Suffolk University Alumni Magazine 2008/2009 - (Page 34) Above: Jim Nelson in 1986 at Suffolk University’s former home court, the Cambridge YMCA. history is useful in his teaching position—a role he him to do what he did,” says Gilpatrick. “But that’s relishes. “[Teaching] allows me to interact with an just the thoughtful gentleman he is—and that’s why even wider range of individuals—in addition to our a lot of people have a lot of respect for him.” student athletes and those involved in intramural In return, Gilpatrick paid Coach an unexpected programs,” says Nelson. visit. four years after the accident, with his ability to And his reach extends beyond his sizable roles walk—once thought gone forever—returning slowly, as athletic director and teacher. “he’s the mayor of he stopped by the second floor of the ridgeway building.“Coach,” Gilpatrick called out to Nelson, Suffolk,” says Tony ferullo, associate director of Public Affairs. “The Goodwill Ambassador of Sufwho was facing the window of his office. Nelson folk—there is no more caring individual that reaches turned around, and John Gilpatrick walked into his out and touches more people than Jim Nelson.” The arms. “It’s a moment,” says Nelson, “that is still a University activities he’s involved with include headvery emotional one for me to this day.” Gilpatrick’s story may have been a special one, ing up the annual dean’s reception and 18 years as chairman of the University Social Committee, a post but Nelson’s reaction was not unusual. “he knows he relates with a smile and a laugh: “how difficult the kids, their names, their families’ names,” says can that be, right?” elaine Schwager, former head softball and volleyball The fact that he shows up to every possible coach. “he takes the time to get to know them, he home game he can is evidence enough of his dediasks questions about them. And when he felt like cation to the school. But he is also noticeably unathe didn’t know someone, he’d come right to me to tached to a magazine, paperwork, or Blackberry, make sure he knew. he just has a way about him and rather stationed in the front rows, attention set. that made people feel good about themselves.” Since 1977, Nelson has taught a fall and a “he was supportive of all the athletic programs, even spring course on the Theory and Practice of Ath- those he wasn’t coaching,” says ellen Crotty, who played on both the women’s basketball and softball letics, with the first semester including a section on teams from 1984 to 1988. “you could always look the history of the olympics. “The playground for our over your shoulder and see him there in the stands children was the Parthenon,” says Nelson, of his and hear his voice,” says Crotty, who often saw Neldmitri days. his firsthand experience with olympic [34] SUFFOLKARTS+SCIENCES//2008/2009 ALUMNI MAGAzINE
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