Walter “Bud” Nupen ’52
2004 Outstanding Service to Alma Mater

Walter “Bud” Nupen is a great ambassador for Dakota Wesleyan. For the past 13 years, he and his wife, Suzanne, have hosted the annual Portland-area alumni gathering at their home in Oregon. In the winter months, they host another alumni gathering in Palm Springs, Calif., something they’ve done for five years.

Nupen helped to establish several endowed scholarships at DWU and led the Class of 1952 scholarship drive. In addition, he was a sponsor for the overseas choir tour a few years ago. A great believer in the value of foreign travel as a part of the college education experience, Nupen is currently working to develop an overseas study program at Dakota Wesleyan.

He is a member of the John Wesley Society and the Heritage Roll of Honor. He served on the DWU Alumni Board for six years and is now an emeritus member. He has attended the annual Alumni Days weekend for 13 years.

Nupen spent his first two years of college at the University of Missouri before finishing his undergraduate degree at Dakota Wesleyan. His first teaching job was at Watertown Senior High School before moving to Oregon, where he earned a master’s degree from Oregon State University in 1961. He took additional courses at the University of Oregon and Kent State, among other institutions.

He taught history and political science courses in the Reynolds, Parkrose and Albany school districts in Oregon before retiring in 1987. He was named Teacher of the Year in 1968, and was honored when his students dedicated the annual yearbook to him.

Nupen has traveled overseas numerous times and is the American agent for the London-based Allegro Films. He also escorted 60 students through 10 European countries. He is a member of the Portland Soviet Sister Organization and has hosted numerous international guests in his home. He is also a member of the Portland Art Museum, Portland World Affairs Council and the Oregon Symphony. He has worked as a fund-raiser for individuals seeking offices in state government in Oregon.

Through the years, Nupen has been eager to share his ideas and suggestions with the Dakota Wesleyan administration. As a result, he has assumed the title “vice president for unsolicited advice.”