The Black Student Alliance –also known as BSA, has kicked off Garrett Week at Bradley University to celebrate the life of Dr. Romeo B. Garrett Monday April 16, 2018.
Dr. Garrett was the first African American professor at Bradley University. Dr. Garrett was hired to teach sociology in 1947. Dr. Garrett worked for Bradley University for 30 years and retired in 1947.
Outside of being an educator, Dr. Garrett was a huge advocate for the black community. Minority students and beyond sought after him for comfort on campus.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) worked with the BSA executive board to prepare a week filled with events that will empower and help advance the minority community.
Garrett Week is celebrated annually at Bradley University during the third week of April. The week is geared towards promoting diversity and the legacy of Dr. Romeo B. Garrett on Bradley’s campus. Garrett Week offers additional networking resources for minority students at Bradley.
The secretary of BSA, Imani Combs said, “We celebrate him to remind the campus why the Garrett Center is so vital.”
ODI and the Smith Career Center hosted their 7th annual Diversity Dinner. The Diversity Dinner was featured and publicized as the third event of Garrett Week.
The first hour of the dinner featured students networking with professionals, alumni students and employers over cheese and crackers. Business cards were exchanged among light laughter and
Garrett Week leads into Bradley University Black Alumni Alliance (BUBBA) weekend. BUBBAA weekend takes place every year in April as well. BUBAA weekend is a chance for Bradley Alumnus and current Bradley students to network, build professional skills among the undergraduates and encourage students to continue their academic journey at Bradley.
Garrett Week is celebrated annually at Bradley University during the third week of April. While the sun may not be fully out to shine, nothing can rain on the Garrett Week parade.
Bradley’s BSA hosted a general meeting for their first event during Garrett Week on Monday April 16, 2018. The topic of discussion at the meeting was social media pros and cons.
Jalen Bell, a Bradley senior that atteneded the launch event said, “It was very interesting to converse the implications of social media and how much it controls our lives without even knowing.”
Wednesday April 18, 2018 the Office of Diversity and Inclusion partnered with the Smith Career Center to host their 7th annual Diversity Dinner. The dinner held a networking portion for students to discuss with Bradley alumni and partnering employer companies.
The keynote speaker for the Diversity Dinner was the Regional Director for Aftermarket Parts Distribution of Caterpillar Inc., Bonnie Fetch briefly addressed inequality in the workplace and ways to bridge the gap between sexes in business.
Garrett Week will conclude Saturday April 21, 2018 with a BBQ at Lower Bradley Park from noon to 4 p.m. BSA will be partnering with the Bradley University Black Alumni Association. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will be providing rides to and from the picnic for free for students who do not have their own means of transportation but would like to attend.
Every student is encouraged to attend events throughout Garrett Week. Any questions can be directed to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
