The University of Minnesota Crookston dedicated its campus wellness center to alumnus and donor Les Nielsen and his family during a formal ceremony held on April 20 at the newly named Nielsen Family Wellness Center.
The dedication recognizes the ongoing support of the Nielsen family, whose contributions have benefited students through scholarships and other gifts. The event featured remarks from university leaders including Executive Vice President and Provost Gretchen Ritter, University of Minnesota Foundation President John Morris, Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause, Chief Development Officer Brandy Chaffee, Director of Athletics Stephanie Helgeson, and Director of Advancement Kevin Thompson.
During her speech, Ritter said, “It is clear from all the Nielsen family has done for Crookston that they know how important and impactful it is for a student from a small town to have a superb education.” She added, “I’m inspired by the lives you have helped, Mr. Nielsen…helping our students to get an education but also helping our state to nurture these talented young people who then go on to give back so much to our communities.”
Foundation President Morris said he often asks donors what difference they want to make in the world or how they want to shape lives. “That conversation with Les and June became a real conversation years ago, and decade after decade…their support continues to improve lives,” he said. Holz-Clause highlighted that over 100 students have received tuition scholarships thanks to the Nielsens’ generosity.
Lexi Swendra, current scholarship recipient from Red Lake Falls majoring in sport and recreation management with a minor in coaching, spoke about her experience: “Having these things has helped me continue my education…and it’s all thanks to the Nielsen scholarship because it has allowed me to focus on academics rather than worry about how it is going to be paid for.” She added gratitude on behalf of all recipients: “We are forever thankful for your generosity.”
Les Nielsen shared memories from his time as a student nearly seven decades ago. He said he felt blessed “to be able to support the school and its students,” adding that “the University’s commitment…has made a great supporter of this area for 125 years since the campus started.” Chaffee described Les as having genuine care for others; Helgeson presented him with symbolic keys and lifetime membership.
According to the official website, UMN Crookston’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Department promotes social well-being through hands-on experiences that enable students positively influence agriculture and natural resources. The department utilizes the University Teaching and Outreach Center as its main facility according to its official site. It functions as part of UMN Crookston according to university information.
The department focuses on safeguarding food supplies while promoting environmental health by integrating sustainable practices with new technologies as reported by their website. It also offers programs such as Horse Donation supporting Equine Science initiatives according their site—and reaches local high schoolers through events like Agriculture & Natural Resources Activities Day according their site.
The dedication comes after UMN Crookston received $6.2 million—the largest gift in its history—from Les Nielsen’s family months prior; ten years earlier they contributed another major gift during construction in honor of Mitch Lien Nielsen.
