Programs & Activities

The Bradley University Alumni Association provides oversight and guidance for the many programs and activities sponsored by the Department of Alumni Relations. Our overall goal is to provide our fellow alumni with a variety of meaningful ways to connect to and serve the University, through events, programs, services, and volunteer opportunities. Get involved now! Contact us at bualum@bradley.edu to find out how.

Geographic Alumni Chapters Affinity Groups BrAVO Volunteer Network Career Networking/Services Alumni Events Legacy Programs Bradley Ambassadors

Alumni Chapters
Alumni chapters are geographically-based, volunteer-driven organizations initiated by alumni and friends of the University. They maximize Bradley’s link with alumni, enhance Bradley University, and help alumni demonstrate public pride in the University through activities and services that bring alumni together. Click here to find a chapter near you.

Affinity Groups
Affinity - or special interest - groups provide alumni who have a special affinity for a student organization, academic group, or other common bond with yet another way to socialize, network and serve the University. These groups, sponsored by a University department or organization as well as the BUAA, host alumni events and activities that also provide service or additional resources to students. Click here to view a list of new or developing affinity groups.

BrAVO Volunteer Network The Bradley Alumni/Volunteer Organization (BrAVO!) was founded in 1998 to assist the office of admissions with prospective student efforts. It has since been expanded to encompass all our valuable alumni volunteers - career assistance, mentors, chapter and affinity group leaders, and other volunteers. BrAVO volunteer opportunities abound, and include activities like staffing college fairs, contacting prospective families, hosting new student events, mentoring current students, classroom speakers, providing internships, hosting events and reunions, and more.

Career Networking/Services The Office of Alumni Relations provides hundreds of alumni referrals to both students and alumni seeking career advice each year. We work closely with the Smith Career Center on a variety of projects that provide information and assistance to alumni and students. Recent career networking programs have included private gatherings for alumni representing their employers at campus job fairs as well as the launch of the On Line Community for electronic networking. Alumni interested in speaking on campus or being mentors or coaches for students or fellow grads are also part of the BrAVO! Network of volunteers.

Events

  • Homecoming. Bradley University’s Homecoming Celebration returned to Fall in October of 2003 on the recommendation of the student body. For the nearly 30 years prior, Homecoming was in February in conjunction with a men’s basketball game. Now, alumni and students participate in a variety of activities including a pep rally, parade and tailgate party leading to the Homecoming Soccer Game. The Office of Alumni Relations works closely with the department of athletics, Student Activities, the Bradley Ambassadors, ACBU, and other University organizations to coordinate activities.
  • Alumni Weekend. Held in conjunction with a basketball game, Alumni Weekend provides alumni with an opportunity to return to campus for affinity group reunions, networking and basketball.
  • Reunions. Each fall the Office of Alumni Relations assists a volunteer committee in organizing a University reunion for alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. Activities include a welcome reception, campus and Peoria tours, and the reunion dinner.
  • Founder's Day. The BUAA is host to each annual Founder's Day Luncheon. Following the Convocation, hundreds of alumni, friends, faculty and staff celebrate the legacy of Lydia Moss Bradley, and recognize some of the University’s most accomplished alumni.
  • Graduation Reception. Hosted by the President’s Office, the office of alumni relations, along with the BUAA board of directors, plan and implement a graduation reception for Bradley faculty, parents, friends, and families of new graduates. The Graduation Reception is held on the evening prior to both the December and May Commencement ceremonies.

Legacy Programs

  • Wee B Club. Upon notification of the birth of a child to an alum or alums, the Office of Alumni Relations "inducts" the child into the Wee B Club and sends him/her a membership card and mini-Bradley pennant for their baby book. Click here to send us your news!
  • Legacy Reception. The BUAA hosts a reception for current and incoming Bradley legacies and their families on both Move-in Day as well as the fall Parent's Weekend.
  • Legacy Scholarship. The children, grandchildren and stepchildren of Bradley graduates are eligible for this scholarship, up to a $6,000 value over four years. Full-time students who enrolled in the fall of 1998 or after are eligible. Talk with your admissions counselor or contact bualum@bradley.edu for more information.

The Bradley Ambassadors
The Office of Alumni Relations sponsors Bradley University's Student Alumni Association. The Ambassadors now hold a seat on the BUAA board of directors and are instrumental in the success of many University and alumni activities. Among their activities: campus tours, Red & White Fridays, Month of Kindness, Founder's Day and Homecoming events. In addition to these and other campus service events, the Ambassadors assist the Development Office with donor stewardship. Click here to see what our students and young alumni are up to!