Rankings are in: Bradley among the best

U.S.News & World Report has once again ranked Bradley among the nation’s best colleges. Since 2007, the publication has ranked Bradley sixth among comprehensive universities in the Midwest that offer master’s degrees. Bradley also was named one of the top five “Great Schools at Great Prices” in the Midwest.

“The U.S.News & World Report’s ranking is another independent confirmation that Bradley is providing one of the nation’s best educational environments for our students,” President Joanne Glasser said. “Bradley continues to offer an outstanding academic experience that prepares our students for success. The U.S.News ranking is further evidence that Bradley is becoming an institution of national distinction.”

Bradley also was recognized for its College of Engineering and Technology, which ranked among the best in the country. The University also earned recognition for its internship program.

“I am pleased U.S.News recognized that our students get fascinating and interesting internships across the country, positions that prepare them to follow their dreams after they graduate, and that our College of Engineering is one of the best in America,” Glasser said. “Thanks to our Renaissance Campaign, Bradley also is building a campus for the future, adding the highest quality educational and recreational facilities to serve the diverse needs of our faculty and students.”

The U.S.News and World Report rankings are based on a number of factors, including faculty resources, student selectivity, retention rate, class size, financial resources, and alumni giving. Bradley had an 88 percent freshman-to-sophomore retention rate, and nearly half its classes have fewer than 20 students.

Visit colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges for more information.

The Princeton Review has placed Bradley in its annual publication, The Best 373 Colleges, for the 12th consecutive year. The Review cited Bradley’s small class size, student-faculty relationships, job placement rate, and facilities, as well as programs such as interactive media, sports communication, physical therapy, nursing, and entrepreneurship. Bradley was also selected as one of The Princeton Review’s 152 best institutions in the 12-state Midwest region.

“Bradley provides students with everything they need to know about the ‘real world,’ while making them feel at home,” the publication reported. It also lauded President Joanne Glasser for her commitment to students and for being an exemplary role model.

The rankings are based on students’ responses to surveys, campus visits, and feedback from parents and college counselors.

For more information, visit bradley.edu/hilltopics/go/princeton2011.

rocking the new arena: weezer and leno rocking the new arena: weezer and leno

Left, Rivers Cuomo of Weezer with LOST’s Hurley (played by Jorge Garcia), namesake of the latest Weezer album. Photo courtesty Weezer via spinner.com

Late night television superstar Jay Leno helps dedicate new arena during Homecoming. See Alumni News for more information.

The Grammy award-winning alternative rock band Weezer will perform the inaugural concert in the new campus arena on September 25 at 8 p.m. Known for hits like “Buddy Holly” and “Say it Ain’t So,” Weezer recently contributed “I’m a Believer” to the Shrek Forever After soundtrack. The band has been recording since 1994, and released its latest album, Hurley, this month. Weezer has released a new album every year since 2007.

“This arena was built largely for women’s basketball and volleyball, but it was designed with concerts in mind,” said Dain Gotto, assistant director of student activities. “There will not be a bad seat in the house. It doesn’t matter where you are, you’re going to enjoy the concert,” he added.

Gotto and students from the Activities Council of Bradley University (ACBU) began working on the concert in February, when they surveyed student music preferences. Weezer fit the bill.

“ACBU played a significant role in choosing Weezer and doing everything from helping write a press release to making an ad plan,” said Gotto. “It wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Tickets sales began on August 30 for students. Approximately 3,700 seats are available. Call the arena box office at (309) 677-2625 or visit ticketmaster.com for ticket availability.