Steve ’64 and Becky ’65 Nielsen chose to attend Augsburg for different reasons. Steve, raised on a sharecropping family farm in rural Minnesota, needed a school where he could work to cover his expenses and find a job. “We were quite poor, and I knew my parents wouldn’t be able to help me,” Steve said. “Augsburg was a Lutheran institution in the heart of Minneapolis. Back then, many kids from rural communities would go to Minneapolis for college.”Becky was set on attending the University of Minnesota but was convinced by her family to give Augsburg a chance. “My father was friends with Dr. Christensen, who said he would appreciate it if I came to Augsburg, even if it was just for one semester.” Becky reflected, “I’m so glad I did!”.
In his sophomore year, Steve met Becky through a mutual friend on the football team. “Once I met Steve, the party was over,” Becky laughed. Becky attended Augsburg for two years, and Steve graduated in 1964 with a physical education degree and a minor in biology.
Steve saw Augsburg’s Lutheran values in action throughout his four years on campus. “At the start of our freshman year I received a semester’s worth of meal tickets, but I ran out of them halfway through the term,” Steve shared. “ When my football coach, Edor Nelson learned about my situation he stepped in to help. He set me up with a job at the United Parcel Service on Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis”. “And later, I found work changing tires at a Goodyear tire store on Lake Street through my roommate’s father.” Steve worked continuously through his college years at a variety of jobs, during both school terms and summers. His Augsburg community was always there by creating a network for employment. They supported me.”
One of Steve’s most impactful courses was a philosophy class taught by Dr. Bill Halverson. “I appreciate the critical thinking skills I developed in his class,” Steve shared. “He taught us not just facts and information but how to think. Analyzing issues and considering multiple perspectives are skills that have served me well in my career and life.” “I concur with that.” Becky chimed in. “Whenever there is a problem, Steve is always thinking about how to solve it.”
Steve and Becky moved back to Minnesota following their retirement and have maintained their connection to Augsburg through philanthropy, a love of Auggie Athletics, and life-long college friends. Reflecting on their support, the Nielsens emphasized the importance of unrestricted giving.“Why would I feel I have a better idea of what is needed here at Augsburg than the administration? I have faith that leadership knows where the greatest needs are,” Steve said. “I give Augsburg a lot of credit for making it possible to work my way through school and earn a few bucks in life. It feels good to give back to the place that provided me with such a valuable education.” Becky smiled, “It is the right thing to do.”