PRESIDENT’S REPORT
n
2012 –13
Dear Bradley family, The 2012-13 academic year was simply amazing as we proudly celebrated three monumental events. First, on October 12, we re-dedicated Westlake Hall, the final jewel in the Renaissance Campaign that was designed to meet LEED certification at the Gold level by the U.S. Green Building Council. Bradley’s second-oldest building has grown to six times its original size, setting a new standard for Bradley’s learning environments. With tremendous modernization on the inside and familiar features on the outside, this campus mainstay embodies the University’s rich heritage and promising future. Two weeks later Bradley announced the creation of the Robert and Carolyn Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the first of its kind in the nation. The Turner School gives our students the tools they need to be successful entrepreneurs. The program encourages students in all five colleges across our campus to think creatively, realize their untapped opportunities and capitalize on their passion. Buoyed by special initiatives that include Project Springboard, the entrepreneurial spirit continues to soar at Bradley. This year marked the seventh year that Project Springboard helped our students realize their entrepreneurial dreams. Brothers Scott Harbaugh ’86 and Mark Harbaugh ’91 are successful at what they call the art of entrepreneurship and want the next generation of students to carry the torch. The dynamic pair value their Bradley Experience and return to the Hilltop annually in support of this outstanding competition. The next milestone, the naming of the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology, recognized Bradley’s close relationship with Caterpillar Inc. The collaborative relationship began in 1949 with Caterpillar’s first investment in Bradley University. Bradley and Caterpillar are partners in progress and benefit greatly from this reciprocal and critically important relationship that significantly impacts central Illinois. This year’s President’s Report chronicles these events along with many other achievements by faculty, students and alumni. In addition, we are proud to recognize a number of individuals who have provided generous financial support to assist Bradley in reaching its goal of becoming an institution of national distinction. Among those featured are Dr. Kurt and Betsy Field, who have given annually to the University for 31 consecutive years, and the Bradley University Black Alumni Alliance, Bradley’s largest affinity group, that has helped more than 100 students with scholarship support. What is important in each of the feature stories is not how much was given, but that a gift was made to the University. Last year we increased our alumni participation level to 17%; our goal next year is 20%. I am confident that we can achieve that goal and take our rightful place among our top peer institutions nationally. I hope you enjoy reading this year’s report. Again, I thank you for your continued interest in and passion for our extraordinary institution. Warm regards,
Joanne K. Glasser President
On the cover: Picturesque view of the Olin Quad from the second floor conference room of Westlake Hall.
YEARIN INREVIEW REVIEW YEAR CAMPAIGN Facility for the future. The $24 million renovation and expansion of Westlake Hall is complete, and a rededication ceremony was held last fall. The facility features more than $1 million of sophisticated technology. Built in 1897, Westlake Hall originally measured 13,386 square feet and now is 84,591 square feet. The final building project in the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance was designed to maintain a sense of the building’s history and to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification. PROGRAMS Caterpillar College. In recognition of the company’s generosity and long association with Bradley, the University named the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology. Bradley added a fouryear engineering degree to its curriculum in 1939, and Caterpillar made its first gift of $70,000 to the University in 1949. Bradley and Caterpillar have collaborated on a variety of experiential learning programs, research, scholarships, continuing education opportunities, Caterpillar Professorships and a Caterpillar Lecture Series. Caterpillar has been a leader in Bradley’s fundraising campaigns. Caterpillar Foundation’s lead gift of $30
unveiled a new visual identity system designed to provide a consistent, distinctive presence among all sports. The primary logo features a red and white “B” and incorporates a shield graphic with the word “Bradley” beneath it. The new brand is gradually being incorporated onto the uniforms, warm-ups and practice gear of Bradley’s 15 athletic teams. ACADEMIC RECOGNITION A new look for athletics million to the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance set a University record and helped Bradley surpass its target goal and raise $161 million. First in the nation. The Robert and Carolyn Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation was dedicated last October. The first of its kind in the nation, the school allows students in all disciplines to focus on entrepreneurship and innovation in both classroom and experiential settings. Named for Robert Turner ’77 MBA ’78 and his wife Carolyn, the school expands upon the entrepreneurship curriculum already offered. Students in all majors can participate in hands-on learning opportunities including entrepreneurial internships, a distinguished entrepreneurship speaker series and mentorships. A new look for athletics. Bradley University Athletics
Service program wins national award
Among the best. For the 13th consecutive year, Bradley University was ranked among the top universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report in its “America’s Best Colleges” list. Bradley ranked sixth among universities in the region and fifth among Midwestern schools in the list of “Great Schools, Great Prices” based on academic quality and affordability. The publication also ranked the doctor of physical therapy program among the Top 100 in the nation, and the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology was again recognized as one of the best undergraduate programs in its category. The Princeton Review again named Bradley in its annual college guide The Best 377 Colleges. Bradley’s athletic facilities rank in the Top 20 nationally, and Bradley was named one of the “Top Undergraduate Schools to Study Video Game Design for 2013.” Bradley ranked in the Top 20 in Animation Career Review’s list of best Animation Programs in the Midwest. Also, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked Bradley’s undergraduate entrepreneurship program among the Top 25 in the nation among 2,000 schools reviewed for the second consecutive year. Professors honored. Three Bradley professors were honored at the Founder’s Day convocation last October. Dr. Heljä Antola Crowe, professor in the Department of Teacher Education, received the Charles M. Putman Award for Teaching Excellence. A Bradley professor since 1993,
Dr. Antola Crowe has held the William Kemper Teaching Excellence Fellowship twice and has directed the Professional Development Schools project in Peoria. Dr. Lori Russell-Chapin received the Samuel Rothberg Award for Professional Excellence. The award recognizes contributions to research or creative productions. Dr. Russell-Chapin has authored and co-authored numerous books and journal articles. The associate dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences, she teaches graduate-level counseling courses and is the co-director of the Center for Collaborative Brain Research. Dr. Peggy Flannigan received the Francis C. Mergen Award for Public Service. An associate professor of nursing, she has volunteered with the Mark Linder Walk for the Mind; the Tazewell County Breast and Cervical Cancer Coalition; the Tazewell County Women’s Health Event; the SAME Café, and at her church. Service program wins national award. The Lewis J. Burger Center for Student Leadership and Public Service received the Jenzabar Foundation’s Leadership Award last fall. Bradley students raised $194,000 for more than 75 charities and volunteered more than 48,500 hours during 2011. The Jenzabar Foundation encourages humanitarian efforts among students worldwide.
Kiayla Jackson ’15 in the spotlight
Well composed. A sonata written by temporary assistant professor of music Dr. John Orfe was selected for the 2012 Heckscher Composition Prize, presented by the Ithaca College School of Music in Ithaca, N.Y. Orfe’s sonata was chosen from nearly 200 entries worldwide. His work, “Sonata for Flute and Piano,” was developed from his collaboration with professional flutist Sergio Pallottelli. Sharing research. Dr. Shah Tarzi, the Lee L. Morgan Chair in International Economic Affairs, discussed the direction of American grand strategy as the inaugural speaker in a new speaker series in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The series is designed to share faculty research with students, other faculty and community members. Fulbright Fellows. Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships were awarded to Brittany Horton ’12, Anna Treesara ’13 and Nausheen Farishta ’11. Horton taught in South Korea for the 2012-13 academic year. Treesara will teach in Thailand, and Farishta will teach in Spain during the 2013-14 academic year. Dr. Cecile Arquette, associate professor in the Department of Teacher Education, received a Fulbright Scholar award to teach English as a foreign language at Pontifical Catholic University in Valparaiso, Chile, from March to July 2014. In the spotlight. Kiayla Jackson ’15 won the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship at the Region III Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. The first Bradley student to win the competition, she was among 16 collegiate actors who participated in acting workshops and competed for two scholarships in Washington, D.C. The Irene Ryan Foundation, named after the late actress best remembered as Granny from “The Beverly Hillbillies,” awards scholarships to student performers.
Fulbright Scholar: Dr. Cecile Arquette Alumni honored. Three alumni, one of whom received the Distinguished Alumna Award (DAA), were inducted into the Centurion Society last October. Receiving the DAA was Nuria White Fernandez ’82, chief operating officer for the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the largest transportation system in the nation. Also inducted were Kary Gennarelli McIlwain ’81, president of Y&R Midwest (formerly Young & Rubicam) and managing partner of Y&R North America, and James Barr ’68, co-founder of River City Construction in Peoria. The Centurion Society was established in 1982 to recognize alumni for outstanding achievements in their fields, bringing national and international recognition to the University. PEOPLE Blazing the way. With an eye on continued enrollment of high-achieving students and creating a more geographically diverse student population, Paul Schroeder was named vice president for enrollment management. He most recently was senior educational manager at the College Board in Rosemont, Ill., where he consulted with regional colleges and universities on enrollment strategy planning. Nathan Thomas was named interim vice president for student affairs. He came to Bradley in 2000 as director of Greek life and has been executive director of residential living and
Financial Indicators 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Contribution Ratios (percentage of current fund revenues) Tuition and Fees Contributions
57.7%
59.0%
61.9%
62.5%
61.1%
2.6% 1.4% 0.9% 1.2% 2.1%
Investment Return for Operations
10.5%
Auxiliary Income
15.5% 16.1% 16.6% 16.4% 15.4%
7.0%
6.4%
6.0%
6.6%
Market Value of Investments ($000s) Endowment Funds Annuities & Funds Held in Trust
1947. Robertson also guided Bradley into the Missouri Valley Conference. Speech Team’s legend continues. The University Speech Team captured its third and fourth consecutive tournament titles this spring, winning both the National Forensic Association and the American Forensic Association
242,512 172,618 202,044 237,122 211,113 11,857
9,493
9,759
10,230
9,098
Cash and Cash Equivalents ($000s) 17,901
30,048
13,442
412
1,049
Liquidity Indicators Cash and Investments to Operations Debt to Equity
216.6% 163.4% 172.8% 173.2% 148.9% 32.7%
39.4%
35.8%
31.7%
32.8%
5,508
5,318
5,337
5,332
5,193
Other Selected Data Full-time Equivalent Enrollment Total University Assets, Net ($000s)
386,135 322,356 353,202 389,361 370,830
Private Gifts Total ($000s)
18,312 16,151 15,880 13,841 17,200
Copies of the University’s audited 2011-12 annual financial report and additional information are available from the Office of the Vice President for Business Affairs, 1501 W. Bradley Avenue, Peoria, IL 61625.
leadership since 2004. Thomas succeeds Dr. Alan Galsky, who requested a leave of absence. He plans to rejoin the Department of Biology this fall and return to his passion of teaching.
Unexpected Journey. She won an Oscar at the 2006 Academy Awards for her work in makeup in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
At the Academy Awards. Tami Lane ’96 earned a 2013 Oscar nomination in the makeup and hairstyling category for her work in The Hobbit: An
Hall of Fame. Chet Walker ’62 was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame. Walker led Bradley to the 1960 NIT title and was a seven-time All-Star in 13 NBA seasons. He ranks among Bradley’s leaders in scoring and rebounds.
Remembering Robbie
Remembering Robbie. A bronze statue of A.J. Robertson, coach and athletic director from 1920 to 1948, was unveiled during Homecoming 2012. The statue stands in a cul-de-sac near the Renaissance Coliseum. Robertson coached baseball, football and basketball and led the men’s basketball team to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 1938, 1939 and
Speech Team’s legend continues: Kaybee Brown ’14 and Jacoby Cochran ’13 competitions. This is the second consecutive year the team has won both national championships, and the win marks Bradley’s 41st national speech championship title since 1978. Kaybee Brown ’14 was the individual sweepstakes champion at the NFA event, and Jacoby Cochran ’13 captured the title at the AFA tournament. Cochran also won the national championship at the Interstate Oratory Contest.
Hall of Famer #31
Board of Trustees Officers Mr. Robert E. Turner ’77 MBA ’78, Chairman Chairman/Chief Investment Officer Turner Investment Partners, Inc. Mr. Douglas S. Stewart MBA ’79, Vice Chairman Regional President, PNC Bank Ms. Georgina E. Heard-Labonne ’74, Secretary Associate Director, Illinois Department of Transportation Trustees Mr. Keith L. Alm ’65 Chairman O-Sage Power Equipment LLC Mr. Carl M. Birkelbach ’62 President, Birkelbach Corporation Mr. Gary A. Burk ’74 Retired C.O.O. & Vice Chairman Duke Realty Mr. Calvin G. Butler, Jr. ’91 Senior Vice President, Strategy, Regulatory & External Affairs Baltimore Gas & Electric Mr. Robert J. Clark ’67 Chairman/CEO, 3Bear Energy, LLC
Ms. Cheryl D. Corley ’76 Midwest Correspondent National Public Radio
Dr. Lindsey R. Rolston ’85 Orthopedic Surgeon Henry County Hospital
Joanne K. Glasser, Esq. President, Bradley University
Mr. Gerald L. Shaheen ’66 MBA ’68 Retired Group President Caterpillar Inc.
Mr. William P. Heidrich Partner, Hackmeyer-Heidrich Real Estate President, Oakriver Foundation Ms. Kathleen M.B. Holst ’79 Retired Senior Vice President RoadSafe Traffic Systems, Inc. Mrs. Joan L. Janssen ’69 Community Volunteer The Honorable Robin L. Kelly ’78 MA ’82 U.S. House of Representatives Mr. Wayne G. Klasing ’64 Retired President/CEO, Klasing Industries, Inc. Mr. Michael A. Landwirth Chairman/Principal Wald/Land Corporation Mr. Richard P. Lavin Retired Group President Caterpillar Inc.
Mr. Mel J. Smith ’65 President Investment Concepts, Inc. Mr. Rajesh K. Soin MSIE ’71 Chairman/CEO Soin International Mr. W. Philip Wilmington ’79 Chairman, Bancshares Corporation Honorary Trustee The Honorable Robert H. Michel ’48 HON ’81 Retired, U.S. House of Representatives Senior Advisor for Hogan Lovells US LLP
The footprint of Westlake Hall, one of the first three original buildings, was expanded by six times its initial size. The beautiful limestone building is now a stunning blend of the past and the future.
Turners’ gifts are wise investments Bob Turner ’77 MBA ’78, a top investment expert, makes quality decisions based on the potential for growth. This is why he and his wife Carolyn believe in giving back to an institution that is poised for greatness: Bradley University. “Bob and his family have benefitted so much from Bradley — the education, the environment,” Carolyn said. “Bradley is large enough to be diverse and interesting, but small enough to honor the individual. Only a certain group of schools can do it, and Bradley does it well.” The Turners’ youngest son Andrew Turner ’11 also chose to attend Bradley. “As a parent, I really appreciate Bradley,” Carolyn said. “It had all the elements he needed, and he blossomed there.
Our son was at a state-of-the-art campus receiving a great education.” An innovator, a thought leader and an entrepreneur, Bob attributes his success, in large part, to his excellent Bradley education. Now chair of Bradley University’s Board of Trustees, Bob along with his brother, Mark Turner ’78, opened a small brokerage business in Berwyn, Pa. In 1991, after one year in business, they managed nearly $100 million in assets. Today, Turner Investments has grown to 100 employees and manages a portfolio of $11 billion in assets. Reflecting on his own college experience, Bob remembers commuting from nearby Yates City to the Hilltop for two of his three undergraduate years as he
pursued a degree in accounting. He realized accounting was not his passion and sought advice from Dr. John Wholihan, director of the MBA program at the time, who encouraged him to be a graduate assistant. “I view my MBA experience as life-changing,” Bob said. He found his passion in investments and developed close ties with professors and fellow students. “Bradley excels at meeting the needs of its students,” Bob said. In return, the Turners excel at helping Bradley. Their gifts established the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship, the Turner Chair for Entrepreneurship, and most recently, the Robert and Carolyn Turner School for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
The Turner School is the first freestanding school of entrepreneurship in the nation and is open to every student in every discipline on campus. Students receive the support, education and experience to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. “Students can develop an entrepreneurial skill set and overlay it with their profession and passion,” Carolyn said. Bob Turner believes the School will bring increased national recognition to Bradley. “It will be great to see teachers form learning centers, artists open galleries, and computer graphics students put together their own films. Students in all colleges will benefit from this program in their careers as they move forward.”
From left, Andrew Turner ’11, President Joanne Glasser, Bob Turner ’77 MBA ’78 and Carolyn Turner.
Fields share the Bradley Experience Dr. Kurt Field and Betsy Field have taught, mentored and formed deep bonds on campus since the 1970s when Kurt joined the chemistry faculty, and Betsy taught French. To express their affinity, the Fields have directed their gifts for the past 31 years to scholarships — with the hope that young people can enjoy the Bradley Experience with minimal debt. The Fields have seen the Bradley Experience in action. “We choose to give to Bradley because we have been here, we know the people and we have seen how hard the faculty works. We believe in a Bradley education,” Kurt said. Betsy taught on the Hilltop from 1979 to 1997. She has
twice served as the president of the Bradley Women’s Club. Kurt chairs the MundLagowski Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He has taught chemistry at all levels, including special topics and study abroad courses. He also has mentored more than 100 undergraduate research participants and six graduate students. As department chair, Kurt gladly asks alumni to support the University. “I was the kid who never sold candy bars to the neighbors, but when you’ve got something great to sell, you don’t have to be good at it. You just have to believe in it. I visit with people I have known for a long time and instill in them
or revive in them their feelings about Bradley.” The department has a longstanding relationship with Drs. Joseph and Jeanne Mund Lagowski ’51 MS ’52, and Kurt became acquainted with the couple when he became department chair. Their gift in 2011 led to the University’s first named department. “I was fortunate to have our relationship culminate with a gift during my time as chair,” said Kurt, who helped articulate what the department would do with the donation. The gift funds a variety of initiatives that significantly enhance the quality of education for chemistry and biochemistry students, including faculty grants and awards, faculty-mentored research, student stipends and more. During Kurt’s distinguished history of service to the University, he helped develop a general education program for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1979, which eventually led to a Universitywide review of general education requirements. He has served as president of University Senate, interim dean of the Graduate School, on the Intercollegiate Athletic Committee and on dozens of other college and university committees.
Harbaughs back Bradley entrepreneurs For brothers Scott ’86 (at right) and Mark Harbaugh ’91, Bradley is reviving a lost but crucial art — the art of entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurship is the engine that drives America. Entrepreneurs provide the jobs and the heart and soul of the economy,” said Mark, who graduated with a business degree. “And the art of taking an idea and turning it into a business is becoming lost.” But through the establishment of the Robert and Carolyn Turner School for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Bradley’s push for greater convergence between business and engineering, the Harbaughs see their alma mater as a leading force in energizing tomorrow’s leaders. Operating successful companies themselves in Carol Stream, Ill., sons of a leading entrepreneur understand firsthand the
importance of today’s students channeling their creativity and drive in the marketplace. And the brothers are passing that entrepreneurial spirit on to Bradley students through their continued donations to the University and, especially, Project Springboard. An annual entrepreneurship contest where students develop, pitch and implement their own business plans, Project Springboard provides real-life experience and encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs on campus. “It was a natural fit for us,” Mark said of supporting the seven-year-old competition. “The fact that Bradley has recognized and is becoming a leader in the field of entrepreneurship is great for the University and for students.” Mark, who heads Ditch Witch Midwest, Rentals Plus and First Choice Equipment, and Scott,
who heads Gen Power and Illini Power Products, companies started by their father, Earl, say they believe strongly in giving today’s students the resources, knowledge and experiences needed to launch their career or ideas. They even express a bit of envy at the wealth of opportunities today’s Bradley students have at their disposal, thanks to initiatives like Project Springboard and the Turner School. “I want to give today’s students the same chance that I had. I truly enjoyed my Bradley experience and like to promote it anyway I can,” said Scott, an engineering graduate. Scott and Mark say the personal interactions with their professors and ideal campus size made the University a clear choice. Supporting Project Springboard also gives the brothers a reason to revisit campus each year. The pair, who pledged the same fraternity, Delta Upsilon, is amazed to see the many improvements taking place on the Hilltop and in the surrounding community. Although they did not attend Bradley at the same time, Scott said he and his brother love to reminisce about their college years. “It’s like returning home when I visit,” Scott said. “When I walk on campus, I’m proud to be from Bradley.”
BUBAA sets the bar for giving Ashley Horton ’13 cannot wait to join the alumni group that has sponsored her education, the Bradley University Black Alumni Alliance (BUBAA). Horton, who plans to become an elementary school math teacher after graduation, is one of eight students to receive a BUBAA scholarship this year. “It means a lot to me, and it gives me hope, especially as a minority on campus, to know that people are willing to help continue my education by offering a helping hand,” Ashley said. BUBAA is one of the University’s five affinity groups created to connect alumni through their common experi-
ences at Bradley. With approximately 1,700 members, BUBAA serves as one of Bradley’s largest and most active affinity groups. BUBAA’s objectives are to promote academic achievement among black students, to enhance their involvement through mentoring and networking, and to provide financial support to current black students at Bradley. With awards ranging up to $1,500, the Black Alumni Scholarship and the Barbara Penelton Endowed Scholarship have assisted more than 100 students since 1993. In that time, the total amount raised for both scholarships has surpassed $185,000. “It’s so encouraging to know
there are people out there who care,” Ashley said. To raise money for these scholarships, BUBAA members help run concession stands at Soldier Field during Bears games and other events. They also host blood drives for the American Red Cross (ARC). Since 2010, BUBAA has hosted six blood drives, collecting 139 units of blood, and benefiting more than 400 patients. “Our motivation is always to help and to give back to students who are on campus,” said Hubert Stalling ’85, chair of BUBAA’s Scholarship and Fundraising Committee. In addition to raising money, the
group has a reunion at Bradley every other year to foster the network of alumni and reconnect to Bradley. BUBAA members most recently returned to campus on March 30 to celebrate the unveiling and dedication of the Dr. Gene Young Conference Room in the Hayden-Clark Alumni Center. Dr. Young, a civil rights activist, served as director of Black Studies and director of Minority Student Services at Bradley from 1977 to 1984, and BUBAA members contributed to honor him with this room. Hubert was pleased that so many alumni returned to campus to recognize Dr. Young and reconnect with Bradley.
BUBAA members from left, Anson Goode ‘14, Hubert Stalling ‘85, Chinyere Achusim ‘13, Ashley Horton ‘13, and Josiah Williams ‘14. Lori Fan, executive director of Alumni Relations, is impressed with BUBAA’s activism and enthusiasm. “It’s easy to see how commit-
Young construction graduate gives back As a proud legacy student whose parents, Mike Seymour ’76 and Sue Butler Seymour ’75, paved a path for his Bradley adventure, Joe Seymour ’04 recalled forging his own way to study abroad in London his junior year, thanks to a Civil Engineering and Construction scholarship. Not only did he receive an excellent education as a construction management major, he also was given the opportunity to work for River City Construction (RCC) in East Peoria during his senior year, and he has been there ever since. The Godfrey, Ill., native is now a project manager based in Benton, Ill., and one of 15 alumni who are actively engaged in the Bradley Alumni with River City Construction (BARCC) Foundation.
“Bradley gave me a strong foundation for education, friendships and business, and I wanted to give back,” Joe said. “I joined the BARCC to pay forward the experiences that companies such as River City Construction gave me while I was attending Bradley. I think it’s important for alumni to start giving at a young age.” Each year, the foundation funds two $3,500 scholarships for students in the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction (CEC). For the past several years, the group also has contributed to the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance and the planned Engineering and Business Convergence Center. BARCC was established by Jim Barr ’68, co-founder of RCC and a Bradley Centurion. Barr noted that the group, now led by
ted BUBAA members are both to one other and to the service of students,” she said. “The group epitomizes Bradley’s vision of alumni relations.”
RCC President Bernie Koch ’83, has built a 97 percent participation rate over its 18 years. BARCC’s additional contributions have included funding CEC student organizations, the Center for Emerging Technologies in Infrastructure, the CEC Global Explorer program, the bridge and concrete canoe competitions, the Diversity and Leadership Fund, LEED programs and other CEC initiatives. Many faculty members influenced Joe’s career and his success at River City Construction, he said, but Professors Burl George ’83 and Dr. F. Eugene Rebholz MBA ’76 were especially important. “They both have unparalleled knowledge of the construction industry and stories that augmented their teaching.” Seymour said he plans to continue his relationship with Bradley for many years to come. “I wouldn’t be where I am today in my career without the lessons and experiences I gained on the Hilltop and without the support of alumni who came before me.” While a student, Joe was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and the Association of General Contractors. His younger brother, Jim, graduated in 2008. Joe and his wife, Jackie, have three children, Camryn, Kenzi and Cade. They live in Fairview Heights, Ill.