A more beautiful fall day could not be imagined than the one that greeted the campus yesterday. The warm sun and gentle breezes encouraged everyone to linger outside after the traditional “Founder’s Day” ceremony.

This special day (which everyone says is in my honor) actually is a time to reflect on the significance of the university for each of our lives, the community at large, and future generations.

During the ceremony, Bradley University honored very-deserving alumni and faculty members for their outstanding contributions to their fields and their communities. President Joanne Glasser and Student Body President Jordan Ticaric praised this great institution and thanked me for using my vision and resources to found Bradley. A profound silence fell over the audience as the Bradley Chorale performed the beautiful “Cloth of Glory.”

In the afternoon, a small crowd gathered around me here in Founder’s Circle as a group of students placed flowers at my feet. President Glasser wisely said that the founding of Bradley should inspire current students “to dream big” and to work “to make life a little better for others.”

The most touching moment of the day came as Jordan Ticaric and a group of student senators drove out to Springdale Cemetery to place a wreath by my grave. They did get lost in this huge, splendid sanctuary, where hawks circle overhead, owls hoot in the trees, and deer nibble on leaves, but they persevered and honored me with my favorite flowers - red roses and white lilies.

“Bond with Bradley” is the theme of this “007″ homecoming. Although homecoming begins next Thursday, September 27, the campus is already starting to buzz with all things Bond. Many “secret agents” are getting a jump on the decorating of doors, halls, offices, and houses on campus. Official judging of the decorations will take place on Tuesday, September 25.

If the picture above, taken with a secret bow tie camera in an undisclosed campus office, indicates the talent of our agents, the competition should be tough.

Offices and student organizations have also been enjoying our beautiful fall weather by going outdoors to paint and decorate their wood cutout bow ties. These will be on display in the Michel Student Center and entered in a contest to be judged on Monday, September 24.

Complete homecoming information is available online at http://www.bualum.org/homecoming/

And was that the theme from “Goldfinger” I heard coming from the carillon yesterday?

At Bradley’s first-ever Caterpillar Career Day, the quad was bustling with activity. Underneath a large tent, students were able to talk with representatives from many different areas within the company to find out about careers and internships at Big Yellow. Vice President Tana Utley spoke to students about fostering a sustainable environment, and all participants were treated to food and prizes. A large Cat hydraulic excavator was parked nearby.

The best part, however, was that yours truly got to sport a bright yellow hard hat and a T-shirt with the Cat logo all afternoon! You can imagine how many students had to have their picture taken with me today.