Red-White Jam – A Celebration of Bradley Spirit

04/13/2011 5:45 PM

Bradley students gave their parents and families an inside look at life on the Hilltop last weekend. Every semester, families are invited into the University’s classrooms, residence halls, athletic facilities -and into the daily lives of Bradley students for Parents’/Family Weekend.

The University strives to ensure that the Bradley Experience is enjoyed not only by students, but also extended to their parents and families.

“We know that with this generation of college students, more so than any other generation, both the students and the parents need to feel connected,” said Dr. Alan Galsky, vice president for Student Affairs. “These students were closer than any other generation to their parents before coming to Bradley, and we want to make sure we’re helping to nurture that bond while they’re here, too.”

From arts and athletics to philanthropy and social events, the weekend was packed with activities designed to help students and their families reconnect for a weekend. One of the biggest attractions was the “Red White Jam: the Sights and Sounds of Spirit on the Hilltop,” a collaborative performance by the Bradley Basketball Band, the Bravettes Dance Team, and the Bradley Cheer Squad.

“It was a high energy, fast-paced hour of fun; part pep rally, part entertainment, and part crowd participation,” said Dr. David Vroman, director of bands. “The students put so much work into their performances through the basketball season, so it’s a great way to showcase their work in a new way while bringing closure to their season.”

Bradley’s new Renaissance Coliseum provided the perfect venue for the event, which Vroman and Cheer Squad Coach Ryan Hinnen hope to repeat annually.

“It’s a good way for us to demonstrate everything that we do here,” Hinnen said. “Basketball audiences don’t get to see our bigger stunts because we’re required to use a mat on hardwood floors for the high stuff, so I’m happy the kids get to show off their hard work.”