We have to say, we’re impressed.
As a small, private university in the heart of Illinois, Bradley has broadened its horizons, bringing increased cultural diversity to campus.
There are a lot of stories nationally and worldwide that could bring down morale, but Bradley has stepped up. Better – they have raised the bar.
In 2013, we welcomed the Tunnel of Oppression for the first time, acknowledging societal negatives that, in turn, challenged us to take action.
For the 2013-2014 school year, we dedicated the year to “Civil Rights— Past & Present,” remembering the past to empower the future.
Now it’s 2014, and we’re at it again, stronger than ever.
Thursday’s Culture on the Quad opened our eyes to the beauties of what goes on beyond Bradley and how much more we have to learn, showcasing African storytelling, polka music, salsa and kung fu.
The Association of Latin American Students brought us Latin Heritage Week, introducing great food and an even greater culture.
The Tunnel of Oppression is on its way back, bringing attention to topics like bullying, human trafficking and extreme poverty, calling us to be more proactive.
The Grad School quadrupled its enrollment of international students since 2012, bringing greater diversity to its academic programs.
The International Programs Office has brought us a wide range of study abroad programs, offering everything from the Philosophy of Art in the Human Experience in Spain to Thermodynamics 2 in Germany.
We’re fortunate to have an active and passionate student body willing to stand up for who they are.
It’s a breath of fresh air, quite frankly, to know that while we tend to remain inside our Bradley bubble, we have remembered that we are a part of something bigger.
The Garrett Cultural Center, especially, has grown leaps and bounds in their programming and campus outreach, and we can’t help but think the man the building is named after, Romeo B. Garrett, would be quite proud of the progress the university has made.
Garrett was the university’s first black professor and the first of three people to receive a master’s degree from Bradley’s newly established master’s degree program.
His legacy of numerous scholarships, historical collections and now a building filled with active, involved students is a tribute to the impact one person can have on a community.
It didn’t take royalty, a huge bank account or the key to the city – it just took a guy who wanted people to take notice of a cause he loved because he thought it was that important.
So take a moment to go out and support some of our culturally diverse groups. Like Garrett, they are striving to leave their own legacy here on campus.
Just as they take pride in their culture, our Bradley community is a culture in its own. And we’d all be better for it to take note and celebrate Bradley pride together.
