It seems hard to believe that just a few days ago plump squirrels were busy stocking up for the winter. Now I know why the squirrels were so busy eating all those ripe berries. Thanks to the continued freezing temperatures and the ice storm that swept through the area, a thin layer of ice covers those same branches and berries. Although ice can be treacherous to get around in, it sure is beautiful to look at as it makes everything it coats look like an ice sculpture.

Although the university closed on Friday due to inclement weather, I was happy to learn the icy streets and sidewalks and frigid temperatures couldn’t keep Bradley students away from the Peoria Civic Center Saturday as approximately 330 received bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

I heard the students weren’t the only ones receiving honors Saturday. Keynote speaker U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Patrick Fitzgerald also was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Fitzgerald serves as the district’s top federal law enforcement official. He has also become a folk hero to many for his dogged prosecution of some difficult cases, including ones involving terrorists, politicians, and government officials.

I also heard that President Glasser personally greeted each graduate, offering congratulations, handshakes, and hugs, giving a very warm and personal touch to the ceremony.

When we considered adopting a mascot several years ago, someone suggested the “Fighting Squirrels” as one of the options. And one walk across campus will tell you why.

These funny little animals make themselves right at home on our quad. Some people share their lunch with them. Others give nicknames to unique ones. Most of the squirrels barely look up when a person walks right past them.

A tree full of ripe, juicy berries created quite a scene outside the Student Center today. At any one time five or six squirrels could be seen feasting on the red berries. Even if we end up with a harsh winter, those plump squirrels are ready.

The Cullom-Davis Library was especially busy this past week as students prepared for finals. The library was open 24 hours a day during finals week, and some generous folks donated treats of all kinds to help give students that extra burst of late-night energy. This tradition began in 2005 and has proven to be a success. Many thanks go to those who donated treats, and especially to Sharon Obery, who coordinated Midnight Munchies.

I’ve been standing here humming, “Let It Snow,” ever since the white flakes started fluttering down this morning. The forecast calls for anywhere from two to five inches of snowfall today. This concerns me, as I know many of our students will be finishing finals today and will want to head home. I hope they are cautious and arrive safely, or wait until tomorrow morning to leave.

I have to smile when I see students wearing shorts or capris as they trudge through the snow on cold, snowy days like today. In my day, we wore long dresses and boots. Even then, my legs would get cold on a blustery day like today.