Dale Nathan
Dale Nathan grew up on the family farm near Turtle Lake, ND. Dale served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After his military service, he attended Minot State College and earned his teaching degree. While working in various school systems across North Dakota, Dale earned his Masters of Education degree from the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks. His education career spanned over 30 years, with the last 22 years at Brainerd Community College.
Nathan started as an accounting instructor in 1963 at the Brainerd State Junior College, which later became Brainerd Community College (BCC) and then Central Lakes College (CLC). In 1965, he was appointed to assistant to the dean, serving under Jack Chalberg. Nathan was extensively involved in the early development of the Brainerd Junior College Foundation, which was chartered in 1968, and served as the executive secretary. He increased the foundation’s worth several times over through the annual fund drive and his continuing endeavors to solicit new benefactors. Many scholarships have been awarded to numerous deserving students over 45+ years thanks in part to Dale’s commitment to making the foundation bigger and better while he was at CLC. After serving in various roles at the college over the years, he retired in 1985. Dale was a great believer in the community college system and did his best to ensure that the CLC students received quality education and a quality college experience while at CLC. He was a big supporter of athletics and activities always believing that extracurricular experiences are as big a part of college life as the academic component.
Dale re-careered and ran his successful appraisal company for another ten years. During his fifty-one years in Brainerd, he was involved with his church, Toastmasters, Boy Scouts, and Brainerd Rotary Club, where he recently made an Honorary Rotarian. He was also a member of the American Legion, Last Man’s Club, and Elks Club. His passions included golfing, camping, and hunting. His greatest passion was traveling and spending time with his ever-expanding family.
In July 2014, Dale Nathan passed away peacefully at the age of 84 with his family and friends by his side.
Impact
“Thank you so much for awarding me as a scholarship recipient for the Nathan Family Fund. As a non-traditional student, it is difficult to go back to school full-time. Your help is much appreciated.”
- Spring 2014 Scholarship Recipient/Business Management A.A.S. Student
“I have returned to college after being absent for over 20+ years and being a dislocated worker has not helped my family. Thanks to you and others my dream of finishing with my business degree is achievable. The last three years have been very challenging for our family due to the labor market being drastically reduced in the Brainerd area. I am hoping to be gainfully employed again within two-three years and then in return help someone else as you have helped me… As anyone attending college knows, the cost of fees, books and materials, and living expenses are daunting. I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and how well timed of a gift your donation is for me. Thank you again for your generosity.”
- Spring 2013 Scholarship Recipient/Business Management A.A.S. Student