Growing up in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Ben Nelson ’28 always knew that college would need to be the right fit academically, socially, and personally. As someone passionate about technology, math, and sports, he wanted a university where he could pursue big goals while also finding a strong sense of community and support.
Now majoring in computer science and applied and computational mathematics and statistics (ACMS), Nelson has found exactly that at Notre Dame.
“I’ve always loved technology, and I’ve always really enjoyed math,” he says. “This combination lets me pursue both.”
Originally, Nelson planned to study aerospace engineering and even joined Notre Dame’s Rocketry Team during his first year. But over time, he realized his interests were pulling him in a different direction. Inspired by the growing intersection of sports and analytics, he began shaping a path toward data science and sports analytics.
A lifelong Wisconsin sports fan, Nelson hopes to one day work in professional sports, possibly even as a general manager for a team.
“I love the intersection of data science, data analytics, and sports,” he says. “That’s the dream someday.”
When searching for colleges, Nelson and his family considered several factors: strong academics, spirited athletics, proximity to home, and a campus culture that would fully support him as a student with a disability.
Notre Dame immediately stood out among the universities he visited.
“We were very nervous,” Nelson recalls of his family’s first campus visit. “But everyone at Sara Bea Accessibility Services was so welcoming and kind. It felt like, ‘If I get in here, this is going to be a no-brainer.’”
From the moment he arrived on campus, Nelson found himself embraced by the Notre Dame community. He still remembers move-in day at his residence hall, Graham Family Hall, when fellow students immediately jumped in to help carry his equipment and get him settled.
“If these guys are willing to help a random stranger they’ve known for five minutes,” he remembers thinking, “this must be a pretty amazing place.”
That feeling has only deepened during his time on campus.
Nelson credits Sara Bea Accessibility Services with helping coordinate accommodations and support systems that have allowed him to thrive academically and personally. He has also become involved in several organizations supporting students with disabilities, including Access-ABLE and student government initiatives focused on accessibility improvements across campus.
At the same time, he has immersed himself in student life through his other passions. Nelson is also in the Sports Analytics Club, where students partner with varsity athletic teams to create and analyze performance data. He currently works with the men’s lacrosse team. In addition, he helps organize section sports in Graham Family Hall.
“I love the dorms. I love Graham,” he says. “Community is definitely the brand here.”
For Nelson, Notre Dame’s spirit comes from the way it brings together people from vastly different backgrounds in pursuit of something bigger than themselves.
“Notre Dame is a place that brings a lot of different people together,” he says. “People from all over the world are all here trying to better themselves and help make the world a better place.”
He believes that collaborative spirit sets Notre Dame apart from many other universities. “It’s much more driven toward a higher purpose,” he says.
As Nelson has adjusted to college life, one lesson has especially shaped his experience: learning to give himself grace.
“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that it’s okay to fail,” he says. “You try so hard to have everything figured out immediately, especially as a student with a disability. But sometimes things don’t work the first time, and that’s okay. It’s not defeat. It’s a lesson.”
That mindset has helped him navigate both challenges and new opportunities while growing more independent during his college experience.
Among his favorite Notre Dame memories so far is spending a fun and carefree day with friends, cheering on the Fighting Irish football team during the 2024 Notre Dame vs. Indiana University playoff game and enjoying the simple joy of being part of campus life.
“We had no worries,” he says. “Everything was good. We were just hanging out together all day, watching a great game. It was one of the best days I’ve had here.”
For students with disabilities considering Notre Dame, Nelson hopes his experience offers encouragement.
“There are people here who want to help you succeed,” he says. “You have to give yourself grace and let yourself grow. That’s part of the experience.”
Watch the video above to learn more about Nelson’s ND experience.