ARTHUR G. NIKELLY Ph.D.

Arthur G. Nikelly, Ph.D., retired clinical psychologist and associate professor emeritus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, passed away Oct 19, 2011. Visitation was held at Renner- Wikoff Chapel in Urbana, IL on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 12 to 1 p.m., Monday, Oct 24, 2011 followed by funeral services at 1 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 W. Winona St., Chicago, IL. The son of George and Mary (Koletti) Nikelly, he is survived by his sister, Eva, of Morton Grove, IL; brother, John, and sister-in-law, Margaret of Swarthmore, PA, and many friends and colleagues around the world. He received a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a Ph.D. in psychology from Ottawa University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. From 1959 to the mid 1980's, he served as a clinical psychologist at McKinley Health Center and associate professor of psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was a member of the American Psychological Association and other professional societies. A prolific scholar on many topics, Dr. Nikelly had several books and over 50 scholarly publications to his credit. His books included Mental Health for Students: A Guide for Adjusting to College (1966); Techniques for Behavior Change (1972); Achieving Competence and Fulfillment (1977); Techniques for Behavior Change: Applications of Adlerian Theory (1979). Dr. Nikelly's last book, The Romantic Poetry of Greece 1880-1960 (2009) translated the work of famous Greek poets into English for the first time. The book is available from the National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60661, www.hellenicmuseum.org. All proceeds are donated to the museum, a not-for-profit institution. He had a fascination with the Greek language and a strong connection to his ancestral homeland. Professor Nikelly left a legacy of good deeds. A major philanthropist, Dr. Nikelly initiated the design and construction of Nikelly outpatient health clinic (Nikelleio Iatreio) together with his sister, Eva and brother John, in their hometown village of Vrisa on the island of Lesvos, Greece. They also provided funds for all medical equipment and office furnishings. The clinic opened in 2011. Dr. Nikelly also bought a century-old building and oversaw its adaptive reuse into the Vrisas Library (Bibliothiki Vrisas), to be opened shortly. Arthur, Eva, and John also donated land for the new St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and natural reserve in Vatera, a seaside village near Vrisa. The church opened in 2011. Memorial contributions may be made to Modern Greek Studies Fund, #335869 c/o University of Illinois Foundation, 1305 W. Green St, Urbana, IL 61801. www.moderngreek.illinois.edu/giving/. Please note "In Memory of Arthur G. Nikelly." Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.