Funkhouser promotes Bradley connections with holiday party

01/21/2011 4:30 PM

One faculty member in the Foster College of Business Administration takes the concept of “Bradley Family” a step further during the holiday season. Just like family, he welcomes students to his home each year for a festive, home-cooked meal.

Bill Funkhouser, who teaches in the Department of Finance, hosts holiday get-togethers as a way to strengthen bonds in the Bradley family.

“I’m a dad and I tend to view all the Bradley students as my kids,” Funkhouser said.

Kelly Cahill, a senior finance major, really enjoyed Funkhouser’s holiday party this year.

“He’s a great guy and he’s a lot of fun,” Cahill said. “Funkhouser’s awesome. He really cares about students, so he takes an interest in everyone’s personal life.”

This is the third year Funkhouser and his wife – affectionately nicknamed Betty Crocker for her expertise as a cook – have hosted students at their home. They enjoy it so much they’ve decided to make their holiday party an annual event.

“I was hoping it might motivate more students to join the Financial Management Association,” Funkhouser said.

The Financial Management Association (FMA) is the global leader in creating and dispersing knowledge about financial decision-making. It promotes financial research, networking, and education, according to the FMA website.

This year’s celebration feast was open to all finance and actuarial science majors, though Funkhouser did invite a few other students and graduates. He saw the gathering as an opportunity to foster a support system among Bradley students.

“Bradley is not only about personal attention,” Funkhouser said. “Bradley is about mentoring.  There is a big difference between the two.  To serve as a mentor, one has to have a personal relationship with the students.”