Bradley pride was strong last week as the campus celebrated its 100th Homecoming.
In case you missed it, the Activities Council at Bradley University (ACBU) hosted a variety of events throughout the week for students to enjoy as they celebrated their time at Bradley and the return of alumni.
1. Flying High
First things first, they took Bradley students soaring to new heights by offering hot air balloon rides and a zip line on campus! The tethered hot air balloon didn’t go far but was a hit among the students. Despite its short venture, the sound of the roaring flames could be heard from inside nearby apartments. Along with the rides, students could enjoy a showing of “The Wizard of Oz” out on Meinen Field.
The following day, a zip line was set up in the balloon’s place. The zip line was done in collaboration with JOLT Harm Reduction, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the risks associated with drug use. Students were encouraged to donate cold weather gear in order to ride the zip line.
2. Athletic Pride
Even though Bradley doesn’t have a football team, the week included its fair share of athletic events. ACBU hosted the annual Bradley Bowl on Wednesday. The Bradley Bowl is a flag football game between faculty/staff and students. This year, the faculty/staff walked away with the win.
Bradley Athletics also had their fair share of homecoming pride this week. They wrapped up the homecoming week with women’s volleyball games on Friday and Saturday, which both ended in wins for the Braves! On Saturday, the campus took to Shea Stadium for the annual Homecoming tailgate and men’s soccer game. Unfortunately, the game ended in loss for the Braves but the celebratory atmosphere could not be beat.
3. Lighting of the B
On Friday, Bradley hosted perhaps the best Homecoming tradition of them all – the Lighting of the B. Despite a slight rain delay, students, alumni and their families all showed up to witness the event of the year. The event featured performances by Vitality, the Bravettes and Orchesis, as well as the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen.
Then, Bradley Hall was illuminated by a series of animations done by Bradley animation majors to match the “No Place Like Bradley” theme. And the night ended with the ceremonious (and literal) Lighting of the B, complete with a firework show.
If you weren’t able to make it to any of these events just know this: there really is No Place Like Bradley.