For more than 30 years, John and Linda Nelson have supported a range of programs at the University of Wisconsin (UW)–Madison, especially within the College of Engineering and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. The UW Foundation had not previously produced a stewardship report for the couple, so in 2023, we decided to create a book for them. The hardcover book brought together stories and testimonials that show the impact their giving has had on the University of Wisconsin, alumni, and the local community. Sustainability is important to the Nelsons, and they believe that philanthropy is like a seed—planting a tree in whose shade future generations will sit. We used sustainably made, acid-free paper to make the book a keepsake, and we relied on tree imagery (both verbal and visual) to organize the stories.
From the Judges
It was clear that a lot of thought went into creating a personalized and engaging report. The creative design is both beautiful and effective, making it a joy to read. The use of white space adds a clean and modern touch, making the content easy to digest. Overall, this report is an inspiration and sets a high standard for future publications. Great job!
