Move in to Bradley University: Take 2

Lauren in front of her dorm at Bradley University

A few days before Bradley University suspended in person classes, my niece Lauren's floor was quarantined. Coincidentally, her mom (my sister, Theresa) was in Peoria for the weekend. So Lauren went home to ride out the quarantine. When it was time to return, Lauren took the train from her home to Normal.

In the last year or so, I have become familiar with the Amtrak station in Normal, near Illinois State University, as I have driven over several times to pick my nieces, nephew, and son when they have been traveling to central Illinois from Chicagoland. 

The uptown station has signs saying that face coverings are required to enter the building. 

There is something romantic about train travel.

 

The train that travels from Chicago to St. Louis, stopping in Normal, is called the Ann Rutledge, after Abraham Lincoln's first love. When we stayed at my grandparents, we would hear this train's whistle. Sometimes in the winter, listening to the whistle blow, my grandpa would say, "Sounds like snow." 

I dropped Lauren off at her dorm. No visitors are allowed and the students can't have anyone in their rooms. Colleges have become an epicenter of the COVID crisis because of the risk-taking behavior of the students. 

Bradley has gotten creative in encouraging people and classes to meet outside. Before they went online for a couple of weeks, these cheerful Adirondack chairs were scattered about the campus in groupings. 

In front of Bradley Hall.

Part of the quad between Olin Hall and the Hartmann Performing Center for the Arts.

In front of Constance Hall, one of the oldest buildings on Bradley's campus.

COVID has at least temporarily diminished plans, milestones, and life. Above is the newly constructed Business and Engineering Convergence Center.   It opened in 2019 but some of the excitement has been muted, thanks to COVID.

 

The last phase of construction was completed over the summer. 

Bradley, like many universities, is concerned about the falling number of college age students (yet another reason to have a robust immigration policy and policies that support women when they become pregnant). This past year, the university offered early retirement to employees and also had some layoffs. 

Westlake Hall, one of the original buildings, where I had my classes when I was getting a masters in counseling. 

Several years ago, Bradley did a substantial, much-needed renovation and upgrade of Westlake. When I was studying there in the late 1990's, the three-story building only had one women's restroom in the basement.

Of course, COVID has made the enrollment and financial challenges of universities even greater.

Ultimately, I believe Bradley University will get through this crisis and thrive, thanks to excellent leadership, learning, and support from its alums and other constituents. We will see what the future brings.