NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University will hold a dedication ceremony for the Dean Leonard O. Nichols Blue Key Honor Society Room, located in Student Union Room 221. The event will take place at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. The public is invited.
The naming honors a man whose motto was “Serving I live,” according NSU President James Genovese. “Naming Room 221 the Dean Leonard O. Nichols Blue Key Honor Society Room in his honor would be a fitting tribute to his lifelong commitment to the ideals of higher education and Blue Key, balanced and all-around excellence in scholarship, leadership and service.”
Nichols a 1946 graduate of NSU, became assistant dean of men at NSU in 1953 and was promoted to dean in 1963. “Dean Nick,” as he was called by students, retired in 1970. He was responsible for establishing NSU’s chapter of Blue Key Honor Society in 1959 and served as chapter advisor until his retirement. The chapter established the Dean Nichols Award in 1972 to commemorate his longtime service to the university and his significant contributions to Blue Key. Nichols was instrumental in organizing an alumni chapter of Blue Key in 1983, which was the first official alumni chapter in the nation.
Nichols also was advisor to the Interfraternity Council, coordinator of the Cheerleader School and served as a mentor to the Student Personnel graduate program.
Supporters who wish to contribute to the renovation fund can do so by visiting the following link or QR code. https://northwesternstatealumni.com/nichols-blue-key-room-renovation/
