Omaha Business Leader Larry Courtnage Receives Honorary Doctorate for Longtime Service to Bellevue University

Omaha business leader Larry Courtnage, a 2018 Omaha Business Hall of Fame inductee, received an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Bellevue University in recognition of his longtime service on the University’s Board of Directors. The degree was presented at the University Board of Directors’ meeting on Oct. 25.

Courtnage founded C&A Industries in 1969 with a desk, a phone and a Rolodex and grew the company into a national leader in staffing and recruitment services. C&A Industries is known for innovation and growth and has been recognized eight times as a winner of Best Places to Work in Omaha. Courtnage’s credo throughout his business career was simple – “It’s all about integrity and taking care of the customer. The customer comes first.”

During his time leading C&A Industries and as a member of the Bellevue University Board of Directors, Courtnage championed the use of technology to accomplish work and improve productivity. Courtnage provided a million-dollar challenge grant that led to the establishment of the C&A Industries Intelligence Systems Lab on the Bellevue University main campus. The lab is a state-of-the-art facility that serves hundreds of students studying cybersecurity, data sciences and systems network administration.

Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins said, “Larry Courtnage’s life and career embody the American Dream. Throughout his lifetime, Larry learned to think big, recognize opportunities and develop his talent and tools to turn those opportunities into reality. Bellevue University is a better institution because of his leadership and service on our board.” President Hawkins credits Courtnage with motivating others to invest in developing the area’s technology workforce.