Slane College Students Provide Star Entertainment at Freshmen Convocation
Featured performances by “On the Rocks”, Bradley Speech Team and “Barbeque Kitten”
08/22/2012 1:23 PM
A Foundation to Succeed
On the Rocks, Bradley’s male a cappella group, performs for the class of 2016 at Freshman Convocation. The ceremony welcomes incoming students to Bradley and introduces them to the many traditions and opportunities on campus. On the Rocks was formed in 2004. The student-run group rehearses in Constance Hall twice a week. The group photo is featured on the Slane website home page. Performing were: Dan Anderson ’15, Max Anderson ’15, Marcus Cole ’14, Max Friedman ’15, RC Gerstad ’15, Zach Jackson ’15, Cree Sullivan ’13.
The Bradley Speech Team won both the American Forensic Association (AFA) and National Forensic Association (NFA) tournaments in 2012 with the mantra “two in 12”. This is the first time in 30 years the team has captured both tournament titles. This year’s sweep at the national tournaments was the 14th in program history. Bradley has garnered 141 individual national titles and 39 team sweepstakes over the last years years. Performing at Convocation were Cecil Blutcher ’13 and Kiayla Jackson ’15.
Barbeque Kitten is Bradley University’s improv-comedy troupe. BBQK performs short-form and long-form improvisational theatre in the Peoria area. The group’s rehearsals are in Bradley Hall or the William Hall cafeteria. The group is pictured above.
By Frank Radosevich II
Student Body President Alan Bukingolts said he planned on visiting friends at nearby universities monthly when he first arrived at Bradley back in 2009.
But four years later, Bukingolts, a senior studying public relations from Niles, Ill., told the class of 2016 that all the excitement and experiences they seek can be found on the Hilltop.
“The activity this campus offers is remarkable,” he told the crowd of new students at Freshman Convocation. “The opportunity you have at Bradley right now is amazing.”
Freshman Convocation, a revived tradition, welcomed incoming students to Bradley as they embark on a four-year journey on campus and beyond. Hosted in the Renaissance Coliseum, Freshman Convocation familiarized students with Bradley’s rich history and traditions, teaching them about the University’s founder Lydia Moss Bradley and the opportunities that await them.
University President Joanne Glasser opened the ceremony with some sage advice.
“My advice tonight is for you to take advantage of the multitude of opportunities before you. It is our great fortune ” and yours too ” that you chose Bradley,” Glasser said. “That’s because at Bradley we have created a living and learning environment that will maximize your success beyond what you can imagine today.”
She encouraged the students to use their time wisely by seeking out leadership positions on campus and making a difference during their first year. Glasser emphasized how their active participation in courses, student organizations or athletics will strengthen their skills and develop their interests.
“Don’t wait a single moment to make a difference. You can make a difference as a freshman. Start now,” she told the students.
The ceremony also introduced freshman to their fellow classmates through performances by the men’s a cappella group On the Rocks, the University’s award-winning speech team and the student improv comedy troupe Barbeque Kitten. The evening ended with an emphasis on camaraderie with an ice cream social.
Incoming freshman Bob Cooling, from Lemont, Ill., said he enjoyed the evening’s performances and was looking forward to his first year on the Hilltop. He chose Bradley because it was the “perfect size” and would be studying actuarial science.
“I’m looking forward to learning to live on my own and increasing my responsibility,” he said.