Everett Nelson Music Scholarship
Professor Everett F. Nelson passed away in his sleep 3 days after his 103rd birthday, July 28, 2016. This birthday was a goal he was determined to achieve!! Everett was born July 25, 1913 in Homer, Minnesota to Walter and May Nelson. Everett received a BA in Music and English Literature at Hamlin College and a Master’s in Music Education at University of Michigan. Everett taught band and developed an orchestra of high school students in Brainerd, MN where he met his wife, Irene Molstad a physical education teacher. They were married June 11, 1937 and together for 54 years. In WWII Everett served as a lieutenant in the Navy where he was assistant commander of a boat group in the Pacific theater. Upon return to the USA he received a PhD in Music, Cornell University under Dr. Grout (1950). The Nelson’s came to Oxford Ohio in 1951 with their daughter Wilise where Everett was initially a professor of Music Education and then chairman of the Music Department at Miami University (1951-1978). Following retirement, he and Irene cared for Brainerd relatives Selina, Nels and Rud Molstad until their deaths. Ev (Doc) has resided in Barrington, New Hampshire with his daughter Wilise and son-in-law Charles (both Miami grads, 1969) for the last 25 years of his wonderful, compassionate and caring life, supporting a number of children’s charities. Everyone in his adopted home of New Hampshire misses him so much, he was a superb human being and a great inspiration to everyone he met. He was rooting for the Boston Red Sox!!Impact
The Everett Nelson Music scholarship is awarded each year to a strong participant in our music program.