Alumni Reunion Updates

 

Collins 40th Anniversary Reunion!

Collinsites!

 

Planning on the reunion continues. In this issue of the Newsletter we include the final definitive schedule (barring changes). The deadline for signing up is Friday, April 20th. So far 64 people have registered, plus staff, former directors, and a few current residents. Rooms are still available in Edmondson for $35 per night. We will doubtless try to accommodate those who only get around to making a decision after Friday, but we need a final number for Edmondson and various other items we are ordering this week; and a ballpark figure for the caterers. So please do sign up.

 

We look forward to seeing you in May.  If you would still like to register, a full form is not needed.  Please e-mail your name, the years you lived in Collins, your T-shirt size, and a memory/photo if you would like it included in the scrapbook to Lindsay Bugher.

 

We also include sad news about the passing of Collins alum Elissa Bradley (see attached bio). Family and friends are creating a scholarship fund in her honor. We'll make an announcement in that regard at the reunion banquet.

 

 

Carl Ipsen

Professor of History

Director, Collins LLC

 

 

REUNION SCHEDULE

 

 Friday Afternoon/Evening

 -Check-in starting at 2:00

 -Reception in Edmondson formal (5pm)

 -Former directors reminiscence (6pm)

 -Bonfire and catered dinner in Courtyard (7pm)

  BBQ from Shortstop: (Pulled pork, grilled chicken, Boca burgers, potato salad, baked beans,

  green salad, beer, wine, soft drinks)

 -Movie: Breaking Away (believe it or not: by popular demand) (9pm)

 -Alternative: self-guided tour of Nick’s English Hut

 

 Saturday Morning

 -Continental breakfast in Coffee House (set up at 8am, enjoy all morning)

 From Bloomington Bagels (assorted bagels, schmears, coffee, tea, fruit platter)

 

 Morning options

 -Lilly Library tour (10am)

 -Art Museum tour (11am)

 -Volleyball and croquet in courtyard (set up at 9am, enjoy all day)

 

 Saturday Afternoon

 -Sandwiches to eat in or to go (set up at 12pm)

 From Dogwood’s: (assorted sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit, soft drinks)

 

 Afternoon options

 -See your old room tour (1pm – 2pm)

 -Hike and Canoe Rentals at Lake Griffy (2pm – 5pm)

 -Friends of Elissa Bradley recollection in courtyard (4pm)

 -Volleyball and croquet in courtyard

 

 Saturday Evening

 -Group photos with former directors on the Veranda (6pm)

 -Banquet in Dining Hall (6:30pm)

 Catered by Traditions (vegetable lasagna, grilled chicken with rice, garlic potatoes, asparagus,

 glazed carrots, dinner rolls, assorted cakes, beer, wine, soft drinks)

 -State of Collins (Ipsen) – 7:15pm

 -Open Mic/storytelling (9pm)

 -Observatory visit (tentative, 10pm)

 

 Sunday morning

 -Brunch in coffee shop – (9am – 11am)

 From Foodworks by Middle Way House (muffins, frittata, fruit, orange juice, coffee)

 -Room check-out time: 12pm

 -You may linger at Collins as long as you like

 

 

 

 

 

Elissa Bradley

(1975-2012)

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elissa Rita Bradley, age 36. Elissa lived in  Collins (Edmondson and Smith) from 1993-1997.  During that time, she befriended, served, loved, and liberated those of us lucky enough to know her.  From organizing student government meetings to passing out condoms in the courtyard, Elissa was not afraid to stand up for what she believed in, make a difference, and organize people for change.  Collins provided her an opportunity to grow, serve, and create a home and community away from her home in New York.


Through the Individualized Major Program at IUB, Elissa majored in a combination of Biology, English, Women's Studies, and Health. As part of the major, Elissa published a book about Women's Health. Elissa loved to travel, and she lived in London for a semester with the SUNY, Oswego Study Abroad Program, and she also spent a summer in Zambia doing work with HIV Aids Education for her graduate studnes (UCLA).

 

She completed her Masters degree in Public Health at UCLA in 2008. In 2011, Elissa and her husband, Joe Provost, moved to Paris.   If you would like to read about Elissa's Paris adventures, you can visit her blog at www.thisonegal.com.  

 

Elissa loved to enjoy life to the fullest. From blowing bubbles and eating chocolate, to wearing glitter and telling others the way she felt about them--Elissa's vibrant and loving attitude was contagious.

 

An online community honors Elissa on Facebook and can be found at "We Love Elissa Bradley." Memorials to commemorate Elissa's life have been held in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and we will also be hosting a memorial at Collins during its 40th Year Reunion on Saturday, May 12, 2012.

 

Elissa is survived by her husband, Joe Provost, her parents Greg and Dolores Bradley, and her younger brothers, Paul and Patrick Bradley. Patrick graduated from IUB as well and lived on the Hill of Collins.

           

A Scholarship set up in honor of Elissa plans to help future generations of Collinsites with their housing costs and to fund individual projects that benefit Collins and IUB.  The idea is to help support individuals that have an aspiration to inspire others, make positive change, and encourage all future Collinsites to explore their passions. Elissa’s family is setting up a permanent scholarship fund in Elissa's name; you can donate by mailing a check payable to "IUF - Collins Living-Learning Center" to: Indiana University Foundation, PO Box 500, Bloomington, IN 47402.