Great Concordian: Robert Bradley, mathematician and Concordia’s first Rhodes Scholar

Although Robert Bradley, BSc 79, made history as Concordia’s first Rhodes Scholar, he also considers himself to be “the last Rhodes Scholar in Loyola College history.”

Bradley arrived on Loyola Campus not long after the merger of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University led to the creation of Concordia in 1974.

“Loyola still had a very distinct identity,” he recalls. “I was a neighbourhood kid and had two uncles who attended Loyola High School and Loyola College.”

When Bradley crossed the convocation stage as a Department of Mathematics graduate with a 92 per cent average, the faculty valedictorian did so with summa cum laude honours and a trove of awards to his credit.

These included the Governor General’s Medal as the highest-ranked graduate, the Mappin Medal, given to the highest-ranked graduate in the sciences, and the Mathematics Medal.

For good measure, Bradley also won the Malone Medal, then presented by the Loyola Students’ Association for exceptional contributions to non-academic activities.

“I was deeply involved with Radio Loyola,” says Bradley. “That was a wonderful, unforgettable experience.”

Incredibly, Bradley did all of this — and earned a Rhodes Scholarship to attend the University of Oxford — despite sometimes working 14-hour shifts as a restaurant manager as a student.

After completing his master’s degree in mathematics and philosophy from Oxford and a PhD in mathematics from the University of Toronto, Bradley accepted a position to teach and pursue research at Adelphi University.

Now close to retirement, he has spent more than three decades at the well-regarded institution on Long Island, New York. Eight of those years have been spent as chair of the math department.

Outside of the classroom, Bradley keeps a busy schedule, similar to his student days.

The Great Concordian plays guitar in a few bands (one with fellow Adelphi faculty is called the Mad Professors), authors papers, serves as president of the Euler Society and helps to organize conferences and promote scholarly discourse as president of the Canadian Society for History and Philosophy of Math.

When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?

The small class sizes and close relationships with professors made a significant impact on me. I had the opportunity to explore my passion for mathematics and philosophy in a supportive environment — and that helped pave the way to Oxford and beyond.

One enjoyable aspect of my experience that also contributed to my career was my involvement with the math aid centre, where I served as a tutor. The centre was a great resource for students, but it was equally great for us coaches.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

I love to teach, so that has certainly helped. A big part of my job is to anticipate and understand the needs of my students — that’s been pivotal. I’ve always sought to create engaging and effective learning experiences for them.

My involvement in establishing the Honors College at Adelphi allowed me to further enrich my academic contributions. And my research interests in the history and philosophy of mathematics have provided me with unique insights and opportunities for scholarly achievement.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

Follow your passions. Follow the thing that gives you the biggest intellectual thrill. Whether it’s mathematics or any other field, immerse yourself fully in what stimulates your mind.

Don’t hesitate to explore diverse interests. Take advantage of opportunities for growth and learning. I always tell my students: Prioritize genuine curiosity and seek out experiences that nourish your academic, professional and personal development.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

It fills me with immense joy and gratitude. I’m truly honoured to be acknowledged in this way and deeply appreciate the recognition. It’s not only a validation of my academic journey but also the connections I’ve maintained with Concordia over the years.