Faces Of Sun Devil Athletics Support
For the 600-plus young men and women competing in ASU’s 26 NCAA varsity sports, Sun Devil Club support is the foundation for their collegiate experience, which is unlike any other in the nation.
Arizona State provides a world-class education and a welcoming community with ties around the world. It’s a place where lifelong friendships are forged, real-world knowledge is gained from innovative leaders, role models are established, and dreams are passed on from one generation to the next. A journey that develops skills, and molds champions on the field, great spouses and parents, influencers in their respective professional fields, and civic leaders.
As a part of our celebration of the best supporters in college athletics, we are recognizing Sun Devil Club members and season ticket holders whose support is not only creating this experience, but also changing the lives and shaping the futures of countless young men and women.
Dennis and Sonja Nelson are longtime Sun Devil supporters and they were recognized as the season ticket holders of the game vs. Washington State Oct. 22.
Thank you for being a part of the Sun Devil Club and investing in our student-athletes.
Meet Dennis and Sonja Nelson
In what ways are you connected to ASU?
Our son and daughter-in-law graduated from ASU. Sonja got her MA, and Dennis got his BA, MA, and EdD there. Besides being season ticket holders, Dennis was also an adjunct prof. for many years in the Math Ed. Dept.
Why do you think it is important to support collegiate athletics, and specifically Sun Devil Athletics?
It gives you a feeling of pride and ownership in watching sporting events and seeing students follow their passion knowing that you made some small contribution to that.
When contributing to the Sun Devil Club, what aspect of the student-athlete experience are you hoping to make the biggest difference?
Assisting students to get their degrees and reach their chosen potentials, as an athlete and after graduation.
What would you like to accomplish with your philanthropy?
To aid, encourage, and support the university and athletic dept. to support their student athletes.
What do you enjoy most about being a Sun Devil Club member?
To have a sincere sense of belonging to an organization that has goals similar to ours for helping student athletes academically and athletically.
How has your experience at ASU positively impacted your life?
Our degrees, experiences, and networking through college have been instrumental in all of our careers and lives. When working on my MA, I had a professor for 2 classes that encouraged me to get my doctorate, which was something I had never dreamed about before. With his continued encouragement I started and finished my EdD being the first graduate in mathematics education at ASU. That degree, and his friendship, opened many doors for me. In addition to my regular job, I have had a lot of consulting, test writing, speaking at conventions, and publishing opportunities that would have never been possible without that degree from ASU.
What is your most memorable Sun Devil memory?
As a person it was being inducted into the College of Education HOF in 2002. As a sport's enthusiast in was being in the stands cheering on the Devils as they were beating Nebraska 19-0 in 1996.
Describe the most exciting game/meet/match you have attended
The 1987 Rose Bowl against Michigan. We enjoyed every moment of that experience. Also, the Nebraska game because that was the best crowd we have ever seen.
Do you have any superstitions when cheering on the Sun Devils?
To always be in our seats by the kick-off.
What is your best Territorial Cup memory?
John Jefferson's catch right before halftime in 1975 and anytime we beat the U of A.
If you could have dinner with any Sun Devil student-athlete/coach/staff member from the past, present or future, who would it be and why?
Frank Kush - We have admired him for so long. We've said 'hello' a few times, but it'd be great to have a one-on-one conversation with him to talk about his career and how he molded young men into football players and prepared them for life after football.