News & Updates
Noe family gift to the Hayden-Clark Alumni Center It is a fact that human beings bleed red, but in some rare instances, there are people who have been known to bleed Bradley Red. The Noe family does just that. They have been an integral part of the Bradley Family for many decades. They cheer on the athletic teams, mentor current students, organize alumni events and financially support the University in a variety of ways.
Recently, the Noe family announced their gift of $25,000 to the Hayden-Clark Alumni Center in order to name the office for visiting alumni. The one-time gift, to be paid over five years, will create a working office within the Alumni Center for alumni to conduct business while away from their own office. It will be a state-of-the-art facility with all of the business equipment necessary to hold a meeting, work remotely or just stop in to check email.
"The Noe family has been unbelievably intertwined with the campus for as long as people can remember," said Executive Director Alumni Relations, Lori Fan. "They are the quintessential Bradley Family," she added. This relationship has developed strong and deep roots in the fertile soil of Bradley University. Mary Jane Noe began a rewarding career at Bradley in 1986 when she came to work in the Financial Aid Department. After many years of working for the University in various positions, she retired in 2002 from the Development Office. As an employee of Bradley, she was able to take advantage of Bradley's tuition remission benefit. Mary
Jane and her husband Richard were fortunate to have four of their five children earn their degrees from Bradley. Their decision to participate in the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance is, in part, reflective of their appreciation for what a Bradley education has done for their family. This is not the first time the Noe family has contributed the University. In 1998, Richard and Mary Jane Noe established the Kamm Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship was named after Mary Jane's parents, Herman C. and Margaret R. Kamm. "I wanted to honor my own parents who did well in life, but were not able to receive a high school education. My father had to leave school to work on the farm and my mother needed to earn money. It was a way to show students how a strong work ethic and dedication can pay off in the long run,”" said Mary Jane. "It was also a way to thank the university for enabling us to send our kids to college," she added. Several of the Noe children are still engaged alumni, donating their time, talent and resources in order to improve the lives of many Bradley students. Katherine Noe Mellen graduated from Bradley in 1994 with a degree in Dietetics from Family & Consumer Sciences Department. She just recently received her doctorate from the University of Iowa, focusing on epidemiology. In 1996, her parents established an annual award in her honor—the Katherine R. Noe Mellen, Ph.D., RD Award—presented to the two highestranking seniors in dietetics. Kathy, who contributes annually to the award, currently serves on an advisory board in the Family & Consumer Sciences Department, the Dietetics Advisory Council. Michelle Noe was the second child to attend Bradley, receiving her bachelor's degree in Communications 1998. Since her graduation, she has served as a mentor and role model for students, an alumni chapter leader, and an advisor and facilitator for classes and organizations at Bradley. She is the president-elect of the Bradley University Alumni Association and the 2002 Lydia Moss Bradley Award recipient for her outstanding service to Bradley. "The Noe family gift just makes sense to us. It is our way to give back to Bradley and express our gratitude for everything that Bradley has given to us,” said Michelle Noe.
"We are part of the Bradley Family and family helps out in whatever way they can," Michelle said. Michelle has a driving passion...to give back. It is the foundation upon which her values were built and she credits her parents and grandparents for instilling her passion for giving. In fact, Michelle contributes annually to the Kamm Endowment as well as her own scholarship. In 1999 she established the Michelle M. Noe Communication Leadership Endowed Award to recognize an outstanding senior majoring in Communications at Bradley. "It is my hope to continue to learn, to lead and to leave behind a legacy in order to constantly improve the quality of life of others around me," said Michelle. "Bradley got me to the point I am today and this is just my way to give back. It's really what life is all about," Michelle concluded. Director of Development for the College of Education & Health Sciences, Liz Adams, said, "Michelle Noe serves as an excellent example for young alums to give back to their school. The entire Noe family is engaged and involved with the University, and has given back in more ways than I can express. It is not just about the money, but also giving of ones time and talent or becoming a mentor to students and young alumni." Elizabeth Noe graduated from Bradley in 2000 with a degree in Elementary Education. Since her departure from the Hilltop, she has served as a role model by mentoring young teachers while teaching at St. Marks School in Peoria. Over the past several years, she has had many BU students teach in her classroom. Matt Noe has also remained closely involved in the Bradley Community since his departure from the Hilltop in 2002. Just like Michelle, he also earned his degree in Communications. As a student, Matt organized the Bradley University Dance Marathon in 2001 and has continued to serve as a mentor and alumni advisor for the event. He also started the affinity group called the Bradley University Communications Alumni Network (BU-CAN) in 2008 and currently serves as the president. To date, there are more than 350 members and the group aims to connect communication students, faculty and alumni together. He is also the part of the Bradley University Alumni Association, serving as the affinity group liaison representing BU-CAN. The groundbreaking for the Hayden-Clark Alumni Center is planned for October 1, 2009. You can be sure the Noe family will be there.