A Shared Orbit

Aerospace couple launches future space pioneers at UND.

Daniel and JoEmily Nieuwsma met through a video dating service 35 years ago, long before online dating went mainstream. When Jo mentioned she worked in aerospace and named July 20 — the anniversary of the moon landing — as her favorite holiday, she had Dan’s attention. The military sensor engineer was delighted to find her name in the Hughes Aircraft Company directory on the satellite procurement page. They shared not only an employer but a passion for space exploration that made their connection feel like cosmic fate.

“Our first date, we were out on the pier talking about how space travel wouldn’t really take off until it was commercialized. I knew she was a keeper,” Dan said.

Dan’s connection to UND came through his father, who grew up in Strasburg, North Dakota, and took aviation classes at UND during World War II. Those family roots, paired with UND’s aerospace reputation, inspired the couple to support the Space Studies department. 

Programs like the Planetary Exploration Initiative, which supports a lunar habitat and spacesuit modifications, were especially intriguing. 

“Since there’s no wind [on the Moon], these little shards of glass just sit on the surface and are very abrasive,” Jo explained. “So this idea of attaching suits to the outside of the habitat so astronauts can climb directly in – so cool.”

Their first gift to UND was a planned gift to create a legacy. Direct gifts followed, and today the Nieuwsmas are among the few who’ve endowed a scholarship for Space Studies students. Recipients have stayed in touch in the 12 years since its creation.

“We were not blessed with children,” Dan said. “We thought UND was a place where we’d like to leave our legacy and encourage work in space.”

In retirement, they keep their historic town of Port Townsend, Washington, a vacation destination: volunteering at the local Kinetic Sculpture Race and Steampunk Festival, building wheelchair ramps with the Boeing Bluebills, and helping teens earn their wings at the local airport.

And, of course, attend Moon parties on July 20.