The Bradley community has been deeply affected by the sudden loss of marketing professor Dr Edward Bond on September 26.
Since 1997, Bond has had a significant presence on the Bradley campus. He founded and became the director of Bradley’s Supply Chain Institute, in addition to serving as president of Bradley’s marketing department from 2007 to 2020.
“Ed believed that students should have both a sense of discovery and contribution as they learn and be able to do something they otherwise couldn’t,” said Bradley President Stephen Standiford in an email sent to students on Monday. “He was passionate and had a taste for teaching.”
A vigil was held Wednesday afternoon outside the Business and Engineering Convergence Center to celebrate the man who advocated for the unification of these two colleges.
“We’ve all lost a friend to Ed,” said Rajesh Iyer, president of marketing. “As department head, he made sure everyone had the opportunity to pursue their passion.”
Throughout his 25 years at Bradley, hundreds – and probably thousands – of students experienced Bond’s presence. He has taught key marketing courses at undergraduate and MBA levels and has been at the forefront of Bradley introducing concentrations in Global Supply Chain Management and Social Media Management.
One such student was Nicole Farrow, a supply chain junior and one of Bond’s advisors.
“To say I am honored to speak here today would be an understatement,” Farrow said.
In his remarks, Farrow noted that the focus of the supply chain started by Bond was the main factor that made him want to attend Bradley. She recalls each of her counseling sessions with Bond, all of which went over their scheduled timeslot due to the late professor’s willingness to talk about the lives of his students.
Bond’s affinity for constantly striving for impact shone through when he taught technology and interactive media management in Bradley’s Executive Masters of Business Administration courses. He also guided undergraduate students through classes on pricing and product strategy, according to the email.
“Ed was an early champion of convergence in business and engineering, and his contributions to this and other Foster College of Business, Bradley University and community initiatives have had tremendous impact,” said the dean of the Foster College of Business and the Caterpillar College of. Engineering and technology, said Molly Gribb.
Although the speakers at the vigil included deans, professors and a student, each of them mentioned that Bond’s most important quality was a deep dedication and personality to his students and colleagues. Dr. Robert Prescott, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Iyer, who replaced Bond in the role of marketing chairman, firmly believed that these traits were apparent in the various spheres of Bond’s life.
“Ed Bond was one of my closest friends,” Prescott said. “And as such shared the most important aspects of his life.”
“What would Uncle Ed do?” Iyer remarked, recalling what Bond used as a basis for giving advice.
In addition to his work on campus, Bond was also a father. Prescott cited Bond’s two children – who both attended the wake – as what brought him the most joy and pride.
Bond earned his master’s degree at Arizona State and earned an Alumni Professional Achievement Award from Manhattan Christian College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
Flags across Bradley flew at half mast in Bond’s honor from Tuesday to Thursday. Bond’s visit will be October 3 from 5-7 p.m. at the Richwoods Christian Church. His funeral will take place on October 4 at 10:30 a.m. at the church.
Although all the speakers at the vigil highlighted Bond’s passion for education, Prescott said Bond is now teaching him a different kind of lesson.
“Ed is now teaching me how to lose a best friend,”