Jon Nielsen, ’95 & ’96 MPA, and Jill (Brown) Nielsen, ’95, built their relationship at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln before launching careers and raising a family across the globe.
“We grew up in Lincoln, so it was kind of a no-brainer to attend the university,” Jon said. “We could get a great education and stay close to family.”
They both decided to major in accounting, with Jon drawn to the challenge of the field and Jill to its practical career path.
After graduation, Jon joined Deloitte in Lincoln, where an opportunity through the firm's Global Development Program took the couple to Hong Kong.
“We always said if we had the chance to go abroad, we’d take it,” Jill said. “Once we did, it changed everything.”
What began as a two-year assignment turned into decades overseas. The Nielsens spent two years in Hong Kong, where their son, Jacob, was born, and later lived in Munich, Germany, where their daughter, Kate, was born. They eventually returned to Hong Kong for another 16 years as Jon advanced into global finance leadership roles.
“Where we’ve taken the biggest risks have turned into the biggest opportunities,” Jon said. “You don’t always see that at the time."
During the pandemic, Jacob, ’24, moved to Nebraska to study international business and supply chain management as part of the Nebraska Business Honors Academy. Jon and Jill remained abroad, so Kate could finish high school.
“You don’t wait for perfect timing. You take those opportunities when they come," said Jon, who works for Toronto-based Great-West Lifeco Inc. and serves on the college's Dean’s Advisory Board.
The couple also supports the School of Accountancy Student Success Academy, which helps first-year students begin college with a built-in support system that guides them throughout their academic journey and into their careers.
“Accounting is a field where mentorship matters,” said Jon. “The people you meet in college can shape your future opportunities. Supporting this academy ensures students begin building those relationships early."
Jill said supporting the University of Nebraska "remains their number one philanthropic endeavor" because of the role it played in building their lives and careers.
“For us, it all started in Nebraska,” Jill said. “Without that foundation, none of the rest happens.”
