Giving back to UNI provides a deep and personal connection for the Nordstroms
Giving back to UNI provides a deep and personal connection for the Nordstroms
For Tom and Karol Nordstrom, the best part of the UNI Scholarship Luncheon is hearing the stories.
Those stories take them back to their beginnings. Raised in small Iowa towns, the Nordstroms were first-generation college students who met at UNI in the 1960s as education majors. Decades later, they return to campus each year for the Scholarship Luncheon — a unique UNI-hosted event where scholarship donors and recipients meet and connect with students whose journeys mirror their owxx xxn.
“Both my wife and I come from very small towns, so we can relate to what some of these students are going through,” said Tom, who grew up in Gowrie. Karol is from Moorland. Both towns have populations of less than 1,000. “For these kids to receive scholarships, it gives them more opportunities.”
That personal connection has fueled the Nordstroms’ generous support of UNI for more than 30 years. Tom played a key role in launching the university’s real estate program in the early 1990s and served as chair of its advisory council until just a few years ago. Together, the Nordstroms have funded two endowed scholarships for real estate students, helping provide more opportunities in the industry.
Tom’s path into real estate was anything but traditional. After graduating from UNI, he began his career as a junior high school geography teacher. Several years later, he pivoted into real estate, first in residential and then in commercial. That transition led to senior roles at Partners Real Estate — now Iowa Realty — and later, Aegon USA Realty Advisors.
One of his proudest career accomplishments was creating an internship program at Aegon that opened doors for countless Wilson College real estate students and graduates. Today, several UNI alumni hold leadership roles at Aegon.
Tom reflected on how rewarding it feels to know his work on the Real Estate Advisory Council helped prepare students for careers in the industry. “During my time, I’d say most of our full-time hires came directly from that internship program.”
Now retired, the Nordstroms attend the Scholarship Luncheon every year. The tradition is deeply meaningful, hearing how their support has helped students thrive. In fact, they enjoy the luncheon so much, they often talk about it on the way home.
“It’s so heartwarming to meet these students,” Tom said. “On the way home from the luncheon, we talk about the students we met and how successful they’re going to be. And knowing we had a small part in helping them through their educational journey means a lot.”
We were just so pleased with the quality of students coming through the program.
- Tom Nordstrom
If you’re inspired by Tom and Karol’s story, explore how to create a legacy at the Wilson College of Business by visiting the UNI Foundation
