Nelson Lecture Series
About The Nelson Lecture Series
The Nelson Lecture Series is a gift from the late Constance Ruth (Nelson) Wise. A 1971 graduate of Capital University, she earned her degree in Music Education. During her time at Capital, her eyes were opened to the wider world—particularly to issues of racial and sexual identity and the richness of diverse faith expressions. In establishing this legacy lecture series, she requested that it be grounded in open dialogue and faithful engagement with a variety of topics that reflect and support the mission and values of Capital University.
March 24-26 2026
This year’s Nelson Lecture Series will take place March 24–26 and will feature two keynote speakers. All events are free and open to the campus community and the public.
Tuesday, March 24
Book Reading & Signing
6:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public
Clintonville Books
Parking is available at Clinton Heights Lutheran Church
Wednesday, March 25
University Worship
10 a.m.
Gloria Dei, Trinity Lutheran Seminary
Lunch & Learn
12-1 p.m.
Schneider Conference Room
Lunch provided with registration
Thursday, March 26
Moderated Student Panel Discussion
7 p.m.
Free and open to the public
Schneider Conference Room, Student Union
Keynote Speakers
Jamie Bruesehoff
Jamie Bruesehoff is an award-winning advocate, speaker, and writer. Rooted in her queer identity, her experiences raising a transgender child, and over two decades of working with youth and families, Jamie brings clarity, compassion, and hope to conversations often marked by fear or misinformation.
Jamie is the author of Raising Kids beyond the Binary: Celebrating God’s Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children. In addition to advocacy work in policy, education, business, healthcare, and faith spaces, Jamie also directly supports and resources youth and families. Jamie has been featured by NPR, PBS New Hour, Good Morning America, EducationWeek, Parents, The Trevor Project and more. She holds degrees in Religion from Gettysburg College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary-Gettysburg, now United Lutheran Seminary.
Leading with grace and kindness, Jamie challenges communities to choose courage, love, and belonging, especially in moments when it matters most. Jamie lives with her spouse and kids in New Jersey.
Rebekah Bruesehoff
Rebekah Bruesehoff is a 19-year-old author and award-winning activist passionate about inclusion, joy, and authenticity. She first gained national attention, as one of the youngest openly transgender advocates in the United States, using her voice to correct misinformation and expand understanding in businesses, schools, faith communities, and on the athletic field.
Rebekah is the co-author of A Kids Book About Being Inclusive and a contributor to Raising Kids beyond the Binary. She has been featured by Time, Forbes, People, USAToday, Good Morning Britain, TeenVogue, The Today Show, and more.
Whether she’s speaking to a crowd of 30,000 or one-on-one, Rebekah inspires people of all ages and identities to show up fully as themselves and dare to make the world a better place. She currently attends college in New Hampshire where she’s studying Government and International Relations in the hopes of continuing her work in policy and human rights advocacy.
More Information
Constance “Connie” Ruth (Nelson) Wise ‘71 (1948–2015)
Connie (Nelson) Wise lived a life shaped by music, compassion, friendship, and a deep curiosity about the world.
Born on June 12, 1948, in Massillon, Ohio, to Eric and Ruth (Hax) Nelson, Connie grew up grounded in faith and community at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. A 1966 graduate of Jackson Memorial High School, she followed her love of music to Capital University, where she earned a degree in Music Education. Music would remain a lifelong companion, woven through her work, her friendships, and her joy.
After teaching music in Jackson, OH Connie felt drawn toward parish ministry and moved to Detroit to serve within the Lutheran Church. There, her heart for people deepened and gradually led her in a new direction. Sensing a call to walk alongside others in times of vulnerability, she pursued a Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan.
Connie’s career as a medical social worker began in Detroit at Henry Ford Hospital and Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe. In the mid-1980s, she relocated to Pittsburgh, a city that would become home. At Magee Women’s Hospital, she continued her vocation until her retirement in 2013, impacting countless lives with her empathy and strength.
Pittsburgh was also where she met her husband, Mark Wise. Together they built a life filled with travel, shared adventures, and deep affection until his passing in 2004.
Connie embraced life fully. She loved to travel and rarely missed an opportunity to explore somewhere new with family or friends. Music remained one of her greatest joys; evenings at the Pittsburgh Symphony, Bach choral performances, Broadway shows, and jazz concerts filled her calendar and her spirit. Later in life, she became an active member of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross, continuing the faith journey that had begun in her childhood.
Those who knew Connie remember the breadth of her friendships. She gathered people easily and welcomed them without pretense. She had a gift for creating space where others felt seen and accepted. Her generosity, gentle strength, and quiet courage were especially evident during her long battle with cancer, which she faced with remarkable grace.
And then there were the “Porch Parties.” Legendary among her friends. They reflected who Connie was at her core: a gracious host, a loyal friend, and someone who believed life was best lived in community.
Connie’s story continues in the many lives she touched, the music she loved, and the friendships she nurtured so faithfully. Capital University is grateful to carry on her legacy by stewarding her gift of the Nelson Lecture Series.
Past Speakers
2025
Vance Blackfox, Member of the Cherokee Nation, Founder & Director of Other+Wise
2024
Jeremy Gillett, “Black & 25 in America”
The Rev. Jenny Sung, Pastor, Teacher, Writer, Dancer