UMN Crookston dedicates campus wellness center to Nielsen family during April 20 formal event

"It is truly amazing to see how a person's extreme generosity can make such an impact on so many others."

Lexi Swendra, a UMN Crookston student Les Nielsen (left) and his son Randy Brian Nielsen (right) on the second floor walking and running track in the newly named Nielsen Family Wellness Center

The University of Minnesota Crookston officially dedicated its campus wellness center to donor and alumnus Les Nielsen and his family during a formal event April 20 at the newly named Nielsen Family Wellness Center. A heartfelt program featured prominent speakers such as the University of Minnesota Executive Vice President and Provost Gretchen Ritter, University of Minnesota Foundation President and CEO John Morris, UMN Crookston Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause, Nielsen scholarship recipient Lexi Swendra, UMN Crookston Chief Development Officer Brandy Chaffee, and UMN Crookston Director of Athletics Stephanie Helgeson, plus UMN Crookston Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Kevin Thompson, who was the master of ceremonies.

Following the program was a reception inside the wellness center for the family and guests, which included healthy snacks, interactive stations, photo booths, and new branded swag giveaways.

View photos from the program and reception

Watch a recording of the event

During Provost Ritter's program remarks, she touched on the five campuses within the UMN System and Crookston's commitment to its students, community engagement, and wellness.

"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," said Ritter.

Brandy Chaffee (left) and Les Nielsen (middle) and Stephanie Helegson (hidden right) handing Les the "keys" to the Wellness Center

"I'm inspired by the lives you have helped, Mr. Nielsen, in the process of not only 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," she added.

During his program remarks, Foundation President John Morris said he often asks donors what difference they want to make in the world or how they want to shape and transform lives, and the Nielsens came to his mind.

"That conversation with Les and June became a real conversation years ago, and decade after decade, year after year, their support continues to improve lives and make this place possible for so many students," he shared.

Chancellor Holz-Clause echoed those comments saying the Nielsen family had been a campus supporter since the wellness center building's inception 10 years ago and what a way to celebrate than with a dedication and naming for the family. She also mentioned over 100 students have benefited so far from the Nielsens' tuition scholarship opportunity and the impact it has made, along with the family's other supportive gifts, can be felt throughout the region.

Lexi Swendra, a UMN Crookston student from Red Lake Falls, Minn. majoring in sport and recreation management with a minor in coaching, who is currently receiving a Nielsen tuition scholarship, said she saw the opportunities with the scholarship and made the decision to take classes in Crookston. She told the story of her brother who also benefited from the scholarship, and said she has learned so much in the three years she's been on campus so far including finding a degree she is passionate about and meeting so many great people.

"Having these things has helped me to continue my education and grow as a person, 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," shared Swendra. "Over 100 students here can have the same sense of relief that I do about how our college is funded, and, actually, almost half of my high school graduating class from Red Lake Falls makes up that number."

"It is truly amazing to see how a person's extreme generosity can make such an impact on so many others," she added. "On behalf of all the student scholarship recipients, we are forever thankful for your generosity and thank you for the lasting impact you have made on all our lives."

A humble Les Nielsen approached the podium and first told the story of when he graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture 68 years ago and had to work through his nerves to give a speech, and said he felt the same way that very day. He expressed his feelings of being so blessed to be able to support the school and its students and staff.

"I've always had a lot of respect for the school as it has always helped quite a few members of the Nielsen family," Les mentioned. "The University's commitment to northwest Minnesota, its people, has made a great supporter of this area for 125 years since the campus started."

Nielsen also shared gratitude for Chaffee and Holz-Clause acknowledging their support over the years, and thanked visiting Chancellor Emeritus Fred Wood for his part in the Wellness Center's inception and for being the "spirit" behind it.

During her toast, Chaffee said she considers Les to be a "unicorn" as he has genuine care for others and one example was to name the facility in honor of his entire family rather than just himself. Helgeson added notes about Les' years of support for the campus and offered Les and Brian the "key" to the Wellness Center and a lifetime membership to the venue.

The planned dedication was first announced months ago after the campus received $6.2 million, its largest gift in history, from Les Nielsen and family. Ten years ago, when the campus wellness center was being built, the Nielsens also provided a large gift for the project in honor of their son, Mitch Lien Nielsen, who tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident.

About UMN Crookston

The University of Minnesota Crookston is one of five campuses in the prestigious University of Minnesota System offering students an exceptional, hands-on learning experience in a safe, close-knit community. Known for its #1 best value ranking, NCAA Division II athletics, affordable tuition, #1 ranked dorms, and a supportive environment, UMN Crookston provides personalized attention and mentorship to help you thrive academically and professionally. With over 75 programs to choose from, including both on-campus and online options, you'll find a path that fits your goals at UMN Crookston. Small campus. Big Degree. The Best of Both Worlds. Learn more and apply at www.umcrookston.edu.

Story Contact: Jess Bengtson - [email protected] - (218) 281-8432

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