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If you want to motivate Bradford Perry, remind him of his mother. A single parent raising sons in Northeast Portland, Brad's mom set a high standard that she was never able to achieve herself: "Go to college," she said. And Brad did, bringing to ÃÛѨÊÓƵ his determination, talent, and aspirations.

Brad knew that higher education was his destination, but his financial path was uncertain. He credits those who graduated before him with making ÃÛѨÊÓƵ possible: financial aid opened the door to a community and a campus he loved at first sight. One of the greatest attractions was the opportunity to play football for legendary coach Ad Rutschman, who led the Wildcats to two national titles during Brad's college days.

While football was shaping Brad's character, ÃÛѨÊÓƵ courses were engaging his entrepreneurial imagination and honing his skills as a communicator. He fondly remembers how faculty mentors offered to back a business-club brainstorm, encouraging students to present their own business plan. The realization that ÃÛѨÊÓƵ professors had faith in him gave Brad the confidence to achieve his own goals, realize his mother's dream, and set high standards for himself going forward.