February 23, 2007 — The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation has awarded two $15,000 scholarships for University of Utah students with a spinal cord injury. Each scholarship is a two year scholarship to cover educational expenses including tuition, room & board, and books.

An alumnus of the University of Utah (MBA, 64; JD, 67), Mr. Neilsen’s personal story is one of determination and success. A 1985 car crash outside of Twin Falls, Idaho left him with a cervical level spinal cord injury which resulted in quadriplegia. This injury, however, did not impede his successful career in real estate development, construction, and gaming. His leadership in the family business, Neilsen & Co., led to the formation of Ameristar Casinos, Inc., which has been recognized for quality and innovation in the resort and gaming industry. In 2003, he founded The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation which supports cutting-edge spinal cord injury research and innovative rehabilitation programs across the country. The Foundation has provided funding for other projects at the University of Utah with grants for basic science research at The Brain Institute, as well as clinical outreach programs at University Health Care Rehabilitation Center.

Mr. Neilsen passed away unexpectedly in November, 2006 at his home in Las Vegas. For more information about the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, please visit www.chnfoundation.org.

About the Center for Disability Services at the University of Utah

The Center for Disability Services supports all students with a disability at the University of Utah, providing services such as adaptive technology, academic advising, note taking, and advocacy. The Center for Disability Services works with over 900 students each year at the undergraduate and graduate levels. For more information please visit www.disability.utah.edu.