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P. James Brady III ’81 and Barbara Brady Bequest Makes a Tangible Difference for Bryant’s College of Business

James and Barbara Brady

P. James “Jim” Brady III ’81 and his wife, Barbara, have created a lasting legacy at Bryant University’s College of Business.

P. James “Jim” Brady III ’81 and his wife, Barbara, epitomize the philanthropic ideal of “time, talent, and treasure.” Both are committed to helping young people succeed and are deeply invested in the educational institutions and community organizations that have enriched their lives.

Like many alumni, Brady says his early support for Bryant flowed from gratitude for his education and the opportunities it gave him. Over time, he added another reason. “For me, in one word, it’s ‘consequential,’” he explains. “Being grateful is still 50% of the reason, but the sustaining component is to be consequential and know you are making a very tangible difference.” Seeing that positive impact has culminated in a $1 million bequest intention for the University that will provide endowment support for the University’s College of Business.

The Bradys’ legacy gift follows the establishment of the Barbara and P. James Brady III ’81 Sophomore International Experience Scholarship in 2017, which supports Bryant students majoring in International Business and reflects the couple’s interest in global education. The transformational experiences they had in Russia (1995-98) and India (2008-12), where Brady led Deloitte’s audit and advisory practices, inspired a commitment to provide students with learning abroad opportunities early in their academic careers.

Their approach to philanthropy and service echoes the adventurous spirit they share. When first considering the opportunity to work and live abroad, Barbara notes, “Our thought was, how can we not do this?”

Brady’s personal involvement at Bryant has touched hundreds of students. In addition to being a popular guest lecturer every semester for the last several years, he and Barbara have made significant unrestricted gifts in support of the College of Business, and he is the founding Chair of the Dean’s Council for the College.

Looking back, Brady is astonished that at age 19 he identified the passion that would become his profession. An Accounting major, he was especially influenced by Bryant professor Michael Lynch, J.D., who arranged the internship at one of the “Big Eight” accounting firms that launched Brady’s stellar career.

In 2015, after 27 years at Deloitte, Brady was appointed COO of Grant Thornton USA. Today he is CEO at alliantgroup India Talent and Vice Chairman of Advisory services for alliantgroup in Houston, TX.

Brady credits his early aptitude as a leader, along with the support and mentoring he received at Bryant, for the “people-first” strategy that has guided his life and career. “Growing up, I was the organizer — always pushing to get the game going,” he recalls. “My passion is helping others succeed...I love mentoring younger people — it’s been my passion for four decades. Now, most importantly, it’s our children — daughter Alex, 24, and son Chris, 22.”

Brady’s professional drive, business acumen, and global perspective are the essential qualities Bryant strives to instill in every student. This fall, he joined Bryant’s Board of Trustees. It’s a timely appointment, as the Board will be developing a new strategic plan to guide the University through 2030 — and another opportunity for consequential impact.

Learn how you can make an impact at Bryant University by creating your own legacy. Simply contact Bob Ferrell at 401-232-6171 or rferrell@bryant.edu to find out more.

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Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Bryant University a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

 Bequest Language

"I, [name], of [city, state ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to Bryant University [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Bryant University or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Bryant University as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Bryant University as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Bryant University where you agree to make a gift to Bryant University and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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