On Monday, September 29, Salt Lake Community College President Deneece G. Huftalin honored former SLCC President Jay L. Nelson by dedicating the newly opened green space where the former Taylorsville Redwood Campus administration building once stood. Former President Jay L. Nelson was in office for 29 years while the school was still named Utah Technical College. The dedicated green space and the legacy fountain located east of the Student Center now show Nelson’s name, as well as his family’s, in the form of pave stones and a dedicated bench. Part of President Nelson’s legacy comes in the form of SLCC’s independent status; he didn’t allow the college to be absorbed into other institutions, providing an affordable technical education for citizens and creating a second home for many alumni and students. Former President Nelson’s son, Bruce Nelson, spoke on behalf of his three brothers and sister. Nelson talked about his life with his father and his childhood spent at SLCC while President Nelson was active.
Color 35mm slide images of Bernadette Martinez-Astorga, mainly interacting with students in the clothing closet of the Turning Point Program. This program provided resources and support for students who were in a transitional state or facing outside challenges-- such as childcare, unemployment, and emotional and psychological health issues, among others. Martinez-Astorga was the program director at the time these photos were taken, in 1992.
Stone inscription of Afton H. Nelson, wife of the late Jay L. Nelson. Jay L. Nelson was the Salt Lake Community College President between 1949 and 1978.
Stone inscription of Jerry Nelson, one of the sons of the late Jay L. Nelson. Jay L. Nelson was the Salt Lake Community College President between 1949 and 1978.
Stone inscription of Bruce Nelson, one of the sons of the late Jay L. Nelson. Jay L. Nelson was the Salt Lake Community College President between 1949 and 1978.
Stone inscription of Linda Nelson Smith, the daughter of the late Jay L. Nelson. Jay L. Nelson was the Salt Lake Community College President between 1949 and 1978.
Stone inscription of Craig Nelson, one of the sons of the late Jay L. Nelson. Jay L. Nelson was the Salt Lake Community College President between 1949 and 1978.
View of the Nelson Quad and water fountain with the Nelson family stone inscriptions in the foreground. Located where the former Salt Lake Community College Taylorsville Redwood Campus administration building once stood.
Front row Jay L. Nelson's children and descendants listening to a musical performance of “I Wish You Love” by South City Jazz, led by SLCC faculty Lyle Archibald.
Front row Jay L. Nelson's children and descendants listening to a musical performance of “I Wish You Love” by South City Jazz, led by SLCC faculty Lyle Archibald.