Bonnie Gordon was the director of the Women's Studies Program and assistant professor of history at Bradley University from 1990 until her death in 1993. Her research focused on the medical problems faced by French women workers in the state match industry. She was the author of a book, Phossy Jaw and the French Match Workers: Occupational Health and Women under the Third Republic.

Dr. Gordon received a master's degree in history from the University of California-Riverside in 1975 and a Ph.D. in European history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1985.

This endowed $500 scholarship was established in 1993 from donations by Bonnie Gordon's husband, David Hedin, her parents, Stanley and Sylvia Gordon, and additional contributions from her many friends and colleagues. The scholarship recognizes Dr. Gordon's commitment to scholarship and teaching at Bradley.

The Bonnie Gordon Scholarship is awarded each year to undergraduate women students in Women's Studies, History, Physics or Chemistry, within a minimum GPA of 3.0, who have shown a commitment to women's issues. Eligibility is based on need and merit without regard to age or race. The Women's Studies Committee makes the award selection in collaboration with the Financial Assistance Office in the Spring semester. Contact the Women's Studies chair for more information.

Individuals are invited to make additional gifts to the Bonnie Gordon Memorial Endowed Scholarship to increase the benefits available to students. Please contact Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois 61625; (309) 677-3661.

2005-2006

Erica Buss and Mary Peterson

Erica Buss: Studio Art Major

Erica was one of the most active feminists on campus, involved with VOX and several other organizations on campus.  She has been an inspiration to others through her activism but also proved that it is possible to combine scholarship and activism. 

Mary Peterson: Sociology Major

Mary helped to revive Students Against Sexism in Society and initiated a very successful women's health fair on campus.  She has a passionate commitment to equality and education.

2004-2005

Rebecca Klugiewicz: Journalism Major

A committed, engaged, and dedicated student, Becky became increasingly active in feminist groups on campus over the course of her four years at Bradley.  She devoted endless hours to the Women's Studies voter registration drive in the fall of 2004 and her leadership of VOX and other feminist organizations on campus helped make Bradley a better place for everyone. 

2003-2004

Ben Cudia: History & Spanish Majors

Ben is one of the most active students to attend Bradley, and he did it all with grace, intelligence, and gentleness.  He was a joy to have in class—talkative, diligent, and inspiring to the other students.  He pursued excellence in each of his activities as well as all of his courses.  His experience working with Student Services and serving in a variety of elected student body positions, including Vice President, made him decide to purse a career in this field. 

Kristina Althoff: Political Science Major

One Word: ACTIVIST!  After returning from a semester in Washington DC Kristina became even more committed than ever.  She threw herself into feminist activism on campus, spurring many feminist groups back into action.  Kristina (along with fellow WMS major Kate Morrison) spearheaded three important events on campus: the amazing speech of abortion rights activist Sherry Matulis on campus; the condom campaign; and the stunningly successful bus trip to Washington DC to participate in the historical March for Women’s Lives.  Kristina also excelled as a student.

Julie Mierwa:  Sociology Major

Julie was involved with nearly every progressive organization on campus over the course of her four years at Bradley.  She was a leader in the Bradley Feminist Alliance and also Commonground.  She initiated a new group on campus: Code Pink, a feminist peace group.  She was also the student rep for the WMS committee for a year and a half.  Julie managed to maintain a perfect GPA amidst all of this activism.  She is a compassionate, intellectually curious, warm, and generous young woman.

Elizabeth Kinder:  Journalism major

Elizabeth also maintained a high GPA amidst much intellectual and social activity.  She excelled in many challenging courses throughout her four years at Bradley and she also spent an exciting and fascinating semester in Washington DC.  She has engendered much respect among her colleagues and readership for her well written and insightful news pieces in the school newspaper.  A committed activist, a diligent student, and a talented journalist, Elizabeth is a perfect recipient for this award.

Wade Meyer: International Studies major

Wade was involved with numerous progressive organizations on campus including the Bradley Feminist Alliance and Commonground.  His leadership style is naturally cooperative and respectful.  He studied feminism in Ghana—a courageous thing to do for a while male.  Intellectually curious, hard-working and dedicated, kind and generous, Wade is one of those rare people who we all seem to know instinctively will change the world.

Erika Larsen: Social Work Major, Women's Studies Minor
We chose Erika because of her strong academic performance during her career at Bradley and because of her generous commitment to women both on campus and in the community. Erika was one of the founders and the former director of WomenSpace, one of the most successful women's organization on campus. Erika has also been involved locally with Planned Parenthood and the Center for Prevention of Abuse--in fact, she completed an internship at the Center. She plans to pursue employment at a rape crisis center in the Chicago area and then return to school to pursue a master's degree in Social Work.

Vanessa Brocato: Women's Studies Major
The first student to create a major in Women's Studies through the Liberal Arts program, Vanessa was the founder of Womenspace--an organization dedicated to offering a safe and comfortable location for women students on campus. WomenSpace has been incredibly successful at raising awareness about women's issues, building an impressive women's studies library, and raising money for worthy causes. Vanessa also participated in innumerable student organizations, including the Friedan Society and Common Ground. She developed a reputation as one of the most important and influential student leaders on campus. She was a brilliant voice for progressive causes.

Kate Stubblefield: Bio-Techonology Major, Women's Studies Minor
In addition to writing an excellany Women's Studies 400 research paper on femnist cyberspace magazines, Kate performed in the Bradley production of The Vagina Monologues. She has been accepted to medical school at Southern Illinois University.

Huong Vu: Political Science Major
While at Bradley, Huong was active in the Friedan Socety, RHA, and participated in the Washington, DC Women's Leadership Program. With hopes of pursuing a career in women's legal services she is attending law school at Drake University in Iowa

1997-1998

Tracy Malave: Environmental Biology Major, Women's Studies Minor
Tracy received this award because of her excellent scholarship and her commitment to humanity. She wrote a brilliant paper for her WMS research course on the representation of Lesbians in the media. She is wholly committed to the world around her and hopes to develop a career in environmental biology, possibly with the Student Conservation Program.

Linda Sattler: Psychology Major, Women's Studies Minor
Linda was able to maintain a very high grade point average even as she developed a position as a leading activist on Bradley's campus. She organized the Take Back the Night vigil and poetry reading and was a leader in the Feminist Alliance. She hopes to continue her activism after attending law school in Southern California, focusing on public policy and women's rights.