Above: graduating senior Matt Davidson, second from right, introduces his parents, Phil and Shirley Davidson of Rockford, to fellow graduate Caleb Walk. Both Matt and Caleb are entering the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Bradley.

The Graduation Reception, held the afternoon before commencement, is one of my favorite events of the year. I’m so happy to see graduating seniors and their families visiting with faculty-staff and with each other. The rain pushed the event inside to the Michel Student Center ballroom, where there were smiles and congratulatory remarks all around.

Matt Davidson, a health science major from Rockford, was among those attending, along with his parents, Phil and Shirley Davidson. I’m happy to know that while Matt is graduating (with honors!) with a bachelor of science degree, he will still be on campus as he enters into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

Matt has wanted to work in physical therapy ever since he visited Mayo Clinic with his mother. “I was sitting in the waiting room and on the other side I could see physical therapists working with people. I liked those surroundings. There’s something about being in a facility where everyone’s having a good time but helping people that made me really look forward to a career in physical therapy.”

As he concludes the first phase of his college career, Matt said, “I’m excited to have my degree and be able to go after new goals now. I’m looking forward to grad school. I’m privileged to stay at Bradley another three years.

“The DPT program is one of the factors that drew him to Bradley. “I really wanted a doctorate, and I knew Bradley was one of the schools moving in that direction. I could have gone to another university and worked toward a master’s degree, but it was a big plus that Bradley offered a doctorate.”

Another factor in his decision was he became familiar with Bradley when visiting his sister, Susan Davidson Krippelz ’04, when she attended. Matt is expecting Susan and her husband, Jake Krippelz ’04, to be at commencement.

A dedicated student, Matt is an avid Bradley basketball fan, played intramural racquetball, and was in a percussion ensemble this past semester. Several members of our faculty-staff appreciate Matt’s abilities as a personal trainer, as well. I send my congratulations to Matt and the entire Class of 2009.

Activity was buzzing in the Michel Student Center ballroom today as I saw several hundred graduating seniors fill the facility to enjoy a brunch given in their honor and to listen to inspirational remarks made by Dr. Alan Galsky, President Joanne Glasser, and Student Body President Kyle Malinowski.

Dr. Galsky opened the presentation by telling the students four statements he said “you’ll hear over and over again” during the next few days. He extended his congratulations to the students; thanked them for being part of the Bradley family; wished them good luck; and asked them to come back to visit.

President Glasser also expressed her congratulations to the graduating seniors and said their degree would be “a badge of accomplishment” that no one could take away from them. She encouraged the students to express their appreciation to the ones who supported them throughout their college life. She also advised the students on something I learned the importance of during my lifetime: having a plan B is vital. President Glasser said to the students, “You just never know what life has in store for you … just have confidence and have faith.” She also offered words of advice from one of her favorite philosophers, Dr. Seuss: “Don’t be sad because it’s over, be happy because it happened.” Trying to hold back her tears, she told the students, “It has been a blessing to be your president. You have left footprints on my heart.”

Malinowski summed up his advice by paraphrasing a favorite quote of his: “Do good.”

Some lucky students walked away not only with a favorite T-shirt, but many won door prizes.

I, too, would like to congratulate our graduating seniors on a job well done, and I also would like to echo President Glasser in saying “Go Braves!”

This afternoon I enjoyed seeing a good crowd gathered to send off our softball team for their first-ever appearance in the NCAA tournament. They play DePaul on Friday at 2:30 p.m. in the first round of the tournament in Columbia, Missouri.

This is a tough team that is currently on a 9-game winning streak. I hope to see that continue - and wish the team the best of luck on Friday.

Go Braves!

Get all the details on the team and the tournament at bradley.braves.com.

Today graduating seniors had a chance to not only get ready for their May 16 Commencement, but also to start preparing for life after Bradley.

Many students came to the Michel Student Center to pick up their caps and gowns and have their portraits taken.

The Smith Career Center had a table so students could get information about their post-graduation job search. The SCC also hosted several workshops during the day to help job seekers learn more about writing cover letters, the hidden job market, and other topics.

Alumni Relations, the Bookstore, Bradley Fund, and the Graduate School were also on hand to answer graduates’ questions.

Most fun of all, cardboard images of yours truly and President Glasser were also available for photos with the grads. This is my favorite time of year, when students and their families and friends gather around me here in Founder’s Circle for picture after picture. It is a joyous occasion.

Above: Aaron Yancey stands for his graduation portrait while students pick up their graduation regalia.

Bradley is home to so many enlightened professors. I often have wondered what each of them would say if they had a final opportunity to dispense wisdom to their students and colleagues. With that premise in mind, Dr. Robert Fuller delivered the second annual Last Lecture Monday night. Last Lectures have become popular on campuses nationwide, and I’m glad to see Bradley University Hillel is sponsoring them here.

It certainly was touching to watch so many Bradley faculty, staff, alumni, and students listening to Dr. Fuller. He told about his resolve as a college freshman that no one would study more than him. In fact, it was in the library, in a spot he had found for his study sessions, that he met his future wife, Kathy. I’m proud to say both he and Kathy have been a part of the Bradley family for many years. Dr. Fuller is Bradley’s Caterpillar professor of religious studies, and Kathy is our assistant vice president of University Relations.

In his lecture, Dr. Fuller said that as he saw facts connect to concepts, he experienced transcendental moments when he began to see the world in new ways. He tells students today that if they aren’t having these soaring moments, then they either aren’t studying enough or need to change majors or professors. Moments such as these are what college is all about. I’ve heard people refer to “aha” moments, when the light bulb goes off and everything becomes clear. That’s what I wanted students to experience when I founded Bradley–a place where they not only learn practical knowledge, but where they are inspired to grow and think “out of the box,” as well.

Dr. Fuller went on to share three “commanding ideas” that are the foundation of his world view. First, he believes in a commitment to evidence-based truth. He also talked about self-honesty and how it can be disturbing to see ourselves as others see us and to realize our own worst traits.

Second, he subscribes to meliorism, the belief that we live in a dynamic, ever-changing universe and that humans are here to make it a better place. When I hear the news these days, sometimes I wonder what the world is coming to. Yet, I agree with Dr. Fuller. I believe that for the most part, people want to make the world a better place. Certainly, I’ve seen all sorts of people here at Bradley doing that in all sorts of ways.

Finally, Dr. Fuller said he celebrates wonder and believes in a “grander approach to life.” My favorite quote from his lecture is, “Wonder freshens our perspective, as if fairy dust has been sprinkled on what we marvel at. For a brief moment, we see the world beyond our own needs and desires.”

Dr. Fuller has written 12 books, five of which have been published by Oxford Press. He is the director of the Honors Program and was nominated to deliver the Last Lecture by one of his former students, Kristin Smith Ladewig ‘93. I wonder who will deliver the Last Lecture next year. If you would like to nominate someone, contact Dr. Seth Katz at seth@bradley.edu.

Visit http://admissions.bradley.edu/clients/bradleyedu/btvplayer/index.php?videoid=14&btv=off to view a video of the lecture.