WAXAHACHIE, TEXAS — Nelson University has announced it is the grateful recipient of a $5.6 million gift from the late Robert and Sandra Graper. 

“The Graper family’s extraordinary gift reflects their deep commitment to Assemblies of God higher education,” said President Kermit Bridges of Nelson University. “This donation comes at a pivotal moment in the University’s history as we build on the momentum of increasing enrollment numbers and embrace a new chapter following a successful name change transition.” 

The Graper’s generosity strengthens Nelson University’s position as a leader in Christian higher education, solidifying its ongoing commitment to providing spiritual and academic preparation for both students pursuing full-time vocational ministry and those serving in various marketplace careers and professions. 

This $5.6 million gift bolsters the University’s capacity to create life-changing opportunities for students and to support key initiatives that will include expansion of health science academic programming, including advanced lab facilities, and funding essential capital improvements. 

Finally, in deep appreciation for this major gift, Nelson University will name its Church Ministries Guarantee Scholarship in honor of Robert and Sandra Graper. Nelson University is a leader in producing Assemblies of God credentialed ministers and guarantees a minimum 50% tuition discount to residential church ministries majors living on campus. The University’s significant financial commitment to ministry training beautifully aligns with the Graper’s heart to assist in the preparation of ministers to pursue their calling.  

For more information about the Robert and Sandra Graper Church Ministries Guarantee Scholarship or to learn more about planned giving at Nelson University, please contact:

Nelson University

Office of Advancement

[email protected]
972-825-4639

Nelson University, formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), is a private Christian university situated just 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. Established in 1927, Nelson University now offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, both on campus and online. Committed to integrating faith and learning, Nelson University prepares students to fulfill their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered community. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or call 1-888-937-7248.