Purdue News
Purdue NewsThe ceremony will be conducted on Grant Street, near its intersection with Northwestern Avenue, said Sandra Monroe, associate dean of students. Nelson, members of the Office of the Dean of Students and Mortar Board, a student service organization, will participate.
The marker, located near Knoy Hall, will be the third to recognize the work of a retired dean of students. A marker at Grant and State streets was erected in honor of Beverley Stone, Purdue's first dean of students, and another on Northwestern Avenue near Stadium Avenue honors Barbara Cook, Nelson's predecessor as dean of students.
The $25,000 project was funded entirely with donations from Nelson's friends and from Mortar Board.
Nelson became Purdue's third dean of students in 1987, after 20 years as an assistant and an associate dean. She has been an adviser to numerous student groups, including the Association for Women Students, Student Cooperative Housing Association and Purdue Assistance League. She has chaired several Purdue committees, including the public relations committee of the University Task Force on Student Alcohol Use and the committee selecting the recipient of the Flora Roberts Award for the outstanding senior woman.
Nelson helped break down barriers for the disabled at Purdue by urging the installation of curb cuts and obtaining funds and special services for those with impaired sight and hearing. Also, under her direction the university established the University Division, an administrative unit that helps Purdue students who are undecided about a major to explore academic options.
Among the awards and honors Nelson has received are Purdue's Helen B. Schleman Gold Medallion Award; the Distinguished Service Award from the Indiana Association for Women Deans, Administrators and Counselors; the Special Boilermaker Award from the Purdue Alumni Association; and the Very Important Woman Award from Purdue's Association for Women Students. Nelson is a member of the National Association for Women Deans, Administrators and Counselors; was national adviser to the Intercollegiate Association for Women Students; and was on the Indiana Governor's Task Force on the Employment of the Handicapped.
CONTACT: Monroe, (765) 494-1260; e-mail, skmonroe@odos.purdue.edu
jmw/Nelson.marker/no
