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from the issue of September 1, 2005
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'Father of Computing' retires after 50 years of UNL service
BY CONSTANCE WALTER, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
In his 50 years at UNL, Don Nelson has recorded an accomplishment or two.
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| | | Don Nelson, professor of engineering at UNL, sits in the NU Computing Services Network office. After 50 years of service to UNL, Nelson officially retired from the university on Aug. 31. Nelson, along with colleague Kenneth Smith, founded the Department of Computer Science and he served as director of the UNL Computing Center (now the computing services network) for nine years. He continues to maintain an office at UNL as an emeritus professor. Photo by Troy Fedderson/UNL Communications.
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Known as the Father of Computing, Nelson co-founded the Department of Computer Science (with Kenneth Smith), served as director of the UNL Computing Center for nine years, was a professor in two departments in two different colleges, and helped start a local business that focuses on internet research and development.
"It's gone pretty fast," said Nelson, who started his retirement Aug. 31. "When you retire you can get emotional - it's not something you really want to do, but your time has come.
"Now, I have to look for something else to do, but it's been 100 percent UNL for a long time."
An NU graduate, Nelson started his career working at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York. A brief delay - caused by an ROTC commitment and the Korean War - shifted Nelson into the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an instructor of special weapons.
While in the armed forces, Nelson was offered the opportunity to continue his education and he returned to NU in 1960. Following a two-year leave to earn a doctorate at Stanford University, Nelson returned to NU to teach.
Three years later, Nelson became the director of the NU Computing Center, housed in Nebraska Hall and now called the NU Computing Services Network.
"We had a good group of people there," Nelson remembered. "We worked with the Jet Propulsion Lab, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other organizations."
One of Nelson's areas of expertise was simulation and the use of computers to solve problems.
In one instance, Nelson and others in the computing center designed an online bill-drafting system for the Nebraska Unicameral that allowed for quick and efficient updates of pending legislation. They earned a commendation for their efforts.
Nelson also said he believes in building relationships with industry and worked to forge those bonds between the private sector and the university. It was especially rewarding when those bonds brought about immediate results.
"One company told me about a problem they were having and three days later, I came up with a solution," Nelson said. "The company had been trying to figure it out for three years."
That acumen doesn't surprise Khalid Sayood, a professor of electrical engineering, who worked with Nelson on a project for the Army several years ago.
"It was very instructive watching him work," Sayood said. "He's a very precise person. Everything has to be just so. That quality is very useful."
While Nelson has thrived on working with industry, his true love is teaching - especially at UNL.
"Nebraska students are the best," Nelson said. "They are interested and work hard."
Jerry Hudgins, chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering, said students hold Nelson in high esteem as well.
"He's had a strong, positive influence on the people around him-particularly his students," Hudgins said. "Many compliment him on the impact he's had on their lives."
Transitioning into a new role as emeritus professor, Nelson is not teaching this semester, but hopes to return in the spring. Through his experience, Nelson said he still has things to pass on - things that are not in textbooks anymore, but still might have value to students as they move from college into real-world careers.
Nelson also plans to work at i2rd, the Lincoln-based business he helped start with Muh-Lin Chen, a former student who is now the principal owner of that company.
"I'm a Nebraskan. Wherever I went, my knowledge kept me in good standing," the Pilger native said. "I want the citizens of Nebraska to have the best institution - that's what has driven me over the years."
GO TO: ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 1
NEWS HEADLINES FOR SEPTEMBER 1
'Father of Computing' retires after 50 years of UNL service
Husker impact gauged
Morrill Hall to unveil new exhibit
Perlman to chart academic objectives
Chancellor offers welcome as term begins
Early Christian expert to open E.N. Thompson series
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Service Awards 2005
Tolstoy, John Wayne featured in 200th Olson seminar
U.S. foreign policy experts discuss European perspective
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