This year, the chamber has selected Dr. Richard P. Nielsen, former president and co-founder of the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. The group will also give a posthumous honor to Col. Gail Halvorsen the iconic “Candy Bomber” who died in February 2022.

Nielsen will receive the honor during the annual gala at the Utah Valley Convention Center on April 12.

“We are so pleased to join the chorus of those served by the lives of these great men,” said Curtis Blair, chamber president and CEO. “Both Dr. Nielsen and Col. Halvorsen are rare builders of this valley as well as their global community. While so many get distracted by the pompous pride so prevalent as success is achieved, Richard and Gail stayed focused on leaving their community and the world a better place for posterity.”

Now in a semi-retirement after 27 years at Rocky Mountain University, Nielsen has not slowed his pace as he continues to achieve in philanthropic work with grace and speed.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

Nielsen’s legendary leadership and vision for health care helped a 1998 Utah Valley graduate health care education startup grow into the fully-accredited Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

The university provides dozens of doctoral, masters, certificate and continuing education offerings benefiting hundreds of employees, thousands of graduates, millions of patients and launching careers around the world, according to the chamber.

“Dr. Richard P. Nielsen is a stalwart pillar of Utah Valley,” said Cameron K. Martin, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. “Rick’s impact on healthcare, higher education, our local communities, and the world is profound and inspiring. His extraordinary contributions are complemented by his talented and equally inspiring wife, Jodi. Together, they have made Utah Valley and our world a better place to live, learn, work, and play.”

While Nielsen spent the last three decades building what’s become his legacy, Col. Halvorsen has been known the world over since World War II, earning the nickname “Uncle Wiggly Wings” to scores of German children.

As a pilot in the Berlin Airlift in 1948, Halvorsen noticed children pressing against a fence adjacent the airport, watching the incoming airplanes. After talking with the children, he shared all he had — two sticks of gum — through the fence.

He was amazed at how the children divided the gift among others, even if just for a turn smelling the gum wrapper. Moved by the plight of these little ones, Halvorsen resolved to drop candy to the children during his daily flights. He told the children that he would wiggle his plane’s wings the next day to alert them to watch for the treats. Just like that, the legend of “Uncle Wiggly Wings” was born.

Halvorsen’s “Operation Little Vittles” gained international attention and raised the morale of the Berliners during the blockade by the Soviet Union. He received sacks of mail from thankful children in Berlin and the United States. During the airlift, over 23 tons of candy were dropped and delivered to the children and residents of Berlin.

Halvorsen went on to serve and teach and, in his later years, moved to Provo. No matter where he was, children received the benefits of this Pillar of the Valley with regular candy drops at schools and various activities and celebrations.

Those wishing to donate to causes dear to this year’s recipients hearts are encouraged visit World of Difference (Nielsen) and the Gail S. Halvorsen Foundation. Limited public seating for the gala may be reserved, but few tickets remain available for public purchase.