Beanies and more

I visited the campus some years ago, and my undergrad friend, KEN “MOOSE” GOLDIN ’64 MA ’72, who at the time of the visit was director of housing, mentioned the University was seeking memorabilia from past students. Since I am no longer maintaining a land-based residence, I am forwarding my half-century-old Bradley beanie from the fall of 1959, the “B” ashtrays, and a Bradley plate.

I am currently refitting my sailboat, S/Y Soul Mate, for a more extensive, single-handed, three-year cruise. Therefore, I no longer have space to keep these nostalgic items and hope you have a use for them.

ROSS W. TARR ’62
St. Petersburg, Fla.

Music department praised

I was attracted to Bradley because of the many opportunities for undergraduates to be involved in research and creative activities in collaboration with great professors and guest artists. I noticed in a recent Bradley Hilltopics that this tradition is still alive and well at Bradley in the music department, formalized through recognition by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). I also remember working closely with Drs. Greg Sanders and Dave Vroman to develop my foundational skills as a professional musician that served me well later in my own graduate studies at the University of North Texas, the largest music school in the U.S.

DR. TIM CROWLEY ’90
Hays, Kansas

Pilot story brings back memories

I enjoyed the article, “Her Story is World War II History,” about Mildred “Duke” Caldwell and her experiences in the WASP program, written by Scott Hilyard. Since I attended Bradley from 1963 to 1968, I can vaguely remember her teaching physical education. When I was an undergraduate in the civil engineering department, I remember going to Hewitt Hall when I lived on campus for some pick-up games with friends.

Since I grew up in upstate New York, and have lived in the Albany area for the past 30 years, I noted in the article that she didn’t mention her alma mater. So, I was wondering if she attended the same college as my sister, and sure enough she did. My sister graduated from Russell Sage College in 1954.

Again, I enjoyed the article about the WASP program and Prof. Caldwell, especially since she is getting a Congressional Gold Medal.

RICHARD WARREN ’68
Schenectady, N.Y.

Kiplinger’s viewpoint: BU is “best value” for 2009–10

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine ranked Bradley 42nd on its list of the 50 best values among private universities in its December 2009 issue. Kiplinger’s measures value based on cost and academic quality. Acceptance rate, financial aid, student-per-faculty ratio, average debt at graduation, and graduation rate are also considered in the rankings.

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Bradley has the lowest total cost of the universities on the list, and the average debt Bradley graduates face is significantly lower than students from other universities.

Bradley was one of three Illinois universities on the list, along with Northwestern and the University of Chicago.