By: Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, Founder & Board Chair, CPASS Foundation
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of John Bradley, a beloved member of the CPASS family, a founder of the Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program™ (CAHMCP), and a lifelong champion for equity in education and healthcare.
John Bradley was more than a supporter of our work; he was a trailblazer and advocate whose life’s work helped redefine what access and opportunity could look like for underrepresented students pursuing careers in health and STEMM.
John served for decades as a co-director of CAHMCP, beginning in 1979. As part of this public-private partnership —bringing together Illinois medical and dental schools, Illinois Institute of Technology, and community organizations—he and Dr. Reggie Jones helped build a powerful pipeline into health professions and introduced thousands of students to careers in medicine, dentistry, and beyond.
But what made John’s impact extraordinary was not just the scale, it was the depth. He recruited students as early as elementary school and mentored them through every stage of their journey, often staying connected until they were fully established in their careers. He believed that success was not just about academic achievement, but about developing leaders who would give back and uplift their communities.
For many, John’s influence was deeply personal.
“CAHMCP changed the trajectory of my life, and John Bradley was at the center of that transformation,” said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, Founder & Board Chair of the CPASS Foundation. “I often say—and I mean it wholeheartedly—that I would not have become a physician without his support, his belief in me, and his guidance. John didn’t just open doors; he made sure we were ready to walk through them. His legacy lives in every life he helped shape, including mine.”
John’s leadership was instrumental in increasing the number of underrepresented students entering STEMM and health professions. His approach, combining mentorship, academic preparation, and community engagement, created a model that continues to influence programs today.
In recognition of his enduring impact, CPASS established the John Bradley STEM Award for Inspirational Leadership, honoring exceptional professionals whose leadership attracts, supports, and advances underrepresented students in STEMM. The award reflects John’s legacy: not only opening doors but also building systems that ensure others can walk through them.
As the 2019 inaugural honoree, John Bradley embodied the very spirit of the award—visionary leadership, deep compassion, and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunity for others.
John Bradley’s work and vision have left an indelible mark on CPASS, CAHMCP, and the broader community. His legacy lives on in the thousands of students he mentored, the professionals he helped shape, and the communities strengthened through his efforts.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
We honor his life by continuing the work he believed in—expanding access, building pathways, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to pursue their dreams.