Tim Nelson '72 and Rosemarie Nelson '90: Supporting Their Passion

Tim and Rosemarie Nelson

Tim Nelson '72 and Rosemarie Nelson '90

Rosemarie Nelson '90 and Tim Nelson '72 were among the more than 50,000 fans cheering on the Syracuse University football team on Sept. 20, 1980, during the first game inside the new Carrier Dome. On that warm autumn day, Rosemarie and Tim's life together began. Their love for each other eventually led to marriage, their love for Syracuse University to a lifetime of support.

Both Nelsons earned degrees from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. While serving in Vietnam, Tim learned he was able to take advantage of a government program that allowed him to attend Syracuse University. Rosemarie availed herself of University College's part-time program, taking classes on nights and weekends while working full time.

A bond that lasts forever

The Nelsons' love of Syracuse athletics has resulted in lifelong friendships with other Orange fans they have encountered season after season at the Dome, or sitting next to on a bus trip to a championship game. "It's a club we like belonging to," says Rosemarie. "And it's a bond that lasts forever."

Over the years, the Nelsons have also developed a lasting bond with the young men and women of the University's various athletic teams.

"We'd be at a Dave Bing dinner or end-of-the-season banquet and we'd sit with a player or two and start to hear their stories," says Rosemarie. "They'd talk about how their hero was their mother, that she raised three kids, and never even got to see this young person play in college. So we realized we had advantages other people didn't, and how much our giving means to these students."

Supporting their passion

The Nelsons support a number of initiatives at Syracuse University, including funding for athletes, the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center, and a primary medical care lab inside The Arch—the University's new holistic health, wellness, and recreation complex.

"Syracuse University has been very special to us," says Tim, "so we'd like to give other people the same chance to come here and enjoy it like we did."

Give a boost to future Syracuse University students, just like Rosemarie and Tim did. You can make education more affordable and recognize your Syracuse experience at the same time with a lasting gift. Contact the Office of Gift Planning at 888.352.9535 or GiftPlan@syr.edu to learn about some of the many options available.

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