Nick Pilger Gives Back Through Dedicated Service

As Nick Pilger, ’10 BSB, has grown his career in philanthropy, he’s always kept in mind that giving is not just a job—it’s a strong personal value, too. 

And when Pilger thinks about where to offer his support outside of work, his alma mater comes to mind. 

“I absolutely loved my experience at the University of Minnesota and feel very fortunate to have been in the Carlson School,” says Pilger, who co-majored in Public & Nonprofit Management and Human Resources & Industrial Relations. “It has been important to me to give back however I can. For a long time that meant giving my time, and then slowly starting to give more financially when I had the means.” 

Pilger has served as a volunteer board member on the Carlson School’s GOLD (Gophers of the Last Decade) Board and the Alumni Board. He has also supported the Dean’s Excellence Fund. 

Giving back does not have to come in the form of large donations, Pilger says. He encourages all his fellow alumni to stay connected to the Carlson School and give when they can. 

“For me, coming right out of school, the most natural way to give back was time, as you pay off student debt, get your first job, and do all those things. So, staying connected to the school by volunteering was really important. And over time, as I’ve had the opportunity, I’ve started giving financially,” he says. 

“If I can help create a good experience for students by giving a little bit financially when I can, then I’m happy to do it,” he adds. “Carlson was a wonderful place to get my education, and I want it to stay that way for generations to come.” 

When Pilger reflects on his education, he feels gratitude for how the Public & Nonprofit Management major has helped him throughout his career. He worked at the Sanneh Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the UMN Foundation before landing his current role as director of development at Children’s Wisconsin. 

“I think there’s a real advantage to having a business-minded education in the nonprofit sector,” he says. “Having a good grounding in the principles of business has really helped me succeed and do well.” 

And Pilger says he continues to benefit from the Carlson School by giving back. Through his volunteer board work, he’s become friends with alumni who he didn’t even know while he was a student. 

“There are lasting friendships that I’ve built in my time since graduating with others who’ve chosen to give back time, talent, and treasure to the Carlson School,” he says. “I would encourage anyone who hasn’t reached back out in that way to do so, because I think there’s a lot to gain personally.”

Photo courtesy of Nick Pilger

^{Top image: After graduation, Pilger (center) served on the GOLD Board, giving back his time to the Carlson School.}