Bradbury Thompson - Track and Field (1929-34)
Seen as a pioneer of the graphic arts after graduating from Washburn, Bradbury Thompson also left his mark as a member of the Ichabods track and field team while attending WU from 1929-34. He was inducted into the Washburn Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985-86.
Thompson can also be credited with leaving a permanent mark on Washburn by designing the Ichabod logo still used by the school.
While at WU and serving as the editor of the Kaw, Washburn’s yearbook, he also was setting records on the track and field team. In 1931 he ran the 100-yard dash in 9.9 seconds, setting a school record that stood for 18 years. He also set a record that year in the 220-yard dash at 22.0 seconds.
He was a four-year letterman and served as team captain as a junior.
Thompson graduated from Washburn in 1934 with a bachelor’s degree. As a graphic designer, Thompson blended photography, typography and color to win numerous awards in the field, including the National Society of Art Directors Art Director of the Year in 1950, the AIGA Gold Medal in 1975 and the Art Directors Hall of Fame award in 1977.
He also designed over 90 stamps for the U.S. Postal Service and in 1938 he designed the Mr. Ichabod logo still used by the athletic department. The Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center, opened in 1996 was named after him in honor of his contributions.
