David Nelson, professor of finance, died on October 17, 2011, at the age of 69. He was an influential member of the faculty since 1983, and among the first to chair the Finance Department.
“Dave was one of the primary architects of Bentley University as it is today,” recalls Atul Gupta, Robert A. and Julia E. Dorn Professor of Finance. “As chair, he recruited over a dozen new faculty members in a short four or five years, oversaw development of new programs and courses in both the graduate and undergraduate schools, and helped lead the drive to get Bentley and our programs accredited by the AACSB [American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business].”
Professor Nelson is also remembered for his kindness, generosity and passion for life.
“Dave had three loves in his life: his love of family, his love of teaching, and his love of sailing. And unlike many of us, he was able to achieve the proper balance among the three,” observes Mark Davis, professor of operations management. “I will especially miss those long and often deep conversations we had on his sailboat, the Spirit, especially when we sailed through the night to reach our next port of call at daybreak.”
A scholar whose primary specialty was the management of financial institutions, he reached students both academically and personally.
"Professor Nelson was a passionate teacher who really cared about his students learning the material," says Melissa Reville '12. "Not only did he share his love of finance with the class, but he shared his love for sailing and other hobbies as well."
"He was a good friend to many, a mentor to several generations of students, and highly respected as an educator," adds Gupta. "His was a life well lived."
Professor Nelson leaves his wife, Margaret; a son and a daughter; and five grandchildren.
To remember David Nelson with a gift to The Bentley Fund, use our online form at www.bentley.edu/giving.
