University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Al Nuness
2/23/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
In honor of Black History Month, Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great. Throughout February, GopherSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni from almost every Gopher program. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the U of M, provide advice to current Gophers and share what Black History Month means to them personally.
Albert "Al" Nuness
Sport: Basketball
Years: 1968-69
Graduation Year: 1970
Hometown: Maywood, Ill.
Occupation: Retired â€" Consultant for Jostens, Inc.
What is it you miss most about the University?
The friendships that I developed with teammates. I treasure the many life lessons I've learned as a result of my interaction and camaraderie with those guys.
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
Never, under any circumstances, compromise your integrity or moral compass. Learn to be gracious in both victory and defeat and always put the team's goals above individual accolades. More importantly, always remember that your goal should be to get an education and graduate.
Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
Being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. It's obviously a distinguished honor, and I'm especially proud that I achieved this award after having attended the University for only two years.
What are you grateful for?
In addition to my wonderful family and special friends, I'm grateful for having been given the opportunity to attend and graduate from the University of Minnesota. The wonderful accomplishments that I've been blessed to achieve, in large part, occurred as a result of my decision to come to Minnesota.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month provides an opportunity to recognize the enormous accomplishments, contributions, and yes, even the tremendous sacrifices, that African Americans have made. Our history is indeed an important part of this country's history and all Americans need to be enlightened. An omission of African American participation is a history that is totally incomplete.
What occupies your time now?
In addition to spending time with our adorable grandkids, I'm working with The Invictus Leadership Group for African American Males at Hopkins High School, and I'm also a consultant for Jostens, Inc. My wife and I also enjoy attending various sporting events, including Gopher and high school basketball games.