Bradley University continues an effort to upgrade and beautify its campus through a new entryway at the corner of Main and University streets.
The university marked Founders Day on Friday with a dedication of the new gateway named in honor of longtime Bradley supporters Ken and Pat Goldin.
Bradley President James Shadid views the donor-funded gateway as a critical point in connecting the university to the West Main Street corridor, and farther eastward toward the heart of the city.
“I think it fits perfectly, and I think it's a leadership step toward this vibrant urban corridor that I envisioned from Bradley University to the Peoria Riverfront Museum,” said Shadid.
“We couldn't pick a better day to do it than Founders Day, where we honor the legacy of Lydia Moss Bradley, whose vision was to create an experience for our students that is second to none.”
Shadid says the gateway combines with other recent and ongoing efforts to significantly improve the campus, including the addition of the outdoor Zaleski Recreation Complex and a $25 million modernization of the Harper Hall residence building.
“Once Harper is done, we'll continue to build upon the entry to the campus and other initiatives that are underway,” he said. “It’s all part of the larger picture and vision to create a positive and premier student experience for our students.”
Dozens of Bradley staff, supporters and nearby community members filled the circle at the southwest corner of the prominent intersection for the dedication ceremony, just a week after a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a community parklet on the opposite side of University Street.
The entryway occupies space where the building that previously housed the Osher Lifelong Institute [OLLI] formerly stood. It includes a series of pillars around the circle, with two of the pillars featuring plaques detailing the Goldins’ impact on Bradley.
“When we talk about our campus, we often talk about buildings or classrooms and places where we gather,” Shadid said in his remarks during the ceremony. “But this university, as exemplified by Ken and Pat, is made up of people — people who give their time, people who share their talents, people who make this place better because they were here. That’s what we celebrate today.”
The two taller pillars around the circle, facing the intersection, eventually will be connected by a steel nameplate arch. A university spokesperson said supply issues have delayed delivery of the arch.
