Former museum director honored at University of Utah’s Ski Affair for winter sports contributions

Connie Nelson receiving the S. J. Quinney Award at the 2024 Ski Affair benefit. Nelson shares the stage with David Quinney and Barbara Yamada. Photo: University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Library

Connie Nelson receives S. J. Quinney Award; event raises funds for Ski and Snow Sports Archives

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The University of Utah’s J. Willard Marriott Library held its annual Ski Affair on Wednesday, October 23, at the Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House, marking the official start of the ski season and celebrating contributions to winter sports history. The event, benefiting the library’s Ski and Snow Sports Archives, featured the S. J. Quinney Award presentation to Connie Nelson, former executive director of the Alf Engen Ski Museum and the George Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Games Museum.

“We cannot think of a more deserving individual to receive this award,” said Barbara Yamada, chair of the Ski and Snow Sports Archives Board, who presented the award. “Connie has built what is known as a premiere museum, one of the best of its kind in our country. We applaud her for her tireless work and contributions.”

Nelson’s recognition highlights her extensive work in preserving the legacy of Utah’s winter sports industry, including her 2019 receipt of the International Ski History Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The evening’s program also included remarks from Colin Hilton, president and CEO of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation. Hilton discussed Salt Lake City’s selection to host the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Hilton emphasized the continued use of Utah’s Olympic legacy venues, noting their importance for both competitive and public use since the 2002 Winter Games.

In addition to the awards and speeches, attendees enjoyed a social hour, dinner, and drawings for ski-related packages. All proceeds supported the preservation of the Ski and Snow Sports Archives, the largest of their kind. The archives house materials on Utah’s ski resorts, national and international competitions, avalanche control, and even the 10th Mountain Division, which trained in Utah during World War II.