Nelson Rusche
Distinguished Lecture Series
In 2002, A. Nelson Rusche's gift endowed the Rusche College of Business and continues to provide scholarships and educational programs. Funded by this gift, the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series is a biennial event established in 2016 by Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the Rusche College of Business.
Designed to bring scholars and business leaders to SFA's campus and discuss timely issues, the series honors Rusche's vision of educating the next generation of business leaders while enriching the SFA and Nacogdoches communities.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
6 p.m.
Private reception and book signing
More information
7:30 p.m.
Baker Pattillo Student Center, Grand Ballroom
Open to the public with free admission
Candace Nelson
Candace Nelson is a serial entrepreneur, Guest Shark, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Wall Street Journal contributor and an expert in turning one's passion into a profitable business.
Her book "Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe for Turning Your Passion Into Profit" published by HarperCollins Leadership on Nov. 8, 2022, hit No. 4 on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list, and her debut book "The Sprinkles Baking Book: 100 Secret Recipes from Candace's Kitchen" is a New York Times bestseller.
Nelson revolutionized the baking industry when she left a career in finance to start Sprinkles, the world's first cupcake bakery and Cupcake ATM. Nelson followed with the launch of Pizzana, a growing chain of Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded pizzerias leading the third wave of pizza in the U.S. She continues to expand her portfolio of investments with CN2 Ventures and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons.
February 2024: 'East Texas News' anchor to serve as interviewer for Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series
Private Reception & Book Signing
Prior to the free-admission lecture series, a 6 p.m. private reception is held to allow guests a chance to visit with the speaker and take photos. Tickets are required to attend the private reception. Purchase tickets in advance online, by contacting SFA's Office of Development at 936.468.5406 or email rsvp@sfasu.edu.
Cost: $100
Purchase Reception Tickets Online
Past speakers
Daymond John, FUBU founder and 'Shark Tank' star
Tony Hawk, skateboarding icon and business owner
Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida
- November 2016: SFA's Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series, Leadership Summit prove successful
- October 2016: SFA alumnus Bob Slovak to serve as interviewer for Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series
- May 2016: Jeb Bush to be featured as inaugural speaker for Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series at SFA