Science, history and family values shaped decades of public media support from the Nickersons of Lincoln.
Ken Nickerson describes himself as a professional scientist and an amateur historian. “I am a good scientist whose hobby is history,” he explained.
It’s no surprise that he enjoys documentaries from Ken Burns, as well as Antiques Roadshow and Finding Your Roots. “I am fascinated by research on the genetic backgrounds of the guests.”
He’s also hooked on British mysteries and has a houseful of VHS tapes and DVDs, often featuring public television programs.
Nickerson is a microbial physiologist and biochemist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He’s retired but still works in his self-funded research laboratory, paying for the space, staff, equipment and chemicals.
He and his late wife Ann met on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, married in 1972 and moved to Lincoln as post-doctoral researchers in plant pathology in 1973. Soon after, they began donating to public media. “We started off small because we had small salaries, but we made room in the budget,” he said.
“We were always fiscally conscious, and our whole family learned about finances by watching Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser.”
The couple raised two sons in Lincoln’s East Campus neighborhood, which led to Ann being an advocate for traffic safety. Her motto was safety first. She volunteered for the elementary school PTA and served at the organization’s state and national levels.
Ann enjoyed The Great British Baking Show and Call the Midwife. Years ago, they watched Upstairs, Downstairs together. “Everyone started planning dinner parties around the show and we wanted to know why,” said Nickerson.
Like many children growing up in the 1970s, sons Daniel and David watched Sesame Street. “It was just superb for educating kids – informative, pleasant and nonconfrontational,” said Nickerson.
In high school, David melded bits from the PBS KIDS series with classical philosophy to create an entertainment speech where Grover was the preeminent thinker on the subject of near and far.
As empty nesters, the couple almost exclusively watched public television. “Once we were over the hump of putting kids through college, we realized we could contribute far more,” said Nickerson. “So we did.”
The Nickerson Family Trust designates ten percent for charity. As he chooses how the funds will be distributed, Nickerson is keeping an eye on current events.
“Regarding public media, I have what I need for retirement, so I could increase my donation,” he said.