Legacy Gift Recognizes Impact of University Faculty and Friends

Two weeks after graduating from UW-Eau Claire in 1977, Janene "Jan" Nelson started working in the corporate headquarters of Wausau Insurance. She had been recruited by Wausau (later Liberty Mutual) on campus, which led to a 34-year human resources career with the company at six corporate locations.

Prior to her retirement from Liberty Mutual in 2011, Nelson designated a major gift in her will to the UW-Eau Claire Foundation. The legacy gift was her way of saying thank you to the university and faculty that had an enduring impact on her career and life.

"My UW-Eau Claire experience provided much more than a foundation for my career," Nelson said. "It was a foundation for life. That's why I wanted to give back: to help provide the same opportunities to future Blugolds."

The faculty mentor relationships Nelson experienced as a student continued on into her professional career. She stayed close to the late Lorraine Missling, a highly acclaimed College of Business professor, and regards Lorraine as "one of the most special people in my life."

Nelson's gratifying university experience went beyond academics. Today, she places special value on her friendships with college roommates Deb (Swetz) Ackerman, Barb (Noll) Callahan, Carla (Grams) Gerhardt, Sue (Eldred) Kujawa and Patti (Onsager) Reyburn.

"We first met in Oak Ridge dorm, then later lived at 408 Chippewa Street, and called our house Camp Chippewa," Nelson said. "We made a special effort to have dinner together every night. It was very rare when all six of us weren't there."

Nelson and her roommates remain close and have a reunion every year. This September, they will gather in Montreal for a tour of the city, a cruise on the St. Lawrence Seaway to Prince Edward Sound, and a trip to Boston.

"Simply put, I love UW-Eau Claire," Nelson said. "I've always been very proud to say I'm a graduate of UW-Eau Claire. I was blessed with a great career and a wonderful life. I'm convinced it wouldn't have been possible without the guidance and support I received at UW-Eau Claire."

Learn How You Can Help

If you would like to follow Jan's example by making a planned gift to support UW-Eau Claire, contact Michele Olson at 715-836-3526 or olsonmma@uwec.edu. We would be happy to answer your questions and help you find the right giving option to match your goals.