Homecoming week kicks off with Painting of the Lydia’s 

Pre-Homecoming activities are vital for building a sense of community in schools. Many universities have different ways of involving students and faculty in these events. One of the first homecoming events at Bradley is the Painting of the Lydia’s, an annual event hosted by the ACBU. 

“Painting of the Lydia’s is a Homecoming event open to everyone, though it’s especially popular with clubs and organizations. Participants paint a wooden cutout of our founder, Lydia,” Andrew Tamer, ACBU vice president and junior construction management major, said.

Painting of the Lydia’s was on Friday on Olin Quad, where many students laid out with blankets and supplies to design and paint their custom Lydia. 

“The primary goal of Painting of the Lydia’s is to encourage creativity and self-expression while strengthening the community at Bradley,” Maggie Brunelle, a Homecoming coordinator and junior hospitality management major, said. “It aims to create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can participate and feel welcome.” 

Becoming involved in student activities is something that Bradley promotes all year, especially around this week when different community events are happening every day. 

“Events like Painting of the Lydia’s bring together individuals from various backgrounds, promoting collaboration and interaction. This shared experience helps foster friendships, making the campus feel more connected and supportive,” Brunelle said. 

In addition to Painting of the Lydia’s, ACBU has hosted a myriad of other events this week to promote Homecoming. There has been a Bradley Bowl, an indoor movie night and a pageant. 

Homecoming is notorious for creating a rise in school spirit. Events like Painting of the Lydia’s aim to show the importance of showing pride as a Bradley student. “Homecoming at Bradley is significant because it celebrates everything that makes our campus great,” Tamer said. “Although there are challenges that Bradley has, Homecoming brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community to celebrate Bradley and embrace what it means to be a Bradley Brave and to ‘Be You.’”