Denis and Judy Nock Continue to Strengthen Ties to OWU
Denis Nock '58 has had a plethora of successful experiences and challenges during his six-plus decades at such prestigious international companies as Bristol-Meyers, Hayden-Miller & Company investment bankers, and for the past 19 years, Colorado Financial Management (CFM) in Boulder. Over the years, Denis, who majored in economics and political science, was sought after by board chairpersons and leaders of Valleylab, Boulder's Chamber of Commerce and the University of Colorado's Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, to head up each venue, which he did remarkably well.
"Each job has been a labor of love," says Denis, pointing especially to the equity research he does to this day for CFM. And scenic Colorado allows him and wife, Judy, (OWU Class of '60) to live life to the fullest. And yet, they realized several years ago—during Denis's 50th reunion at OWU—that they both wanted to strengthen their ties to the university they love.
Recalling how they met at OWU, Denis can't say enough about professors like Libby Reed and her report-writing class and the other phenomenal courses he took. His experiences as Eminent Archon of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), vice chair of Interfraternity Council and as business manager of the Le Bijou were invaluable.
"I learned how to work with people and about how organizations operate, which has applied to every job I've ever had," observes Denis. "We knew we wanted to figure out how to give back to our alma mater."
As founding members of OWU's President's Circle, the Nocks also have donated to the Ohio Wesleyan Fund over the years. "But I wanted a niche, some area where I could really get engaged," Denis says. It was then that OWU President Rock Jones put Nock on a task force to look at ways to revitalize fraternities and sororities and improve student housing.
"I met Leslie Melton, director of career services, and asked her to come up with a special project," Denis says. As they talked about the potential of career services in offering direction to students, Denis supported an externship program providing potential internship opportunities for students around the country. His support of OWU Career Services has added greatly to its success. "Working with Leslie over the last nine years has been a total joy," Denis shares.
"I try to stay engaged with OWU by visiting campus once or twice a year to talk with students and staff members," says Denis.
To solidify their commitment, he and Judy set up a charitable remainder trust to make both present and future gifts to Ohio Wesleyan. They have supported such projects as renovations in Stuyvesant Hall and the SAE/Bigelow-Reed House; in addition to supporting capital projects, they also have made gifts of stock to support new initiatives within the Office of Career Services.
"In recent years, it has also proven advantageous to fund some of my pledges to OWU by gifting appreciated stock," says Denis. He thereby receives a charitable income tax deduction for the current fair market value of the securities, avoids capital gains tax up to 20 percent, and only had to request that his broker transfer his securities to OWU.
"It is so important to give back to OWU," urges Denis. "Stay involved and supportive because it is the right thing to do."