Nels joined hundreds of other Purdue Ag Alumni at the annual Purdue Ag Fish Fry at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Keynote speaker for the event was Andrew Card, former Whitehouse Chief of Staff from 2001-2006.

Purdue has been a significant part of Nels life. He was President of the student body while an undergraduate and in 2006 was honored with an Honorary Doctorate. A distinguished Ag Econ Alumnus, Nels says “The Purdue College of Agriculture shaped my career plans and opportunities. I was constantly inspired to do my best, and I received a great deal of encouragement.”

At the event time was taken to honor Earl Butz, former Secretary of Agriculture in the Nixon Administration and Dean of the School of Agriculture. John Hardin, a Purdue Trustee and long-time friend of Mr. Ackerson, gave an eloquent and moving tribute to Butz. Nels remembers him as an inspiring leader and teacher who had a profound influence on him. “Despite a tendency to be politically incorrect he was a tremendous asset to the Ag community and an outstanding representative for Purdue.”