Suzanne Nielsen, head, Purdue Department of Food Science: “He was a department head, teacher, researcher and someone who was very active in the leadership of our international organization. Most people would never take on all of those things at one time. But he did. And not only did he succeed, but he made it look easy.”

Randy Woodson, Purdue’s Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture: “All of us think Purdue Agriculture is one of the premier agricultural programs in the country. This award serves as an indicator of the strength and breadth of this college, of the food science department and of Phil Nelson. Any department that has stars like Phil Nelson makes my job a lot easier.”

George Sadler, professor, food processing and packaging, National Center for Food Safety and Technology, Illinois Institute of Technology: “I believe it absolutely correct to say that virtually every professional and every practitioner in aseptic processing, both here and abroad, can somehow link their aseptic processing pedigree back to Phil Nelson. He invented a world-improving technology and educated the world on how to use it.”

Richard Linton, professor of food science and associate director of Purdue Agricultural Research Programs: “Phil is the reason I came to Purdue. It was 18 below zero with an 80-below wind chill factor when I interviewed here in February 1994. I told my family there was no way I was going to the Midwest. But Phil changed my mind in a hurry, energized me and convinced me that Purdue was the place for me. He had a way of making people believe that his vision was the right way to go.”

John Floros, head, Penn State University food science department: “Phil is one of those extraordinary persons who touch many lives and have a lasting influence on many people. He took a chance when he hired me as an assistant professor at Purdue in 1988. Since then, he has been a dear mentor and a friend to me, and he has guided and supported me throughout my career. He deserves much of the credit for my success as an academic, as a leader, and as an individual.”

Martin C. Jischke, former Purdue president: “His research and accomplishments in bulk aseptic processing are well-known worldwide. His career epitomizes the mission of Purdue University: education, research and engagement.”

Morgan Burke, Purdue athletic director: “As Purdue’s faculty representative, Phil was a guy who people really listened to at the Big 10 meetings. And when he spoke, people usually took his advice. He’s one of the people I go to when I need advice. He’s rock solid, he’s Purdue.”

Kenneth Quinn, president of the World Food Prize Foundation: “Dr. Nelson’s pioneering work, which began with tomatoes and later included a variety of seasonal crops, has made it possible to produce ultra-large scale quantities of high-quality food.  This food can then be stored for long periods of time and transported to all corners of the world without losing nutritional value or taste.”

Mary Bayless, Nelson’s 95-year-old mother-in-law, on learning of Nelson’s World Food Prize: “I always wondered why I was chosen to live so long. Now I know why — so I can know this.”