UNO Goodrich Scholarship Program alum and wife establish program’s first endowed professorship

OMAHA — The global head of audit at KPMG International credits the Goodrich Scholarship Program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for boosting his career — and now Larry Bradley has pledged $550,000 to establish the first endowed professorship for the program.

Bradley, a 1983 UNO graduate, and wife Cindy, who is also a UNO alum, together pledged a $300,000 gift and a $250,000 deferred pledge through their estate to establish the Larry and Cindy Bradley Professor for Goodrich.

The professorship will support a salary stipend, research and creative activities to enhance the scholarship program’s impact on students and the university.

“I relied on Goodrich to mentor me through college,” said Bradley. “I developed tight relationships with the Goodrich professors. The overall family of support provided by Goodrich was remarkable, especially for a young, struggling kid.”

Established in 1972 through legislation and funding championed by then-State Sen. Glenn Goodrich, the scholarship program now more than 50 years running has helped more than 3,800 students with financial need pursue a UNO degree, including many first-generation college students such as Bradley.

Golden year for state-funded UNO Goodrich Scholarship Program

Bradley grew up in North Omaha with his three siblings, all of whom attended UNO. His dad was a route delivery driver and his mom worked in Omaha Public Schools. 

Now living in New York City and Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina, Bradley said the Goodrich program gave him a broad and diverse outlook. 

“Goodrich offers the means for students from all backgrounds to succeed,” he said.

Troy Romero, chair of the Goodrich program who also is a Goodrich graduate, said the Bradleys for decades have provided direct support to students. He said they have been pivotal in helping to fulfill the Goodrich program’s mission — “inspiring (students) to seize opportunities and pursue their dreams.”

Bradley said Goodrich courses were among his favorites at UNO. Goodrich has a two-year specialized curriculum centered around humanities and social science general education courses.

UNO Chancellor Joanne Li called the Bradleys’ gift a testament to the “transformative power of education” and the lifelong impact of the Goodrich program. Current scholars and graduates have a saying: “Once a Goodricher, always a Goodricher.”

Larry Bradley oversees more than 90,000 employees at KPMG, where he has worked for four decades. He is an honorary University of Nebraska Foundation Trustee and has been recognized as a distinguished alumni by the UNO College of Business Administration. 

Cindy graduated from UNO in 1985 with a degree in elementary education.

Of the Bradleys, Li said: “Their generosity will not only elevate the program’s ability to serve future Mavericks, but also inspire others to invest in opportunities that empower students to achieve their dreams and strengthen our community.”