SponsorsNobel Conference

The Nobel Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College is the only education conference in the United States to be authorized by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden. Core endowment funding for the conference was permanently secured through the generosity of the late Adeline and the Rev. Drell Bernhardson. The Nobel Conference is also supported by major legacy gifts and annual contributors.

The Bernhardson Endowment
In 2008, the Reverend Drell and Adeline Dekko Bernhardson began the process of funding the core endowment for the Nobel Conference. The Bernhardsons recognized and celebrated the historic relationship between the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden and Gustavus Adolphus College. By establishing this endowment, they have secured the core funding for the success of the Conference and established a platform on which the conference can expand its reach and impact. 

The Bernhardson family has deep roots at Gustavus, dating back to the late 1950s when the Rev. Drell Bernhardson, along with many other local Augustana Lutheran Pastors in Minnesota, raised money for the building of Christ Chapel. 

The Bernhardsons are parents of four Gustavus alumni. In 1997 the college recognized them with the Greater Gustavus Award – the highest honor given by the Alumni Association to those “who by deed, have notable advanced and aided Gustavus Adolphus College.” At the 2008 commencement ceremony, the college conferred on both of them the degrees Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Other contributors 
The Nobel Conference Endowment Fund also includes gifts from Russell and Rhoda Lund; the Mardag Foundation, in memory of Edgar B. Ober; and the UnitedHealth Group.

Become a donor or a conference sponsor
For information on donating to the conference, please contact the Office of Advancement.

You may also make a gift here to the support the Nobel Conference.

2023 Conference Sponsors