Doug Riley Remembered Through Scholarship and Technology Center Rededication

Bellevue University is celebrating the life and legacy of H. Douglas “Doug” Riley, a longtime board member, supporter, and advocate, through the creation of the Doug Riley Memorial Endowed Scholarship and the recent rededication of the University’s Riley Technology Center.

With Riley’s passing on May 28, 2022, Bellevue University lost a friend and champion of education. His family lost a brother, father, grandfather, and uncle, while the world of global business lost an innovative entrepreneur and hard-driving change leader who never stopped learning.

A double major in Math and Economics, Riley co-founded Lancer Label in 1974, an Omaha-based manufacturer of custom paper labels for sales and marketing promotions. Over the next decades, as technology evolved from paper to digital and integrated systems, Riley built and invested in companies that became part of that change. DRG Technologies, the company he later led, now provides labeling and product identification systems for global clients across multiple industries, including food safety, medical equipment, telecommunications, and electronics.

Riley’s journey to success began in childhood. Growing up in Omaha, he launched a neighborhood lawn-mowing business at age 12 and made his first stock purchase—a $500 investment in Collins Radio—at age 13. “Doug’s middle-class upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic,” said Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. “He believed that dedication, smart investment, and lifelong learning could open doors for anyone willing to work for it.”

In 1986, Riley founded the Doug Riley Family Foundation. His first gift to then-Bellevue College came a year later, and in 1987, he joined the College’s Board of Directors. For 35 years, he served on and chaired both the University and Foundation boards, helping to shape programs and initiatives that continue to impact students today. He received an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Bellevue University in 2010.

“Doug believed in the power of education to change lives,” Dr. Hawkins said. “His determination to advance industry helped build programs that continue to serve students today. The scholarship and the technology center are reflections of his values and vision.”

The Doug Riley Memorial Endowed Scholarship, part of Bellevue University's American Dream Scholarship Program, offers financial support to students who are first-generation college attendees, come from diverse backgrounds, and face economic challenges.

This scholarship is designed to assist students pursuing degrees or certificate programs at Bellevue University, with preference given to those entering high-demand fields.

To date, Bellevue University has awarded the Doug Riley Memorial Scholarship to five students, helping them take steps toward achieving their academic and professional goals.

Earlier this fall, Bellevue University celebrated the rededication of the Riley Technology Center during the Riley Tech Reimagined event. The center was originally dedicated in 2001, and today the building remains a hub for learning and innovation, reflecting Riley’s belief in the importance of technical education and staying ahead of emerging technologies. 

As part of the rededication, the University also announced a new gift from the Riley Family Foundation—made through Doug’s son, Daren Riley—to support the University’s efforts in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

“If my dad was here today seeing how people are using new technologies at the Riley Technology Center,” said Daren Riley. “I think he would say that learning new technologies is what's going to set you apart from your peers, and it's going to take your game to the next level.”

Doug Riley will be remembered for his remarkable career, his unwavering dedication to education and community, and his lifelong commitment to the principles that guided him: “Make money in a business you understand, invest wisely, and never stop learning.”

To contribute to the Doug Riley Memorial Endowed Scholarship, contact the University Advancement Office at advancement@bellevue.edu or 402-557-7294.