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Late in the summer of 2003, Jereld R. Nicholson Library was opened, succeeding Northup Library, which is now TJ Day Hall. Below is information about the library's namesake. The black & white photos here of Nicholson are from the Linfield Oak Leaves yearbook of 1939, the year he graduated from the college. The yearbook says he earned a bachelor of arts degree in history and his hometown was Boyd, Ore.
Color photos, by Wildcatville taken in Nov. 2011, show a library door and exterior. Other photos taken in March 2013 show a plaque and photos near library entry.
Linfield news release 5/17/2003
Linfield receives $6.4 million bequest, the largest in its history
McMINNVILLE -- A 1939 alumnus has left Linfield College $6.4 million, the largest bequest in the history of the college.
The bequest is from the late Jereld R. Nicholson of Dufur, who graduated in 1939 with a degree in history. The bequest was unrestricted and will be placed in the college quasi-endowment, with the ultimate use to be determined by Linfield's Board of Trustees.
"Mr. Nicholson's generosity will have a significant impact on Linfield College for generations to come," said President Vivian A. Bull in making the announcement. "By making his gift unrestricted, Mr. Nicholson has provided the college with the flexibility to use the money where it will best enhance our mission and the education of our students."
Nicholson was born July 31, 1914, in Wasco County and grew up in Boyd and Dufur. At Linfield, he majored in history and was a member of the Iota Omega Mu fraternity. After graduating, Nicholson returned to Dufur and operated and eventually owned the Underhill Ranch.
Nicholson remained an avid promoter of Linfield College in Dufur and encouraged qualified students to attend. He also made regular contributions to Linfield College up to his death in June 2002.
"Mr. Nicholson put his own gifts to use in the service of others," said Richard Ice, chair of the Board of Trustees. "Like many others who have attended Linfield College, he was from a modest background and was the first in his family to attend college. He supported Linfield in a meaningful way throughout his lifetime and his generosity, through this bequest, will benefit countless students in the future."
Nicholson's gift is the largest bequest and second largest gift ever received by Linfield College. The Hewlett-Packard Company is the single largest contributor in the college's history with the donation of 81 acres of land to the college, valued at $7.9 million.
.....................................Obituary in The Dalles Chronicle June 19, 2002Jerald R. NicholsonJerald "Nick" Rust Nicholson, 87, a resident of Dufur (Oregon) died at a hospital in Portland of a sudden illness, on Monday, June 17, 2002.
He was born July 31, 1914, in Wasco (Oregon) one of two sons to James A. and Marcia (Rust) Nicholson. He grew up in Boyd (Oregon) and graduated from Dufur High School and later from Linfield College in McMinnville (Oregon).
He served in the Army during World War II, and then returned to the Dufur area to wheat and cattle farming.
He was a member of the Dufur Christian Church and attended all the Dufur Community activities from the school ball games to the Threshing Bee. He enjoyed visiting and eating out with his friends.
He is survived by many friends and was preceded in death by his brother, James.
Viewing visitation will be held at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home on Thursday, June 20 from 2 to 7 p.m. and 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday.
Funeral services will be held at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 21, with Asa Jenson officiating. Interment will follow at the Dufur Community Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Jerry Walker Scholarship Fund, c/o Dufur High School.
