Since last year, there has been a spirited change across the streets of campus.
Since arriving on campus, University President Joanne Glasser has aimed to improve campus aesthetics, believing would well-demonstrate Bradley’s integrity, said Associate Vice President of Communications Shelley Epstein.
A significant part of that effort was the addition to banners on the new light poles across campus.
“The banners are part of branding Bradley as the special place we believe it is,” Epstein said.
Since the banners’ commencement Bradley’s inhabitants have been picking up on its new decoration.
“They make me feel school spirited,” said freshman dietetics major Kelley Kasper. “They also give Bradley a very nice look.”
The banners are an accompaniment of the new lampposts that are being erected around campus, which includes grander lamp posts and brighter lights.
Glasser had the idea for the banners from the moment she arrived on campus, Epstein said. The plan was set into motion last year and has since expanded.
The first banners displayed last year were the Founder’s Day banners most often seen surrounding Founder’s Circle in front of Bradley Hall, but since then several others have been hung.
The newest banners can now be found along Duryea Place and Bradley Avenue as well as along Main and University streets and Nebraska Avenue in front of Shea Stadium.
The banners are decorated with inspirational affirmations of Bradley’s merit such as tradition, excellence, scholarship and passion, Epstein said.
“Welcome Students” banners used to decorate campus, but they have recently been exchanged for renaissance campaign banners promoting the capital campaign, and in October the founder’s banners are to be replaced by student banners.
Some students said they think the university’s money could have been spent in other ways.
“They’re alright, I guess,” said freshman entrepreneurship major Austin Schaumberg. “But they kind of seem like a waste of money.”
Despite occasional objections from students, Epstein said the administration still values the banners and deems them an asset to the university.
“We have gotten very positive feedback to the banner initiative,” he said. “Students, faculty, staff and community members have said they believe the banners are attractive and provide a very positive message about Bradley.”
