KEARNEY – Scott Nelson was recognized Friday with the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s highest honor.
The Kearney native and Kearney State College graduate received the Ron and Carol Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award during the spring commencement ceremony at the Health and Sports Center on campus. Established in 2003, the annual award honors individuals for their community service and support of UNK, the Kearney area, state of Nebraska and higher education.
It was presented by interim Chancellor Charlie Bicak, who called Nelson a dedicated supporter and tireless advocate for UNK.
“Scott is known not only for his leadership and generosity but also for his uncanny ability to remember people’s birthdays,” Bicak remarked during the presentation.
Education has always been a top priority for Nelson and his family. He is one of four siblings who attended Kearney State College, graduating in 1971 with degrees in teaching and coaching. Nelson’s father Bill was a professor of education at UNK and his mother Audrey was a music teacher.
After graduation, Nelson started a successful career in insurance, rising to chairman and president of UNICO Group, a nationally recognized insurance brokerage firm. The longtime Lincoln resident and UNK Distinguished Alumni Service Award recipient fostered a culture of excellence, coaching, leadership and personal service to others with numerous community institutions across the state, including his beloved alma mater.
He served as president of the UNK Alumni Association and as a trustee for both the Kearney State College Foundation and University of Nebraska Foundation. Nelson recently completed service on the University of Nebraska Foundation Board of Directors.
He and his wife Teri have generously supported UNK through scholarships and major campus projects, including Cope Stadium and the Health Science Education Complex.
Now retired, Nelson continues to mentor others and share life lessons, earning the nickname “Elevator Guy” and even authoring a book.
Previous Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award recipients are:
2003 – Carol Cope
2004 – B.M. and Beverly Stevenson
2005 – L.R. and Jane Smith
2006 – Steve Chatelain
2007 – Robert and Dode Sahling
2008 – Paul and Linda Younes
2009 – Earl Rademacher
2010 – Dwayne and Margaret Brown
2011 – Todd Thalken
2012 – Thomas Henning
2013 – Bill B. Beavers
2014 – Joel T. Johnson
2015 – Daniel P. Slawski
2016 – Stan Clouse
2017 – Galen and Marilyn Hadley
2018 – Richard and Barbara Bush
2019 – Jerry and Nancy Dulitz
2020 – Brad Kernick
2021 – Pete and Jane Kotsiopulos
2022 – Tom Tye
2023 – Brian and Carey Hamilton
2024 – Michael Yanney and Tami and Jerry Hellman
