Hilltopics Winter 2007 by Bradley University

Bradley University Winter 2007

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dream jobs

Winter 2007 Volume 13 Issue 1

BU welcomes international leaders

When 329 people from 31 countries came together for the second International Construction Innovations Conference co-sponsored by Bradley, the rebuilding of Iraq and Lebanon was a major topic addressed by government leaders, business executives, and scholars from around the world.

Dream jobs

If you could do anything, what would your dream job be? Meet seven alumni who have found dream jobs in a variety of careers, from winemaker to baseball scout.

David Markin pledges $8 million

A generous pledge from David Markin ’53 is earmarked for a student recreation center. Markin discusses the importance of having first-rate facilities on the campus.

Departments

Cheryl Corley ’76 reports for NPR from a Kentucky coal mine.

ViewPoint

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HotTopics

ClassNotes

InMemory

NoteBook

AlumniNews

SportScene

CampusView

Staff

Administration

Karen Crowley Metzinger MA ’97 editor

Dr. David C. Broski president

Nancy Ridgeway associate editor

William Engelbrecht vice president for advancement

Aimée Roy assistant editor Gayle Erwin McDowell ’77 contributing editor Michelle Bowers Gray designer/illustrator Duane Zehr university photographer Daniel Manson web communications Student Staff Assistants

Allison Camp ’07 Katie Hamill ’08 Taija Jenkins ’08 Student Photographers

Oliver Squibb ’09 Jason Whang ’08

Kathy Fuller assistant vice president for university relations

Cover photo of La Crema Winery vineyards by Andy Katz.

Send your letters & e-mail

The other A. Bergstrom

Bikers’ ultimate trip

Many thanks for the article in the Fall 2006 issue by Aimée Roy about the great career of Bradley’s athletic director Arthur J. Bergstrom. He and I shared an experience only known to three people: Art, my girlfriend, and me. I arrived at Bradley in the fall of 1955 to begin my studies. My girlfriend started her studies at the same time at DePauw in Greencastle, Indiana. The sole means of communication between us back then was letter writing. We had promised each other “to write every day.” We even started sending letters before we left home so there would be letters waiting for us when we got to college. A week went by after I arrived at Bradley with no letters from her. I was upset at first. Then I was distraught. I began to wonder if she had found someone new after just a week at college. I checked with the mail office at the dorm. They had nothing for me. Major depression was just around the corner. Several more days without mail from my love made me a wreck. About 10 a.m. on a Saturday, there was a knock on my dorm room door. I opened it and found a guy with a packet of about 15 letters standing in the doorway. “Is your name Bergstrom?” he asked. “Yes,” I replied. He extended his hand and said, “Hi, I’m Art Bergstrom. I’m the athletic director here at Bradley and also your Saturday morning postman.” Then he handed me a parcel of letters from my girlfriend. The letters had been routed to him because of the similarity of our names. Of course, the letters were unopened. I am glad Art Bergstrom lived to be 100 years. He deserved even more. By the way, the “girlfriend” I mentioned married me in 1957. Next year, she and I and our three children and four grandchildren will celebrate 50 years of marriage. A. (Arthur) Duane Bergstrom ‘59 Maitland, FL

Has Dr. Peter B. Johnsen written about his “ultimate” motorcycle trip? I note that 39 people have made this trip, so he joins an elite group!  I rode solo from Columbus, Ohio, to Helena, Montana, and returned in August 2006 at 70 years old, so I can appreciate this feat of the “ultimate” trip. Also, I was in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, for 13 days on a project for Battelle in 1971, so Alaska has always interested me. Robert Fischer ‘65 Powell, OH

Grad’s gratitude Thanks for the memories! John Norman ‘50 Phoenix, AZ

BU fans enjoy last laugh I just read the letter from Kathleen Schelp Smith ‘90 about being a BU alumni living in Illini-land. I have been in Lawrence, Kansas, for 12 years. When it was announced that Bradley would take on KU in the first round of this year’s tourney, the calls and comments started pouring in. I was even stopped by strangers on the street when they noticed my BU alumni license plate. Oddly enough, the calls stopped on March 18th! In 2005, KU lost to Bucknell in the first round. The headline in the Lawrence paper the next day was “BU Who Times Two.” Needless to say, I got the last laugh! Go Braves! Brenda K. Krones ‘83 Lawrence, KS

Mascot entries narrowed to seven The mascot committee appreciates the high level of participation as the University searches for an athletic mascot to accompany the team nickname, Braves. More than 300 e-mails, letters, and phone calls were received with ideas for the new mascot.    The committee has evaluated every mascot entry based on the established guidelines and looked at the number of mentions a particular potential mascot received, the rationale for the suggestion, the uniqueness of the mascot, and the ability to successfully implement the mascot. After this review, seven mascot options were identified: Braveheart character, clock tower or clock-related character, firefighter, gargoyle, military person, squirrel, and superhero, along with the option of having no mascot. To review a summary of the rationales for each of these mascot concepts and to complete an online survey, please visit bradley. edu/bravesmascot.   Based on the evaluations and feedback regarding these potential mascots, the committee will again narrow the list for professional development and seek input from university constituents.

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 © Bradley University 2007 Bradley Hilltopics is published in winter, spring, summer, and fall by Bradley University for alumni, faculty, staff, parents of students, and other friends of the University. Send letters and address changes to: Hilltopics, Bradley University, 1501 West Bradley Avenue, Peoria, IL 61625. 309-677-2249 fax 309-677-4055 e-mail: hilltopics@bradley.edu Web site: bradley.edu/hilltopics campus information: 309-676-7611 Bradley University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and the promotion of equal opportunities for all persons regardless of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University also is committed to compliance with all applicable laws regarding non-discrimination, harassment, and affirmative action. Bradley Hilltopics reserves the right to edit all letters to the editor based on length and content.

Bradley Hilltopics Winter 2007

Bradley University welcomes international leaders by Karen Crowley Metzinger MA ‘97 What motivated 329 people from 31 countries to converge upon Peoria in late October for the three-day International Construction Innovation Conference? Dr. Amir Al-Khafaji, Bradley’s chairman of civil engineering and construction, has an immediate answer: “building bridges between peoples.”

Sajana Chitaker ‘06, a civil environmental engineering grad student, notes, “I learned about some amazing construction projects in the world like Kansai International Airport in Japan. It certainly helped put Bradley and Peoria on the international map.” Dominic Kowalczyk ’07 agrees, “It was a great experience to converse with CEOs and presidents of the world’s largest construction companies.” Aysel Tantug representing Soyak Construction from Turkey, attended the forum at the urging of AlKhafaji. Since Soyak also builds large apartment complexes, she met with the president of the Precast/ Prestressed Concrete Institute following his presentation. Tantug says, “Now I will go back to my country and talk about all these new ideas to my boss.”

From a political standpoint

The second International Construction Innovations Conference (ICIC), co-sponsored by Bradley at the Pere Marquette Hotel, drew more than 300 government leaders, business executives, and scholars from around the world. Above: Attendees viewed a Caterpillar Inc. equipment demonstration at the company’s Edwards Demonstration and Training Center. Visit icic.bradley. edu for more information.

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By bringing business, government, and education together, Al-Khafaji says opportunities abound for business alliances, joint ventures and partnerships, research, and new funding sources. In essence, leaders worldwide had the opportunity to network across cultures through presentations and discussions ranging from rebuilding Iraq and Lebanon and building affordable housing, to online construction management, and a myriad of other global issues. Bradley vice president for advancement Bill Engelbrecht notes, “This international forum distinguished Peoria and the University. In 2004, the ICIC planning committee involved 37 members. Now, with 317 ICIC members, including 14 alums, Bradley has co-sponsored two international conferences unique to Peoria, the United States, and the world.” Twenty Bradley engineering students attended along with international dignitaries, including the Iraqi ambassador to the United States, CEOs, and a list of “who’s who in the global building and construction trades arena,” notes Al-Khafaji.

With a politician’s viewpoint, Qubad Talabany, son of the Iraqi president, says, “It is always good to know the trends, thinking, and sensitivities of the industry. Economic development goes hand-in-hand with political development; we cannot address one without the other. What I’m hoping to do, now that Iraq is open to the international world, is to have leaders from industry and academia come and look at what we have and where our shortcomings are. By pulling together experts from around the world and leaders from various fields, we can always learn something new. With healthy dialogue, we can exchange ideas, exchange views, and work together.” From an academic perspective, Paul Olomolaiye, dean of the school of engineering at the University of Wolverhampton says he was surprised about the mix of academics and industry when he attended the first conference in 2004. “I loved mixing with people from industry,” says Olomolaiye. “You need to work with the decision makers, and I think the conference has achieved that. I carried that message back to the United Kingdom and informed my faculty that we need to get more involved with industry. Now, we actually engage more with industry.” Palastinian Army Major General Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, who coordinated the relief work after the Pakistan earthquake, shared his perspective of the conference, as well. “It’s a unique experience because today as the world is growing, the problems [from one country to another] are getting less different: increased population, increased infrastructure needs, environmental challenges, and material challenges.” He adds, “I think, obviously, everything is dependent on or related to construction.”

Bulgarian student dedicates American flag At the September 11th observance ceremony, Georgi Georgiev ‘08 dedicated an American flag issued to him by his battalion to Bradley University. Georgiev, a native of Bulgaria who moved to Chicago with his family in 2000, joined the Army National Guard as a student at DeVry University. After transferring to Bradley, he was called to a year of active duty in Iraq. The donated flag was displayed at several events, was framed in a shadow box along with its certificate and a bronze plate, and was given a place of honor in the Michel Student Center. “The American flag has unbelievable significance for everybody who has served,” said Georgiev. “I gave one to my family, and I gave one to Bradley because I wanted to give something to my school. It’s not a big gift, but I hope it will mean a lot to the people here. I feel good about this flag that was carried in Iraq by my battalion.” He said he viewed the flag as a “piece of me that will stay here.” He added, “I am happy with what I am studying and everything here.” Georgiev is working toward a degree in management information systems. He hopes to continue learning about different cultures, and credits his Bulgarian heritage for making it easier for him to learn languages. He intends to put his knowledge and travel experiences to work after graduation, possibly in the CIA or FBI. “I take the positives from each culture—America, Iraq, Bulgaria,” Georgiev said. “In Iraq, we wanted to help them, and they wanted to help us. We had a mutual respect for each other. I was always respectful of their customs, always had an interpreter, and only spoke to the man of the house. We all have our differences.”

Bradley police officer Andrew Myers and his daughter

McKenna share a moment at the September 11th observance ceremony. Myers credits the 5-year-old as his reason for surviving the 2001 attack on the Pentagon, where he worked and aided in rescue efforts.

Pielak’s Parkinson’s research wins NIH award University of North Carolina chemistry professor Dr. Gary Pielak ’77 was awarded a five-year, $2.5 million Director’s Pioneer Award from the National Institute of Health (NIH) in September. Pielak is also a professor of biochemistry and biophysics in the School of Medicine at the UNC where he is a member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is the first scientist at UNC to receive this NIH award honoring highly innovative approaches to major challenges in biomedical research. Pielak will use his Pioneer Award to study proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases at the atomic level inside living cells, including those involved in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. He is credited with discovering how crowded conditions in cells can cause collapse and prevent structure formation in one of the proteins associated with Parkinson’s disease. Visit www.chem.unc.edu/news/archive/pielak.html for more information.

Bradley Hilltopics Winter 2007

BU news, views & updates

Sister cities commemorate 30-year collaboration by Aimée Roy

Five Bradley mechanical engineering students studied in Peoria’s sister city in Germany last May. From left: Joseph Herther ‘08, William Gebhardt ‘08, Marion Teslik ‘08, Nathan Adams ‘08, and Adam Dovalina’07 visited the Green Tower in Ravensberg, Germany.

Visit peoriasistercity.org for more information and photos.

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other locations of interest in Germany, Austria, and For 30 years, a special friendship has existed between Switzerland. “It is a tremendous opportunity for the Peoria and Friedrichshafen, Germany. Residents of the students, and we couldn’t do it without the help of two “sister cities” have been exchanging high school the folks over there,” added Morris. and college students, hosting cultural events, creating “German companies will pay students to come to business partnerships, and building friendships. the United States to study and work,” said Morris. Dr. Martin Morris ’77 MSME ’79, professor of “The biggest hindrance to Bradley students studying mechanical engineering, became involved with the abroad is the cost. It is $2,100 for three weeks in group as a way to get his family involved in the comGermany including airfare, housing, and tuition. It munity after moving to Peoria. “My son stayed with would be great if we a family in Friedrichcould find folks to shafen, then a student contribute to a scholfrom Friedrichshafen arship fund to send came to Peoria and students to Germastayed with us.” The ny,” he said. “I want first youth exchange the students to get between Peoria and to know people from Friedrichshafen took different cultures and place in 1978. The citsee that there is a ies boast the longest world outside of our continuous youth exborders.” change between sister Morris says he cities anywhere in the would like to see United States. Each greater collaboration year, approximately 20 between the Bradley teens ages 14 to 19 and BA students. “I visit their sister city would like to see for three weeks in the A group from Friedrichshafen, Germany, visited Peoria in them team up to summer. The followSeptember. The sister city’s mayor, Margarita Kaufmann, sits design and build ing year, the roles are behind the wheel of Bradley’s Baja car. Looking on from left something. I think it reversed. The guests are Heinz Edwald, Dr. Martin Morris ’77 MSME ’79, and would be an interestparticipate in the Gerhard Leiprecht. ing collaboration daily life of their host everyone would learn from,” Morris said. “Engineering families and join in community events. The program is becoming more and more of a global enterprise. It allows young people to visit a foreign country, not as would be great to have the experience of working on a tourist, but as a member of a family and community. a team that’s geographically distributed.” From BU to BA Also last May, to mark the 30th anniversary of the relationship between Peoria and Friedrichshafen, the The friendships Morris built in Germany have also schools entered into a formal agreement expressing become part of his work. Three years ago, Morris their intention to encourage the development of new began taking Bradley mechanical engineering students and collaborative undertakings in the years to come. to Friedrichshafen for a study abroad experience. Dr. Richard Johnson, dean of the college of engi“They take Thermodynamics II, which is a required neering and technology, added, “This Memorandum of class. I think sometimes people may get the impresUnderstanding is a formal recognition of the ongosion that the study abroad classes are not challenging collaboration between Bradley University and ing, but that’s not true. Thermo II is rigorous, and the Berufsacademie Ravensberg. It is an important marker students really learn the material,” he said. of the interest and will of both institutions to further Last May, Morris traveled to Germany with five the collaborative relationship that has developed. Bradley students (shown at left) where they studied Our goal is to grow this collaboration into a powerful at Berufsakademie (the “BA”) on the Friedrichshafen relationship benefitting both institutions, their faccampus. Each student stayed with a host family and ulty, their students, and the communities they serve.” toured the Zeppelin Company, the Austrian Alps, and

Studio dedication honors Disney legend by Karen Crowley Metzinger MA ’97

Lori Luthy ’95 MFA ’01 breathed new life onto seven sterile walls of the Caterpillar Global Communications Center this fall with her mural honoring the late John C. Hench, artist, animator, designer, and senior vice president of creative affairs at Walt Disney Imagineering. Trustees of the John C. Hench Foundation, Jose and Leonor Deetjen, and Hench’s personal assistant, Sandy Huskins, recently gave a $100,000 gift to the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts, and were recognized at an October 16 dedication of the John C. Hench Production Art Studio. “John Hench was big on designing with brilliant colors and for celebrating the child in all of us,” said Luthy, creative director of admissions at Bradley University. “So, on one wall I painted one of Hench’s designs from the Pirates of the Caribbean —a wishing well— around the water fountain. For fun, I painted a character coming out of the wishing well, spitting water at the same trajectory as the water coming from the water fountain. I’ve also hidden Mickey

Mouse ears in the mural as John hid them in the attractions throughout Disney. I’ve always liked work that has a bit of humor in it.” Luthy completed the 42-by-9½-foot mural in less than three months. Dr. Bob Jacobs, professor of communication and director of the John C. Hench Production Art Studio, worked with Hench for five years during the early days of Disneyland. For 10 years Jacobs took electronic media students to California where Hench provided access to Disney facilities. Luthy painted lifelike portraits of Jacobs, Hench, and Huskins on one of the walls to depict their long-standing friendship. Hench died in 2004 at the age of 95. Jacobs remembers Hench’s 65-year dedication to Disney. “John was the only artist to have painted all the official Mickey Mouse birthday portraits,” said Jacobs. “A signed copy of one of Mickey’s portraits is displayed in our studio.” Visit com.bradley.edu and click on the Hench dedication video to view Jacobs’ personal tribute honoring Hench’s commitment to the University.

New calendar-year reporting of gifts announced Beginning January 1, 2007, Bradley University is moving to a calendar fiscal year for reporting of gifts and pledges made to Bradley. As a result, the annual Honor Roll of Donors will be published in the early spring of 2008. As the University works toward providing the best possible stewardship of gifts, future editions of the President’s Report and Honor Roll of Donors may take a different format, in print or on the Web.

Share a photo from the Hilltop. Send an e-card today; the postage is on Bradley. Lori Luthy ’95 MFA ’01 designed and painted a detailed mural spanning seven walls leading to the John C. Hench Production Art Studio. It was dedicated on October 16, the 83rd anniversary of the establishment of The Walt Disney Company.

Visit explore.bradley. edu/sendcard.

Bradley Hilltopics Winter 2007

BU news, views & updates

BUY RED AND WHITE

THIS SEASON

Organization helps women tap into technology by Aimée Roy

The number of undergraduate women studying computer science at Bradley is less than 10 percent, but the new Women in Technology organization hopes to change those figures. Monica McGill, instructor in the department of computer science and information systems, is the group’s advisor. She says in 1985, the national average of women studying computer science was 37 percent, compared to an average of 17 percent in 2005. The Bradley Women in Technology organization was started in September 2005 as a way to provide encouragement to women studying computer science or technology, to help women explore career paths on their own, and to give women confidence. The Bradley group has 15 members and is not limited to just

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women. “Men who support women in the technology field are always welcome to join,” says McGill. A speaker series was presented in April, featuring Leslie Paulson MBA ‘94, America’s information services manager for Caterpillar Logistics Technology Services; Michael Hodge ‘00, who spoke about Retrotech, an Illinois recycling business; and Sandy Helms Bury ’94 MA ‘00, executive director of customer support services at Bradley, who discussed personality types and gave them tests to determine which careers would best suit their personalities. The organization is still in its infancy, but some plans include launching a Web site about the organization, creating a display for Women’s History Month and visiting local junior high and high schools. McGill also hopes that through collaboration with the Smith Career Center and other departments on campus there will be opportunities for students to do research and internships. “We would like to attract more women to the field. I’d like to see the number increase from 10 percent at Bradley up to 30 percent,” says McGill. From left, Gabrielle Olivera ‘07, secretary of Women in Technology (WIT), meets with co-vice president Brooke Barnabe ‘07 and president Meredith Cler ‘07. Started in 2005, WIT strives to increase the number of women studying computer science by providing supportive services and helping female students explore career paths.

Bradley offers London trip

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Have you ever thought a vacation could also present a great opportunity for learning? From May 23 through June 1, 2007, travel and education are combined in a London learning adventure that explores some of the city’s most sacred and cultural places through a program sponsored by both Bradley University Continuing Education and International Programs. Dr. Dan Getz, associate professor of religious studies, and Jim Ludwig, associate dean of the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts and associate professor of theater arts, will be the tour guides. Both are seasoned London travelers through the International Programs for students. Getz and Ludwig

have accumulated years of firsthand experience in London, plus they are specialists on the topics and places on the itinerary. They will offer insights and access into areas not usually experienced by the casual tourist. The cost for the 10-day trip is $3,599 for double occupancy and $4,579 for single occupancy. The price includes airfare, hotel, continental breakfasts, admission fees for group trips, theater tickets, ground transportation, and some additional meals. For more information, contact Sue Manley at 309-677-2523, or visit bradley.edu/continue and click on the London trip link.

Faculty achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service Students met with recruiters from 181 companies during the Smith Career Center’s fall job fair, the largest fair in the SCC’s history. Expanded to a two-day event, the first day focused on engineering and construction employers. Plans are underway for another two-day fall job fair in 2007. Visit explore.bradley. edu/scc for more information.

were recognized during the annual Founder’s Day Convocation on October 26, 2006. Pictured after the ceremony in Dingeldine Music Center, from left are Dr. Christine Blouch, associate professor of English, recipient of the Putnam Award for Excellence in Teaching; Dr. David Schmitt, associate professor of psychology, recipient of the Samuel Rothberg Award for Professional Excellence; Marjorie Getz, instructor of psychology, recipient of the Francis C. Mergen Memorial Award for Public Service; and Dr. Jose Lozano, assistant professor of physics, recipient of the Caterpillar Inc. Faculty Award for Scholarship.

The Bradley Chorale made history with the selection of five pairs of siblings last fall. All the siblings hail from the local area. The 10 music majors are: front row from left to right, Rebecca Meyer ’08 and Katie Meyer ’10, and Bethany Stocksiek ’07 and Abby Stocksiek ’09. Behind the Stocksieks are Kristin Bell ’07 and Jeremy Bell ’08. Back row: twins Dean Beever ’10 and Dustin Beever ’10 and Chris Adams-Wenger ‘09 and Matthew Adams-Wenger ’07. They are the sons of former Chorale members Lee Wenger ’76 and Denise Adams ’77. Previously, the Chorale had no more than two pairs of siblings, according to Dr. John Jost, professor of music and Chorale director. Founded in 1954 by the late Dr. John E. Davis, professor emeritus of music, over the years the Chorale has toured the United States and Europe, winning national and international honors. The Chorale currently has 54 members. The Chorale’s spring tour schedule is on page 30. To listen to an audio of the Chorale, visit the Web exclusive at bradley.edu/hilltopics. The Chorale’s Web site is http://music.bradley.edu/index. Bradley Hilltopics Winter 2007

BU news, views & updates

BUAA presents alumni awards on Founder’s Day Outstanding Young Graduate Award

Recipients of 2006 awards from the Bradley University Alumni Association (BUAA): from left, Gene Morse ’59, Natalie Bartusek Bonetti ’94, and Ron Maestri ’63 MA ’67.

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Distinguished Alumnus Award Ron Maestri ’63 MA ’67 is the Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient. The award recognizes a graduate whose professional or civic activities bring the highest distinction to themselves, their community, and to Bradley. Maestri is the chief operating officer and executive director of the New Orleans Zephyrs AAA baseball team. He began his coaching career at Princeville, Spalding, and Pekin high schools before returning to Bradley in 1967 as an assistant coach for baseball, football, and basketball. In 1971, he was named head baseball coach and assistant basketball coach at the University of New Orleans and served as athletic director there from 1979 to 2000. With Maestri as the coach, the University of New Orleans baseball team won the Sun Belt Conference title in 1978, and he was named coach of the year. Maestri’s team became the first Louisiana school to compete in the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. From 2000 to 2005, he was director of NCAA events for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. During that time, he was executive director of the 2002 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Final Four, the 2003 Men’s Final Four, and the 2004 NCAA Women’s Final Four. Maestri is a member of seven halls of fame: New Orleans, American Baseball Coaches, University of New Orleans, Louisiana Italian-American, Louisiana, Bradley Athletics, and Greater Peoria. He and his wife Sue live in Metairie, Louisiana.

Major Natalie Bartusek Bonetti ’94 is the Outstanding Young Graduate Award recipient. This award recognizes a graduate who has gained early and exceptional professional or civic achievement with continued involvement in the University. Bonetti is deputy director of protocol, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. She completed the prestigious Air Force dietetic internship and was one of only 50 from a field of 8,000 selected to serve in the Air Force intern program at the Pentagon. She pioneered the development of the new Air Force Fit-to-Fight Program for all active duty military personnel. Bonetti was a key contributor to a program that spawned a state and nationally recognized Responsible Drinking Campaign, reducing base DUIs by 27 percent and underage drinking by 74 percent. Bonetti has been named Air Force Space Command Company Grade Dietitian of the Year and has received two Air Force Commendation Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. She holds a master’s degree in organizational management from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She and her husband Pete live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Lydia Moss Bradley Award Gene Morse ’59 received the Lydia Moss Bradley Award, given in recognition of his outstanding commitment and service to Bradley. Morse is a partner in Gene Morse & Associates, Lincoln National Life Insurance. He is past president and lifetime member of the Bradley B-Club and played on Bradley’s first National Invitational Tournament (NIT) championship team in 1956. He has served on the Braves Club (formerly Chiefs Club) board and is a member of the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame, the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame, and the IHSA Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Morse is a past-president of the Bradley University Alumni Association. His accomplishments include restructuring the BUAA board to better reflect the needs and goals of the University, its students, staff, and alumni, as well as refocusing the efforts of the BUAA toward enhancing the student experience through a variety of innovative programs. He is serving a second term on the Bradley University Council. He and his wife Judith Gray Morse ’62 have established the Morse Endowed Scholarship at Bradley.

Five inducted into Bradley Centurion Society At the October 26 Founder’s Day ceremony, five alumni were initiated into the Centurion Society. Founded in 1982, the award honors alumni who are national and international leaders in their fields and recognizes them for achievements in public life and their professions. As the Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient, Ron Maestri ’63 MA ’67, featured on page 8, was named to the Centurion Society. In addition, the following alumni were inducted: Jerry Hayden ’59, MBA in 1970 from Northwestern University; chairman, CEO and owner, Peacock Engineering Co., food packaging company with plants in Itasca, Geneva, and Carol Stream; founder/past president, Itasca Business Council; member, United Republican Fund of Illinois, World Presidents’ Organization; former board member, Illinois Manufacturing Association, Contact Packaging Association, Young Presidents’ Organization; Bradley University Athletics Hall of Fame, track team captain in 1959; held Bradley’s discus throw record for 17 years. Anne Maple Fox ’63, CEO of the Central Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross; serves on the boards of the Forest Park Foundation, Employer’s Association of Illinois, Comprehensive Bleeding Disorders Center; previously served on the Children’s Home Association of Illinois Board, Peoria Public Library Board, Junior League Board, United Way of Illinois, and the Bradley University National Alumni Association; was instrumental in establishing the Community Foundation of Central Illinois; received the Junior League Volunteer of the Year Award, the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Tom Connor Award for Volunteerism, the American Red Cross Tiffany

Award for Employee Excellence, the Francis M. Krossa Professions Award, the Athena Award for Professional Women, and the 25 Women in Leadership Award. Joe Stowell ’50 MA ’56; former men’s and women’s head basketball coach and professor of health and movement science, emeritus; began Bradley coaching career as assistant in 1956, coach from 1965 to 1981; conducted basketball clinics for over 35 years worldwide including Asia, South America, Europe, Africa; IBCA Hall of Fame, Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame, 1992 IBCA Buzzy O’Connor Award for Contributions to Illinois Basketball, 1973 Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year, 1973 NABC District 5 Coach of the Year, 1978 NABC Award of Merit, 1983 NABC Award of Honor, 2000 A.J. Robertson Award, 2004 Orville Nothdurft Lifetime Achievement Award; WMBD radio analyst for Bradley basketball broadcasts 1983 to the present. Ken Hinton ’69 MA ’71; superintendent, Peoria Public School District 150; General Administrative Endorsement, Illinois State University; Superintendent’s Endorsement, Western Illinois University; actively involved in the United Way, Peoria Civic Federation, Hult Health Education Center, Vision 2020 Leadership Council, Mayor’s Task Force on Education, American Red Cross, Lakeview Museum, Children’s Hospital of Illinois Advisory Board; recipient, PHA Achievement Award for Community Service, AfricanAmerican Hall of Fame Museum, Dr. Martin L. King Leadership Award, Jaycees Young Educator Award, Outstanding Educational Leader Award, South Side Businessmen Eagle Award, and the Center for the Prevention of Abuse Partners in Peace Award. Bradley’s 2006 Centurions: from left, Jerry Hayden ’59, Anne Maple Fox ’63, Ron Maestri ’63 MA ’67, Joe Stowell ’50 MA ’56, and Ken Hinton ’69 MA ’71. They join 139 others in the Bradley University Centurion Society.

A $10,000 matching gift

to generate additional scholarship funds for the Bradley University Black Alumni Annual Scholarship was announced by Dr. William Hallmon Jr. ‘78. Hallmon will match all gifts supporting the Black Alumni Annual Scholarship between now and Homecoming 2007 up to $10,000. He announced his challenge at the 2006 Homecoming Black Alumni Reunion dinner in Peoria, where he received an award for his continued and generous support of the scholarship fund. Hallmon compared the alumni to a football team, stating in his remarks that although he issued this challenge, it is up to the alumni base to serve as the linemen to work together to build the fund into an endowed fund. Hallmon, who earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh, operates a gastroenterology practice in Racine, Wisconsin. He has supported the Black Alumni Scholarship since its inception in 1992. To date, the scholarship has provided 66 scholarships and awarded $61,650.

Bradley Hilltopics Winter 2007

NCAA program is a blast for athletes by Aimée Roy

Basketball forward Kelly Krumwiede ‘09 poses with Pep Cooke, a major contributor to the BU Building Leadership And Supporting Teams (B.L.A.S.T.) program.

Teri Chan ‘07 broke the Bradley women’s tennis career record for singles victories. Chan, co-captain of the team, achieved her 60th career victory September 16 at the Drake Fall Invitational. Joie Rolf ’87, who held the record for 20 years, had achieved 59 career wins.

To reserve the new book and DVD, Celebrating the History of Bradley Basketball: Victory, Honor & Glory, visit allaboutsportsbu.com or call 877-301-7540.

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Today’s college athletes face challenges on and off the playing field, including being in the national spotlight. To help them prepare for life after college, in 1994 the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) developed a life skills program model to provide personal development for each studentathlete based on his or her individual needs. The focus of the program is holistic, addressing the needs of the whole person athletically, academically, personally, and emotionally. The Bradley Athletics Life Skills program, BU B.L.A.S.T. – Building Leadership And Supporting Teams, was developed in 1996 with that focus in mind. Student-athletes have access to academic advisement, tutoring, study tables, nutrition education, drug and alcohol education, and career development workshops. They have opportunities to make meaningful contributions to their communities and learn the value of service to others by doing volunteer work with the American Red Cross, Special Olympics of Illinois, and the Pediatric Cancer Association. They can also read

to children at Franklin Edison School in Peoria as part of the Just Read Program, a collaborative effort among Valley member schools, the Missouri Valley Conference, and State Farm, the corporate sponsor. “The BU B.L.A.S.T. program is designed to help our student-athletes develop life skills but also to enhance the overall quality of their experience while at Bradley. Our hope is that they will continue to make a difference in their respective communities after graduation, and also stay connected with Bradley,” said Virnette House-Browning, senior associate athletic director. While the NCAA offers some financial support for the program, Bradley’s needs include underwriting for the annual academic honors luncheon, senior social, sport consultants on nutrition, and speakers on drug and alcohol education. Private donors, such as Rev. Dr. Joanne “Pep” Cooke, have offered support. “For the past three years, Pep has been a major contributor to the BU B.L.A.S.T. program and has provided funds for a student intern to help administer the program,” said Tom Hammerton, assistant vice president/ campaign leadership gifts. The former United Methodist pastor, college professor, basketball official, and athletic administrator is “a huge fan of Bradley men’s and women’s basketball,” Hammerton said. “She has a big heart. She helps out with anything we ask.” For more information about BU B.L.A.S.T., see “Support Groups” at bubraves.com.

SPORTS WRAP-UP

Soccer

Soccer claimed a share of the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship by defeating Creighton 2-1 in the last match of the regular season. The Braves reached the title game of the Valley tournament.

Cross Country

In the men’s and women’s Missouri Valley Conference cross country meet, Chris George ’08 and Sarah Westrick ’07 finished 12th and 15th respectively. Both teams finished sixth.

Volleyball

The volleyball team finished eighth in the Valley after an 8-22 season.

Pro Update

Anthony Parker ’97 is back in the NBA. After a six-year absence, Parker is playing for the Toronto Raptors. ...Former Bradley star Marcellus Sommerville ‘06, a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference forward, began his professional career for Atomeromu SE Paks in Hungary’s A Division in September. Sommerville worked out with the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs during NBA summer leagues...Patrick O’Bryant ’08 began his career with the Golden State Warriors in November. O’Bryant was selected with the ninth overall pick in the NBA draft a few months after leading the Braves to the Sweet 16...Michael Stewart ’03 is playing professional basketball in Peoria for the Peoria Kings of the ABA, a newly formed league. Former Bradley soccer players Bryan Namoff ’00 (D.C. United) and Tim Regan ’04 (Chivas USA) helped their MLS teams to the playoffs…Gavin Glinton ’01 has returned to MLS with the L.A. Galaxy after a brief stint as BU assistant soccer coach while recovering from injury…Marcus Pollard ’94 is in his 12th season in the NFL and plays for the Detroit Lions. Visit bubraves.com for updates.

Oldest BU sports club celebrates 40 years of hockey by Justin Phelps ‘05

Ask about the late Pete BardezBanian ’54 (at left with player Bill Taylor ‘72), and those who knew him will likely mention the Bradley hockey club founder was a hockey guy. It’s quite the understatement. “His one thing was, hockey is the best thing in the world,” said Jack Thorp ’71 MS ’72, who played under BardezBanian for five years and was an assistant coach from 1972 to 1982. “If you didn’t like hockey, you’d have to come see a game. Then, you’d like hockey.” Talk of BardezBanian abounded during the October 21st celebration of the Hockey Club’s 40th season at Bradley where the “Heroes of Yesteryear” took on the 2006-2007 Bradley club team at Owens Center. It is the longest-running sports club on campus. Kevin Schmaltz ’88, who has organized the alumni hockey game since its inception in 1989, added, “Coach Pete would always come to the games and try to be in the background. We wouldn’t let him. The alums would always want him behind the bench. He was “The Coach,” and even if he didn’t coach in an alumni game, we all wanted him behind the bench. That’s how he was, but we all knew that it started because of him, and for that we are eternally grateful.”

Peoria’s Mr. Hockey It’s not a stretch to say BardezBanian had a hand in everything hockey in Peoria. After all, he was once called Peoria’s “Mr. Hockey.” Stories about BardezBanian include the times he jumped a fence with a handful of other hockey players to get early morning ice time at an outdoor rink at Lakeview Park. Eventually officials gave BardezBanian ice time, which he used to teach Peoria’s youth the game he loved. And so Peoria’s youth hockey association was born. In the 1960s, the 5-foot-7, 137-pound BardezBanian created, played for, and coached

the Peoria Stars, which he later moved to Pekin. In the early 1970s, he was the captain and president of the Peoria Blades, the forerunner to minor league hockey in Peoria. Meanwhile, he created and coached the Bradley club, starting in 1966. He was also among the founders of the Central States Collegiate Hockey League, made up of teams from the Midwest. A Detroit native and longtime comptroller for the city of Peoria, BardezBanian started the Bradley club by visiting dorm rooms and fraternity houses across campus looking for hockey players. As coach of the club, BardezBanian led Bradley to the 1971 CSCHL title. His coaching style included his own participation. “I did not realize how good he was until now,” said Taylor, who played in the alumni game in October. “He was able to keep up with us, which at his age was not that easy.” During Taylor’s four years at Bradley, BardezBanian was in his forties. For at least one player, BardezBanian was the reason he came to Bradley. “When I was an incoming freshman, I called Pete about the hockey games because I wanted to play in college,” said Bruce Becker ’75. “Pete was responsible for me coming to Bradley. At that time, Pete had visions of this club growing into a Division I club.” The club is currently classified as a Division II Club affiliated with the American Collegiate Hockey Association, the national governing body for intercollegiate club hockey. BardezBanian died of cancer in 1999. Of the man whose name is on the annual award given to the Bradley club MVP and the Most Popular Rivermen Player, Thorp said, “He was skating right up until the end.”

Below: About 25 alumni laced up skates for the Hockey Club’s 40th anniversary last October, and played in a reunion game at Owens Center. In front: Matt Strutzel ’03; Kneeling: Bill Taylor ’72, Bruce Becker ’75, Doug Dylo ’91, Dave Neuman ’84, Adam Hammer ’96, Andrew Hansen ’96, Todd Fox ’97, Matt Fisette ’96 Standing: Kyle Chipman ‘06, Will Ruona ’87, Matt O’Sullivan ’88, Joel Steger ‘93, Brendan Mongey ‘06, Matt McClure ’04, Kevin Schmaltz ’88, Torrey Marbury ’03, Thomas Goodman ’06, Peter Hornik ’92, Terry Lyman ’74, Mike Zilch ’05; Not pictured: Joe Domzal ’05, Paul Domzal ’03, Chris Sabey ’07, and Adam Tatro ’07.

Visit bradley.edu/hilltopics for a look back at hockey at Logan Park. Bradley Hilltopics Winter 2007

n â&#x20AC;&#x2122;97 â&#x20AC;&#x2122;98 Eric Johannse winemaker

Strolling in a vineyard on a cool, hazy summer morning, checking the grapes and tasting them as the season advances...having the best seats in the stadium for a baseball game...interviewing individuals and reporting to a nationwide audience... working in Africa as a wildlife veterinarianâ&#x20AC;Śdesigning part of the international space station. Meet seven alumni who say they have a dream job.

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A rainy drive

from San Francisco into the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County reveals that gray skies cannot subdue the natural beauty of the hills, woods, and streams, even in the off-season. Barren trellises ripple along the rows of vineyards, standing as a promise that lush green vines bearing bunches of white and purple grapes will come. Located in the heart of this fertile area is La Crema Winery, where Eric Johannsen ’97 ’98 is assistant winemaker, a career he decided to pursue while attending Bradley. He had a developing interest in food and wine and took a job as a cook at The Grill during his senior year. He learned about a winemaking program at UC-Davis and decided to pursue a master’s in food science and enology, the study of wine. For his thesis, he researched the microbiology of wine fermentations. Johannsen worked at several wineries, including one grape harvest in Australia, while attending UC-Davis. “Since I had a lot of exposure to pinot noir and chardonnay, I gravitated toward those areas renowned for those two varietals and began to specialize,” he says. “A lot of people don’t realize different areas are suited for different kinds of grapes and wines.” Drawing samples of both red and white wine from the rows of oak barrels that fill the warehouse at La Crema, he explains, “The potential of wine depends on the quality of the grapes. The site, soils, climate, and cultural practices in the vineyard—how the vines are pruned, how much fruit the vine produces—all impact the quality of the fruit. Based on that, the winemaker makes decisions to create the desired finished wine.” Tasting the grapes for ripeness of flavors and sugar and acid levels helps determine the prime time to harvest. The biochemistry of winemaking takes over from there. “We consider chemical analyses to decide how we will treat the wine as it goes through the winery. There are biological considerations, what kind of yeasts we want to promote during the fermentation process, balancing what kind of flavor profiles, tastes, and bouquets we’re trying to develop in the wine. This is the art and science of winemaking, deciding how the wine should be from a sensory perspective and from an analytical perspective. We really try to balance using sensory perceptions and artisan fashion with using technologies developed in the field of winemaking.” Over the past 30 years, Americans have gained an appreciation for wine and fine food. “There was a bit of a revolution going on in our concept of what food is all about, and along with that, wine. They’re closely paired, especially in European culture, and we’ve come to adopt that aesthetic.” Johannsen likes being part of something people simply enjoy. “I am integrally involved in crafting a product that adds to people’s quality of life. I derive a lot of satisfaction from that and from being a part of this evolving culture of food.” Visit www.lacrema. com/home.html for zymurgy (zai-mêr-jee) n. The branch more information. of applied chemistry that deals with fermentation, such as that involved in winemaking or brewing.

Leanne Johnso n ’82 storyteller

A Celtic harp,

a slide whistle, and a paper hat are tools of the trade for Leanne Johnson ’82 of Byron, Illinois, whose dream job is storytelling. Johnson, a music major at Bradley, stumbled upon a job in a children’s library after graduation and from there, decided to pursue a master’s degree in library and information sciences. She eventually began storytelling at her library and through word of mouth, started getting requests from other venues. Eventually, she decided to leave behind the administrative work as assistant director of the library and concentrate on storytelling. “It was a little scary going from a steady paycheck to knowing maybe I won’t work in August,” Johnson says, but she doesn’t regret the decision. “I try to balance music and movement in my storytelling,” she says. She picks up a Celtic harp and tells the Chinese story of “The Magic Fish.” She says, “The story involves the children, asking them to sing along and add ideas for the story.” In addition to stimulating imagination, Johnson encourages movement and leads children in a game using a slide whistle—one of many ways Johnson’s interest in music is woven into her stories. “You have to tell your own story. Finding your own style is important.” She says, “I love playing different kinds of music. I also have an Irish drum, a tin whistle, and a Cherokee rattle. The children get some exposure to these instruments, so they know they’re out there.” Johnson enjoys “being in the story—that moment I know the audience is hooked in the story. They’re not seeing me; they’re seeing the characters in the story. The story has taken them some place.” She has 30 shows targeting everyone from preschoolers to adults and creates new shows each year for library reading programs and to coincide with school curricula. Johnson says, “I’m always reading, always researching new stories. I have a huge collection of storytelling books, and I meet with a group of storytellers once a month to critique each other’s work.” Asked what makes hers a dream job, Johnson says, “It seems glamorous, and really, it is. It gives me a huge adrenalin rush, and sometimes I think, ‘I get paid for this?’” Visit storytelling.org/Leanne/ for more information. Bradley Hilltopics Winter 2007

An African safari

7 Flacke ’9 Gabriella narian teri wildlife ve

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piqued the interest of Gabriella Flacke ’97, whose dream job is to be a wildlife veterinarian. Now, she employs her veterinary skills whether working in a small veterinary clinic in the Napa Valley, volunteering in the Galapagos Islands, Easter Island, El Salvador, Palau, and South Africa, or working with African wild dogs in South Africa. At the veterinary office, she cares for small animals (cats, dogs, birds, hamsters, etc.). Three times a year, she volunteers with Remote Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) in distant locations across the globe. Sponsored by the Humane Society, RAVS offers voluntary veterinary services such as spaying, neutering, vaccinating, and deworming to pets belonging to people in poor areas in the U.S. and in foreign countries. Flacke lived in Germany until she was 19, then majored in biology at Bradley. She soon decided to pursue her dream and enrolled in veterinary school at the University of Georgia. As a student, she volunteered with RAVS in southeastern U.S. and Guatemala. Since then, she tries to go on three trips each year for one or two weeks. “We set up a clinic with supplies we bring, and local people inform the community that we’re there. My boss in Napa is good about letting me take time off to volunteer for RAVS.” “It’s rewarding to be able to help people and see how much they appreciate what you are doing for their animals,” Flacke says. While working full-time, Flacke has been pursuing a master’s degree in veterinary wildlife conservation medicine. For her field research project, Flacke chose a project studying the effects of domestic dog diseases such as canine distemper and rabies on the African wild dog, a black, tan, and white animal about the size of a Labrador. “That’s a different species than pet dogs. They’re also called African painted dogs, and they’re the most endangered carnivore in South Africa. They are wild, live in the bush, and travel in packs. Only the alpha female has pups, and the rest of the dogs help take care of the litter. They are endangered due to persecution from hunting, loss of habitat, and domestic dog diseases. There is concern that African wild dogs will get diseases from people’s pet dogs and this will lead to massive deaths and possible extinction of the species. This phenomenon has already occurred with rabies in the Masai Mara in Kenya, where there are no wild dogs left.” Flacke is in South Africa until May 2007, working on this project as part of a collaborative effort with the African Wild Dog ReIntroduction, Conservation, and Management Program. “I’m collaborating, because my project will help their cause. Since I’m a licensed veterinarian in South Africa, I can dart the dogs for anesthesia, put on a radio collar tracking device, gather fecal, blood, and urine samples, and then give a drug to reverse the anesthetic.” She adds, “After they wake up from anesthesia, they easily find their den and their pack-mates again and everything’s fine. They are not ostracized by the group, and there is very minimal stress involved for the animals.” Flacke’s goal is to obtain samples from approximately 30 wild dogs. “There are only about 100 wild dogs in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. I want to sample dogs from each pack, older dogs and younger dogs; I try to be as diverse in sampling as I can.” She concludes, “When I was 10, my parents took me on safari in Kenya. Since then, I’ve known that this is what I wanted to do. Private practice pays the bills, but in the long-term, I am planning to be a full-time wildlife veterinarian.” After finishing her master’s project, Flacke is also planning to study for her Ph.D. in veterinary epidemiology and conduct her field work for this degree in South Africa.

Steve McAllister ’85, baseball scout

Work and play

mesh together for Steve McAllister ’85, whose passion for baseball has led to a lifelong career. “I went to Bradley for baseball, and a byproduct was an education. Professional baseball was always in the back of my mind,” says McAllister, who majored in health and physical education. McAllister played in the minor leagues for six years, with Houston and Pittsburgh. Since then, he has followed his dream as a baseball scout. Noting many scouts are former players or coaches, he says, “We’re a fraternity with a passion for baseball.” In his 19th year, McAllister currently scouts for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He also has worked for the Milwaukee Brewers, Anaheim Angels, and the Boston Red Sox. “In baseball, you develop friendships and gravitate to where your friends are. My boss in Arizona was in Boston, too.” Scouting involves a yearly cycle, starting in February with high school, junior college, and college players. “I’m the Midwest supervisor, so I’m responsible for four area scouts, and I see their top players. I start in the south and work my way north as the weather gets better. At the end of May, I go to Arizona and make a draft board. I rank players for the June draft.” He continues, “I switch gears in the summer and do pro scouting. We cover the professional leagues, Class A through Class AAA. We’re always looking for possible trades and releases. In the fall, we get a quick look at college players eligible for next year’s draft. From November to January, I work at home making telephone calls and preparing for the upcoming season.”

McAllister is directly responsible for watching six teams in the Midwest League: Clinton, Cedar Rapids, Burlington, Quad Cities, Dayton, and Peoria. He also covers the Chicago Cubs in September. “I’m looking at throwing, fielding, running, hitting, and power abilities. I also look at intangibles, like how hard he plays and his baseball instincts.” He adds, “Pitchers are bigger and stronger now than ever before, and players hit the ball farther. The negative is that players are not as well schooled on how to play a game, but as far as athleticism, they’re better. With pitchers, we look for a clean delivery. Each pitcher has to repeat his delivery to throw a lot of strikes.” McAllister has signed three eventual Big League players: Cal Eldred, who played for the Brewers, Chicago White Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals; Dennis Tankersley, who played with San Diego; and Morgan Burkheart, who played for Boston. Remembering his days at Bradley, McAllister says his coach, Dewey Kalmer, was outstanding at teaching the fundamentals of play and the mechanics of pitching. “I always listened when he talked to the pitchers, too, so I was ahead of the game when I started scouting. He gave me a good start, and he gave my son Zach a good start. Zach graduated from high school in May and was drafted this spring by the New York Yankees in the third round.” McAllister is married to Jeannine Ruff McAllister ’87 MA ’94. She is principal at St. Edward’s Grade School in Chillicothe. McAllister concludes, “It’s a fantastic job. I’m paid to go to ball games, and I get the good seats. I love the game, and I enjoy being affiliated with a Major League team.” Bradley Hilltopics Winter 2007 2007 Bradley Bradley Hilltopics Hilltopics Winter

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Cheryl Corley ’76 NPR reporter

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of a mining tunnel in Kentucky to the rooftops of homes built by prison inmates in Minnesota, Cheryl Corley ’76 keeps NPR (National Public Radio) listeners informed with news from the Midwest. She reports not only on events from her hometown of Chicago, but travels to small towns in South Dakota, larger cities in Ohio like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, and everywhere in between. When Corley was recruited by the late George Armstrong, assistant professor of communication, to participate on Bradley’s speech team, she had no idea what her dream job would be. More than 30 years later, she has found a niche that allows her to use her speech skills, meet people from all walks of life, and gain nationwide recognition among NPR listeners. Corley’s career in radio/TV began when she volunteered at WCBU while in college. After graduating, she worked in Peoria at both WCBU and WEEK-TV, then moved in 1984 to Chicago, first working at NPR affiliate WBEZ. “It was a great time to be a reporter. Harold Washington was the city’s first African-American mayor, and I reported on city council action.” She remembers the power struggle when Washington died, as many people had a vested interest in who would be the next mayor. “The day the city council met to select a new mayor, people surrounded City Hall, protesting and waiting. WBEZ broadcast that meeting from 10 a.m. until 4:01 a.m. the next day, when the mayor was selected. It was a long day, but it was a great day to be part of Chicago history in such an interesting way.” When Corley started at the NPR Chicago bureau, “It was a culture shock.” Instead of working at a Chicago station with a lot of people, she was working at the Midwest bureau with six people. “My job is to cover 12 states in the Midwest. I try to see what’s happening regionally that would merit being told on a national basis.” Corley says, “The Midwest often gets overlooked, but there are a lot of interesting places. My job, in part, is to bring the Midwest into the consciousness of the rest of the country.” Stories she has covered range from housing issues to floods in North Dakota to election coverage in Columbus, Ohio, to a story in Iowa about marriages between Iowans and Kenyans. Corley is among the NPR reporters who visit New Orleans on a recurring basis and she recently traveled there for a look at the city a year after Hurricane Katrina. “This big tragedy will resonate for the rest of our lives,” Corley says. “You really can’t understand it unless you go there. Many of the tourist areas are great. You wouldn’t know anything happened in the French Quarter. The city made a real effort to make sure areas that attract tourists are ready.” Corley says, “As a journalist, I realize the responsibility I have to tell peoples’ stories, to let their voices be heard, and to report accurately.” Referring specifically to her coverage of those impacted by Hurricane Katrina, she adds, “Because people have let me into their lives as they struggle to rebuild and contact family members, it’s an honor to report from there.” Corley says people profiles are among her favorite assignments. She says, “As a reporter, you see so much. You drop into people’s lives and then you’re gone. Sometimes, you wonder what happened.” She concludes, “In many ways, I’m always going to school. Each story is a little research project, and I’m always learning.” Visit npr.org for more information.

Nancy Ridgeway

From the depths

As a boy,

a curious Bill Costello ’83 was always tinkering around with toys and Sting-Ray bikes. As a teen, he rebuilt the engine of his 1968 Firebird. “I’ve always been interested in figuring out how things work. That’s how I became interested in engineering. Fast forward 20 years, and here I am building pieces of the International Space Station and satellites,” says Costello, who enjoys being a part of space exploration in his dream job as senior staff systems engineer at Lockheed-Martin (LM) in Sunnyvale, California. Among the projects Costello has worked on is the Solar Array Rotary Joint (SARJ), the piece that rotates the entire Solar Array truss of the International Space Station. The SARJ was built about eight years ago and just recently went up in the last space shuttle mission. Costello was asked by the program manager at LM to support the mission because of the responsibility he had in the design and manufacturing of the SARJ. He served as support to the Johnson Space Center team in Houston and watched a live video feed while the astronauts performed their space walk to remove hardware. They removed 16 launch locks on the SARJ, and Costello was closely involved with the design of those locks. He was involved in many engineering meetings to make sure execution would go according to plan. About seven years ago, Lockheed merged with Martin-Marietta, and the company has become more involved in building communication and weather satellites for companies such as Direct TV and GPS. Costello’s most recent accomplishment was being part of the team that built and launched a weather satellite on November 4. He concludes, “This is a dream job because it’s a lot like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. We have plans and procedures. I talk to the customer about requirements. Then, I’m involved in the engineering process from womb to tomb, or actually, from earth to universe. In aerospace, you rarely get to see hardware you designed in space. I’ve been here 20 years, and seeing the space shuttle launch in August and the satellite launch in November, both carrying hardware I helped to build, is an enormous professional accomplishment. It doesn’t get any better than that...and I’m happy to report that I still work on cars and bikes. I am restoring a 1957 Chevy Nomad, and enjoy time with my kids riding our Sting-Ray bikes.” Visit nasa.gov for more information about the space station.

Bill Costello ‘83 engineer for space ind

ustry

Susan Snyder Sumichrast ’6 business owne 8 r

Celebrities

like Bob Uecker, former baseball player, now sportscaster, comedian, and actor; people like the Schlitz family of Schlitz Brewing Co. (photo of their estate’s living room shown above); representatives of luxury resorts; and others turn to Susan Snyder Sumichrast ’68 when they want custom floor coverings. The owner of Carol Snyder & Associates in Milwaukee, Sumichrast says, “About 80 percent of our work comes from the residential market in the Wisconsin area and 20 percent is commercial projects. We recently finished flooring for the American Club, the only five-diamond club in the Midwest. They have a beautiful entrance, and we came up with ideas for custom carpet and handmade rugs with rich colors and a tribal feeling. I recently worked in a contemporary house with lots of art. They wanted art on the stairway and foyer. They had floating stairs, so the design had to be created to ‘read’ as you walked up the stairs and also when you were looking up under the stairs.” After graduating from Bradley with a degree in fine art, Sumichrast attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago and began a career in advertising. Her parents died young, and in 1988, she found herself trying to “finish up” the last orders her mother had begun at Carol Snyder & Associates. Sumichrast says, “I simply told people I did not know what I was doing, but would do my best to complete orders.” She soon realized this was her dream job because it weaves together her background in art and her interest in business. “I don’t want to be the artist; I enjoy the “big picture” aspect of working with the customer, the designer, and the carpet mill to create an ideal floor covering.” Sumichrast works with 50 designers and 12 architectural firms. Her job involves travel to meet with designers, as well as executives at some of the finest carpet mills in the world. Depending on the design, Sumichrast works with mills in Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, China, as well as U.S. mills in Maine, Michigan, and California. Sumichrast now works Monday through Thursday by appointment only. “We start with designs and ideas, and we talk about pricing. It helps to have the customer in the showroom with the designer so they can negotiate the look for the right price and move forward. Sumichrast says she enjoys the creative outlet most. “I love coming up with ideas for people.” She concludes, “I have a dream job. I work four days a week, bring my dog to work, and wear whatever I want. The pay is wonderful, and I get to be creative. Each project is new and different, and I love that.” Bradley Hilltopics Winter 2007

1920s Annabell Hagener Reynolds ’27, July 27, 2006, Moline. She taught home economics in Cordova. Ann was 101. Her son, five grandchildren, and several great- and great-greatgrandchildren survive. Mary Unger Holloway ’28, August 5, 2006, Chesterfield, Missouri. She was a newspaper reporter in Washington D.C., until 1935 when she began a career in federal government. Mary worked in the Department of Agriculture, the General Accounting Office, and the IRS. Survivors include two stepsons, 12 grandchildren, and many great- and greatgreat-grandchildren.

1930s Harold Lintz ’35, August 4, 2006, Peoria. He had a 40-year career with the U.S. Postal Service, serving as acting postmaster from 1961 to 1965. He then directed public relations at Madison Park Bank. Harold was president of the both the national and local alumni associations of Bradley University. He was the first president of the Newman Club at Bradley, and also was in the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame. Harold was chairman of the local United Way campaign in 1975. Survivors include eight children, 29 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren.

1940s Frank Hazzard ’43, July 6, 2006, Tucson, Arizona. He retired from Caterpillar Inc. as a planning engineer, and had worked in East Peoria and Davenport, Iowa. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star for his World War II service. Frank was a Mason and played in several Shrine bands. Survivors include his wife Lorene, five children, two stepchildren, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary Martin ’43, July 31, 2006, Lacon. She was a dietitian at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and retired from Hines Veterans Hospital. Mary lived in Westchester for many years. Harold Ronk ’43, August 2, 2006, Canton. Known as the original singing ringmaster, Harold had a 30-year career with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. His opening, “Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages…” was heard by millions. He welcomed countless dignitaries and celebrities, and sang the national anthem before each performance. Before becoming ringmaster in 1950,

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Harold was a musician in Washington, D.C. He was inducted into the Circus Hall of Fame in 2004. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Louis Vallosio ’48, May 24, 2006, Knoxville. He worked for Bliss-McKnight Insurance in Bloomington, retiring in 1994. A World War II veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, he attended the University of Chicago Law School. He was an active volunteer. Survivors include his wife Joan, one son, two stepdaughters, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Robert W. Hansen ’49, February, 2006, Omaha, Nebraska. Survivors include his wife Elinor, two children, and seven grandchildren. Willard Ohm ’49, May 19, 2006, Madison, Wisconsin. An architectural engineer, he led such Milwaukee building projects as the arena, performing arts center, and the Evinrude Motors plant, as well as several buildings on the Eau Claire campus of the University of Wisconsin. He was active in the Lutheran church in Wisconsin and in Fort Myers, Florida. He was an Army Air Forces veteran. Survivors include his son and three grandchildren.

1950s Eugene Beckmann ’50, July 3, 2006, Peoria. He worked in sales and was a fire inspector for the American Inspection and Ratings Bureau. He was a World War II Army Air Forces veteran. Surviving are his wife Janice, four children, three grandsons, and a great-granddaughter. Walter Dowdle ’50, June 19, 2006, Freeport. He had been a mechanical engineer for General Electric, Micro Switch, and United Technologies where he was director of product engineering until retiring in 1991. He held several patents. A World War II Navy veteran, he was an active member of his church. He is survived by his wife Norma, seven children, 14 grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. Walter “Bob” McCoy ’50, June 18, 2006, Glasford. He was a partner in Scott & McCoy Insurance and Real Estate Agency until retiring in 1990. Bob served on the board of Pekin Insurance for 25 years. He was active in local politics and Masonic work. A World War II Navy veteran, he was a member of Sigma Nu. His wife Carol Fahnestock McCoy ’52, four children, and 11 grandchildren survive. Robert Pille ’50, July 17, 2006, Tucson, Arizona. Bob was a sportswriter for the Chicago Sun-Times from 1966 until retiring in 1988. He also had worked at newspapers

in Detroit, Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., and Peoria. Among Bob’s awards was a 1999 honor from the All-American Football Foundation. In 2000 he was inducted into the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame. A member of Sigma Chi, he was a World War II Army veteran. His wife Martha survives. Garnette Cox Tribble ’50, May 5, 2006, Winter Haven, Florida. She was a teacher and had been president of the Aurora Women’s Club for four years. She was a member of Chi Omega. Her daughter, grandson, and greatgranddaughter survive. Donna Woertz Kettelkamp ’51, May 31, 2006, Fort Myers, Florida. She was a member of Chi Omega at Bradley. Two children and her granddaughter survive. Jack Hatch ’52, June 9, 2006, Peoria. He was a pastor at First United Methodist Church and a janitor at Bradley. Two sons survive. Lucille Murphy McGann MA ’52, June 22, 2006, West Peoria. She was a member of Limestone High School’s original faculty in 1953. Lucy also taught in Forrest and Peoria. She was a life member of the St. Patrick’s Society. Survivors include two children and five grandchildren. Alice Ryan Warne ’52 MA ’55, July 17, 2006, Delavan. She taught in grade schools in the Delavan and Tremont school districts. Alice was active in the historical society. Francis “Bud” Dwyer ’53, August 5, 2006, Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. He was a claims supervisor for American Mutual Insurance for 17 years, retiring in 1991. Bud was a World War II Marine Corps veteran. He enjoyed travel. Survivors include his wife Margaret, four children, and four grandchildren. Lucie Spears Setbacken ’53, May 16, 2006, San Francisco. She was a teacher in Richmond, California, for many years. Three children, two grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren survive. Robert J. Mueller ’56, June 2, 2006, Peru. He was an insurance broker for Duncan Insurance for 38 years. He coached Little League for 26 years. A disabled veteran, he served in the Army during the Korean War. Survivors include his wife Marge, four sons, and 11 grandchildren. Dwain Hamilton ’58, June 30, 2006, Morton. He was an accountant for Stevers Sand and Gravel from 1988 until retiring in 2001. Earlier he worked for C.A. Powley Company. Dwain was a Korean War Navy veteran. His parents, two daughters, and three grandchildren survive.

1960s Molly Kennedy Carr ’60, July 17, 2006, Richmond, Virginia. Molly worked at the Science Museum of Maryland in Baltimore and then with Shades of Light in Richmond. Her earlier career was in modeling and fashion. Surviving are her husband Gene, one son, and two grandsons. Bobby Joe Mason ’60, July 4, 2006, Springfield. He was the basketball team’s leading scorer when Bradley finished second in the NIT in 1959. Coach Chuck Orsborn referred to Bobby Joe as the best player he ever coached. In 2003, he was named to Bradley University’s Team of the Century. He played 15 seasons with the Harlem Globetrotters and was part of the group’s TV series. He then worked in Akron, Ohio, and later in Springfield for a state drug prevention program. Bobby Joe retired in August 2005 after 10 years with the Springfield Housing Authority. James Chamberlain ’63 MS ’67, April 16, 2006, Lake Forest. For 34 years he taught industrial arts and consumer education at Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools. He operated Chamberlain Construction. Jim had been a board member of the Roundout School District. His wife Anji, two daughters, and three grandchildren survive. Carol DiOrio Snopel ’63, July 14, 2006, LaGrange Park. Survivors include her son, grandson, and mother. Daniel Marinich ’68, June 9, 2006, Peoria. Norbert “Norm” Andersen ’69, June 5, 2006, Peoria. He worked in plant security at the Powerton Generating Station in Pekin. Norm had worked in air traffic control in the Air Force. Barbara Handley ’69, July 7, 2006, Peoria. Employed in the medical department at Caterpillar Inc. from 1947 to 1982, Barbara was founder and past president of the Peoria Association of Industrial Nurses. She was an instructor of First Aid and CPR. A World War II veteran, she served in the Army Nurses Corps. She was a longtime Sunday school teacher at Woodland Baptist Church.

1970s Barbara Hickam ’71 MA ’77, August 1, 2006, Washington. She retired in 1986 after teaching in Union, St. Clair, and Tazewell counties. She had been president of Alpha Delta Kappa, as well as the Business and Professional Women’s Club. Her son survives.

Richard E. “Dick” Davis ’72, June 19, 2006, Chatham. Freddy Downey Sr. ’72, June 2, 2006, Ridge Manor, Florida. He worked at International Harvester in Canton, and then at Anheuser-Busch in Tampa. He served in the Army Reserves. His wife Shirley, three children, and eight grandchildren survive. Richard Balcom ’74, June 7, 2006, Morton. Deborah Fischer Breger ’77, August 3, 2006, Highland Park. After graduation Debbie was a special education teacher at Willowbrook School in Glenview. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi. Survivors include her husband Harlan, two sons, and her mother.

1980s Paul DeJaynes ’87, June 25, 2006, Knoxville. He was a Bradley baseball player, later playing for the Atlanta Braves and California Angels. He played for the World Friendship Series in the U.S. and Europe and for the U.S. Baseball team from 1983 to 1986. He was a softball coach in Knoxville and conducted youth baseball clinics. Paul had worked as a territory manager for Garland Industries since 1999. Earlier he and his father owned a Galesburg driving range. Survivors include his wife Cynthia, three children, and his mother.

Brian Lenaburg ’89, May 1, 2006, San Diego, California. He worked in sales and marketing, most recently for Oasis Products. Brian was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa at Bradley. His parents and brother survive.

1990s Christopher Orr ’92, August 3, 2006, Jacksonville. He was a vice president of engineering at United Contractors Midwest in Springfield. He enjoyed woodworking. Survivors include his wife Diane, two children, and his parents.

2000s Melanie Miller ’00, July 8, 2006, East Peoria. Melanie was an RN at Methodist Medical Center. She was a softball player at Bradley. Her parents and brother survive. Gary Gleespen MA ’01, May 29, 2006, Peoria. He worked in sales at Carpet Weavers. Gary had been vice chairman of the local Republican Party. Survivors include his father. Sarah Fiedler ’06, July 30, 2006, Antioch. She was an active member of Chi Omega at Bradley. Sarah was a member of the Society for the Advancement of Management and Women in Business. She was a leadership team member at CrossView Church. Survivors include her parents and brother.

FA C U LT Y & S TA F F

Roger Kelley, a Senior Fellow in the College of Business Administration, died on October 4, 2006. He lived in Lynn Haven, Florida. After retiring from Caterpillar Inc. in 1981, he taught courses and helped link Bradley and the business community. His efforts led to the formation of the Leadership Development Center (LDC). He also was a Senior Fellow in the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina. As a vice president at Caterpillar he was responsible for labor relations and public affairs. He was appointed Assistant Secretary of Defense by the President, serving from 1969 to 1973. He was responsible for the study that ended the draft and created an all-volunteer force. Roger was a World War II Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife Mary, five children, 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Thomas P. Smith, former executive director of the center for career development, died in March 2006. He lived in Las Vegas. Tom came to Bradley from Drake University in 1981. He held two master’s degrees from the University of Arizona. In 1992, the Smith Career Center was named in memory of his father and in honor of his mother from a gift given by Tom and his wife Anne DeLong Smith ’84. Bradley awarded him honorary alumnus status in 1996. Survivors include his wife and his mother. Bradley Hilltopics Winter 2007

people & events

Alumni Events January 13 San Diego wine tasting at Orfila Vineyards and Winery, 13455 San Pasqual Road, Escondido, 6:30 p.m.; $42 January 18 Los Angeles Bradley University Hollywood Gala Reception, Le Meridian Hotel Garden Room, 405 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 6:30 p.m. February 9 San Francisco shoot around with the Golden State Warriors and Patrick O’Bryant ’09, Oakland Coliseum, Golden State vs. Chicago Bulls, 6 p.m. meet O’Bryant courtside, 7:30 p.m. game; $25 February 10 St. Louis alumni event, Fast Eddie’s Bon Air, 1530 E. Fourth St., Alton, noon February 13 Chicago Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors (with Anthony Parker ’97), pre-game party at Moretti’s, 1645 W. Jackson; $55 includes party, game ticket, and shuttle to and from the game March 25 Sarasota brunch, Longboat Key Country Club, 301 Gulf of Mexico Dr., noon; $25

St. Louis The St. Louis Area Bradley Alumni Chapter hosted a picnic for new Bradley students on August 6 at Creve Coeur Park. More than 100 alumni, friends, and new students attended. Shown from left (front row) are Diane Meyer Ruffus ’95, Trish Bell Little ’95, Meghann Dermott ’04, Meredith Seckman ’05, (middle row) Amy Overmyer ’01, Sheary Crane Meyer ’97, David Schwartz ’04, Monica McKenna ’05, (back row) Henry Soltermann ’53, Thomas Ahart ’89 MA ’92, Bruce Brooks ’77, Julie Brooks ’79, and Kristin Smith Ladewig ’93.

May 4 Peoria CIBAC annual wine tasting reception, WTVP Studios, 101 State Street, 5:30 p.m.

Spring Chorale Tour March 29 Oak Park Unity Temple, 875 Lake Street, 7:30 p.m. An alumni reception will follow the concert. March 30 Rockford Second Congregational Church 318 N. Church Street, 7:30 p.m. March 31 Rock Island Ascension Chapel, Augustana College  639 38th Street, 7:30 p.m. April 1 Rock Island Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church 2324 18th Avenue, 11 a.m. service April 1 Dixon First Presbyterian Church Third and Galena Avenues, 4 p.m. For more information contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 309-677-2240, 800-952-8258, or alumnirelations@alum.bradley.edu.

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San Francisco About 25 alumni, friends and family attended an Oakland A’s vs. White Sox baseball game on September 16 at Oakland Coliseum.

Peoria More than 100 alumni and fans enjoyed CIBAC’s annual Bratfest on August 31 at the ITOO Pavilion. Children were treated to a soccer clinic and scrimmage with head soccer coach Jim DeRose and the entire Braves team, and CIBAC raised more than $700 through a silent auction for the soccer program.

Peoria More than 300 alumni, friends, and students attended the 2006 Black Alumni Reunion during Bradley’s Homecoming weekend. Alumni attended Homecoming events as well as a boat cruise, a student/alumni speed-networking luncheon, and a dinner dance during the weekend. In addition, over 70 alums attended the inaugural meeting of the Bradley University Black Alumni Alliance (BUBAA). Shown from left are Doug White ‘82, Mike Davis ‘75, Renee Webb ‘74, and Georgina Heard ‘74.

February

10th

Pre-game party 12-2 p.m. Peoria Civic Center theater lobby Cash bar, ice cream sundae bar, snacks Free admission

Game 2:05 p.m. Bradley vs. Drake Purchase half-price tickets through the Alumni Office, 309-677-2240 or 800-952-8258 Los Angeles Twenty alumni and family members enjoyed a day on Catalina Island on September 9. Shown from left are Slobodanka Nestoravic ’00, Melanie Doran-Traxler ’82, Ryan Self ’05, Mitch Giffin ’02, Jamie Proctor ’04, Ana Maria Razo Schulte ’89, David Mabee ’57, Karen Schmelig ’86, Dee Brockman Lorenzetti ’61, Ana Lisa Mabee, and Bill Rice ’52.

Contact your local alumni chapter at

bradley.edu/ alumni

Post-game party 4:30-6:30 p.m. inPlay at the Maxam Grill, 316 SW Washington St. Meet members of the Bradley Braves Cash bar, snacks Let us know if you plan to attend either party Visit bradley.edu/alumni and click on the events link

Bradley Hilltopics Winter 2007

InAppreciation David Markin pledges $8 million

Recreation center to be named in his family’s honor David Markin ’53 agrees with Bradley founder Lydia Moss Bradley’s approach to philanthropy. Give now, while you’re here to see others benefit. With that in mind, Markin has pledged more than $8 million toward a state-of-the-art student recreation center. “One of the great pleasures about being fairly successful is you can direct what you’re doing while you’re here,” says Markin. Just as Lydia Moss Bradley was a leader in business and philanthropy, so is Markin. As a student at Bradley, he was captain of the tennis team and a co-founder and president of his fraternity. As CEO of Checker Motors Co., Markin led his company through the 1980s, lean years in the automobile

industry, by deciding to discontinue manufacturing taxi cabs and instead to do contract work for the Big Three automakers. That move, though questioned at the time, is now considered to be one of Markin’s wisest decisions. The success of his company not only saved jobs for hundreds of workers, it solidified the continued prosperity of the company. Markin also is known as a generous benefactor on a national level and in his hometown of Kalamazoo, Michigan. The U.S. Tennis Association relied on his vision, leadership, and commitment to build the Arthur Ashe Stadium, home to the U.S. Open, in Flushing Meadows, New York, when he was president of USTA. The residents of Kalamazoo benefit from his gifts to the park district, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and Kalamazoo College for indoor tennis courts. At Bradley, the David R. Markin Tennis Courts, dedicated in 1998, were named in honor of Markin’s generous support to the University. Now, the Markin Family Student Recreation Center will benefit thousands of students for years to come. The 130,000square-foot center will be built between Glenwood and Maplewood Avenues, west of Cullom-Davis Library. The project will begin this spring.

Winning atmosphere

David Markin ’53 (right) is the only individual to twice receive the President’s Award for leadership, service, and philanthropic support. Shown with Bradley president Dr. David Broski, Markin is a Bradley Centurion and was the 1999 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He served on the Bradley Board of Trustees from 1992 to 2004, and is now an honorary member. He first received the President’s Award in 1997.

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Markin comments, “Raising money for beautiful facilities—not only for the students and athletes, but also for the faculty—is important to a winning atmosphere at a university like Bradley.” He wants Bradley to always be a first choice among top students and says, “I wanted to leave the school better than I found it—a modern facility far surpassing expectations, a top-flight university.” “My family is proud to be part of the new student recreation center, and I’m thrilled to be part of the process,” Markin adds. “It gives me infinite pleasure because of all my fond memories here.” He encourages others to give as well: “A private school depends upon people like you and me—we all have some ability to help the school. We have to do it ourselves. If we want to continue to attract a higher grade of student, we have to offer facilities and a first-rate educational background. All of that— unfortunately, those pretty words—costs money. And we’re all in this together. We all want to see our school grow and prosper. We have to help it.”

As a student leader,

David Markin (right) co-founded Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and served as its president.

As a corporate leader,

David Markin expanded Checker Motors from a manufacturer of a single product to becoming a major supplier to the automobile industry.

The Markin Family Student Recreation Center will include four basketball courts for intramural and recreational games, a championship basketball court, a 1/8-mile running/walking track open to the entire campus population, climbing wall, juice bar, indoor pool, weight room, exercise rooms, and other amenities. The Wellness Program and Counseling Services will be located in the lower level, as will the University’s Health Center and two labs to support the Department of Nursing.

Visit bradley.edu/spotlight/building/ to view the video tribute to David Markin, the 2006 recipient of the Bradley University President’s Award.

As a team leader,

David Markin advanced men’s tennis as team captain and doubles champion.

As a national tennis leader,

David Markin piloted the development and building of the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, home to the U.S. Open.

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