Entrepreneur and cystic fibrosis survivor and advocate Bradley Poole, a 2016 graduate, will receive the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Alumni Award of Distinction during commencement exercises May 3.

Poole was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant. He learned early on that a focus on fitness and endurance could support improved physical and mental health as he dealt with what is currently an incurable, chronic illness. Today he uses that love of exercise to drive a thriving fitness center business while also raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support cystic fibrosis research and treatment.

In honor of these amazing accomplishments, Poole has been selected to receive the Pitt-Bradford Alumni Association’s 2026 Alumni Award of Distinction.

 “Brad is the embodiment of resilience and inspiration,” said Dr. Mark Kelley ’03, assistant professor and director of the Exercise Science Program at Pitt-Bradford, who nominated Poole for the award. “He turned a lifelong challenge into a source of strength, purpose, and impact. Through every mile he runs and every life he touches, he proves that limitations do not define us, our courage to rise beyond them does.”

Poole earned two bachelor’s degrees from Pitt-Bradford, in sport and recreation management and exercise sciences as well as a master’s in sports administration from Canisius University. He worked for several years as a personal trainer before opening Warrior Fitness and Wellness in Ellicottville, N.Y., in 2020. The gym now has a second location in Little Valley, N.Y., and continues to grow.

Alongside building his business, Poole has earned increasing national attention for his endurance challenges, which he has used as a vehicle to raise awareness and money for the fight against cystic fibrosis. In 2020, he ran through every town in Cattaraugus County, N.Y., completing 266 miles in seven days and raising $65,000 in the process. Since then, he has continued to increase the distances and complexity of the challenges, while also raising the fundraising goals. For his next major effort, he will attempt to run from Miami to New York City in March of 2027.

“I have found that the crazier the challenge, the more attention I get and money I can raise,” Poole said. “Fitness truly helped save my life and I am committed to using these challenges to help save the lives of others who also suffer from this disease.”

The Alumni Award of Distinction is presented to alumni for outstanding professional achievement or exemplary service to the community. The most recent recipients of the honor have been Dr. Yvon Woappi ’11, Tom Cole ’80-’82 and Dr. Larry Schardt ’72-’74.