David Nicol is this year’s inductee to Eastern University’s Lamplight Society. Eastern University’s Facebook page posted, “Congratulations to this year’s Lamplight Society Inductee, David Nicol (’70) of the music department! Members of the Lamplight Society are recognized for their contribution to life at Eastern and their overall imprint on the campus community.” Nicol graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Eastern College, now Eastern University.
According to Laura Manger, Coordinator of Alumni Events and Special Projects, “Mr. Nicol was cofounder (with Rev. Dorcas Diaz-Shaner ’58, Master of Religious Education ’61) of the Christian Artists Singers and has been the director of the group for 35 years. The group began with 12 members, all of which were graduates of the music department of Eastern. They have taken their music ministry to area churches and retirement communities for 36 years and have presented over 350 concerts.”
Nicol has continued to passionately pursue the joy of sharing music with others. Manger continues, “Mr. Nicol taught both elementary and high school choral music for 38 years in the Spring-Ford Area School District in Royersford, Pa. He held the position of Elementary Classroom Music Teacher and High School Choral Director. During his tenure in the high school position, the choir grew from 15 members to 150, and the program grew from one choir to seven choirs.” Nicol has even shared his musical gifts with those outside of school settings. For over 40 years he has served as Director of Music in several churches, including the United Church of Christ at Valley Forge, the Roxborough Baptist Church, the Baptist Church of Phoenixville and the First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville.
The Lamplight Society only inducts one individual each year. Manger adds that “one individual is selected each year (by the Alumni Council of Eastern University) from the following members of Eastern’s family: alumni, faculty, administrators and/or staff. This award is to recognize what they have done at Eastern while they were here.” The recognition and honor from this award is reflected on the Lamplight Society plaque, which reads, “Given in honor of those whose lives and work have been beacons of exemplary Christian service, making a unique contribution to the life and mission of Eastern University and illuminating the path for those who will follow.” At the bottom of the plaque is “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105.”
Being inducted into the Lamplight Society is a significant honor, not only for alumni and those who work or have worked at Eastern, but also for current Eastern students. When students think of the Lamplight Society, Manger says, “Students should think of those individuals who have made significant contributions to Eastern. Because of their impact, it made it possible for them to be here as a student, have better programs and have a wonderful student experience.” David Nicol exemplifies this as he has made contributions not only to the Eastern community, but also to the greater society. The Lamplight Society is honored to induct him.
Sources: Laura Manger, eastern.edu, Facebook