At a Celebration of Life on Sept. 22, for Paul Bradley Jr., Memory Littles announced that the annual Faculty-Student Basketball Game will be renamed the Paul Anthony Bradley Jr. Faculty-Student Basketball Game to honor his life and legacy.
Bradley, who served as Assistant Director of Student Activities, passed this summer in a tragic car crash, impacting several faculty members and students at Armstrong
Founded by Bradley five years ago, the event was something he took “pride and ownership” of. The next basketball game will be held in spring 2024 under its official new name.
More than 100 people gathered to mourn the loss of Bradley in the Student Union Ballroom. Bradley’s family, colleagues and students were present in the audience.
Director of Student Activities Memory Littles set the tone of the memorial with positive remembrances of Bradley’s time at Georgia Southern.
The South Carolina native began his career at GSU as a graduate assistant in the Office of Student Activities. He later interned there before leaving to attend Augusta State University. He returned to GSU in 2018 to further his career.
Even during his time away from GSU, Bradley remained dedicated to the university, assisting with campus events in Statesboro.
Upon his return, Bradley prioritized cultivating a culture that was unique to the Armstrong community. Last year he was granted the Kathryn Grube Unsung Hero Award for his contributions to the campus.
Members of the OSA, many of whom grew close with Bradley outside of work, credit him with creating a welcoming, inclusive environment within their department.
“He was my safe space at work, and I felt like I was his,” said Candace McCray, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. “He was authentic, thoughtful and considerate.”
Several more people spoke to Paul’s memory, including those who shared a close relationship with him and those who did not. People who were unable to attend the memorial sent in written messages and videos.
Many knew him as a mentor, acknowledging his strong work ethic, inspirational advice, unwavering confidence and infectious humor.
“Thank you for being my pusher, my confidant, my boss, my advice-giver and unapologetically PBJ,” said Corianna Middlebrooks, Bradley’s last graduate assistant student. “I will forever cherish the one year we were able to grow close and learn from each other so well.”
Bradley’s family remembered him in a similar light, claiming that he kept their family together by planning get-togethers and visiting as often as he could.
Bradley’s parents, Barbara and Paul Bradley, Jr., said that they’ll miss seeing him every holiday, especially Christmas and Mother’s Day.
Teary-eyed, his parents spoke highly of his passion and work ethic.
“He could get anything he wanted,” Bradley Sr., said. “He was committed.”
“And his work spoke for him,” his mother added.
At the ceremony’s conclusion, the Office of Student Activities presented Bradley’s family with a blanket made from his GSU T-shirts.
