Jerry UCLA ’48 was a giant both inside and outside the Fraternity. He was a visionary businessman, an almost unparalleled philanthropist, and a mentor to more than he would ever have known. He was a friend to brothers old and young, and a brother who embodied The Great Joy of Serving Others perhaps more than any Phi Psi ever has. In Phi Psi circles, Jerry was a man who needed no introduction. He made it his mission to improve the lives of our undergraduate men. A man from modest means with an adventurous spirit, he founded Pinnacle Peak Land Company and Pinnacle Paradise, Inc. of Scottsdale, Arizona, and was responsible for the development of 9,000 North Scottsdale acres, 8,000 homesites, and some of the world’s best golf destinations.
In partnership with his wife, Florence Ely Nelson, the couple established environmentally friendly building codes that preserved Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert landscape. They then advanced their vision for Scottsdale by educating 6,000 children annually through their Desert Center programs.
Through these entities and affiliates, he developed Pinnacle Peak Village, Pinnacle Peak Country Club and Shopping Plaza, Troon Village and Troon Golf & Country Club, Troon North and Troon North golf course. Other developments have also occurred in Scottsdale and Prescott, Arizona and Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico. Throughout his life, Jerry funded the creation and startup of numerous companies, including Simulnet, Video Electronics, Ticketmaster, Antenna Technology Corporation, Technology Control Services, and Troon Golf Management.
Jerry led the charge to grow the Phi Psi Foundation and expand the Board to what it is today. He singlehandedly drove the establishment of many of Phi Psi’s most well-known programs and initiatives. He was the catalyst behind the now robust Chapter Scholarship Program, promoted the Foundation as the “community foundation” for Phi Psi’s almost 100 chapters, and was a leader in the promotion of grants and reserves for safe and competitive chapter housing.
He founded the American Leadership Academy (ALA 2003-2016), a program designed to guide Phi Psi leaders of tomorrow. (see an attached flyer) During the creation of the ALA, he truly displayed a heart to serve as he opened his home and resources to educate and invest in the future of our undergraduate brothers. The Nelson Leadership Institute was established many years later to impact young Phi Psis through leadership and character development programming. The Institute carries Jerry’s name as a reminder of his catalytic and entrepreneurial spirit which has well served thousands of young Phi Psis.
Phi Kappa Psi has experienced many milestone changes during its 173-year history. But perhaps no evolutionary change has affected, or will continue to fundamentally alter, what Phi Psi means to both undergraduates and alumni as the establishment of the American Leadership Academy. The ALA was founded in 2003, out of the vision of Jerry Nelson, UCLA ’48, who believed that undergraduate and alumni interaction could foster incredible benefits for our nation, our communities, our universities and colleges, and our fraternity chapters. Here’s the formal mission statement of the ALA: “It existed to support programs which provide education and training for college students and alumni in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service, citizenship, and free enterprise. The programs supported by the ALA promoted the value of education; the importance of honorable conduct and the application of ethics for good leadership, citizenship, patriotism, and service; and healthy and successful lifestyles. “The teaching of skills in Leadership, Service, Citizenship, and Free Enterprise are increasingly rare in the college experience” And the philosophy behind this mission: “The American college experience is among the best in the world. However, over the last several decades, the teaching of skills in leadership, service, citizenship, and free enterprise have become increasingly rare, except as a part of extracurricular organizations. These skills are vital to the success of our nation and its continued position as a world leader. College graduates are most likely to achieve positions of leadership and authority in our nation and the world. These men and women need and deserve programs which supplement the academic experience.” This is where the American Leadership Academy fit in. Each year, the ALA welcomed more than 800 students from across the United States, most of them Phi Psis, for one week of immersion in the strength, character, and passion that are required of “winners.” More than 60 alumni speakers, again most of them leading Phi Psis, shared their ideas, skills, and experience in business, medicine, law, engineering, entrepreneurship, education, and leadership skills with the young men. The relationships and bonds that form between these young men and the alumni mentors were palpable, life-altering, and magical. Of course, a great part of ALA’s success stemmed from its location — the postcard-beautiful seaside of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. In both the beach hotel, where the undergraduates stay, and the inspiring compound opened to alumni by the Nelsons. Many asked, “Why Cabo San Lucas?” The answer was easy: Nothing stateside replicates the chemistry of combining important and serious life training with some of the world’s best golf, fishing, seafood, shopping, and scenery. Jerry passed away peacefully on July 17, 2023, leaving a lasting legacy.
THE CABO EXPERIENCE
What is the Cabo Experience? It was a week full of leadership training, camaraderie, and fun that took place during college winter and spring breaks. It was packed full of team building and personal leadership exercises.
The event was originally started and financed by Jerry Nelson. It featured many dynamic speakers and activities that impacted many lives of our alumni.
Cabo San Lucas is located on the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean. It has been a secret getaway for celebrities for years, but now plays host to thousands of college students every year.