Remembering Stanley native on 9/11
HANNAH VELASQUEZ/MDN. Minot State University displays an Ann Nelson exhibit in the Ann Nicole Nelson Hall entrance.
HANNAH VELASQUEZ/MDN. The performance hall in Old Main on the Minot State University campus was named Ann Nicole Nelson Hall in 2003.
HANNAH VELASQUEZ/MDN. Minot State University displays an Ann Nelson exhibit in the Ann Nicole Nelson Hall entrance.
HANNAH VELASQUEZ/MDN. The performance hall in Old Main on the Minot State University campus was named Ann Nicole Nelson Hall in 2003.
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Ann Nelson was born in Ashland, Wisconsin, in 1971 and raised in Stanley, North Dakota. Nelson lost her life during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, and since has been honored throughout the state of North Dakota for her passions and aspirations.
Nelson worked in the World Trade Center, tower one on the 104th floor, as a bond broker for Cantor Fitzgerald, according to the 9/11 Living Memorial website.
After Nelson’s passing, her family found her bucket list in her belongings, which included "Be a good friend, read every day and buy a house in North Dakota.” The list led to the creation of Annie's House in 2012, an adaptive recreation center in Bottineau that aids those with disabilities in outdoor activities year-round at no cost, such as snow skiing.
Valuing her education, Nelson traveled throughout the United States and world, embracing diversity and learning along the way, according to Minot State University information. Gary Nelson, Ann's father, briefly attended Minot State University and her mother, Jenette, earned a master’s degree from MSU.
Nelson attended her undergraduate education at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and then in Cambridge in England, along with a semester study tour throughout China. During her youth, she went to Campus School on the campus of Minot State.
In February of 2003, Minot State renamed its performance auditorium as Ann Nicole Nelson Hall after a memorial donation from her parents. The auditorium in Old Main opened its doors in 1925 for its performing arts and music events and formerly was named McFarland Auditorium.