THIS DAY IN UNO HISTORY, 12-4-55: Aviation industry giant Glenn L. Martin, a founder of Lockheed Martin, dies. His will bequeaths to the University of Omaha $100,000 — about $960,000 today.

Martin, a founder of Lockheed Martin, operated the bomber plant in Omaha during World War II. That later became Offutt Air Force Base. There were numerous university ties to the plant. Omaha U. trained plant inspectorsw and Martin staff taught classes at the university. Faculty members also worked at the plant, including physical education instructor Stu Baller, who left the university to lead the plant’s physical fitness effort. 

The university awarded Martin an honorary doctor of science degree in 1945. Ten years later, Martin contributed what then was the largest gift ever received by the alumni association, $5,000. Martin died later that year, leaving OU $100,000 in his will.

A scholarship in his name still is awarded at UNO.

Lear more about Martin at the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum

Image from Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum