Giving means more than having

Darby and Geri Nelson met at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories in 1966. He was a graduate student and she was working on her undergraduate degree as a member of CBS’ first graduating class. They talked until midnight and knew they had found something special in each other. Their strong personal bond and shared values have been the foundation of their life together as teachers, parents, environmental advocates, and now philanthropists.

Although Darby (B.S. ’64, Ph.D. ’70) and Geri (B.S. ’68) haven’t been students for some time, they joke that they have lived on a grad student budget their entire adult lives. This choice, plus some wise investments, has enabled them to accumulate a substantial nest egg that they have begun donating for education and environmental causes.

Not surprisingly, Itasca topped their gift list. The Nelsons recently pledged significant funds for desperately needed renovations at the Itasca Biological Field Station. They also pledged gifts for Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources, University of Minnesota Libraries, and contributions to scholarship funds.

“We benefited from the gifts of past generations,” Darby says. “We want to do the same for future students.”  Adds Geri, “It’s a joy and a privilege to be able to give back to the University.”

For the Nelsons, money and possessions are insignificant compared to the deep joy they experience from helping others. On a camping trip in the Yukon soon after they were married, they shared a life-changing epiphany that material possessions are superfluous. The furnishings in their modest Champlin home are mostly hand-me-downs and garage sale finds. And by the time anything finds its way to the Good Will bag, there isn’t much left of it, they joke.

The Nelsons’ values are reflected in every aspect of their lives. He taught biology for 35 years at Anoka Ramsey Community College, is active in conservation groups, and served three terms (1983-88) in the Minnesota Legislature advancing environmental legislation. Geri spent her career as a K-12 teacher with a focus on getting girls engaged in math and science and has been active with the League of Women Voters.

Several years ago, Darby retired from teaching to write a book. Inspired by the works of Henry Thoreau and Sigurd Olson, the reflective book, called “For Love of Lakes,” will be released in December 2011 by Michigan State University Press. In the next year, he and Geri plan speaking engagements to encourage lake stewardship.

The Nelsons hope all of their gifts will help make the world a better place for future generations, beginning with their own children, Per and Robin, and grandchildren, George, 3; Halle, 2; and Ingrid, 9 months. Coincidentally, George and Ingrid’s other grandparents are Regents Professor David Tilman and his wife, Cathie. The Nelson’s son, Per, is married to the Tilmans’ daughter, Margie.

“Our lives have been richly blessed in part because of what others have given before us. It is with unbounded joy that we give back to the community in thanks.”

– Peggy Rinard