The Bradley University Family Association is an organization composed of the family of every student at Bradley University. The Association is represented to the Bradley Administration through a Family Board of Directors. Our mission is to support Bradley University by fostering meaningful family engagement that enhances the academic, co-curricular, personal, and social experiences of Bradley students. We are dedicated to promoting student well-being and building lasting connections within the Bradley community.
Our Commitment We work in partnership with the University to:
Enhance Communication
Strengthen the connection between the University and the families of Bradley students through open, transparent communication.
Provide Insight & Feedback
Serve as a thoughtful and constructive resource for University leadership by sharing perspectives on the student and family experience.
Support Student Wellness
Promote and enhance wellness initiatives that address students’ financial, intellectual, social, and emotional needs.
Offer Financial Support
Assist in fundraising to support student-focused programs and services.
Contribute to Student Success
Partner with Bradley to support recruitment, retention, academic excellence, and preparation for life after graduation.
Celebrate Achievement
Recognize and honor the outstanding accomplishments of Bradley students, faculty, and staff.
Champion Bradley’s Values
Bea visible, active supporter of the University’s mission, vision, and core values.
Together we build a strong, supportive community that is committed to the success of every Bradley student!
Family Support
Participation of Bradley University parents in a number of important areas has become increasingly vital to the University’s growth and progress in recent years. Involvement in admissions, placement, student activities, and the Family Fund Projects grants are becoming traditional and indispensable.
Funding for Family Association projects and services are derived from 2 main sources.
While every Bradley parent is automatically a member of the Family Association, we do ask for a voluntary annual membership donation of $30 to support family programming.
We also rely on unrestricted gifts to support Family Fund Projects in order to ensure that all of the important projects chosen for the year will receive adequate funding. Families may go online to make their Family Fund Projects gifts.
The Bradley University Family Board of Directors established the Student Recognition Award in 2009. The award is presented at the Student Leadership Reception in May of each year.
This Student Recognition Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a Bradley University student who has contributed to the success of the University through their personal commitment and enthusiasm for the betterment of its student body, academic or co-curricular departments, student organizations, the Peoria community and the University as a whole.
The recipient of the Student Recognition Award receives a $1,000 monetary award and a certificate. Funding for this annual award is made available through the generosity of the Alice and Thadd Bush family. Alice, Thadd and their two daughters, Alicia and Samantha, are all Bradley University graduates. The Bush family gives this award in memory of Dr. Ray Zarvell who worked at Bradley University from 1968 – 2007. During his tenure, Dr. Zarvell held several different positions including the Executive Director of the Center for Student Development and Health Services. where he impacted the lives of thousands of students as he oversaw counseling, testing, orientation, advisement, learning assistance and peer counseling programs. Dr. Zarvell passed away in the spring of 2017 and this award serves as a wonderful legacy to the difference he made on campus.
Nomination Process
Nominations of current Bradley University students may be submitted by Bradley University faculty, staff, students, alumni, family, and/or members of the Peoria community. Nominees must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student with an grade point average of 2.5 or higher and have demonstrated service to Bradley University and/or the Peoria community. Consideration will be given to the impact of the overall contributions and achievements.
To nominate a student for the Student Recognition Award include a brief summary that addresses the positive impact the nominee has made at Bradley University and/or the Peoria community. Please try to address as many of the following criteria as possible:
Demonstrates exceptional work and service to the University and or Peoria community
Contributes creative ideas to make improvements and/or develop projects
Builds relationships to support and contribute to a project and/or program
Excellent attendance and participation in meetings, events and projects
Values the opinions and recognizes the importance of others
Demonstrates ability to work effectively with others from a variety of backgrounds
A project of the Family Association is the solicitation of nominations for the Family Association Award of Excellence, an award which recognizes a Bradley faculty or staff member. Known for its individual attention, Bradley University is composed of caring, high quality faculty and staff who contribute to students’ learning and development. The Family Association annually recognizes one individual at the University who exemplifies a helpful nature and concern for students. Nominations are to be submitted by the family of currently enrolled Bradley University students.
