Commemorating a Brave

Major Robert H. Lawrence Jr. ’56 was the nation’s first Black Astronaut whose more than 2,500 flight hours helped to develop the space shuttle that would take science into space exploration. 

Bradley is proud to announce that Major Robert Lawrence’s likeness will be captured in a life-sized sculpture, created by Fisher Stolz, chair of the Department of Art and Design, with the assistance of grad student Liz Johnson ’18. This sculpture will be placed in front of Olin Hall in February, but we need help raising $178,000 to go toward the costs of the sculpture and installation.

There are three matching gift opportunities that will help individual gifts go further. BU Interim President Jon Michael is matching every gift from faculty, staff and students. David Ulmer ’69 is matching every gift from BU alumni. Dr. Don Glover (emeriti professor), Dr. Kurt Field (emeriti professor), Emma Taylor ’75 (widow of Dr. Max Taylor), Jerry Kolb ’83 (son of emeriti professor Dr. Ken Kolb ’79 and emerita professor Dr. Doris Kolb), and more are matching every gift from alumni, faculty, staff and students within the Mund-Lagowski Chemistry Department. Those who make a gift of $100 or more may have their name (or a name of their choosing) included on the sculpture.

Please consider donating today online or by mailing a check to:

Bradley University Gift Records
1501 W. Bradley Ave.
Peoria, IL 61625
Please note “Major Robert Lawrence Sculpture” on your check.

All funds raised that exceed the cost of this sculpture will go toward supporting Major Robert Lawrence’s endowed scholarship and lecture fund for students majoring in chemistry or biochemistry.