Have you ever taken a course from a faculty member whom you thought was an inspirational teacher? Have you ever worked with a member of the Bradley staff who inspired you to see the world in new ways, to do things you’d never done before, to work to make the community or the world a better place? Is there a faculty or staff member at Bradley who has a passion for something that makes you want to hear more? Have you ever wondered what that person might say if this were his or her last lecture?

In the first annual Bradley University Last Lecture in April 2008, President Joanne Glasser, donned costume and makeup to play herself in the year 2033, on the eve of her retirement from the presidency of Bradley. President Glasser’s “Last Lecture,” a look back from a hoped-for future, presented her inspiring vision for the years-to-come at Bradley. In the second annual Last Lecture, Dr. Bob Fuller, Caterpillar Professor of Religious Studies, shared the “commanding ideas” that are the foundation of his world view: a commitment to evidence-based truth and self-honesty; an adherence meliorism, the belief that humans are here to make the world a better place; and a celebration of wonder. “Wonder,” he said, “freshens our perspective, as if fairy dust has been sprinkled on what we marvel at. For a brief moment, we see the world beyond our own needs and desires.” You can view a video of Dr. Fuller’s Last Lecture.

Whose vision, ideas, passions, or thoughts on life would you like to hear more about? Your nomination letter should include the following:

• Nominator’s full name, graduation year (actual or anticipated), preferred phone number and e-mail address, major, and current status (student or alumnus/alumna)
• Faculty or staff nominee’s title, full name, and position at Bradley; department; and an essay addressing the following question: “Why would you like to hear this faculty or staff member address the question, ‘If this were your last time to speak to a group of students, what would you say to them?’”