About the Nelsons

In 2012, R.W. and Mary Nelson, founders of Kemin Industries, provided Drake University with a generous donation to support students, faculty, and staff interested in Global Engagement.

Kemin Industries is a family-owned-and-operated company founded in Des Moines, Iowa. R.W. received Bachelor of Arts degrees in biology and chemistry from Drake. R.W. and Mary have been very active in the Greater Des Moines community and have been honored on numerous occasions for their philanthropic work in Iowa and worldwide. In 2019, R.W. and Mary received the Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Humanitarian Award during the annual World Food Prize symposium.

Photo courtesy the Des Moines Register (September 2019)