LEADING THE WAY COLLEEN AND WERNER NISTLER

Being of service to others and supporting education are keystones in the lives of Colleen and Werner Nistler. Evidence of this commitment is the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, which will serve and influence countless future generations.

Raised in large families devoted to faith in God, their parents instilled in them the importance of unwavering values and hard work. The couple combined their upbringing and education to create numerous entrepreneurial enterprises. Most notable is a company Werner founded in 1980: Touchmark, which develops and operates full-service retirement communities in the U.S. and Canada. In 2002, Colleen and Werner founded the Touchmark Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to enhancing the well-being of seniors.

In 2014, they led the formation of Swede Hills Vineyards, 10 acres of Pinot Noir grapes planted in Portland, Oregon, followed by the winery, Amaterra, meaning “for the love of the earth.”

Many business and education boards have benefited from Werner’s insights. In 2017, he was inducted into the University of North Dakota Accounting Hall of Fame. In 2018, he was a national finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In 2019, the North Dakota Board of Higher Education and UND recognized Werner and Colleen for their achievements and philanthropy by announcing the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. In 2020, UND bestowed Werner with the prestigious Sioux Award for his professional accomplishments and service.

Colleen and Werner thank their parents, their six children, the Touchmark family, the University of North Dakota, and God for providing inspiration and guidance throughout their lives.