Founder’s Day recognizes and celebrates university staff, faculty, alumni and others who have carried on the traditions of Lydia Moss Bradley. These awards honor their excellence and success for various achievements both on and off campus.
2023 Centurion Society Inductees
Tami L. Lane ’96 is a special effects and make-up professional who has brought characters to life in more than 25 films and television shows. She has won several industry awards, including an Academy Award for her work on The Chronicles of Narnia.
Wayne G. Klasing ’64 has been a successful business leader and generous philanthropist for over 50 years. Since retiring in 2012, he has provided professional guidance to several organizations, served as chair of the Engineering & Technology Executive Advisory Council for the Caterpillar College of Engineering and on the Board of Trustees.
Joan E. Janssen ’69 has dedicated herself to her family and community. She has been a prolific volunteer, civic leader and inspirational supporter of Bradley University for more than 50 years.
2023 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Alumni Award
Joan E. Janssen ’69
Lydia Moss Bradley Award
Kathy Ma
Outstanding Young Graduate Award
Vannesia Darby ’12
2023 Faculty Awards
Francis C. Mergen Memorial Award for Public Service
Michelle Nielsen-Ott
Assistant Professor, Sciences Health Sciences Librarian
Academic Advisor of the Year
Heidi Rottier
Instructor of Marketing
First-Year Faculty Award
Dr. Priscilla Charrat Nelson
Department of World Languages and Cultures
Putnam Award for Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Kerrie Schattler
Professor of Civil Engineering
Caterpillar Faculty Achievement Award for Scholarship
Dr. Cory Barker
Assistant Professor of Journalism
Caterpillar Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching
Dr. David Dominguese
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
Samuel Rothberg Professional Excellence Award
Dr. Dean Campbell
Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Theodore C. Burgess Award recognizes excellence in collaboration between departments
Interactive Media, Theatre Arts, and Mechanical Engineering departments
collaborated for the experiential learning- based excursion to Las Vegas to study and work behind the scenes with Cirque du Soleil and TAIT.