Academics are the heart of Bradley University. Make cuts elsewhere

In fall 2004, I stepped onto Bradley’s campus not knowing what to expect. Though born and raised in Peoria, I’d never been on campus. I do not come from a family of great means, but when it came to college, 1- not going wasn’t an option for me, and 2- cost was a major factor. Academically, I could have gone anywhere, but by commuting from home, and by accepting an awesome scholarship, Bradley was the most economical choice.

Bradley blew me away. As the daughter of an educator, I know a top-notch teacher when I see one, and I was surrounded like the Soviets in the Siege of Stalingrad. My English classes left me without words, luckily only figuratively or I would’ve failed. On a whim I took the placement test for French. As a result, I was able to finish a French major in a matter of twenty-four hours of credit. Finally, my education classes were absolutely stellar. My mother supervised several student teachers during her career from ISU — or IS-Who, as we affectionately call it on the Hilltop — and she was more than impressed Bradley’s curriculum, pacing, and the rigor that both my sister and I experienced.

One can therefore imagine my dismay upon hearing the news that in face of a $13 million dollar deficit, President Standifird is looking to cut academic programs. I wouldn’t be a French teacher today without my time at Bradley University. Has President Stanifird noticed the teacher shortage plaguing education? Some of the most difficult positions to fill are world language and math, yet math education is on the chopping block while French as a major is being cut.

More:Bradley University announces proposal to eliminate jobs and cut academic programs

I have four children, and their destination for a collegiate education was unquestioned. They were headed to Bradley, but should we trust an institution of education that would sacrifice its academics for its budget when there are other places to look? I cannot sit by and allow my alma mater to compromise what I am most proud of, especially when the athletic department, a representative of the University Administration, refused to fund the Bravettes (I was a captain) over the issue of black jazz pants — standard dance uniform attire — while similar activities received full book scholarships.

To hear that the French program, one of my favorite things about my time at Bradley, will shrink saddens me. The smaller French class created a sense of comfort where it was safe to make mistakes and take risks in a new language, which is exactly the kind of environment world language classes require. Plus, French is the second official language of the Olympic games, the fifth most spoken language globally, and a language spoken on every continent except Antarctica — at least until the penguins catch on. When the continent of Africa comes into its own, and its economy booms as many economists have predicted it will, those working in international business and relations will need French as several nations in Africa use it as their official language.

The majority of the students who step foot on that campus don’t do so because of athletics. I should know. I worked in the bookstore and filled the orders for the students who did. The majority are there to learn. I love Bradley University. I loved that I had to park in the tightest spaces in Peoria and walk past a statue of Lydia Moss Bradley, a female founder, to make it to my classes in Bradley Hall. I love that my husband and I could graduate from high school and attend Bradley together and then have our wedding reception in the student center with my Bravette teammates in tow. I love that my English professor, Dr. Craig, drove a car with Shakespeare on her license plate because she was that dedicated. Being a student at Bradley University allows an individual to be known by professors and join an academic community. Taking these programs away eliminates that possibility for hundreds of prospective learners.

I implore President Standifird to do the right thing and look elsewhere to make up for the deficit in the budget. Do not eliminate the reason a school exists to begin with. As a Bradley alum and hopeful parent of alumni, I feel it’s in everyone’s best interests to explore all options. As a millennial who graduated into the Great Recession, I also know that a little creativity and a lot of hustle can go a long way.

While I have this platform I’d like to take a moment to thank all of my professors at Bradley University — those who have passed: Dr. Dusenbury, Dr. Guzman, and Dr. Foster; and those who remain or have retired: Dr. Hertich and Dr. Sconduto in French, Dr. Craig, Dr. Katz, Dr. Frazier and Dr. Jost in English, and Dr. Antola Crowe, Dr. Chrosniak, Dr. Johnson, and Dr. McMullen in education. You’ve played a part in making me a better person, teacher, parent and advocate for my community. You are Bradley University, not the buildings or the quad. If those disappeared, learning could and would continue. Please know that I meant it every time when I said thank you as I left each class, no matter what language I used to say it.

Kara Girsch is a Bradley University graduate and a teacher at Peoria Notre Dame High School. She lives in Peoria.