Hilltopics Summer 2006

Bradley University bradley.edu/hilltopics

Summer 2006

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Sweet 16: Braves’ NCAA run Summer 2006 Volume 12 Issue 3 Karen Crowley Metzinger MA ’97 editor Nancy Ridgeway associate editor Aimée Roy assistant editor Gayle Erwin McDowell ’77 classnotes editor/contributing writer Michelle Bowers Gray designer/illustrator

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The Cinderella squad’s Big Dance has ended; relive each step the men’s basketball team took from an uncertain beginning to fearlessly facing #1-ranked Memphis.

Bringing home Oscar

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Tami Lane ’96, Academy Award winner for her work as lead makeup artist on the set of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, describes her “incredible ride” and her Hollywood Oscar night.

Duane Zehr university photographer

Heavy metal hooks female blacksmith

Daniel Manson web communications

After restoring a historic blacksmith shop, Laure Adams ’85 MBA ’90 offers guests the opportunity to revisit the bygone days of homemade tools, horseshoes, and signature pokers.

Student Staff Assistants Allison Camp ’07 Lenora Houseworth ’06 Taija Jenkins ’08 Christy Moss ’06 Administration

Departments

ViewPoint HotTopics NoteBook SportScene

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ClassNotes InMemory AlumniNews CampusView

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Dr. David C. Broski president William Engelbrecht vice president for advancement Kathy Fuller assistant vice president for university relations on the cover: Braves celebrate their March 19 win over University of Pittsburgh at Auburn Hills, Michigan. Front/back cover photos by Bob Hunt.

© Bradley University 2006 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

Cinderella

Bob Hunt

Send your letters & e-mail

wore dainty

glass slippers to her big dance.

For the Bradley Braves, dancing shoes were Nikes, somewhere in the vicinity of

size 13s,

white on the toe, black on the heel, red across the arch, with the familiar swoosh on the side. Some considered Bradley’s NCAA invitation to the

“Big Dance” a mystery. Just as people wondered where Cinderella came from, many wondered the same about Bradley. In the coming weeks, over and over again, the question would be posed.

“Where is Bradley?” Some who knew Bradley’s location still questioned, “Why Bradley?”

Those of us who have followed the Braves for the past year knew their capabilities, if they could just pull it all together.

Bill Engelbrecht, vice president for advancement, wanted us to create a

special issue of

Bradley Hilltopics to commemorate the Braves’ run in the NCAA tournament and sent Hilltopics editor Karen Crowley Metzinger MA ‘97, associate editor Nancy Ridgeway, and University photographer Duane Zehr to California to cover the

Sweet 16 excitement for our readers. Enjoy!

Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2006

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Send your letters & e-mail

Recalling Sig Ep dinners

I enjoyed the ClassNote on Bob Hastert ’59 [Spring ‘06]. Bob’s friendship, enthusiasm, and tireless leadership at Sig Ep and on campus was inspiring to me then and now. And Jeanne Henry Hastert ’59, always lovely, always gracious, was a queen of queens to all of us! Bob, I’ve never had chicken as good as you cooked (in the White Fence Farm’s style) for our dinners in the fraternity house. Thanks for the memories, and I’ll get to Romeoville one day.

Harry Short ’64 Tempe, AZ

Players jump up in elation when they learn they have received a bid to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1996.

Reason to cheer

I was a student at Bradley during the year of the “Famous Five” successes on the basketball court.

It was of great interest to me to learn that this year’s basketball team was selected to play in the NCAA tournament of champions, especially since they would be playing in the Oakland, California, regional. I now live in the East Bay of the San Francisco area.

I was not only excited about the team’s progress, but also about the fact that my son, David Burke, would be writing some stories about them for the Peoria Journal Star.

David just retired from a 34-year stint as a sports writer for the San Francisco Chronicle.

In fact, his last assignment, covering Stanford’s progress in the NIT, ended in March! When he wrote the Peoria Journal Star sports editor about doing a sidebar for the Bradley games, they gave him the assignment. You may have noticed three of his stories in the local paper. I had two reasons to cheer for Bradley success.

Ruth Bohl Kirkhorn ’41 Byron, CA

NCAA run is a blast

Thanks to the Bradley basketball team for a great run in the NCAA tournament! What a blast to follow such a gritty, determined team of character.

The team was a reflection of head coach Jim Les ‘86. The team played like Jim did—determined, tough, passionate, and classy, win or lose. When Jim was playing, he never acted like a big man on campus; he was a good friend and fraternity brother. I believe that we are in for some more success with Jim at the helm of Bradley basketball. Thanks for all the fun this winter, boys.

Eric Yemma ’85 Kennenbunk, ME

Saluting the speech team

I just received the Spring issue of Hilltopics yesterday. It has been hard to put down. I wanted to drop a note to say the quality of Hilltopics has been improving over the last several issues.

Thank you for recognizing the speech team and for pieces in HotTopics and Senior Salute.

Richard S. Jankowski, Jr. ’83 Voorhees, NJ

A “pleasant occasion”

I have been receiving Bradley Hilltopics consistently ever since I left Bradley. It is always a pleasant occasion to find it in the mailbox.

The articles and photos never cease to bring back fond memories of the wonderful years I spent at Bradley. Therefore, I would like to congratulate all the hardworking people behind this excellent magazine. Keep up the good work and please keep them coming.

Zulkifli Mohamed-Yusof ’90 Penang, Malaysia Send a letter to the editor about an article in Bradley Hilltopics or about a University– related issue. Letters must be signed and have an address and telephone number.

Letter to the Editor, Bradley Hilltopics, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625 hilltopics@bradley.edu fax 309-677-4055 To receive an e-mail notifying you of an update in Hilltopics Online, sign up at bradley.edu/hilltopics.

Share a photo of Bradley’s Sweet 16 run with a friend.

Bradley’s Web site features postcards from the tournament and from the Hilltop. Send an electronic card today; the postage is on Bradley.

Visit explore.bradley.edu/sendcard.

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 consideration.

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Swe e t 1 6 c h e e r s f ro m t h e We b Do you have any idea just how big this Sweet 16 is? Up here in Chicago it’s all everybody is talking about. It’s on the radio, the television; the front page of the Chicago Tribune sports had three stories and a huge photo of Bradley basketball the other morning. The entire Midwest (and much of the rest of the country for some strange reason) is behind Bradley. There isn’t another team left that is within 600 miles of Chicago, except, well...Memphis.

I have heard Bradley mentioned more this week than I have in the prior 25 years combined since I graduated. Thank you for the terrific run! What a blast!

Paul Anderson ’81 Long Grove, IL I am the parent of an incoming freshman for this fall 2006. It was very exciting to see Bradley in the Sweet 16! As a team, you all played great games and should be very proud of your accomplishments, team unification, and your great sportsmanlike conduct! Even though you lost against Memphis, you still hung in there until the end and were very dignified in defeat. I can’t wait for my daughter to be at Bradley and join a campus with fine young men as yourselves! Enjoy your success!

Debi Turner Homer Glen, IL My dad Gerald Beardsley ’37 was from Pekin, and he played hoops at Bradley on scholarship in the 1930s. This run by the Braves brought back fond memories, almost tears, of how we rooted for the Braves through the years. We listened to Bradley games from New Jersey on a tube-type AM radio on nights when the sky was clear, and they were broadcast on a strong channel.

He took me to NIT games at Madison Square Garden in the ’60s. I remember a star player, Levern Tart ‘68. He took me to meet Frenchie Haussler, a famous Bradley coach. Later, we relished the success of Jim Les ’86 and Hersey Hawkins ’88; Dad and I united across the miles, cheering on the Braves.

I got out a woolen Bradley pennant I have saved from my childhood and showed it off at work last week. Yesterday, I found my Bradley 1982 NIT commemorative T-shirt. This team may never realize how many people they touched with their determination and talent under pressure.

You made a lot of people very proud to be a part of the Bradley family.

Jed S. Beardsley Atlanta, GA Editor’s note: Visit bradley.edu/spotlight/ fanmail/messages.shtml/ to read more e-mails sent to the Sweet 16 team.

Betty Volturno, at the Bradley bookstore buying a Bradley T-shirt for a family member in Kansas: “I’ve been with the team since 1959. The children and I would go over to the Field House in the snow. Whether the team was up or down, through good times and bad, we’ve always supported it.”

Mariann Skender, bookstore employee: “It’s been very busy. Some of us have been working 13-hour days.

The mayor of Peoria said everyone in town was supposed to wear red today, and people have been coming in buying red shirts for their children.”

“A number of orders for T-shirts have come in by phone from Kansas. Even though the University of Kansas team was recently defeated by Bradley, they are pulling for the Braves and buying Bradley T-shirts to taunt the teams who will play against Bradley.”

Daniel Fuertges ’01, library staff: “It’s pretty unbelievable what the team has gone through this year. I’ve been to several games this season, and you could see at the Wichita State game that this was going to be a special team. This team has focus and confidence like I’ve never seen.

Dr. K. Paul Kasambira, professor of education: “If there’s anything that’s played in Peoria over the past 51 years, it’s our basketball team!”

Donna Baird, Quincy: “My son graduated in 2004 from Bradley and my daughter is a student at University of Kansas. We had a torn family during that game. Today I’m buying a Bradley T-shirt to send to my daughter in Kansas.”

Keri Thompson ’05, a graduate student at Pepperdine, cheers for the Braves before the Sweet 16 game in Oakland. She says, “It was lonely watching the first two games, because there were no other Bradley fans on the Pepperdine campus. I thought it would be a shame not to come and experience this in person. It’s great to see the team produce the results we know they’re capable of producing. As a student, I always heard about the glory days of Bradley basketball, and it’s incredible to experience it myself.”

Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2006

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Duane Zehr

Mr. Tinajero goes to Washington California teacher Sal Tinajero ‘95 has been named 2005 Teacher of the Year by Hispanic Magazine. The national award was presented by First Lady Laura Bush at the White House in April. Tinajero and his wife Jennifer Snow Tinajero ‘95 later received a note from Mrs. Bush, thanking them for the Bradley Sweet 16 T-shirt they gave her after the ceremony.

Tinajero has been a history teacher at Fullerton Union High School in California, as well as coach of its award-winning speech and debate team since 2001. He was hired to resurrect the program that had been well known because of its most famous alumnus, former President Richard Nixon.

Known to students and parents as “Mr. T,” he is credited with instilling confidence in his students and helping them go on to college. Several of his former students now attend Bradley. Nominated by parents and local legislators, the former Bradley speech team member beat out 100 finalists for the Teacher of the Year award, co-sponsored by Nordstrom. “I never had a clue this was coming,” said Tinajero, who is serving his second term as a governing school board member at the Santa Ana Unified School District. The Tinajeros and their two sons live in Santa Ana.

Bradley Hall’s extreme makeover Amid fireworks and fanfare, historic Bradley Hall was rededicated in an outdoor ceremony on April 7, after a two-year, $16 million renovation of the University’s oldest, most recognizable building. The project included updating 60 classrooms with complete technology support capability, 160 improved offices, and teleconferencing suites with Internet and Internet2 access. More than 2,000 donors contributed to the effort.

A brief video highlighting the history and features of the landmark building was played at an open house following the ceremony. View it at bradley.edu.

Originally designed by noted Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb and constructed in 1897, Bradley Hall was reconstructed following a devastating fire in January 1963.

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Jennifer Snow Tinajero ’95, Sal Tinajero ‘95, and their son Salvador met First Lady Laura Bush on April 6, after Sal was presented with Hispanic Magazine’s 2005 Teacher of the Year award.

Still home of the Braves The NCAA Executive Committee announced on April 28 that Bradley University has been removed from the list of schools subject to restrictions on the use of Native American mascots, names, and imagery at NCAA championships and placed on a fiveyear watch list. During this time, the NCAA will work with the school to assure that circumstances do not change. Bradley is allowed to fully participate in and host NCAA championships without restrictions.

The Executive Committee agreed that Bradley had previously removed all Native American imagery associated with its athletic programs and only kept the generic nickname “Braves.” Based on information submitted to the NCAA by Bradley for an appeal, the Executive Committee found that Bradley demonstrated its ability to provide an environment that is not hostile or abusive, and one that is consistent with the NCAA constitution and commitment to diversity, respect, and sportsmanship.

“Bradley University has used the Braves name since 1937, and we are pleased that the many generations of Bradley athletes to come will continue to bear that name, representative of the pride and tradition of our University,” said Dr. David Broski, Bradley University president. “The University will continue to encourage in our student body the qualities of honor, courage, tenacity, loyalty, and endurance associated with the Braves name. Additionally, the University will continue its commitment to encourage our students to learn about and respect Native American peoples and traditions. Bradley does not now and will not in the future use Native American depictions in its logo.”

In the limelight

by Nancy Ridgeway Bradley immediately captured the national spotlight when the Braves were invited to compete in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

A few sports commentators made disparaging remarks about Bradley and other midmajors in the tournament, but those comments were quelled soundly when the Missouri Valley Conference outlasted the Big Ten and other powerhouse conferences, and both Bradley and Wichita State advanced to the Sweet 16. College basketball fans who may not have paid much attention to Bradley in the past were impressed as they watched nationwide broadcasts on CBS and saw Bradley take on and defeat Kansas and Pittsburgh. Media attention mounted as the Braves made preparations to play Memphis at the Big Dance in Oakland, California.

Reporters seemed to descend on the team and on campus. Marcellus Sommerville ’06 was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. A banner across the top of USA Today announced, “Bradley slays Pitt, moves to Sweet 16.” A poignant story about Tony Bennett ’06 appeared in the Detroit Free Press.

The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and dozens of other newspapers nationwide hailed the success of the Braves. Coach Jim Les ’86 was interviewed on ESPN and by other media outlets. Online, an article on espn.com referred to J. J. Tauai ‘07 as “the in-uniform personification of Bradley basketball: overlooked and underappreciated outside the Braves locker room, cherished and respected inside.”

The Bradley admissions office also saw increased interest. Tom Richmond ’88 MA ‘94, director of admissions marketing and communications, said that while the college application cycle for the 2006-07 school year is generally over by March 1, his office anticipates an increase in the number of applications next year. Web data gives striking evidence. Hits on the Bradley admissions Web site totaled 479,845 in March, up from 254,937 (an 88 percent increase) from March 2005. Hits on the freshman main page, the entry point for admissions’ primary audience, were at 19,716 for March, up 116 percent from a year ago.

Hits were particularly high the day of and the day after the win over Pittsburgh.

Hits on bradley.edu, the University’s main Web site, nearly doubled on those two days, as well.

Braves center Patrick O’Bryant was voted 2006 MVC defensive player of the year, making him the third Bradley player to earn the award since its introduction in 1989. O’Bryant ranked second in the MVC in scoring and led in blocked shots per game.

He was the 10th Bradley player to win a spot on the league’s five-player All-Defense Team. In April, O’Bryant declared for the NBA draft and signed a contract with a sports agent in May, ending his college eligibility.

Forward Marcellus Sommerville ’06 was voted to join the All-MVC second team. Sommerville is the only player to rank in the Valley’s top three in both scoring and rebounding. He was the 11th Bradley player to receive three All-MVC first- or second-team awards.

Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2006

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BU news, views & updates

by Aimée Roy

Simon Sarraf ‘06 and Stephanie Linder ‘07 placed first among 38 university sales teams from across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Ryan Hinnen ’03 and Katie Kuhns Hinnen ’03, BU cheerleading coaches: “It was like the Cubs making the World Series or the Bears playing in the Super Bowl.

We were ecstatic and proud to be part of it.”

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The Bradley Sales Team, comprised of marketing majors Simon Sarraf ‘06 and Stephanie Linder ‘07, took first place in the eighth annual National Collegiate Sales Competition held March 17 and 18 at Kennesaw State University near Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to earning first place honors as a team, Linder placed first in the product category and Sarraf placed second overall among 76 contestants in the individual category.

Students presented two 20-minute sales role-plays, one as a representative of ACT! Software (in the product category), and one as a representative of UPS (in the service category). Sales professors and sales professionals from the sponsoring firms served as judges.

To prepare for the competition, Linder and Sarraf met with Dr. Mark Johlke, associate professor of marketing, for twohour bi-weekly sessions, in addition to their own individual preparation.

“The most satisfying aspect of the entire sales competition was to represent Bradley University well,” said Sarraf. ”It’s time people all over the country know what Bradley is all about.”

Bradley speech team places second. Bradley’s speech team placed second at the National Forensics Association championship in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Bringing home individual national championship titles were Collin McDonnell ’06 in rhetorical criticism and Lacy Lowrey ’06 in prose interpretation. Lowrey also placed in the top 10 in the pentathlon, afterdinner speaking, and poetry interpretation. Mitch Colgan ’06 and Brae Tilton ’08 placed second and fifth respectively in extemporaneous speaking, while Jillian Riewerts ’06 and Emma Atabong ’08 placed fourth and sixth respectively in prose interpretation.

Jon Meinen ’06 placed fifth in both persuasive and informative speaking, as well as 11th in the pentathlon. Curt Byars ’07 placed 15th in the pentathlon and fifth in rhetorical criticism.

Mock trial members earn top awards. Bradley’s mock trial team received four top individual awards at the American Mock Trial Association tournament.

Devin Burns ’07 received the outstanding attorney award; Katherine Fox ’06, Jessica Lenz ’06, and Tim Allen ‘06 earned top witness awards. Political science professors Craig Curtis and Scott Paulsen coached the team. “We were just one trial away from having two

Peoria’s Richwoods High School boys’ basketball team advanced to sectionals in the Illinois basketball tournament at Robertson Memorial Field House. There, sophomore guard James Robertson #31 played in the building named in honor of his greatgrandfather, legendary Bradley coach A.J. Robertson. He is the son of William ’83 and Sally Grimm Robertson ’83 and the grandson of William “Corky” ’53 MA ’64 and Dolores Frels Robertson ’54.

courtesy of Lisa Phillips

Ringing up wins

teams qualify for the national tournament,” Curtis said. “This was my goal from day one.”

Bradley Scout staff earns awards. Scout staff members recently accepted 14 awards at the 2005 Illinois College Press Association’s award luncheon.

Alissa Raschke ’06 received first-place awards for column writing and headline writing. Rich Gioiosa ‘06 was awarded second-place for sports news story and sports feature story. Jake Kasper ’06, Arius Elvikus ’05, and Katelin Siska ‘06 also received awards for their contributions in sports column writing, cartoon strip, and sports photo respectively. The ICPA awarded honorable mentions to Rich Ducat ‘06, Matt Styka ‘06, and Sarah Wienman ‘05.

PR majors accelerate their resumes

by Nancy Ridgeway interns work in the media center, and they see the media’s true colors. They come in when the show is being built. The whole show is put together in seven days and taken down in two days.”

This year’s show featured 150 exhibitors including automobiles and trucks, as well as specialty exhibits such as the U.S. Army, race cars, antique cars, and the Chicago Fire Department.

Student interns assisted with a flurry of events during the week prior to the opening of the show and saw many celebrities and political officials. Okazaki noted, “This has been a big dose of the real world, waking up at 5:30 a.m. and coming back at 10:30 p.m., but it’s been enjoyable for all of us.”

Milanovic said, “Our jobs included dealing with media credentialing, getting press releases, attending press conferences for world introductions, and taking photographs to put on the auto show Web site.”

Weisz concluded, “Essentially, public relations is what we want to do, and the last two days before the auto show opened were filled with media previews.

We’ve seen all the journalists using the press kits.

Every automotive group had a public relations team.

We have seen what journalists do and what public relations people do. It’s been a great networking opportunity.”

Visit bradley.edu/hilltopics to purchase a BU license plate. A portion of the fee lends financial assistance to BU students.

Photos by Nancy Ridgeway

Across 1.2 million square feet in Chicago’s recently expanded McCormick Place, a vast assortment of cars, trucks, SUVs, and more are displayed on turntables, amid elaborate exhibits, and in front of multi-media productions. Visitors can do everything from riding in an SUV across a simulated rugged terrain to checking out the leg room in the back seat of a Honda Civic.

While thousands come from miles around to this mecca for automotive lovers, eight Bradley students had a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to present an event of this magnitude and to interact with hundreds of media and public relations professionals.

Seniors Jeff Okazaki, Nevena Milanovic, Mya Weisz, Kelcy Hale, Michael Koch, Jessica Spuler, Jillian Riewerts, and Matt Black, all public relations majors, accelerated their resumes during the spring semester with internships in the media center at the Chicago Auto Show. Sponsored by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the event is the largest auto show in North America and the third largest in the world. Jerry Cizek ’70, president of CATA, oversees the event and also is responsible for offering internships to Bradley students.

Noting this is the fourth year Bradley students have interned at the auto show, Cizek commented, “This event offers a lot of practical opportunities. Our

ride with pride

Interning at the Chicago Auto Show are first row, from left, seniors Matt Black, Nevena Milanovic, Kelcy Hale (at the wheel), Jillian Riewerts (seated), Jessica Spuler, Jeff Okazaki, and back row, Mya Weisz and Michael Koch.

Jerry Cizek ’70, president of the Chicago Auto Trade Association, oversees the annual auto show. He has been with CATA since 1973.

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BU news, views & updates

STEPping into a bright future

by Aimée Roy Business computer systems major Adam Burritt ’09 and electrical engineering major (with a focus on computers) James Ross ’09 have been through many experiences together. As seventh and eighth graders, their friendship grew as they participated in Destination Technology. The collaborative partnership between Caterpillar and public schools in Peoria serves as an outreach program for underserved middle school students, promoting interest in math, science, and technology. Next, they attended the Science, Technology and Engineering Preview Summer Camp (STEPS) held in collaboration with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation (SME/EF) and Bradley. The camp is designed to expose ninth- and tenth-graders to opportunities in technical careers early enough to influence their choices of math, science, and technical courses in high school.

“STEPS is great for students exploring majors for a bachelor’s degree or even a technical degree. It helped me narrow my focus and find the major I really wanted,” says Ross.

“I would advise students considering STEPS to be open minded. There are a lot of opportunities STEPS can provide,” says Burritt. “With my decision to come to Bradley, it was great because I was able to meet the professors in advance and get to know the campus before I enrolled as a student.”

After graduating from Richwoods High School in Peoria, Burritt and Ross were dorm roommates as freshmen at Bradley. Both are considering graduate school after earning their bachelor’s degrees.

“James and Adam are great role models for middle and high school students,” says Richard L. Greene MA ’71, Bradley Engineers for Tomorrow program coordinator, “They became friends through Destination Technology, went on to STEPS, and they have a phenomenal future ahead of them. We are proud of the experiences they’ve had here at Bradley.”

Summa cum laude graduate Blair Donofrio ’06 receives her diploma from Joan Sattler, dean of the college of education and health sciences. Doug Frank, president of music operations at Warner Bros.

Pictures, was the 2006 commencement speaker and received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Visit bradley.edu/commencement to view a slide show.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich visited campus to talk about his proposal for a college tax credit for students who make good grades. Speaking on behalf of Bradley students who receive financial assistance was Maeghan Rempala ‘08 from Aurora.

James Ross ’09, left, and Adam Burritt ’09 sit in their dorm room in Geisert Hall. They participated in Destination Technology and the STEPS program together, were roommates as freshmen, and plan to room together again their sophomore year.

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Doubles title has dual importance

by Allison Camp ’07 Wil Lofgren ’07 paired with doubles partner Alex Roby ’07 to claim the number one doubles title at the Missouri Valley Conference Individual Championships in January 2006.

The title has much significance as Bill Lofgren ’71 and Wil are the first father-son duo to both win an MVC championship. Bill, the all-time Bradley men’s tennis wins leader, claimed the 1968 number one singles championship.

Bradley has not won an MVC tennis championship since Bill’s title, something Wil said was a shock. “I was really surprised it took so long for someone to win one,” Wil said.

“I’m happy that Wil was successful,” Bill said in regards to his son’s victory. “It has been a long time since we won a title.”

Bill Lofgren, a member of the Bradley University Athletics Hall of Fame, played at all four Grand Slam tournaments: Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the Australian Open, and the French Open. He has coached many top athletes since his retirement as a professional tennis player.

Wil said he doesn’t compare his father’s accomplishments with his own. “I try to worry about myself and do my own thing,” Wil said.

Tennis has always been a major passion of the Lofgren family. “I’ve grown up with tennis all my life,” Wil said. Bill, who serves as manager of Queen City Racquet and Fitness Club in Cincinnati, said Wil and his brother, Randy, have grown up in the “right environment to excel.”

“Wil has had every opportunity to play since he was born,” Bill said. “When kids are around it so much, some of them lose interest. Then there are those kids who take the opportunity and run with it.”

Wil and his mother, Doriana Manis, claimed consecutive titles in the 2002 and 2003 National Mother-Son Indoor Championships in Salt Lake City. Wil’s younger brother, Randy, is a tennis player at Denison University. Growing up, Wil viewed his brother less as competition and more as a convenient training partner.

“He’s starting to get a lot better,” Wil said. “We’ve had some pretty competitive matches…but I usually win.”

Bill attributes Wil’s tennis success to exposure and natural ability.

“I’d like to think the tennis gene pool is at work,” Bill said.

“When opportunity meets natural athletic ability, you have some reasonable success.”

Employers may register online for Bradley University Job Fairs. For information visit explore.bradley. edu/scc/ or contact Jane Linnenburger or Susan Baker Bachman at 309-677-2510.

Civil Engineering and Construction Job Fair September 20 1:30-4 p.m.

Fall Job Fair September 21 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Patricia Harris, #21 Zach Andrews’ aunt: “I’m wearing his picture over my heart. He made himself be here. Nobody in our family has been to college until now.”

Ryan Pierson ’01: “I drive 150 miles each way on Wednesdays and Saturdays to go to the Braves’ basketball games.

This is my reward.”

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Spring sports update Tennis player Marko Marevic ’06 became Bradley’s first four-time MVC all-conference award recipient. In tournament competition, the Braves fell short in their second-round match versus Drake. Women’s tennis claimed a first-round victory against Evansville during MVC championship action. This is the team’s first MVC tournament win since 1994…Men’s golf achieved a sixth-place finish at the State Farm MVC championship. Women’s golf claimed the MVC championship title, besting Illinois State by two shots. The team’s 54-hole score of 917 is the third lowest in championship history. The Braves received an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament where they competed against two of the nation’s elite programs, Stanford and UCLA. Meaghan LeBlanc ’06 was named a first-team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District V selection…Women’s track and field completed its season by attaining 11 personal records at the MVC championship meet…Baseball pitcher Brandon Magee ’06 was named first-team All-MVC. Jason Newburger ’06, Ryan Curry ’06, Dan Brewer ’09, and Collin Brennan ’09 received honorable mention All-MVC. In the postseason, the Braves went 2-2, ultimately falling to Missouri State, 8-3…Softball pitcher Brittany Dehler ’06 received the MVC Pitcher of the Week award. This is the first Valley Player of the Week recognition the team has received since 2002. The team lost to Creighton in extra innings of the final game.

NCAA ruling set

Meaghan LeBlanc ‘06, season and career stroke average holder, became a two-time medalist at her final MVC conference tournament.

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The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions has placed Bradley University on probation for one year as a result of an inadvertent violation of the extra benefit rule involving members of the Bradley men’s basketball team last summer. As a result of the violation, sophomore center Patrick O’Bryant was required to sit out the first eight games of the 2005-06 season, while junior guard Will Franklin was held out of the first six games.

The committee recognized the inadvertent nature of Bradley’s situation and reduced probation from the standard minimum two-year probation.

The probation period extends from May 19, 2006, through May 18, 2007.

Bradley has added a newly created position, director of compliance. Shalini Shanker will start July 5. In addition, the University has self-imposed penalties, including reducing its recruiting days during the 2006-07 academic year.

Sporting a successful career

by Sam Farler For Lisa Gordey Encarnacion ‘82, life has always revolved around sports and public relations. She played softball in high school and coaches her young daughter Michaela’s tee-ball team. Her husband, Luis, was a professional baseball player for 14 years and pitched for the Kansas City Royals. Today she serves as director of external relations at Roosevelt University’s Schaumburg campus, where she represents the university to the community.

During her freshman year at Bradley, Encarnacion was a volunteer in the sports information office under Joe Dalfonso ‘76 and has been involved with public relations ever since. Encarnacion says Dalfonso was a mentor to her then. “Joe was fantastic in teaching his student assistants the ins and outs of the sports information field, allowing us to actually work with teams and coaches,” says Encarnacion. “I learned so much from Joe during those four years and ended up pursuing sports information as a career.”

After earning her degree at Bradley, Encarnacion went on to be a graduate assistant at Indiana State University, then took her first job as sports information director at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. While later working as the editor of a national coaching journal and doing public relations for a high school district in the south suburbs of Chicago, she was contacted by Dalfonso. “He asked if I was interested in getting back into sports information.

He shared that Tony Barone, who was now the head coach at Creighton, had contacted him and asked what I was doing, as the sports information director job at Creighton was open,” remembers Encarnacion.

“I interviewed for the job within two weeks and was in Omaha by July 1.”

Encarnacion is grateful to all the coaches she worked with at Bradley: Dick Versace, Tony Barone, Rudy Keeling, and Dewey Kalmer. She adds, “All of these coaches treated me with respect as a professional even though I was a college student. I have always remembered this when I have had students working for me and how important this was to my professional development.”

Braves’ NCAA run Photos by Bob Hunt and Duane Zehr

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Big Dance fever

by Nancy Ridgeway

Winters in Peoria always capture a warm spot in my heart.

Never mind the biting cold; inside Carver Arena the action heats up when the Bradley Braves charge onto the gleaming hardwood. Some 10,000 fans brave the elements each game night, drawn to their version of paradise: another opportunity to cheer for their team.

This year, fans reveled in an exceptionally thrilling season’s end when “March Madness” became a personal experience. Our Braves were invited to the NCAA tournament— the “Big Dance.” The frenzy, the excitement, the magic of it all became reality because our team was going.

On Selection Sunday, fans anxiously awaited Bradley’s fate. Seeded #13…against #4 Kansas...at Auburn Hills, Bradley was in the NCAA tournament for the first time in 10 years! My son Andy Ridgeway ’05 and I started making plans to attend. We were disappointed that Bradley hadn’t been seeded higher, but there was nothing unlucky about #13—whether you’re talking about our seed or about sophomore center Patrick O’Bryant, whose jersey sported the same number.

Bradley’s campus was quiet with pockets of frenzy as the team prepared for the tournament. Students and faculty were gone for spring break, but the Field House was buzzing with ticket sales and the bookstore was humming with T-shirt sales. About 150 enthusiastic fans gathered to wish the team well as they left the Field House for the airport. Each player weaved his way through the crowd, shaking hands with each fan and thanking all for supporting them. It was a “class act” expression of gratitude fans would see repeatedly as the team danced its way into the Sweet 16.

Jamming the Jayhawks

Inside the Palace at Auburn Hills, home of the Detroit Pistons, bright blue NCAA banners listed Bradley with the likes of Kansas, Iowa, Kent State, Pittsburgh, and fellow Valley team Southern Illinois. Bradley’s name and the Braves logo also rippled along the electronic banner that circled the arena. Bradley was in the fabled NCAA tournament, and we were among the fortunate Bradley loyal witnessing it in person!

It may have been St. Patrick’s Day, but in the stands, Bradley red overtook kelly green as the color of the day. We were decked out in our Bradley gear, dedicated to our team no matter what the outcome. I have never before experienced the camaraderie we shared at that game.

We were all thrilled to be there, and even though we had not met before, we felt as though we were in the midst of a huge reunion. Our team was on fire, and so were we. To my right were John Johnson of Peoria and his 13-year-old son, Trevor. Johnson, a Bradley fan for 45 years, still treasures his autograph from Chet Walker ‘62. Sharing his love for Bradley basketball is important to Johnson, who took Trevor to several road games this year, including all three NCAA games. To Andy’s left was Jason Moderi ’96 of Naperville. As the game began, Moderi explained his “segment” approach to watching the game. He breaks down the 40 minutes of playing time into the 10 four-minute officials’ time-outs and keeps track of whether Bradley has won each of the segments. He says winning the second segment of each half is the determining factor in whether or not Bradley wins the game.

A victory over Kansas seemed daunting. Bradley pulled ahead, 3-2. Trevor said, “No one can say we were never ahead.” That proved to be a non-issue. “BU” became our mantra. We shared high fives and amazed looks as we relished each moment. Will Franklin’s “inyour-face” bank shot at the halftime buzzer gave us a 10-point lead going into the second half. We might really win!

Cautious optimism gave way to unbridled enthusiasm. We cheered, waved to the players, high-fived our neighbors, and

savored the win. The Braves had just beaten the Jayhawks, 77-73. We were in the tournament to win, no matter what CBS’ Billy Packer or any other sports commentator thought.

Pitted against the Panthers

The impossible seemed possible on Sunday at what has become known as the Brad-Pitt game. Our team was as endearing as any movie star you could name. They again proved their drive and determination were as strong as anyone’s, no matter what college was on the jersey.

We had front-row seats two sections over from the mass of Bradley fans. Most of those around us were Detroit area residents who came for the love of the game. “Where is Bradley University?” was a common question that would be posed many times in the coming week. We had a great vantage point to watch not only the game, but the wide red stripe of fans that ran from the floor to the upper section of the Palace.

Braves fans stood at the beginning of the game, a Bradley tradition in which fans stand until the opposing team scores. When Pitt finally scored about four minutes into the game, there was an unsaid consensus among Bradley fans. They would remain standing, and cheering, and willing their beloved Braves to a win. It was as if the fans and players had a covenant—the fans must stand, the Braves must win.

Throughout the entire game, fans in Bradley red remained standing— and vehemently cheering.

Bradley claimed a 72-66 victory, and elation erupted when the team parted its own red sea of fans and ran into the stands. Security guards were aghast, but they understood. Fans and players had bonded; this was the reward. Bradley was in the elusive NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time since 1955.

Red with envy

Bradley Braves cheerleaders Andrea Willis ’07 and Natalie LaFranzo ’07 enjoy the pre-game party/ pep rally with Jim Frey ’50 in Oakland before the Memphis game.

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by Karen Crowley Metzinger MA ’97

The March sun shining down on the San Francisco Bay Area was a warming sight for a caravan of more than 300 die-hard Bradley basketball fans, as two charter jets touched down at Oakland International Airport. At the pre-game party/pep rally, I met many alums eager to share their excitement about Bradley basketball.

Jim Frey ’50 (lower left photo) of Felton, California, proudly proclaimed, “I’m wearing my Bradley sweatshirt that my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas 40 years ago.

I haven’t done something like this with the Braves for years.”

During the fanfare at Francesco’s restaurant, fans lined the street across from the team’s hotel in support of the Braves as they were escorted to the “Big Dance.” As several busloads of fans headed to the arena, Cal Coolidge ’74 of Alexandria, Virginia, said, “We’ve been watching the games in D.C. The network cut off the Kansas game with six seconds left. No score was announced for 41 minutes. Now, we’re here so that won’t happen again.” We were all there to see for ourselves Bradley’s Sweet 16 showdown against the top-seeded Memphis Tigers, winners of Conference USA’s regular season and conference titles, and owners of a 32-3 record. We were in Oakland to add another chapter to Bradley basketball history.

What a thrill it was to press through the crowd of fellow basketball fanatics in the corridors of the massive Oakland Arena. Standing amid shades of UCLA powder blue and the deep blues of Gonzaga and Memphis were exuberant fans decked in bright red T-shirts boldly emblazoned with “BRADLEY SWEET 16.” Former Bradley women’s basketball forward Courtney Spillers ’98 (pictured at left with David Printz ‘05) said being at the Sweet 16 reminded her of playing under Coach Donna Freitag. “I’m watching these games with a different perspective. My sophomore year we played in the NCAA. It was unbelievable. Today, here in Oakland, just the atmosphere and what it’s done for the program are unbelievable. I feel like I’m reliving the excitement of my own basketball days at BU. It’s the same feeling: it’s game day, and I’m at the game.”

Kevin Terwiliger ’81 of Concord, California, had just said goodbye to his son Josh Terwiliger ‘09 when he returned to campus after spring break. It was a short stay for Josh. When the Braves headed to Oakland, Josh’s parents flew him home to cheer on his team. Josh listened as his dad reminisced. “When I was a student, we watched the games at the Field House. I had Joe Stowell ’50 MA ’56 for my bowling and racquetball classes.

I loved to say ‘Coach Stowell was my coach, too.’ I’m glad admissions sold Josh on the home feel of Bradley versus our California universities.”

Before the Memphis game, many UCLA fans, who had a considerably shorter trip from their Westwood campus, wished us luck. Tim Bender ’82 and his family (top photo) of San Diego, enjoyed the support of their West Coast friends. “My wife, my kids, and my UCLA and Stanford friends are here cheering for the Braves. My oldest son missed pitching his baseball game to come with me. The Bradley coaches and the players are classy and have kept things in good perspective. Now people other than the old-timers have heard of Bradley. It’s a rally point for the University to celebrate and build spirit.”

The “red sea” section of 1,300 Bradley fans, who elected to stand from the opening tip to the final buzzer, spoke volumes not only to the Memphis fans but also to everyone else in the arena: we STAND for our Braves.

After the Braves bowed out to the Tigers, 80-64, in a hard-fought battle, fans smiled sympathetically and wished us a safe trip home. The fans of the Cinderella team enjoyed much unsolicited attention from not only the media, but from hundreds of basketball fans in attendance. Paul Remack ’71 of Alamo, California, summed it up: “The coverage on the West Coast has been amazingly tilted toward Bradley. Cinderella got all the press.”

Looking back, the Sweet 16 experience was larger than life. The robust chants of Bradley’s enthusiastic cheerleading squad mixed with the sounds of the band kicking into high gear, greeted our #13-seeded team as it ran out on the arena floor to face Memphis. Loyal fans cheered with all their hearts until many had merely a whisper of a voice left at the final horn. But the bold words etched in white on an expansive blue banner stretched across the front of the scorers’ table aptly described the magnitude of the NCAA experience: Bradley, Gonzaga, UCLA, Memphis.

Seeing our name alongside the NCAA logo and these perennial college basketball elites: priceless. Programs such as UCLA and Memphis are expected to be in a position to capture college basketball’s crown, and now you can add Bradley, a university that can make even the fans of the most storied programs “red” with envy.

ourselves for the good of the team.

Marcellus Sommerville

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“We were willing to sacrifice

All the rage...Stylin in Bradley red Returning home from the NCAA tournament, Coach Jim Les ’86

had some advice for Bradley fans: “You can give your orange [University of Illinois] shirts to Goodwill because I have a fashion tip for you—red is back in a big way.”

The crowd broke out in wild applause, the likes of which a men’s basketball team hadn’t heard in Robertson Memorial Field House for a long time. And red is back in style, as employees of the Bradley bookstore can attest. They were overwhelmed with requests for red sweatshirts, Braves flags, and “Sweet 16” T-shirts during Bradley’s run in the NCAA tournament. The trend extends to more than sweatshirts—Bradley basketball itself is all the rage.

At the start of the 2005-2006 season, Bradley fans felt cautiously optimistic. Coach Les, in his fourth year, had recruited almost all the players on the team and had developed an excellent coaching staff.

The team boasted a nucleus of talented and experienced seniors. NBA scouts kept tabs on sophomore seven-footer Patrick O’Bryant.

Hopeful hoopsters

Despite the positive outlook, cautious optimism was understandable.

The Braves hadn’t appeared in the NCAA tournament since 1996, when they suffered a first-round loss to Stanford. Les was a Braves point guard the last time the team made it to the second round of the tournament in 1986.

They started the season with a road victory over DePaul, but by midJanuary, the season seemed to have lost its glow. On January 11, after their third consecutive loss, Les announced that, with the exception of Tony Bennett ‘06, all starting positions had to be earned in practice.

Les had the team’s attention. During the next game, the Braves pounded Evansville, winning by 28 points, their most lopsided MVC win since 1999. The team finished the season with five straight doubledigit wins. They crushed 25th-ranked Northern Iowa in front of over 8,000 fans at UNI’s Senior Night. The 71-49 win gave the Braves their first triumph over a nationally ranked team in 20 years.

They ended the regular season decisively, overtaking Drake, 86-66.

Marcellus Sommerville ’06 scored a career-best 30 points in his final game at Carver Arena. When the Braves arrived in St. Louis for the MVC tournament, they were on a five-game winning streak. After beating Creighton in the first round, Bradley knocked off top-seed Wichita State with O’Bryant, Sommerville, and Lawrence Wright ’06 scoring in double digits. The Braves finally fell in the title game to Southern Illinois on March 5.

Coach Les: the prophet

Even with the 59-46 loss to SIU, the Bradley faithful anticipated an at-large invitation to the NCAA tournament. Les’ predictions when he became head coach in 2002 began to unfold. He said, “I envision a standing-room-only party at the Student Center as we wait to be seeded in the NCAA tournament, and we’re not just glad to be a part of it; we’re going there to win some games.”

This became the first of Les’ 2002 predictions to come true in 2006.

On Selection Sunday, the crowd gathered at the Student Center learned that Bradley would play perennial powerhouse Kansas in the first round of the tournament on March 17. The team, thrilled to be selected, had no illusions about the Jayhawks, who had just won the Big 12 tournament and 15 of their last 16 games.

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When the team left for the tournament on March 15, the rest of the students were on spring break. Bradley staff and loyal fans turned out at the Field House for a send-off rally. The players personally thanked each person, helping to create a bond between fans and the team that would only become stronger over the next week.

Let the games begin

The next chapter, written at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan, has already become legendary. Bradley dominated #4-seed Kansas the entire game, winning 77-73. Sommerville’s 21 points included five threepointers. “There are a lot of people smiling tonight,” Coach Les said.

As the team and the fans prepared for their second-round game against #5-seed Pittsburgh, they felt anything was possible. The spirit of Bradley basketball was definitely thriving.

The press billed the March 19 game as a match-up of seven footers O’Bryant and Pittsburg’s Aaron Gray. O’Bryant dominated Gray so convincingly that Gray drew a technical foul when he slammed the basketball against the floor in frustration. As the buzzer sounded on the 72-66 upset, Bradley president Dr. David Broski—and many others—had tears in their eyes. Spectators at the Palace aren’t allowed to rush the court, so the players jumped into the stands, startling security guards, and were engulfed by elated fans who had stood throughout the game. In his weekly radio show the next day, Les said, “Our fans gave us fire.“ The players knew just how to thank them.

When he was hired four years earlier, Les had made another prediction: “I envision Missouri Valley Conference championships, 1,000 people at the airport welcoming us back from a successful road trip.”

That, too, came true Sunday night after the Pittsburgh game. When the Braves landed in Peoria, well over 1,000 fans, members of the alumni band, and camera crews were waiting. Police were on hand to keep order, but the fans politely made a pathway down the center of the throng to receive their heroes.

The lowest seed to advance to the Sweet 16, Bradley became a “Cinderella” team. Reporters came to town, and the campus buzzed with excitement. Sports Illustrated put Marcellus Sommerville on its cover. Two charter jets carried fans to California for the third-round game. Bradley turned the Field House into a multimedia center where 3,000 fans watched Bradley play top-seed Memphis. Les was featured on several ESPN shows including its morning show, “Cold Pizza.”

More than 1,300 fans had come to Oakland Arena to cheer on the team, and, even after the buzzer sounded on the 80-64 loss, they were still cheering, stomping, and shouting “BU, BU.” The players, gracious throughout the tournament, hugged each other and their coaches. Then they stood on the court, looked up at their fans, and began waving and blowing kisses. The run had ended, but the legacy lives on.

As Coach Les and the players repeatedly told the press during this fantastic run, they were proud to have put Bradley men’s basketball “back on the map.” No less proud, the fans are still wearing their Braves’ gear, letting everyone know that Bradley red is all the rage.

“After Pittsburgh it all hit me.

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Man, we’ve come a long way...

Tony Bennett

Jubilant fans, including members of the alumni band, gathered at the airport to greet players and coaches and to celebrate victories over Kansas and Pittsburgh. The win over Pitt sent the Braves to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1955. That year, they advanced to the Elite Eight from a field of 24 teams. The Braves defeated Oklahoma City University, 69-65, and Southern Methodist, 81-79, before losing to Colorado, 93-81.

Players locked arms as they anticipated a victory over Pittsburgh. Shown from left are Lennox Forrester, assistant coach; Kyle Vogt, director of basketball operations; and players Jeremy Crouch, Danny Adams, J.J. Tauai, and Ray Brown.

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Patrick O’Bryant

Radio broadcasters Dave Snell ’76, left, and Joe Stowell ’50 MA ’56 talk with former basketball player Marcus Pollard ’94 at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Sophomore guard Daniel Ruffin greets fans at the Peoria airport after returning from Detroit, where the team upset both Kansas and Pittsburgh and advanced to the Sweet 16 game in Oakland, California.

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“It’s been a great season, and we couldn’t have done it without all your support.

One shining moment

by Justin Phelps ‘05

A few weeks after Bradley’s Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA tournament, senior Marcellus Sommerville considered his most memorable moment.

The team was in a locker room at the Palace of Auburn Hills after its first practice. Marcus Pollard ‘94 was talking.

“He said he reads a story to his son every night, The Little Engine That Could,” Sommerville said. “He told us with our desire, we could overcome talent any day. You can play a really talented team, but how bad do they want it? We’re a really talented team also, and with our desire we were able to overcome.”

A quite fitting story for a team that climbed its way up the NCAA tournament on the shoulders of four seniors by believing in itself.

Sommerville, Tony Bennett, Lawrence Wright and Brandyn Heemskerk led the Braves to a place in Bradley basketball history, ending a 51year drought by advancing to the Sweet 16.

Sommerville

might get credit for starting the celebration in the stands at the Palace after the Pittsburgh game. But the resulting party wasn’t exactly the plan. The 6-foot-7 forward spotted his wife Brooke in the stands.

“She was running down and I wanted to meet her halfway just to hug her and tell her thank you,” Sommerville said. “I guess the guys saw it as an opportunity to do the same with everyone else. I hugged a couple people I didn’t even know and some people kissed me on the cheek. It was a great feeling. We went over to thank them and it turned into a big, old family reunion.”

The good feelings continued for Sommerville in the week leading to the Sweet 16 game, when he learned he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He received a call from Coach Les while in class one day … actually three calls. “I was like, ‘Oh shoot, what’d I do now? We’re playing so well, what’d I do?’ I took some time coming over because I was in class,” Sommerville said. “I really thought I was in trouble.”

“So I get to his office,” Sommerville continued, “and he says, ‘Come here, look at this.’ I saw it and … what can you say to that? It’s definitely an honor. I wouldn’t be on it without my teammates and without being able to play for Bradley and Peoria, the places that I love.”

Tony Bennett’s

Those who watched the Memphis game may recall favorite moment from the NCAA tournament. Near the end of the game, the 6-foot guard was removed after fouling out. On his way to the bench he was stopped by Les. The two embraced and shared words.

Bennett took a couple more steps and was stopped by assistant coach Eric Buescher, who also embraced Bennett for a couple words.

“Coach Les told me I had a friend in him for life and Coach Buescher told me he was proud of everything I’ve accomplished and was glad he was able to coach me,” Bennett said. “Those two comments alone were the best part of the tournament. Two individuals like those guys, to speak so highly of you, it just brings an instant smile to your face.

That’s something I’ll never forget.”

He likely won’t forget playing Kansas and Pittsburgh in the tournament either, though Bennett insists the Braves treated those games— against traditional Big 12 and Big East powers—like any other game.

“It was just another day, another game,” Bennett said. “That’s how I looked at it. It’s just like playing at the rec center. You go shirts and skins. That’s how we viewed it, one team was shirts, one team was skins. They put their shorts on one leg at a time I hope; none of them is Superman.”

And he likely won’t forget the charter flight back from Detroit after the second round. “We were relaxing,” Bennett said. “It was like another game. The ride back was laid back.”

Then they landed to a sea of red-clad Bradley fans waiting for their arrival at the Greater Peoria Regional Airport.

“That’s when the excitement came,” he said. “We landed and saw all the people and said, “Man, all you came here for this.” That was an extra boost of energy. We were all tired from the weekend, and to see them out there, that was a spark.”

Lawrence Wright

, the long 6-foot-4 forward they call “Boogie,” said he was most proud of making the Sweet 16 and the turnaround from last season when the Braves went 13-15. But like many of his teammates, there was pride in putting Bradley basketball back on the map.

The idea of putting the program back on the map was reiterated when he went to the slam dunk and 3-point contest during the NCAA tournament’s Final Four weekend. While waiting for other players to shoot threes or attempted dunks, Wright chatted with some of his competitors.

“I was talking with Dee Brown and some of the other guys,” Wright said of the Illinois guard. “And they said we had done a great job this year. Most of them said, ‘I’ve never heard of Bradley before and you beat some really good teams.’ “ “I’m happy people actually know who we are and where we’re from now,” Wright added. “I’m pretty sure teams are going to be aware of that next year.”

For next year’s team, Boogie passed this advice: “Play hard every game. You don’t have to have the best talent, the best players, or the best strategy. If you outwork and play harder than the other team, you’ll usually come out on top. And if you don’t, you still know you gave it your all, but the other team was just better.”

Brandyn Heemskerk won’t forget the days leading up to the Braves’ game against Memphis in the Sweet 16.

“When we got to Oakland, that was right about the time Sports Illustrated came out with Marcellus on the cover,” the 7-foot-1 fifthyear senior said. “We were on Sports Illustrated, and they do this thing where you get a police escort from the hotel to the game. It was all these things we had never experienced before … there was an extra buzz around the team. I was like, “Wow, this is what it’s like.”

This is what it’s like to make the Sweet 16: After a second-round victory, the team celebrates with their fans in the stands like it’s their own gym. “I think (some) people thought the Kansas game was a fluke,” Heemskerk said. “To come in two days later and knock out Pittsburgh, that was an incredible high. Some of us went into the crowd and savored the moment with the fans who traveled there.

That’s my highlight of the run.”

This is what it’s like to make the Sweet 16: The basketball pundits talk about you on ESPN. “It’s kind of surreal,” Heemskerk said with a big smile and a laugh. “You’re watching and you’re like, ‘It’s us on the court; they’re talking about us.’”

And this is what’s it’s like to make the Sweet 16: Everyone around the program talks about making another run in the Big Dance. “Coach has talked about not wanting this to be a once every 50 years, once every 15 years thing,” Heemskerk said. “He wants this to be something every year. With the team he’s assembled, that’s possible.”

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“Some of us

went into the crowd and savored the moment with the fans who to Detroit.

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traveled

Brandyn Heemskerk

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Their accomplishments will be

talked about for as long as basketball is

played at Bradley. If basketball parallels life, and in many ways it does, they taught

“

us to never quit, never fear, and never forget it’s a game. Have fun.

Dave Snell ‘76, play-by-play radio announcer

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Play-by-play radio announcer Dave Snell ’76 spent countless hours with the 2005-06 Bradley men’s basketball team— before and after games, at practices, on the road, and at home. He gives his insight about each member of the team.

Danny Adams #32, junior guard. “He squeezes out every inch of his ability from an effort standpoint. Of all the players on the team, he probably plays most like Jim Les ’86 did—all out. He had a long way to come back from his knee injury a few years ago, and his work ethic helped him do that. He garnered more playing time as the season went on, just because of his hustle and nonstop drive.”

Zach Andrews #21, junior forward. “His flip, which I call the Jerry Springer, is something I’ve never seen on the basketball court. It shows how athletic he is. He usually does it once a game. It usually takes a junior college player a year to make the transition to Division I. He was forced into an accelerated learning curve because of Patrick O’Bryant missing the first part of the season. He was a big part of the reason for our non-conference success. The energy he brought into a game would pick the team up when it hit a lull. We haven’t seen the best of him yet.”

Tony Bennett #5, senior guard. “From where he came from to where he is, he is one of the greatest success stories in Bradley history. He reminds me of Marcello Robinson ’03. In only two years, Tony became a man while he was at Bradley. With his unending mental toughness and refusal to yield, he exhibited a no-fear attitude not only in the NCAA tournament but in every game he played. A state champion on the Carver Arena floor, he became a people’s champion as he ended his collegiate career on that same floor.”

Ray Brown #2, freshman guard. “Ray was a freshman on a team loaded with veteran players. His work every day in practice against those players not only will make him better for the future, but the fact that he was on a winning team and saw the fruits of their labor will make him hungrier for an integral role. A very good shooter, he has a great body to be the same kind of player as Marcellus—inside, outside. He will be counted on heavily from this point on in his career.”

Jeremy Crouch #14, sophomore guard. “I’m sure Jeremy was disappointed with the decrease in his playing time, but the competitor in him means he’s far from settling. His desire to succeed should bring him back to—and exceed—the levels we saw as a freshman. He has a great mind for the game. He will be an excellent coach in the future, he will not make a bad play, and a bad shot is not in his vocabulary.”

Will Franklin #4, junior guard. “I call him $100 Will, because his last name is on the $100 bill. Considering he missed the first part of the season, his adjustment from junior college to Division I was a crash course passed. The team simply would not have had the success it had in the late run without him. He added scoring, ball handling, defense, leadership, and intangibles the team could not have done without. His half-time bank shot against Kansas gave the team a 10-point lead and sent a message like, ‘And take this to the locker room with you,’ from which the Jayhawks never recovered…$100 Will was a $100 thrill.”

Brandyn Heemskerk #55, senior center, “If there were a Purple Heart awarded for basketball, he would have it. He went through more trying times and injuries than perhaps any player since the late Joe Allen ’72. Yet, he never complained. On the occasions he was called upon, he not only played, but played at a high level. His minutes against Wichita State in the MVC semi-final win provided enough of a spark to make the difference in that game. He is loved by his teammates; ‘Big B’ he is called. His number one goal was to make Patrick O’Bryant the very best he could be. That unselfishness speaks volumes about his character and his value to this special group.”

Patrick O’Bryant #13, sophomore center. “As the Lennon-McCartney team would say, he’s getting better all the time. Having missed the preconference schedule, he hit the ground running, being named MVC Player of the Week his first games back. At seven foot, he reminds me of Joe Allen, Mike Williams ’88, and Donald Reese ’83, who are among the greatest

demeanor, he would do things on the floor and in practice that you centers in Bradley history. For a big man, he has a great touch from the had never seen and likely never will see again. The remarkable thing free throw line, which is so very important with all the contact he gets. is, he did so many of those things. He improved his free throw ability He has the natural ability to not only block a shot, but keep it in play his senior year and was an impossible match-up for every team in the to start breaks to the other end. There’s nothing unlucky about #13.”

Missouri Valley Conference. He had the great ability to take over a Daniel Ruffin #20, sophomore guard. “There will be players who game, played with no fear, and sometimes no conscience. He could just score more points and get more rebounds, but he is the most valuable make plays no normal player could make. It will be eons before we see player. He’s the straw that stirs the Bradley drink. In Jim Les’ system, the likes of him again. ‘Boogie’ is the nickname the players gave him the offense begins with a point guard. His contributions can’t be meabecause he liked to dance, and he ended his career in the big one.” sured in numbers. Leadership, poise, and desire—all learned at Peoria High from now-assistant coach Chuck Buescher ’68 MA ’70—transSaihou Jassey #1, redshirt freshman guard. “He is a tremendous lated to excellence on the floor his sophomore season. A tenacious athlete, has a nice-looking shot, and has had valuable practice time defender with unflappable personality on the floor, he has the perfect after his injury to learn the system. That will pay dividends down demeanor for the general he is.” the road.”

Marcellus Sommerville #15, senior forward. “The perfect Brian Lavin #44, freshman guard. “Brian is from a basketballending to his collegiate story, the Sports Illustrated photo captures rich family. His father played on a Peoria Spalding team that finished it all. He is proud of his school, proud of his community, proud of his second in the state. Often, he was called upon to play the scout team’s family. It’s the exclamation point to three wonderful years of playing point guard. An intelligent player, it takes a special individual to in his hometown. Jim Les’ first recruit, at the beginning of the year, he practice, to lift, to run, and know there’s nearly no chance he will ever took to heart the phrase, ‘How will you be remembered?’ In Bradley’s play. He’s every bit as vital to the success of the team as a starter.” basketball-rich tradition, he will be remembered as the best player on one of its alltime most successful teams.

Nobody wanted to win more.

His personality is such that he wanted it more for his teammates, the school, and its fans than he even did for himself. His love for family is parallel to his love for his teammates. He blossomed into a wonderful leader.

Thirty years from now, he’ll look at the cover of Sports Illustrated and remember his one shining moment in Bradley history.”

J.J. Tauai #10, junior guard. “The fortunes of the season turned when the cocaptain entered the line-up after the only home loss of the season. ‘Sacrifice’ is a word often used to describe players on the floor. Never has it been more true than in the case of J.J. He played team members met Marcus Pollard ’94 his role to perfection. He during their Sweet 16 run. Shown are 1) Andrews, 2) Adams, seized the opportunity he was 3) Lavin, 4) Ruffin, 5) Tauai, 6) Pollard, 7) Bennett, 8) Crouch, team given and transformed a team managers 9) Patrick Foerster, 10) Joseph Fulton, and 11) Steve searching for identity into Jackson, 12) Wright, 13) Jassey, 14) Sommerville, 15) Brown, the face of a winner. With an 16) Franklin, 17) O’Bryant, 18) strength and conditioning coach excellent assist-to-turnover Ronnie Wright, 19) Singh, 20) Heemskerk. Not pictured are team managers Michael Peplow and Gabe Secrist. ratio, whether at the point or the three-spot, he hit big shots to change an entire game in the 22-point win at Northern Iowa.

Sam Singh #54, redshirt freshman forward. “For the second Just about the time the opponent would forget J.J. was on the floor, straight year, injuries cut short Sam’s freshman year. He has great he would hit them with a three, a steal, or an amazing assist. His hands, is a tremendous post passer, has a soft shooting touch, and is a persistence was an example to his teammates that you never, ever quit. big body physical rebounder. In my 27 years, I have not met a studentThis became evident as the team overcame the odds on its Sweet 16 athlete like him. His personality, his intelligence, and his basketball IQ run. There would have been no run without J.J.” can take him just about anywhere he wants to go. I can see him as a public relations executive or a radio color commentator, but he still has Lawrence Wright #22, senior forward. “The most incredible, much basketball to play. He’s a picture-perfect definition of what you gifted—freakish, perhaps— athlete since Willie Betts ’69, he seemed would want a Bradley student-athlete to be.” to have an extension on his arm. Playing with an absolute emotionless

2005-06 Bradley Braves

Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2006

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With each Cinderella step When trying out for Bradley cheerleading, Stephanie Bauer ’09 admitted she had no idea what to expect. However, it wouldn’t be long before she found herself at huge arenas across the nation, cheering for a basketball team about to make history.

While the rest of their classmates were away on spring break, Bauer and other Bradley cheerleaders stayed on campus anticipating news of Bradley winning the coveted bid to the NCAA tournament. Upon winning the bid, the cheerleaders were with them every step of their NCAA journey to the Sweet 16.

“The first game was chaos,” the retail merchandising major from Oak Lawn said of performing in the Palace at Auburn Hills. “It was overwhelming at first, but you learned to get used to it. I’d be in the middle of a cheer, and the press would trample over me.”

Biology major Sarah Peterson ’08 knows all about the pressures of performing in front of the big energetic crowds seen at the Palace of Auburn Hills and Oakland Arena. Peterson played her piccolo as a member of the Bradley basketball band.

“We were intimidated. When we went to the tournament, it was a bit scary because it was so much bigger than the Civic Center,” she said.

“We had to remember to stay together and in tune and do what we always do,” which, she added, was hard amid all the excitement.

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by Lenora Houseworth ’06

“I needed headsets for the ringing in my ears, it would be so loud. It was hard to keep my composure playing and watching them win a big game,” said the Elburn native. “Our band leader, Dr. David Vroman, was the one who kept the composure; otherwise, we all would have lost it.”

Vroman, associate professor of music, added, “You have to pick a philosophy for the band, and we worked very, very hard to establish the band as a support group—one that would cheer for the team, win or lose. This year was extra special because none of the band students had ever been to the NCAA post-season tournament. I was happy that 29 of them had the opportunity to experience the excitement and enthusiasm that goes with the NCAA tournament in Detroit and Oakland. I know from the e-mails I received from past band members, who were here early in my tenure, that these students will long remember these trips.

This time we enjoyed 1:30 a.m. pep rallies after the big win in Detroit, hearing other university bands, seeing the sights, and of course, winning some big games.”

Even as supportive as the cheerleaders and band members were, both Bauer and Peterson said that it was the Bradley fans’ devotion that was the most rousing.

“The fans were awesome. They were standing in one section,” said Bauer, “I felt like we led the crowd even more into the game seeing the fans all together.”

Equally as impressive as their game was the team’s gratitude. Despite the demands of exhausting games, major media attention, and frenzied excitement, the cheerleaders said the players never hesitated to thank them for their endless support. Frequently the players would run over to distribute high-fives during the game to thank them personally for all their effort and support.

“During their welcome back speeches, a couple of the teammates thanked the cheerleaders.

I think they realized that we were there,” said Bauer.

“I just remember them always being so pumped and so grateful.”

“It’s almost like a dream...

“

out of a movie or something.

Brandyn Heemskerk

“

When Les took this

position, he put all expectations on his shoulders to give his

alma mater a taste of the big time. To understand Les is to remember this is a man who willed himself into the NBA, who needed to be able to shoot because he sure couldn’t

“

post up at a shade less than 6 feet.

Sacramento Bee writer Joe Davidson, March 15

At left, cheerleader Danielle Caldwell ‘08. Above, father-son coaches: Eric and Chuck Buescher ‘68 MA ‘70.

Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2006

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Duane Zehr

Bringing

by AimĂŠe Roy

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“I find myself

sometimes with a glass of wine in

just walking around the house

one hand, and my Oscar

in the other, thinking to myself, ‘Can you believe this?’

It’s been an

incredible ride.”

hile working on the set of the David Arquette movie The Tripper in Santa Cruz, California, Tami Lane ’96 received an unforgettable phone call. “The phone rang in my hotel room at 5:30 a.m., and it was [co-nominee] Howard Berger calling to tell me we were nominated for an Oscar. I was so excited; I just started screaming. I think I woke the guy up in the room above mine. I just couldn’t go back to sleep,” remembers Lane.

That early morning phone call was just the beginning of what would be one of the most unbelievable experiences in Lane’s life. Lane arrived at work that day to find that her co-workers had decorated her desk and work area with streamers, blown-up latex glove “balloons,” and a handmade Oscar statue. Little did Lane know she would soon hold the real thing; her own gold-plated, 8-and-a-half-pound statue for best makeup in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Lane was the lead prosthetic makeup artist on the film, responsible for leading a team of 42 makeup and prosthetic experts. She works as a freelancer and does jobs for KNB EFX Group Inc., co-owned

by Howard Berger and Greg Nicotero.

Lane shopped for her own Oscar evening gown, shoes, and handbag, and the costume designer she worked with on The Chronicles of Narnia hooked her up with some jewelry. “I wore $60,000 worth of jewels from Erica Courtney of Beverly Hills. The only thing they needed from me was an imprint of my credit card and a copy of my driver’s license,” laughs Lane. “Don’t worry, I gave the jewels back, but it was hard.”

Lane spent the greater part of March 5, the day of the 78th Annual Academy Awards, at Berger’s house, having her hair and makeup done by a team of specialists hired by Disney. At about 2:30 p.m., she hopped into a limo and was on her way to the awards. “I called my mom almost every hour. I called her from the limo, and then from the lobby of the Kodak Theatre. It was funny, but I couldn’t call her when I was backstage because I didn’t have a pocket in my dress. I wasn’t thinking ahead like Sandra Bullock, to wear a dress with pockets,” quips Lane.

Just before the award for best makeup was announced, Lane, Berger, and other nominees were ushered through a hallway where they were greeted by Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, and Judi Dench, then to front row seats seats for the announcement of the award. “All I heard was

‘How-,’’’ says Lane, “and I was whipped up on stage.” She describes what it was like to stand up in front of that crowd: “You wonder how you got there. It’s so surreal. I was standing up on stage and Howard was talking, and I was just looking out at everyone. That was pretty amazing. Later, all these people that you admire come up to you and congratulate you. It’s hard to describe; you just can’t imagine it.”

En route to the press room after the pair received their Oscars, Berger introduced Lane to Jennifer Aniston. “She was very nice,” says Lane. Berger and Lane were then photographed and escorted to the lobby of the theatre. “We got some gin and tonics and just looked at each other and giggled,” says Lane. “Uma Thurman, who knows Howard from Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, congratulated us.”

Lane and friends ate dinner at the Governor’s Ball, then drove by Elton John’s post-party (too crowded) on their way to the Vanity Fair party. “We saw loads of famous people, in fact, they were all famous!” says Lane, “It was like being in a People magazine.”

A week later, Lane brought the Oscar home to Peoria to share her experience with family and friends. A party was held at Agatucci’s restaurant to allow friends a chance to “meet Oscar” and catch up with Lane. “The party was fantastic,” says Lane, who admits she didn’t realize how much local news coverage she was receiving until she made it home to Peoria. “It was great to be able to share the experience with people from the Peoria and Bradley communities. I wanted to bring the Oscar home so that everyone could enjoy it as much as I do.”

Now it’s back to work as usual for Lane. She is working on Disney’s Underdog, a live-action movie version of the classic TV cartoon, and doing prep work for the Narnia sequel, Prince Caspian. She and Berger are also appearing together in a series of short segments about prosthetic makeup airing on the Disney Channel. “I’m told that I can probably put my rate up a little bit,” says Lane, “and I’ll get a lot more respect from colleagues in the industry.” Lane also plans to join a makeup artist union. “Other than that, I hope to keep doing what I’m doing and maybe win another Oscar,” she adds.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” says Lane. “I find myself just walking around the house sometimes with a glass of wine in one hand, and my Oscar in the other, thinking to myself, ‘Can you believe this?’

It’s been an incredible ride.”

To read the Web exclusive “The Oscar acceptance speech I never gave” by Tami Lane, visit bradley.edu/hilltopics.

Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2006

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Duane Zehr

Heavy metal hooks

by Karen Crowley Metzinger MA ’97

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A blazing fire pit Adams is currently restoring this Metamora building that was a tavern in the early 1900s.

is a welcomed sight on a rainy Sunday afternoon in the historic Joseph Villiger’s Blacksmith Shop in Metamora. Not only is the robust flame the focal point in the shop owned and restored by blacksmith Laure Adams ’85 MBA ’90, it also serves as the backdrop to the original stump used by Villiger, a Swiss-born blacksmith who worked with his anvil from 1906 to 1938.

“I saw the potential and wanted to deliver on that potential,” said Adams. “Our society has become very wasteful, in general, so if I didn’t purchase the shop and restore it, the shop may have been torn down. Once the history is lost, it can’t be recovered.”

After purchasing the shop from Villiger’s grandchildren in 2003, she spent the first year restoring the exterior, and the second year restoring the interior. A lifelong Metamora resident, she shared the family’s vision of bringing a working blacksmith shop back to town. “After I bought the shop, I learned the basics of blacksmithing from Gary Jameson ’65 of the Sun Foundation. He’s the owner, artist, designer, and teacher at Jameson Metal and Design in Edwards.”

During the early 1900s, blacksmiths serviced the townspeople by making tools, nails, horseshoes and cow shoes; by sharpening plow blades for farming; and by providing a number of other services.

“There was not a Lowe’s or Menard’s,” Adams explained recently to a busload of area third graders on a field trip. “Everything they made was from a piece of metal.” The moment one boy stepped into the shop and took a look around, he said in amazement, “This is tight.

I want to be a blacksmith.”

female blacksmith Adams plans to restore the first Woodford County Jail by 2009. The jail was in operation until 1897, when the new Woodford County Court was established in Eureka. In the early 1900s, it was a boarding house next to the tavern.

After working all week as a manager in the global quality area at Caterpillar Inc., Adams treasures her weekends at the shop. With a degree in manufacturing technology, and an MBA, her education and time-management skills are put to use in a relaxing, creative atmosphere. Adams has always shown an interest in the arts. She is a potter and the treasurer of the local historic society.

Signature pokers, J-hooks, and S-hooks are just a few examples of what Adams personally produces in her shop. People bring in iron and raw materials for her, but she never hesitates to “lock up my brakes to pick up scrap iron.” Local residents have donated tools, and Adams is constantly on the lookout to enhance the authenticity of her environment. She built her own tables out of old lumber to the correct specifications of the original square blacksmith tables. She is also restoring several additional historic buildings in downtown Metamora.

“Right now, it’s a break-even operation. It’s about preserving the history; it never was about making money. When the old-timers come in and talk about Joe Villiger, it makes me feel good to hear them reminisce,” she said. “As you hammer, you’re talking to the metal.

Sometimes you know what it’s going to be, sometimes you don’t. It’s not like cooking. If you make a mistake cooking, you can’t fix it. If you make a mistake with metal, you reheat it in the fire pit. I’m not afraid of a challenge, and I’ve never been accused of not having any ideas.”

The Joseph Villiger Blacksmith Shop is open Sundays 1-4 p.m., May through October. Visit metamorablacksmith.home.att.net for more information.

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1920s

Thirza Covey Tinthoff ’28, March 4, Peoria.

An active community volunteer, she cofounded the Peoria Dental Wives and Child Guidance Club. Thirza and her late husband were members of the Century Club and had traveled to more than 150 countries. Surviving are her daughter, three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

1930s

Vivian Lawless Braunagel ’30, March 4, Peoria Heights. She was 101. Vivian worked as a sales associate at Bergner’s for more than 30 years. She was also a grade school teacher in rural schools and in Peoria Heights. Survivors include her son, two granddaughters, and four great-grandchildren.

Robert Calkins ’37, January 4, Peoria.

He practiced law in Peoria for 55 years and served as state’s attorney from 1968 to 1972.

Earlier he served twice as assistant state’s attorney. Bob received his juris doctor degree from Georgetown University in 1940. He was a World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps. He was active in many local organizations. Bob is survived by his two children.

Clara Barth Engrissei ’37, January 21, Peoria Heights. She was an LPN at Proctor Hospital for many years. Clara was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Five children, 12 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren survive.

Cecil Parkin ’37, January 4, Fort Worth, Texas. He retired from General Dynamics as a design engineer. Cecil had been a musician with a local orchestra. Survivors include five children, 10 grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren.

Ernest “Tommy” Thompson ’38, January 4, Fort Myers, Florida. He practiced medicine at the Hanna Clinic in Peoria from 1946 to 1975. He was chief of staff at Methodist Medical Center in 1963. Tommy served in the Army as a surgeon during World War II. He is survived by his wife MaryEllen, four children, three grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren.

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1940s

Joseph Zimmerman ’43, January 12, Morton. After 35 years with Klaus Radio, he retired as corporate treasurer and controller in 1983. He was an active member of Morton Apostolic Christian Church, and counseled small business owners through SCORE. Joe was a World War II Army Air Forces veteran.

Survivors include his wife Mildred Getz Zimmerman ’45, three children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Richard Leu ’44, December 24, 2005, Peoria. He owned Leu-Collins Institutional Foods. Dick was a World War II Navy veteran.

Survivors include his wife Marilyn, two children, three stepchildren, five grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Emma Jean Moore Sweney ’45, January 23, Peoria. She was a Realtor with Cullinan Properties for 18 years. Emma Jean was an active community volunteer and a past president of Junior League. At Bradley she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. Her survivors include four children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Glenn Worner ’45, March 7, Morton. He was county highway superintendent in Mercer County for 12 years before retiring in 1985.

He also worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation for 23 years. Glenn was active with the American Red Cross, Kiwanis, and in the United Methodist church. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Surviving are his wife Laura Ernsberger Worner ’44, three children, six grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren.

Wyverne Blickenstaff ’47, January 20, Metamora. He worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 33 years, retiring as a procedure writer in 1981.

He was an Army veteran. Survivors include five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Wayne Mayes ’48, November 8, 2005, Manchester, Missouri. He was a veteran. Surviving are his wife Patti, two children, and four grandchildren.

Wade Fehr ’49, March 7, Peoria. He was co-owner of P.J. Hoerr Inc. Wade had served as president of Parc and the Illinois Association for Retarded Citizens. He was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran. Survivors include his wife Marjorie Hoerr Fehr ’49, five children, 10 grandchildren, and a great-grandson.

Harold Slater ’49 MS ’53, September 4,

2005, Quincy. He was a teacher, coach, and principal. He became superintendent of the Hartsburg-Emden school district in 1964. From 1974 until retiring in 1982, he was superintendent of the Forrest-Strawn-Wing district.

Harold was a World War II Navy veteran. At Bradley he was a football player. Surviving are his wife Virlee, three children, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

1950s

Donald Menne ’50, March 6, Charlotte, North Carolina. He worked for 35 years at the Ballistic Research Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. He had more than 40 technical publications to his credit and had received numerous awards. Surviving are his wife Clara, three children, and eight grandchildren.

Peter Van De Water ’50, February 2, Whiting, New Jersey. He owned and operated Van De Water Flooring in Cranford for 18 years, retiring in 1995. Peter was active in his church. He was a World War II Navy veteran.

His wife Dorothy, three children, and 10 grandchildren survive.

Jack Domnitz ’51, January 28, Peoria. He was chairman and founder of the department of internal medicine at Proctor Hospital. Jack was also chairman of endocrinology at the U of I College of Medicine in Peoria. He volunteered at the Heartland Health Clinic. He was an Army veteran. Survivors include his wife Miriam, six children, and 10 grandchildren.

Carolyn Andrews Kozak ’51, February 10, Jacksonville, Florida. Carolyn had been employed by Continental Assurance Co. in Chicago. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Anthony.

John Lohmar ’51, November 15, 2005, Surprise, Arizona. He retired from Olin Chemicals in Joliet. John was a World War II Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife Anna, five children, seven grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild.

Andrew Amyx ’52, November 29, 2005, Venice, Florida. He was a promotion manager in television and portrayed Bozo the Clown.

Andy portrayed other clowns on TV in Jacksonville, Florida, and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

His wife Marilyn Thornton Amyx ’52, three children, and four grandchildren survive.

Jack Hartmann ’52, February 21, Prescott,

Arizona. He owned and operated McDougal/ Hartmann Construction Co. in Peoria for many years. Jack was a World War II Navy veteran.

Bradley’s Hartmann Center is named in honor of his late parents, Jack and Mary Hartmann.

Survivors include his wife Hildreth, five children, and nine grandchildren.

Wayne Febus ’53, January 29, Normal. He was a construction foreman. Earlier he was a city building inspector and zoning officer, and a teacher at Normal High School. Wayne was a World War II Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife Jeanne and one daughter.

Fred Reid ’53, January 7, Hendersonville, North Carolina. He retired from Caterpillar Inc. in 1985 after 42 years in sales and marketing.

Fred was also a photographer in the research department. He was a World War II Army Air Forces veteran. Survivors include his wife Mary, two sons, and a granddaughter.

Jean Risen ’54, January 10, Peoria. She taught business at Limestone Community High School for more than 25 years and had been named teacher of the year. She retired in 1980. Jean held offices in several national honor societies.

Marie Foster Starkweather ’54, February 14, Princeville. She was a registered nurse for Dr. Emil Loeffler for 30 years. Survivors include her husband Rollen, four children, six grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

John B. Adams ’57, March 20, Lemoyne, Pennsylvania. Jack was a civil service supervisor for the Navy for 30 years. He had served as president of the park board in Mundelein.

He was an Air Force veteran. Surviving are his wife Linda Best Adams ’55, five children, nine grandchildren, and a great-grandson.

Dorothy Callery McMullen ’57, January 21, Dunlap. She was a teacher at Dunlap Grade School for more than 20 years, retiring in 1993. Six children and 10 grandchildren survive.

Edward J. McMurray ’57, February 3, Peoria. After 30 years at Caterpillar Inc., he retired in 1994 as a senior quality engineer.

Ed wrote a book, Hands-on Approach to Total Quality Management. He was a founding member of St. Sharbel Maronite Church and had been president of several Lebanese clubs.

Surviving are his wife Betty, 12 children, and 17 grandchildren.

Joan Canty Whitworth ’57, January 23,

Peoria. She worked in the insurance industry for many years. An active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Joan belonged to Sigma Phi Gamma at Bradley. She served in the Air Force Reserve. Her husband Arthur, four children, and 10 grandchildren survive.

Max Bernauer ’58, January 24, Deer Creek. He retired as a supervisor from I. Bork & Sons, and had been a Peoria police officer.

Max served on the local library board and as a volunteer fireman. He was a Korean War Army veteran. Survivors include his wife Joan and one daughter.

Mike Kesseler ’58 MA ’64, March 29, Princeton. He was a teacher for 29 years in Princeton and a junior high basketball coach.

Mike had been inducted into four sports halls of fame: Illinois basketball coaches, Bradley, the greater Peoria area, and Bureau County.

He played on the Bradley baseball team that finished third in the 1956 College World Series. Mike was an Air Force veteran. He is survived by his wife Nancy Krei Kesseler ’58, three children, and three grandchildren.

Charles Ricketts ’59, March 13, Fort Myers, Florida. He was a licensed professional engineer. He retired from Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria in 1987. Survivors include his wife Phyllis.

1960s

Don Voigt ’60, December 6, 2005, Memphis, Tennessee. He was a teacher in Memphis and in the Shelby County schools, most recently working at Lakeside Alternative School. Survivors include his wife Delores Wohlwend Voigt ’61, three children, and two grandsons.

Virgel Hartsock ’63, December 17, 2005, Tremont. He was employed by Caterpillar Inc. for 35 years, retiring as a project leader in network services in 2000. Virgel was an Army veteran. Surviving are his wife Marilyn, three sons, and six grandchildren.

Barbara Dukelow Henry ’63, January 2, Wheaton. She was an active volunteer and a teacher at the College of DuPage. Her two children and four grandchildren survive.

James Peelle ’63 MA ’71, January 22, Henderson. Since 1980 he had been a marketing instructor at Carl Sandburg College. Earlier he was an assistant director of financial aid and placement at Bradley. He was a faculty adviser for Lambda Chi Alpha from 1968 to 1975. A Marine Corps veteran, he was a vol-

unteer counselor at the Jubilee Youth Facility.

His son survives.

Richard Denmark ’64, February 5, Blue Mound. He earned a master’s degree in theology from Garrett Seminary in 1968. He served as a Methodist minister in central Illinois for 30 years. Richard was an accomplished woodworker. He earned a Purple Heart for his Navy service during World War II. Survivors include his wife Evelyn, their three daughters, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Cheri Lu Clay Mullen ’68, January 17, Atlanta, Georgia. Survivors include two daughters and four granddaughters.

1970s

Rex Bell ’73, October 29, 2005, Kankakee.

He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service.

Survivors include his wife Susan.

Rick Bradshaw ’74 MBA ’79, February 27, Peoria. He owned Courtesy Cleaning Center in Peoria and Pekin. Earlier he worked at Komatsu for 28 years. Rick taught part-time at Bradley for five years and served on the board of the Chiefs Club. His pool team won a national championship in 1989. Survivors include his wife Linda Bradshaw ’96, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

Donald Stahlin ’78, February 6, Orange, California. He was vice president of community development for Rancho Mission Viejo.

Don was involved in several organizations in the home building industry. He volunteered at a homeless shelter in Santa Ana. Survivors include his wife Kathy and his mother.

1980s

Kirby Puckett ’84, March 6, Scottsdale, Arizona. From 1984 until 1995, Kirby was an outfielder for the Minnesota Twins, carrying the team to World Series championships in 1987 and 1991. Kirby’s number 14 was retired

by Bradley when he was inducted into the BU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. In 2001 he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Survivors include two children and his fiancée.

“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 2006

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people & events

Alumni Events July 16 Chicago CABAC Night at Ravinia with Tom Jones, Etta James, and the Roots Band, 7 p.m., $15 lawn seating (at gate); CABAC will provide dessert and soft drinks July 17 Chicago alumni golf outing, Seven Bridges Golf Club, Woodridge, noon lunch, 1:30 p.m. shotgun start; $600 per foursome, $150 per individual, cost includes lunch, dinner, golf, cart, tee gifts, and prizes July 20 Detroit happy hour at Woody’s, 208 Fifth Ave., Royal Oak, 5:30 p.m.

July 22 Washington, D.C. Washington Nationals vs.

Chicago Cubs baseball game, RFK Stadium, 1:20 p.m. game time; $16 July 23 Des Moines Iowa Cubs vs. Memphis Redbirds minor league baseball game, Principal Park, Des Moines, 1:05 p.m. game time, $5.50 July 31 Peoria Peoria Chiefs baseball game, third base deck, O’Brien Field, 6:30-8 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. game; $25 adults, $17 children 3-10 August 6 St. Louis SLABAC annual picnic and new student send-off, Creve Coeur Park, Tremayne Shelter, 1-4 p.m.

August 13 Minneapolis alumni and new student sendoff picnic, Rolling Green Country Club August 31 Peoria CIBAC Bratfest, ITOO Pavilion, 4900 W. Farmington Rd., 5-10 p.m.; $6 per person, $20 per family September 9 Los Angeles day trip to Catalina Island, 9 a.m. departure from Avalon or Long Beach, noon lunch on Catalina Island; $49 round trip September 16 San Francisco Oakland A’s vs. Chicago White Sox baseball game, McAfee Coliseum, 1 p.m.

University Events October 26 Founder’s Day October 27-29 Homecoming and Reunions

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Sweet 16 excitement Viewing parties, such as this one in Minneapolis-St. Paul, were held throughout the nation when Bradley faced #1-seeded Memphis in Oakland, California, on March 23. Among the other cities hosting viewing parties were Peoria (2), Chicago (6), New York, Atlanta, Palm Beach, Boston, Philadelphia, Columbus, Phoenix, Charlotte, Rockford, Dallas, Sarasota, Denver, St. Louis, Kansas City, Washington, D.C., Houston, and Indianapolis. In addition, pre-game parties held near the game sites drew 250 fans before the Kansas game, 75 before the Pitt game, and 500 before the Memphis game.

Dallas Chuck ’79 and Audrey Limonta Anderson ’80 hosted about 40 alumni in their Highland Village home on Saturday, May 6.

To contact your local alumni chapter, visit bradley.edu/alumni.

Denver Dr. Alan Galsky, associate provost for student affairs, spoke at a gathering of 25 alumni and friends at Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que on May 4. Shown from left are Bob Hult ’68, Sally Hult, Susanne Friday Johnson ’92, David Johnson, Eric Johnson, and Rachel Kienzler ’98.

Charlotte Sixteen alumni and friends gathered for the presentation, “100 Years of Bradley Basketball,” on April 30 at City Tavern Ballantyne.

Boston Sixteen alumni and friends attended an alumni dinner at Boston Beer Works on March 14.

Rest ‘insured’ The Bradley University Alumni Association (BUAA) gives alumni an opportunity to purchase personal insurance in a group savings plan offered through one of the nation’s largest insurers.

The plan offers group discounts on auto, home, and tenant insurance, as well as other benefits and services. (Group discounts are not available in all states and vary by state.)

For more information, visit alumniinsuranceprogram.com.

For more information on alumni events, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 309-677-2240, 800-952-8258, or alumnirelations@alum.bradley.edu.

Seattle Twenty-eight alumni and friends gathered at Ivar’s Acres of Clams on March 24.

Bradley Hilltopics Summer 2006

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Playing in Peoria

by Gayle Erwin McDowell ‘77 It was a March like no other on the Hilltop as campus and community became one in their unwavering support of the home team. Fans stood in long lines to purchase Bradley gear at the campus bookstore, some driving more than 100 miles. Returning from spring break just in time to savor the Sweet 16 madness, some students were interviewed by reporters from national media outlets. Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis hoped to paint the city red. He and other city officials settled for painting a “red carpet” across Main Street on March 23, hours before Bradley played Memphis.

“Peoria and the Bradley Braves are getting national press. People are learning who we are,” said Ardis.

By 6 p.m., Robertson Memorial Field House was packed with almost 3,000 cheering, wildly excited fans—all decked out in red shirts, caps, beads, and flashing jewelry. A noisy mix of students, alumni, faculty and staff, and local residents filled the historic venue. Unlike spectators at hundreds of bygone Bradley games, this crowd’s attention was on four giant projection screens broadcasting the Braves’ first appearance in the NCAA Sweet 16 in 51 years.

Downtown at inPlay, a popular entertainment complex, an optimistic crowd of almost 200 alumni and friends cheered the Braves at a big-screen TV party sponsored by the Central Illinois Bradley Alumni Chapter. Some donned temporary BU tattoos and reminisced about the 2005-06 season, as well as stand-out teams and players from past decades.

“We’ve supported Bradley forever. I never give up on the Bradley Braves,” said Sherry Becker Vosberg, attending the CIBAC event with her husband Dick Vosberg ‘56. Season ticketholders Mike Dexter ’88 and Kelly Bennett Dexter ’92 brought their two daughters along. Thanks to watching the Bradley cheerleaders at the games, two-year-old Kaylee happily and correctly spelled Bradley: B-R-A-D-L-E-Y. Back on campus, the deafening roar at the Field House prompted some fans to move to the fringes of the crowd. And even when the game’s outcome seemed clear, just a handful of fans trickled out before the final buzzer. Surprisingly, as the crowd dispersed, it wasn’t readily apparent that Bradley had just lost to Memphis. One student unknowingly spoke for many others when she told friends, “Oh, I just love the Bradley Braves.”

Community leaders, Bradley faculty and staff, and students were all caught up in the excitement of the Sweet 16. Patrick O’Bryant (left) and his Braves teammates expressed appreciation for the fans’ support.

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bradley.edu/hilltopics

Monday, October 23 Red and White Spirit Day Homecoming BBQ 4:30 p.m. Olin Quad Pep Rally 5:30 p.m. Olin Quad

Tuesday, October 24 All-School Carnival 7-9 p.m. Olin Quad

Friday, October 27 50-Plus Club Reception 4 p.m. Michel Student Center ballroom Chili Supper 5 p.m. Robertson Memorial Field House Bradley Basketball Scrimmages 6:30 p.m. Robertson Memorial Field House

Saturday, October 28 Gary R. Tippett Memorial Homecoming 5K Run 8:30 a.m. Michel Student Center Campus Tours 10 a.m.-noon Greek Games 10 a.m.-noon Meinen Field Tailgate Party 4:30-7 p.m. Shea Stadium Homecoming Parade 5:30 p.m. campus to Shea Stadium Soccer vs. Creighton 7 p.m. Shea Stadium

Ken “Moose” Goldin ‘64 MA ‘72

Sunday, October 29 Homecoming Gospel Brunch 10 a.m.-noon Michel Student Center ballroom Reunions: Class of 1956, Black Alumni, ACBU, Nursing, Lewis J. Burger Center for Student Leadership & Public Service

For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations: 800-952-8258, alumnirelations@alum.bradley.edu, or bradley.edu/homecoming.

Bradley Hilltopics 1501 West Bradley Avenue Peoria, Illinois 61625 Change Service Requested

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