Grant Nelson
A man of considerable accomplishment and yet a humble caring nature is 2015 "Outstanding American" recipient Grant Nelson. Grant was an N.A.I.A. National Champion wrestling for St. Cloud State University in 1963. He went on to be highly successful in the Business World. Nelson retired as Vice President and Chief financial Officer of West Publishing Company in 1996 (1963- 1996). He started and served as President of the Nelson Family Foundation; Board member and Treasurer of Prescott Foundation; Board Member and Treasurer of Friends of Freedom Park; He and his wife Carol were instrumental in the establishment of the Great River Road Visiter Center along the scenic Byway in Prescott, Wisconsin; Longtime member, treasurer, board member of the Lakewood Evangelical Free Church and Rockpoint Church, and member of SCSU Presidents Athletics Advisory Board. Grant was a member of Ron Malcolm's first Anoka High School State Championship team in 1959 where he became legendary coach Ron Malcolm's first Region (Section) Champion. He went on to wrestle at St. Cloud State College where he was a varsity wrestler for four years and as a senior was undefeated at 147 pounds and was NAIA National Champion, pinning 3 of 4 opponents for the recipient of the "Most Pins" Award. He also pinned 2 of 3 of his opponents in the Northern intercollegiate Conference tournament that year. The St. Cloud State Huskies won the NIC Tournament and placed 3rd in the NAIA National Tournament. Nelson established school records for dual meet wins (10-0), longest dual win streak (16 matches), longest undefeated dual streak of 22 matches, most tournament championships in a season with 3 and most conference championships with 2. He graduated from St. Cloud State in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in accounting. Still involved with SCSU wrestling, Nelson is the lead representative of the Husky Wrestling Alumni Association. Under his leadership since 2006, Husky Wrestling has made significant gains in booster memberships, alumni support, administration support, financial support and team success. Grant Nelson is also a driving force for Athletes in Action, an organization and platform to help people answer questions of faith to point them to Jesus. Nelson has financially support AIA to allow their organization to see student wrestlers' lives changed as they discover God's purpose for their life. Former Anoka Hall of Fame Coach Ron Malcolm says, "I know of no one who has given back to the sport of wrestling and society at large more than Grant Nelson." Grant led the sale of the West Publishing in 1996 for $3.6 billion. At this point he became a quiet but active philanthropist favoring many causes, including: Husky Wrestling Alumni Association, Athletes in Action, USA Wrestling and Minnesota/USA Wrestling, the Minnesota Gophers wrestling team, the St. Cloud State University wrestling team and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Nelson has been honored as a recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award at St. Cloud State University, 2004 and 2007 Inductee to the St. Cloud State University Athletic Hall of Fame, and 2013 Inductee to the St. Cloud State University-Jack Gause Wrestling Hall of Fame. Grant and his wife Carol of 49 years reside in Prescott, Wisconsin. They have two grown children in Rodney and Sarah and are proud grandparents of eight grandchildren. A great athlete and highly successful businessman with a strong faith is Grant Nelson. He continues to help young people strive for success in life and become honorable individuals with good Christian values. He is an "Outstanding American!
Awards:
Year
2015
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Award
Outstanding American
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Chapter/Region
Minnesota
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