the 1999 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He served on the Bradley Board of Trustees from 1992 to 2004 and is now an honorary member. The David R. Markin Tennis Courts, dedicated in 1998, were named in honor of his generous support to the University, and ground was broken for the Markin Family Student Recreation Center in Spring 2007. The recreation center is scheduled for completion this fall.
A $1 million gift for the Puterbaugh Men’s Basketball Practice Facility James Petersen and his brother, Robert, founded Petersen Health Care in 1974 with two flagship facilities, Kewanee Care Home in Kewanee and Robings Manor in Brighton. As registered physical therapists, the brothers embraced a commitment to strong community involvement by “bringing the community to the nursing home, and the nursing home to the community,” as well as Petersen Health Care’s “resident care-based philosophy.” Currently, James Petersen is owner of Wee-Ma-Tuk golf course. His wife, Carolyn, is an interior designer. Residents of Fairview, the Petersens are members of the Braves Scholarship Society. Their gift will be recognized with the naming of the Men’s Basketball Head Coach’s office.
A $1 million gift for general facility renovation MICHAEL ROMANO ’73, a history major, was a member of Sigma Nu and played hockey with the BU Hockey Club. Following graduation, he joined his family’s business, the Romano Brothers Beverage Co., which, before its sale in 2002, sold one third of all beverage alcohol in Illinois. Romano is now the play-by-play sportscaster for the Chicago Steel hockey team. He is a member of the Bradley Council. He and his wife, Benita, were the 2005 recipients of the Harper Heritage award given to a Chicago-area donor whose generous contributions significantly impact the lives of Bradley students. The Romanos have four children and reside in Burr Ridge. Their daughter, Florence Romano ’08, graduated in May with a degree in theatre arts.
David and Kathy Puterbaugh
Gerald and Pamela Shaheen
A $3 million naming gift for the Puterbaugh Men’s Basketball Practice Facility A native of Peoria, David “Harry” Puterbaugh graduated from Southern Methodist University and spent his early years in Dallas, where his company, Pine Oaks Diversified, built eight shopping malls. He returned to Peoria in 1985 to run Leisy Brewing Co., a family-owned brewery originally founded by his great-grandfather, Edward Puterbaugh, and his two brothers. The brewery business was later diversified into real estate development and a farming business. Puterbaugh currently serves on Bradley’s Board of Trustees. The family has a long association with Bradley University, beginning with the leadership of his great-uncle, Leslie D. Puterbaugh, who served on the first Board of Trustees and as president of the Board in 1914. The Puterbaughs have enthusiastically supported the Bradley Braves as members of the Braves Club and the Braves Scholarship Society.
A $1 million gift to the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance GERALD SHAHEEN ’66 MBA ’68 completed the Tuck Executive Program at Dartmouth College in 1988. With a distinguished lifetime career at Caterpillar Inc., Shaheen served as group president from 1999 until his retirement in 2008. He is the immediate past chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is the current chairman of its executive committee. His service to the University has been equally distinguished. He served as president of the National Alumni Association, took a leadership role in both the Campaign for Bradley and Centennial Campaign, and has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2001, serving as vice chairman from 2005 to 2006. Currently he is board chairman and chairman of the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance. He was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1993 and was concurrently inducted into the Centurion Society. PAMELA CUTHBERT SHAHEEN ’73 majored in early childhood education and was a member of Pi Beta Phi. She serves on the board of directors of the Center for Prevention of Abuse and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Shaheens have established the Gerald and Pamela Shaheen Endowed Scholarship at Bradley.
Nicholas and Nancy Owens A $1 million gift to the Athletic Performance Center NICHOLAS OWENS ’67 worked at Keystone Steel & Wire while majoring in business management and administration at Bradley. He became Keystone’s vice president of manufacturing in 1979 and president in 1982. He was named COO of Keystone Consolidated Industries in Dallas in 1985, also serving on the board of directors until 1988. In 1989, Owens purchased Electrical Specialties, an electrical cable and wire harness company, from Kiefer Electrical Supply Co. He led the Bartonville company through years of steady growth until he sold it to Trans Technology Electronics Inc. of Peoria in 1993. Owens had been director of L.R. Nelson Corp. when he was named president in 1992. He retired from that position in 1996. Later that year, he became the first non-family member to serve as chairman and CEO of Hagerty Brothers Co. He and his wife, Nancy, divide their time between Florida and Illinois. Their son, Nicholas Eric Owens ’01, earned a degree in political science.
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Renaissance Circle Society Timothy Shea An additional $1 million gift for athletic facilities TIMOTHY SHEA ’70 has a successful career in real estate and property management in central Illinois. He is president of Peoria Builders Inc., a real estate and development company. In 2002, Shea donated the lead gift to convert Pete Vonachen Stadium at Meinen Field into Shea Stadium, a state-of-the-art soccer complex regarded as one of the finest soccer-specific college venues in the nation. Shea also is a founding member of the Braves Scholarship Society and the Braves Club. In 2003, he established a soccer scholarship in memory of his mother, Betty Mae Jacobs Shea ’44, who was an avid Bradley Braves fan. One of his daughters, Kelley Shea Cressman ’94, has a degree in special education.
Rajesh and Indu Soin A $1 million gift for general facility renovation Born in New Delhi, India, RAJESH SOIN MSIE ’71 graduated from Delhi University in 1969 with a major in mechanical engineering before he came to Bradley to pursue a master’s degree in industrial engineering. He began his career at Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. He joined Williams International in 1978. With a natural affinity for entrepreneurship, Soin founded Modern Technologies Corp. (MTC) in 1984 with the idea of providing engineering and technical services to the Department of Defense. MTC employs more than 3,000 people in 40 offices nationwide and recently was ranked by Forbes as one of the nation’s top 200 small companies. In addition to MTC, which is traded on NASDAQ, Soin is chairman of five other diverse companies involved in software development, plastics manufacturing, metal manufacturing, cotton dying, and land development. A member of the Bradley Board of Trustees since 2005, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2004 and concurrently was inducted into the Centurion Society. Indu Soin is a graduate of Punjab University. The Soins reside in Dayton, Ohio.
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Corporations & Foundations
Caterpillar Inc. A $30 million gift in support of the College of Engineering and Technology and the Foster College of Business Administration Caterpillar Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and a wide offering of related services, has a long history of generously supporting Bradley. The industry-education partnership is a mutually beneficial relationship with a rich array of interactions, including more than 2,400 current Caterpillar employees and more than 750 retirees who are Bradley alumni; hundreds of students who work as interns at Caterpillar facilities; and faculty who conduct applied research and teach graduate and certificate programs to employees worldwide. Caterpillar’s financial support of Bradley began in 1947 with a gift of $70,000. Over the years, Caterpillar and the Caterpillar Foundation have supported scholarships for dependents and for students majoring in engineering, business, or one of the natural sciences; contributed to faculty development through research grants and faculty recognition programs; and donated equipment supporting capital projects, including the renovation of Jobst and Baker Halls, the renovation of the Hewitt Gymnasium into the Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts, and the Neumiller Lecture Hall in Bradley Hall. In 1986, Caterpillar and the Caterpillar Foundation made a $5 million lead gift to the $26 million Campaign for Bradley. Again, in 1994, the Caterpillar Foundation took a leadership role in the Centennial Campaign with a $20 million gift. In recognition of that outstanding campaign support, the University initiated the Caterpillar Endowed Professorship Program and the Caterpillar New Initiatives Program and named the Caterpillar Global Communications Center. As founding partners of PeoriaNEXT, Bradley and Caterpillar continue to collaborate. Currently, Bradley’s College of Engineering and Technology is assisting the Caterpillar Technology and Solutions Division in developing new certificate programs with an emphasis on new project design, development, and manufacturing.
Illinois Mutual – Mike McCord A $1.2 million gift for general facilities renovation, the E.A. McCord Endowed Scholarship, and Braves Scholarship Society Following in the footsteps of his father, Robert A. McCord; his grandfather, E. A. McCord; and his great-grandfather, O.L. McCord, who founded Illinois Mutual in 1910, Michel McCord became CEO in 1990. Under his leadership, Illinois Mutual, which specializes in life and disability insurance, grew from more than $315 million in assets to more than $1.2 billion in 2006. McCord has been an active supporter of the University. He served as a member of the Bradley Council from 1997 until 2004, when he became a member of the Board of Trustees. He has served on the Chiefs Club board of directors from 1979 until 1981, and as a member of the Foster College of Business Administration’s National Council of Advisors. McCord is a graduate of the University of Arizona. He and his wife, Kay, have been members of the Braves Scholarship Society and established the McCord Lectureship in honor of his father. They have five children.
Methodist Medical Center A $1 million gift for the Markin Family Student Recreation Center Methodist Medical Center is a respected health care facility in Peoria. Among its services are world-class cardiovascular care, pioneering cancer treatment, innovative diagnostic services, wellness classes, comprehensive behavioral health services, and more. Methodist Medical Center and Bradley University are among the members of PeoriaNEXT, a collaboration focused on local science and technology-based economic development. Employees of these organizations participate in activities that will help develop an entrepreneurial spirit among Peoria’s scientists and engineers. At Methodist Medical Center’s helm is Michael Bryant, president and CEO, who came to Peoria in 1999. He and his wife, Paula, have been strong supporters of the University and have been sponsors of the Braves Scholarship Society. They were recognized as Honorary Alumni in 2007.
Robert and Carolyn Turner
Gregory and Marylu Miller
Dr. Rita Newton
A $3 million gift to the endowment and for whom the Turner Endowed Professorship has been named ROBERT TURNER JR. ’77 MBA ’78 was recruited by Arthur Andersen and later worked as a consultant for McMillan/Eubanks. From 1985 to 1990, he was senior equity manager and director of research for Meridian Investment Co. In 1990, he and his brother MARK TURNER ’80 started Turner Investment Partners, Inc. Today the company manages more than $15 billion in assets for its clients. In 2000, Turner and his wife, Carolyn, endowed the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley, and in support of the Renaissance Campaign, they endowed a professorship in entrepreneurship in the Foster College of Business Administration. Turner has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 1998. The Turners reside in Berwyn, Pa. They have three sons and a daughter. Their son Andrew Turner ’10 is a communications major at Bradley.
A $2.7 million planned gift in support of an endowed scholarship GREGORY MILLER ’62 earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering before enlisting in the Coast Guard as a seaman apprentice officer candidate. When an official asked for volunteers to attend flight school, Miller complied. He served during the Cuban missile crisis and was among those watching for Russian ships with missiles coming into Cuba. The decision to attend flight school led to a lifetime career as a pilot. Once his military commitment was completed in 1967, Miller was hired as a pilot for National Airlines. As buyouts occurred, he also worked for Pan Am and Delta. During his career, he often flew internationally and also flew charter flights for the White House press corps. Miller and his wife, Marylu, live in Prescott, Ariz.
A $1.4 million planned gift in support of the College of Engineering and Technology Dr. Rita Newton, Bradley’s first female engineering professor, retired in 2000. A professor of industrial engineering, she was a mentor for many female students in a field that had traditionally been dominated by men. When Newton arrived on campus in 1969, just a handful of women studied engineering, but by the early 1980s, that figure had grown to almost 100. She was the 1973 recipient of the University’s prestigious Putnam Award, which honors professors for excellence in teaching. Before teaching at Bradley, she was employed by Bell Aerospace, where she worked on simulation models for the lunar rover that made missions to the moon possible. Visit campaign.bradley.edu to make a gift to the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance.
Estates
Marie Creamer A $3.7 million unrestricted estate gift in support of the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance Noted textile designer Marie Creamer was the design force in the rug industry for nearly 50 years, principally as a freelance designer for Regal Rugs. Responsible for many innovative designs and technical changes in the industry, she earned recognition from the American Institute of Interior Design. Her only son, CHARLES FORAK CREAMER III ’68, attended Bradley and served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, where he was killed in 1970. Marie Creamer passed away on August 4, 2007, in Wellington, Fla., at the age of 94. Her estate gift was given to Bradley University in loving memory of her son. Kathy and David “Harry” Puterbaugh, members of the newly established Bradley Renaissance Circle Society, share a special moment after the announcement of their $3 million naming gift for the Puterbaugh Men’s Basketball Practice Facility. There are 20 charter members of the society which recognizes individuals, corporations, foundations, and estates donating $1 million or more to Bradley.
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Coming up roses: Keepsakes mark campaign kickoff Karen Crowley Metzinger MA ’97 photos by Duane Zehr by
A. Paul Krainak, above, chair of the art department, arrived at the ball of roses design in consultation with Oscar Gillespie, professor of art, who holds a BFA and an MFA in printmaking. Krainak drew his sketch from a bouquet provided by a local florist. Once he drew the design, Gillespie led Krainak through his first engraving endeavor.
B. Gillespie determined Krainak’s circle of roses design lent itself to a medallion shape. He painstakingly engraved the rose design into a 10-inch-diameter copper plate. The rose has a particular significance in Bradley’s history.
C. After engraving the design, Gillespie polished the copper plate with steel wool and polishing paste. Krainak considers Gillespie’s actual printmaking plates works of art, and Gillespie saves his plates as keepsakes. D. In the early months of planning, a decision was made that red would be the only color used in the printmaking. Using red printing ink, a refined oil paint, Gillespie meticulously covered the engraved design.
T
he printing press at the Heuser Art Center’s 18-year-old Cradle Oak Press facility operated in high gear during the month of April in preparation for the kickoff of the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance. Although traditional engraving originated in 15th century Europe, the art form is alive and thriving in the art department. Thanks to the collaboration between Paul Krainak, chair of the art department, and Oscar Gillespie, professor of art and founding coordinator/printer for the printing press facility, guests at the Red Tie Gala held at the Peoria Civic Center on April 24 took home a signed, limited-edition work of art to commemorate the campaign.
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It all began with a charge given to two gifted artists: Create a keepsake engraving unique to the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance. They consulted with the campaign committee and began working on concepts. “We looked for a symbol,” Gillespie said. “We looked at the gargoyle; we looked at an earlier print of a solitary rose and several other ideas. We wanted everyone to be happy with our work and to display it, and that’s when we decided to focus on the bouquet or ball of roses design.” The campaign keepsake is a fitting tribute to Lydia Moss Bradley, whose love of red roses made her profuse rose garden the pride of her Moss Avenue home.
F. Gillespie readied the printing press. The process of transferring ink from the plate to the paper is called intaglio.
E. After working ink deeply into the grooves, Gillespie used starched cheesecloth, called tarlatan, to wipe off excess ink. His goal was to create a warm red glow to the plate.
G. Ink consistency, ink saturation and the pressure of the press itself make a significant difference in the finished piece. Gillespie, left, and Krainak carefully studied the first print to determine if they were satisfied with the process.
H. The finished piece is 14-by-14 inches. Six hundred rose prints were given to guests at the Red Tie Gala on April 24.
Krainak drew the rose design from a bouquet provided by a local florist. “This design feels like a sphere, not just a bouquet,” he noted. “When you look at this piece, it ‘becomes’ roses. The roses appear to be in a growing stage, representing the vitality and potential of Bradley’s future. The bouquet also functions as a globe, making reference to the University’s educational mission that conceptually embraces the entire planet.”An Illinois native, Krainak joined the art faculty two years ago after 21 years at West Virginia University. Gillespie, who has taught art at Bradley for 22 years and has been a visiting artist at more than 25 art schools nationwide, started printmaking in 1972 because he enjoyed the artistic process more than other art mediums. He said engraving, especially on a circular piece of copper, is challenging. “It’s hard on your hands and shoulders. It requires strength and the ability to create intricate, delicate designs.” Gillespie acknowledged copper was a much better choice than zinc for a project involving 600 prints because it is a more durable metal.
“The copper circle concept lends itself to a medallion idea,” added Gillespie. “I looked at the design drawn by Paul and started engraving. I like the raw look of engraving with my $12 burin instead of using a template.” Since the finished product was a line print of the roses, Gillespie was not concerned about using true Bradley red. His goal was to make the lines pop by contrasting the ink against the copper. “The deeper red I chose is as close to Bradley red as I could use for this process.” Printing 600 pieces for the event required two pounds of ink and spanned seven 12-hour days. Each work of art was printed on a piece of 100 percent cotton rag paper made by a mill in France that has been making it for 300 years. Under Gillespie’s guidance, Robyn Rognstad MFA ’10 and Jerry Phillips MFA ’10, both candidates in printmaking, helped with the time-consuming printing process.
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InMemory 1930s
Glyda Swisher ’34, March 8, Peoria. She taught French, English, and Latin in School District 150, retiring from Peoria High School in 1971. Glyda held a master’s degree from Northwestern. An active member of University United Methodist Church, she was its historian and librarian for more than 20 years. Margaret Cook Johnson ’36, March 19, Peoria. She was a member of Sigma Kappa at Bradley and was a 60-year member of the Peoria Women’s Club. Surviving are her son, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Don M. Elkins ’39, November 22, 2007, Atlanta, Ga. He was a transportation specialist for Phillips Petroleum in Oklahoma. Don was a World War II Army veteran. He played trombone for several bands, including the Charlie Cartwright Band. Surviving are his wife Lucy, a daughter, two stepchildren, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
1940s
Willard Huber ’40, January 7, Peoria. He retired in 1984 as the district sales manager for National Squirt Co. in Los Angeles. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Surviving are his wife Mary Birkett Huber ’41, two sons, two grandsons, and four great-grandchildren. Ruth Schmidt Threw ’40, December 19, 2007, Elmwood. Ruth began teaching at Harkness Grove School and retired from Yates City in 1973. Her daughter survives. Katherine Baer ’41, January 6, Barrington. She taught in Peoria for eight years and then in the Barrington school district from 1948 to 1985. Kay taught German and took many trips to Germany with the students. She held a master’s degree from Northwestern. An active hospital volunteer, she also led the children’s choir at her church. Jack Hines ’41, February 18, Morton. He co-owned and operated Hines Oil Co. in Pekin from 1945 to 1970. Jack was an agent for Shelter Insurance from 1970 to 1985. He was a World War II Army veteran. A member of Sigma Phi at Bradley, he was very involved in Masonic work. Jack Burrell ’42, February 24, Sun City West, Ariz. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, he was a dentist in Peoria until retiring in 1992. In Arizona, he presented dental programs to preschoolers. Jack played clarinet in the Peoria Symphony and the Shriners Band. His wife Mary and two children survive.
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Lloyd Lindenfelser ’43, January 16, Tremont. He held a master’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Illinois and served as a microbiologist at Northern Regional Research Lab, retiring in 1979. He later worked as an apiary inspector for the Illinois Department of Agriculture. A beekeeper since 1932, he served as president of the Illinois Beekeeping Association. He was a World War II Navy and Marine Corps veteran. One son, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren survive. Robert Moore ’43, December 29, 2007, Renton, Wash. He was a pilot for Eastern Air Lines for 35 years and served in the U.S. Air Transport command during World War II. He was active in his homeowners association. Two daughters survive. Lois Peterson Bodeen ’44, April 26, 2007, Mahomet. She worked as a community health aide for the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department. She is survived by her husband Harold, three daughters, five grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. Maxine Leiter ’47, March 3, Peoria. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Illinois and taught in Peoria, Normal, and England. Maxine served with the American Red Cross during World War II. An active volunteer, she enjoyed travel. John H. Reed Sr. ’48, March 9, Granger, Ind. He is survived by two sons and five grandchildren. William Gettman ’49 MA ’51, February 1, Peoria. He taught social studies at East Peoria High School and in Pekin. Bill was a finalist for the Illinois State Board of Education Teacher of the Year Award in 1979. He was a World War II Army veteran. Survivors include his wife Charlotte Yates Gettman ’71, one son, three stepchildren, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Robert King Park ’49, December 25, 2007, East Peoria. He worked in veterans administration for the state at the Peoria State Hospital and Zeller Zone Center, retiring in 1986. He held master’s degrees from Purdue and Northwestern. Robert was a World War II Navy veteran. He was an active volunteer and member of First Baptist Church. His daughter, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren survive. Walter Reinhart ’49 MA ’99, December 2, 2007, Youngsville, La. He retired as a general auditor for AM General Corp. in 1980. He enjoyed music. Surviving are his wife Charlotte, four children, 10 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. George Rowland ’49, February 14, Woodstock. As a mechanical engineer with United States Gypsum, some of his projects resulted in patents. He was a tenor with several quartets and a barbershop
chorus. George was a member of Sigma Chi at Bradley. His wife Mary, two children, and four grandchildren survive.
1950s
Donald Dennis ’50, December 28, 2007, Peoria. He worked for FW Means Co. for 39 years, retiring as internal auditor. A World War II Navy veteran, Don served as president of the Dunlap Kiwanis. Survivors include his wife Helen, three daughters, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Victor Hefner ’50, December 26, 2007, Peoria. He owned and operated the Hefner Insurance Agency since 1956. He was a World War II Air Force pilot. Survivors include his wife Marilyn, two daughters, and four grandchildren. Louis Saad ’50, February 20, Peoria. He began a private practice in periodontics in 1964. He held master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree from Indiana University. He was an Air Force veteran. Surviving are his wife Patricia and two sons. Bob L. Thompson ’50, November 18, 2007, Elm Grove, Wis. He retired from Milwaukee County Hospital in 1989 after 25 years of service. He was a member of Delta Upsilon at Bradley. Bob was a World War II veteran. He sang in the Milwaukee Male Chorus and his church choir. His wife Trudy, three children, and seven grandchildren survive. Hugh Abel ’51, January 23, Metamora. He was a system technician for Illinois Bell for 38 years. A World War II Army veteran, he was involved with the county historical society. Surviving are his wife Barbara and two sons. Mary Cinnamon McCurdy ’51, March 10, Bradford. She was a 50-year member of the Eastern Star, and was a partner in the Red School House in Castleton. Mary was a volunteer for Methodist Medical Center Hospice. Survivors include two children and several stepgrandchildren. Renelda Somogyi Owen ’51, January 21, Peoria. A secretary in the guidance office at Limestone Community High School for 21 years, she retired in 1992. Renelda sang in her church choir and was active in several organizations. Three children and 13 grandchildren survive. Leo Pfister ’51, December 15, 2007, Kinston, N.C. He was president of Fields Control Inc. for 12 years, retiring in 1994. He was a Navy and Army veteran. Survivors include his wife Tresa, three children, and three granddaughters.
Fern Samples Risley ’51, February 27, Elgin. After a 33-year career in public relations for Sherman Hospital, she served on the hospital’s health foundation board. She was president of the Elgin Woman’s Club and editor of Clubwoman Magazine. In 1984 she was the first recipient of the YWCA Leader Luncheon’s communications award. Four children and seven grandchildren survive. Her husband Aud died on January 28. Charles “Bill” Huey ’52, February 25, Pekin. He was superintendent for Standard Brands and then became a shift supervisor at Pabst Brewing Co., retiring in 1982. Bill was a World War II Army veteran and a Korean War Army Air Forces veteran. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha at Bradley. Surviving are two children and three grandchildren. John Crone ’53, March 3, Metamora. He was an engineer at Caterpillar for 33 years, retiring in 1993. He was a Korean War Navy veteran. Surviving are his wife Dorothy, five children, 13 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Robert M. Watson ’53, January 20, Peoria. He worked in insurance with Franklin Life, Hartford, and Great West. Later he worked for the Central Illinois Carpenters Health and Welfare Trust Fund as administrator. At Bradley he played football and baseball. Surviving are four children and five grandchildren. Vernon Isgren ’57, February 28, Naperville. He was an engineer with J.I. Case & Co. for 33 years. He was involved in Masonic work. He is survived by his wife Barbara, two daughters, and three grandsons. Lucille Schwartz ’58, March 3, Pekin. She was a teacher at C.B. Smith Elementary School in Pekin for 20 years. She is survived by a daughter, two grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Ted Blachinski ’59, November 26, 2007, Plainfield. A construction engineer, he was employed by George A. Fuller Co. for 17 years and Gilbane Building Co. for 20 years. Ted was a member of Theta Xi. Survivors include his wife Judy, four daughters, and five grandchildren.
1960s
Wilva Skelly Bredahl ’60, March 4, Marion. She was a charter member of the Lincolnland Dachshund Club and enjoyed raising champion dachshunds. Surviving are her husband Dick, four children, and two grandsons. Jerry Steinhagen ’62, October 5, 2007, Freeport. Harry Voll ’62, January 25, Peoria. He retired from Caterpillar as a systems analyst. Harry enjoyed working on his Morgan and was active in the Illinois Valley Sports Car Club. He served in the Illinois Air National Guard. Survivors include his wife Ann Becker Voll ’66. Lawrence Shrode ’64, February 22, Mesa, Ariz. Larry retired from HBD Industries in 2000. Two daughters, four grandchildren, and his companion Judy Dewalt survive.
Norma Luthy Kroeger ’65, December 22, 2007, Bartonville. She was a medical technologist at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center for 34 years, retiring in 1989. Her husband Leonard survives. Edward Fulton ’66, January 10, Okmulgee, Okla. He was an Army veteran. He is survived by two sons, his mother, and several grandchildren. Donald Martin ’66 MS ’70, March 1, Pekin. He operated Martin & Associates Consulting and had worked for Cooper Industrial Products, Caterpillar, and Hyster Co. Don taught engineering at Tri-State University, Purdue University, and Illinois Central College. Surviving are his wife Veva, two sons, and one grandchild. Nestor Jovanovic ’67, January 11, Grayslake. He worked in the construction equipment industry, starting as an engineer with International Harvester in 1967. He served as chairman and president of Dressta Poland, North America, and Asia Pacific. He was an Army veteran. He is survived by his wife Persida, his mother, two children, and five grandchildren. Mary Greener, MA ’68, December 23, 2007, Peoria. She worked for the Peoria Public Library and then became an English teacher, retiring from School District 150 in 1980. Raised in India, Mary moved to Peoria in 1951 and to Minneapolis in 1999. Surviving are two sons, six grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Randall Hart ’69, February 22, Petersburg. He owned Springfield Overhead Door/Hart Construction Supply Inc. A Navy veteran, he served 22 years in the Reserves. Randy was a member of Sigma Chi and the track team at Bradley. Survivors include his wife Ellen and three children.
1970s
Josephine Hamman ’73 MA ’74, October 31, 2007, Trivoli. She taught at Logan School for 20 years, retiring in 1984. She was an active member of her church and the DAR. She had been president of the Peoria Symphony Guild and the teachers’ union. Surviving are her husband Marvin, three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Diane Studinger Randle, MA ’73, March 26, Hanna City. She was a teacher, counselor, and dean at Limestone Community High School for 34 years, retiring in 2002. Diane was LCHS teacher of the year in 1992. She competed in the 1965 Miss Illinois pageant as Miss Macomb. Her husband Ellis “Sarge” and her sister survive. Josephine Tucker, MA ’75, February 25, Peoria. She taught in School District 150 for 22 years, retiring from Columbia Middle School in 1990. Two sisters survive.
2000s
Amy McFadin ’03, March 5, San Diego. She taught history at Grossmont High School and was pursuing a master’s degree from Point Loma University. Surviving are her daughter, parents, and brother.
Student
Robert Hurt ’09, March 9, Pontiac. He was a mechanical engineering major. An avid golfer and runner, he participated in the Chicago and St. Louis marathons. Survivors include his parents, stepfather, and brother.
faculty & Staff Allen Cannon, director of the School of Music from 1957 to 1985, died on March 1 in Peoria. He was a professor at Bradley for more than 50 years, retiring in 1999. He held a doctorate from Chicago Musical College and appeared as a soloist at the Peoria Symphony where he was also concertmaster from 1948 to 1984. Dr. Cannon was named an Illinois Treasure in 1995. Survivors include two sons, four grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and his companion Hedy Stone. Zeev Gorin, associate professor of sociology, died on May 2 in Peoria. A peace activist, Dr. Gorin often hosted panels and seminars on world affairs. He came to Bradley in 1977. He held a doctoral degree from Columbia University. His wife Luba and two children survive. Dorothy Murray, MA ’78, a counselor at Bradley for more than 10 years, died on March 10 in Peoria. She taught grade school in Chicago for 10 years, then moved to Peoria in 1967 and opened the Common Place preschool. An active volunteer, she served on the board of several organizations and was involved in local theater. She is survived by her husband Elliott and two sons. Hilde Tornedde Nelson was on the staff of the Bradley library from 1960 to 1975. She died on March 22 in St. Petersburg, Fla. After leaving Bradley, she moved to Connecticut and then to Florida. At age 65, she studied art and became a teacher and award-winning painter. Two children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren survive. David Schenk, executive director of communications and engineering support at Bradley, died on February 29 in Peoria. He also was the vice president of engineering for WTVP-TV and chief engineer for WCBU Radio. David enjoyed biking and outdoor sports. Survivors include his wife Donna Goelz and two children.
“In Memory” Guidelines: To submit an obituary, please mail a newspaper clipping or memory card from the funeral home to: Bradley Hilltopics, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625. Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2008
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AlumniNews people & events
Alumni Events July 17 Chicago Kane and DuPage counties alumni boat cruise, St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats, 6-7:30 p.m.; $25 per person includes dinner and cruise July 26 Dallas Avanti’s tailgate party and baseball game, Dr. Pepper Ballpark, 5 p.m.; $14 per person July 28 Chicago alumni golf outing, Royal Fox Country Club, St. Charles, 11 a.m. lunch, 12:15 p.m. shotgun start; $700 per foursome, $175 per individual includes lunch, dinner, round of golf, cart, tee gifts and prizes August 3 St. Louis SLABAC annual picnic and new student send-off, Stacy Park, 1-4 p.m. August 7 Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers alumni event, U.S. Cellular Field, 333 W. 35th St., enter through Gate 2, 5:30 p.m. patio party, 7 p.m. game; $60 includes patio party and game August 15 Chicago Bradley Day at the Races, Arlington Park Pavilion, 200 W. Euclid, Arlington Heights, 2-7 p.m.; $25 per person 18 and over, $17 for ages 17 and under includes admission, race guide, seat in the Pavilion and $10 certificate for food, drinks and wagering August 18 Peoria Alumni Night at O’Brien Field, Peoria Chiefs vs. Clinton Lumberjacks, 6 p.m.; $21 ($17 ages 3-10) includes private party on the deck, dinner and game August 26 Peoria CIBAC Family SoccerFest, Shea Stadium September 9 Chicago Delta Upsilon alumni event, Ruth Lake Country Club, 6200 S. Madison, Hinsdale, 6-8 p.m. October 28 Chicago DuPage County alumni event, Ruth Lake Country Club, 6200 S. Madison, Hinsdale, 6-8 p.m. November 4 Chicago basketball tip-off luncheon, Harry Caray’s, 33 W. Kinzie, 11:30 a.m. reception, noon luncheon, 1:30 p.m. reception with President Joanne Glasser
Director’s Corner As I write, the quiet calm of Study Day belies the tremendous undercurrent of energy pulsing through the Hilltop. Do you remember? Preparing for finals, thrilled that the semester is — at long last — nearing its end. Anxiously awaiting news about that perfect summer job. Eager to get home to your own bed and Mom’s cooking, but sad to leave your friends and the comfort of this new home and your Bradley family. But this year, this semester, is different. To be sure, freshmen will become sophomores, and another class will graduate and make their way into the world. No, the difference is that the end of this semester marks not the end of the year so much as it marks the beginning of a great new era on the Hilltop. The Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance will transform our alma mater. And amid all the incredible progress, enhanced learning environments, and advanced technologies, will stand a “beacon bright” that draws us home. Our new Alumni Center (see page 15) will safeguard and showcase our history, boast of our achievements, wrap us in support, and always welcome us home. From the library of faculty and alumni publications and centralized alumni resources to the Hall of Pride and the grand ballroom overlooking the new Alumni Quad, your alumni center will be the place to go for information, events, and making new memories with old Bradley friends. This Renaissance can’t — and won’t — happen without the support of each and every one of us. The payback? Increased value of our degrees, pride in knowing we’ve built an institution worthy of our own children and grandchildren, and the comfort of knowing that we will always have a home on the Hilltop. Hail Red & White!
lori winters fan executive director, alumni relations
Homecoming 2008 October 3-5 Alumni Events and Reunions Electrical Engineering International Studies Class of 1958 (begins October 2) Communication Theta Chi Student Affairs Professionals Nursing The Graduate School Sigma Chi Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity
President’s receptions President Joanne Glasser continues to meet with alumni and friends at receptions nationwide. Plans are underway for the following receptions. Please note the dates for the Texas receptions were changed after the spring issue of Bradley Hilltopics was published. September 23 . . . . . . . Atlanta October 28 . . . . . . . . . . . San Francisco November 5 . . . . . . . . . . Houston November 6 . . . . . . . . . . San Antonio/Austin
The list of groups planning events and reunions is growing. Visit bualum.org/homecoming for details or to see if your department or group has been added.
University Events October 3-5 Peoria Founder’s Day and Homecoming
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For more information visit bualum.org, or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 309-677-2240 or 800-952-8258.
Phoenix Thirty-five alumni and friends enjoyed gondolas and a Cubs spring training game at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa on March 16.
Peoria The Bradley University Black Alumni Alliance held a reunion April 18-20. Among the activities was a cookout at Bradley Park that attracted 150 alumni and students.
Dallas From the left, Anne Cocoma Pfluger ’88; Amy Battles, (mother of Candace Battles ’09); and Matthew Mangold ’94 were among 60 alumni and friends who met President Joanne Glasser at a reception hosted by Chuck ’79 and Amy Limonta Anderson ’80 on April 1.
St. Louis Twenty alumni watched Bradley beat Creighton in a men’s basketball game on February 16 at Ozzie’s Restaurant & Sports Bar.
Seattle At 104 years old, Mrs. Maud Lepley “escorted” son Paul Lepley ’64 to meet President Joanne Glasser at Cutters Bayhouse Restaurant on April 15. Paul’s father, the late Dr. Ray Lepley, was a long-time Bradley faculty member and Dean of the Graduate School. About 30 alumni attended the event.
Chicago Bradley alumni cheered for Anthony Parker ’97 of the Toronto Raptors in a game against the Chicago Bulls on April 16. A pre-game party was held at Moretti’s.
Visit
bualum.org/homecoming for details and a list of reunions
REFER A STUDENT Help bring the best and brightest students from across the country to Bradley. Refer prospective students online by visiting bualum.org/get_involved, and the Office of Admissions will send information to them. Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2008
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Into Hollywood Entrepreneurship major is in movie business
by Nancy Ridgeway
Marquee lights danced around a sign in front of the Apollo Theatre in downtown Peoria, heralding the March 30 premiere of Into the Woods, a 55-minute thriller produced by entrepreneurship major LEVI OBERY ’09. Cameras flashed and applause followed the cast and crew as they walked along the red carpet. This was the fifth film for Obery and David Zimmerman III. The pair made four films, including one based on the Halloween franchise, while in high school. When Obery decided to form a corporation, he named it Ten Thirty-One Pictures Entertainment Inc. in honor of their first film (since the date of Halloween is “Ten Thirty-One”). While they were students at Metamora High School, they were asked to create The Only Way, an educational film showing the causes and effects of a school shooting. They later made Before the Storm, a short film about a troubled relationship. He tells how the idea for Into the Woods evolved. “David and I brainstormed for a weekend. We talked about possible scenarios and kept narrowing them down based on resources and time frames. That’s when we came up with the idea of people trapped in the woods. We don’t need fancy sets. We had a variety of ideas; not all were this genre.” Production took about two months, off and on, as they worked around the schedules of their volunteers. Obery’s experience in movie production led to a Hollywood link. About a month before the movie premiere, Obery was in Hollywood producing another movie. The owners of an independent film company had seen his Web site, 1031movies.com. Obery says, “They liked the work we’ve done. It fit perfectly into what they wanted to do for their next project, so they e-mailed me the script and asked if I would be interested in working on this project. The script was really good and fits our company’s mission of making original, cutting-edge work. I said I would be glad to help.” He was in Hollywood from February 16 to March 4 to work as line producer for the film, a coming-of-age story currently with a working title. “I was in charge of making sure people were where they needed
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Levi Obery ’09, second from left, owner of Ten Thirty-One Pictures Entertainment Inc., is on the set during the filming of Into the Woods, the fifth movie Obery has produced.
to be, actresses had make-up and were on set on time, the catering people were there—the day-to-day operations. It rained the first day of production, so we had to frantically rearrange the schedule and call actors in to do other scenes.” The people involved with the film have worked in the film and television industry before. The company is in preliminary negotiations for a theatrical release. “Some of the people involved have connections at some of the larger studios and hope they will purchase the rights for it. If not, we will hit the film festival market and release a DVD.” Obery is in negotiations to co-produce another movie in 2009. If negotiations are successful, “my work would begin immediately to find financing. Into the Woods may be the last movie we film around here.” In the meantime, Obery finds his business classes valuable, as his career goals are to work on the business side of the film industry. “I can take my own business and my experience into class.” And once he graduates in May 2009, he plans to head to Hollywood.
Duane Zehr
Confetti showered guests at the Red Tie Gala following the announcement that Caterpillar made the largest gift to the University in Bradley’s history. The April 24 event kicked off the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance by celebrating $104,562,197 raised toward meeting a $150 million goal by 2010. Photo by Scott Cavanah.
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