Convocation program featuring first BA degrees awarded, 1922
Title
Convocation program featuring first BA degrees awarded, 1922
Description
This 1922 convocation program represents a pivotal year in Bradley's history - the first year when both Bachelor of Art (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees were conferred. Equally significant, this was also the year Bradley graduated its last class of the high school. Arguably, 2022 should really be remembered as the centennial of Bradley as a college just as 2046 will be the true centennial for the university.
From 1897 to 1921, Bradley Polytechnic Institute was an interesting hybrid: part high school, part junior college, plus a school for watchmaking and other manual arts. In its earliest years, the school hired faculty in biology, chemistry, Classics (Latin and Greek), drawing, food work, English, history, manual arts, mathematics, modern languages (German and French), physics, and sewing.
The emphasis on vocational training was still evident two decades later. In 1920, thirty-two faculty members (in addition to the director, librarian, and recorder) taught a similar array of subjects: ancient languages, automobile, biology, chemistry (2), domestic science (5), drawing (3), electricity, English (2), history, manual arts (3), mathematics (2), metal working, modern languages (2), physical training (3), physics, vocational courses, woodworking, and zoology.
But the leaders aimed higher. A key moment (mostly unremembered) in the history of the institution was the decision to move towards conferring four-year bachelor’s degrees. This decision was made despite a report from U.S. Bureau of Education arguing against the change. The transition was gradual. Starting in 1915, BPI graduated a growing trickle of students with B.S. degrees. This number had grown to 42 by 1920.
From 1897 to 1921, Bradley Polytechnic Institute was an interesting hybrid: part high school, part junior college, plus a school for watchmaking and other manual arts. In its earliest years, the school hired faculty in biology, chemistry, Classics (Latin and Greek), drawing, food work, English, history, manual arts, mathematics, modern languages (German and French), physics, and sewing.
The emphasis on vocational training was still evident two decades later. In 1920, thirty-two faculty members (in addition to the director, librarian, and recorder) taught a similar array of subjects: ancient languages, automobile, biology, chemistry (2), domestic science (5), drawing (3), electricity, English (2), history, manual arts (3), mathematics (2), metal working, modern languages (2), physical training (3), physics, vocational courses, woodworking, and zoology.
But the leaders aimed higher. A key moment (mostly unremembered) in the history of the institution was the decision to move towards conferring four-year bachelor’s degrees. This decision was made despite a report from U.S. Bureau of Education arguing against the change. The transition was gradual. Starting in 1915, BPI graduated a growing trickle of students with B.S. degrees. This number had grown to 42 by 1920.
Date
1922
Subject
Academic rites and ceremonies; Universities and colleges
Rights
For official publication permission or to request high resolution images, contact Special Collections at specialcollections@bradley.edu or (309)677-2822.
Citation
“Convocation program featuring first BA degrees awarded, 1922,” Virginius H. Chase Special Collections Center, accessed May 8, 2024, https://bradleyspecialcollections.omeka.net/items/show/75.