Emerson College - Emersonian Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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Leonidas A. Nickole

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Dedication Leo’s laugh bubbles up like some mad scientist’s; a free spirited, viva- cious man who has learned and taught at Emerson for the past 35 years, Dr. Leonidas A. Nickole has de- dicated his adult career to Emerson College and its students in theatre. As a teacher and director, Nickole works with and weaves dissimilar in- dividuals, growing students and actors both on the stage, in the class room and in his world. He has a unique ability to react, mingle, cajole and strive with Emerson students, and has dedicated that talent to Emer- son and us, the graduating class of 1982. A little insight into the man and his works reveals that Leo graduated from Emerson in 1949 with a BA in Theatre English. He went on to take courses at Harvard and Columbia. He received his masters in Theatre Education at Co- lumbia, and later earned his PHD in the same field at Indiana University. Leo has fostered growth in his students by providing them many theatrical outlets ever since he came to teach at Emerson in 1953. He was instrumental in establishing the Musical Theatre Society in 1969, and Emerson’s Annual Musical Theatre Productions are due greatly to his efforts. Leo has involved Emerson students in two summer programs he ran in Martha’s Vineyard and Harrison, Maine. He has also directed at the Lynnfield and Needham Community theatres. Leo has received many honors in appreciation of his work. He is recognized nationally and in the community for his contributions to theatre arts. He is a member of the New England Theatre Conference, the Children’s Theatre Asso- ciation, The American Association of University Professors and the American Educational Theatre Association. Leo’s philosophy is “work with as many students as possible.” When one watches MTS shows like “My Fair Lady,” “Oklahoma,” or “The Music Man,” one sees Leo’s philosophy in action; the stage is always filled. He gives students the chance to explore their own interpretations on perform- ance, saying “there is more than one way to do a scene.” Not clutching to a Tight way and a wrong way’ philosophy, Leo welcomes suggestions and insights from his students, encouraging them to develop a critical perspective. For his talent and devotion, the Class of 1982 dedicated this year’s Emersonian to Dr. Leonidas A. Nickole.

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The President’s To The Class of 1982: You made a wise choice in coming to Emerson, for during the later part of this century and beyond all facets of the communication industry will continue to expand rapidly and, incidentally, change drastically. Surely there will be a great need for liberally educated men and women like yourselves who combine com- munication skills with integrity, initiative and imagination. I urge you to use these skills prudently in the career of your choice, in your home and in the community. In these days of mobility it is difficult to establish the roots that past genera- tions have enjoyed. By becoming an active alumnus a you will have an estab- lished base, a constant friend and a loyal supporter. Remember, the college is making great strides academically and physically yet it is you, our future alumni, who will in large part determine the degree of our success. It has been a pleasure for me to get to know many of the members of the class of 1982 and I wish you all success and happiness. Sincerely, Allen E. Koenig President Allen E. Koenig 8