[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Our Goals
- Westlake Hall
- Engineering and Business
Convergence Center - Markin Family Student
Recreation Center - Athletic Performance Center
- Men's Basketball
Practice Facility - Alumni Center
- Academic Excellence
- View Our Video
- View scenes from
the Campaign Gala - Hayden-Clark Alumni Center Groundbreaking
- Westlake Hall Groundbreaking
News & Updates
Why I give to Bradley University
By Laura Herlovich '79
There are hundreds of reasons I give to Bradley and I'd like to share a few.
Laura Herlovich '79 was on the Anaga yearbook staff while a student at Bradley.
I give because I love Bradley, still to this day, some 30 years after my graduation. I will tell anyone and everyone what a perfect college Bradley is and what an amazing experience it was for me and continues to be today through friendships, giving, mentoring, basketball, gondolas, etc.
Bradley was perfect for me because the university provided the financial aid that made it possible for me to even attend. Bradley allowed me a chance to work in sports public relations, and graduate with a resume so impressive that I landed a PR job in the NBA. Back in 1979, and being a woman in Salt Lake City, it was against all odds to land one of 50 of those jobs in the NBA!
I loved being in Chi Omega, a little sis to Sigma Chi, dating a Lambda Chi, working in Sports Information, getting “face time” at Haussler Hall and getting paid for it, being on Student Senate and going to Hunt's for a pork tenderloin.
I loved the vines on Bradley Hall, fall in Peoria, the first snowstorm each year, sorority rush, fall break, Jumer's cinnamon rolls, wearing tube tops and overalls, basketball games, baseball games, Bradley Park, Si Maroon’s Hitching Post, and being a student aide so I could corrupt an entire incoming class of freshman.
I loved Roger Phegley, Bobby Humbles, J.J. Anderson, Joe Dalfonso, 1515 Barker, giving campus tours, student teaching at Woodruff, Greek Week and Derby Days, Country Villa Pizza, L's, St. Mark’s Catholic Church, U Hall and Room 106.(Yes, I still remember my freshman dorm room.)
I love the friends I made at Bradley who are still there for me (Heidi, Dana, Mags and J.J. - love you all!). I love that I still love Bradley and am always looking forward to another visit to campus and a stop by Avanti's!
I love my Bradley sweats … they are a size larger now (goshdarnit!!), but I wear them proudly. I love the red and white, and being a Brave.
I love visiting campus, connecting with today's students, staying in their apartments and feeling like time has stood still. Because however much better Bradley is with technology and its growth over the years, it is still so much the same. And that is just how I want it to be.
I could go on. I am blessed beyond belief and am grateful every day; so much of it is because I love my life. It’s a life Bradley led me to and prepared me for.
Bradley was just big enough to be a wider world than my high school in Florida and just small enough to allow me to make something of myself on campus and prepare me for the future. It was, and still is, perfect.
There is a saying: To those who much is given, much is expected. That is why I give to Bradley. I want today's Bradley students to have chances I didn't have and I want to make even more chances available to them.
As Bradley grads we can continue to build our body of work long after graduation – even on the 30th anniversary of our graduations. We can give of ourselves – as mentors, as role models, as counselors – and our give of our resources – donations, internships and scholarships – to keep that Brave spirit moving forward.
Why do I give? Because I cannot not give.