Featured Alumni

Courtney Wiersema

Courtney WiersemaDegree/Year: B.A., History, 2009
Graduate school: University of Notre Dame

I did not begin college intending to get my Ph.D. in history. I chose a history major to prepare me for law school. During my third year at Bradley, however, I received a SHEAR/Mellon fellowship that allowed me to spend three weeks doing historical research in Philadelphia. I fell in love with the process of researching and writing and decided to pursue a graduate degree. When I complete my Ph.D. program, I would love to teach classes in American history and environmental history at a small college and, hopefully, continue my research.

Each day in graduate school, I apply the knowledge and skills I developed at Bradley. The process of completing a senior thesis, for example, made me grapple with the same challenges that professional historians face as they research and publish. The project proved to be a great primer for graduate school.

The support I received from Bradley’s faculty did not end with graduation. My adviser still provides plenty of advice and encouragement via email. Her commitment to her students is inspiring, and I hope to repay the favor someday when I teach students of my own.

Paul Thompson

Degree/Year: B.S., History Secondary Ed, 2002

Paul has earned endorsements in government and psychology for his teaching certificate and picked up a minor in psychology at the College of DuPage.  He has also earned his masters in psychology at National Louis University in Chicago. He is currently a tenured faculty member at Argo Community High School in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago where he teaches AP psychology, law and American history. In addition to his teaching duties, he also coaches cross-country and girl's track as well as sponsor the National Honor Society. He recently became an adjunct professor in psychology at Moraine Valley Community College. He lives with his wife, Cheryl, (also a proud alumnus of Bradley)  in the western burbs with their daughter, Kaitlyn, who is 2. 

Paul states that they have been back to campus a few times since graduating and are amazed at what has changed. "What a great campus it was and even better has it become!"