1940
2024
Nicholas M. "Nick" Hipskind passed away on Wednesday, August 7, with his wife and daughters by his side. Nick was born on April 11, 1940 in Wabash, Indiana to Katherine "June" and Howard Hipskind. He was raised in a loving home, next door to his grandparents. He attended St. Bernard Catholic School through 8th grade and was a proud 1958 graduate of Wabash High School. He maintained lifelong friendships with many of his beloved classmates. In the fall of 1958, Nick began his journey in higher education at Ball State University, where he was a member of the Cardinal football team. He obtained a BS in 1962 and a MA in 1963. He was a Speech Clinician in the Birmingham, Michigan Public Schools from June 1963-August of 1965. In 1968, he received his Doctor of Philosophy (Audiology) from Michigan State University. He married the love of his life Sandy Sundy, who he met at Ball State, and on June 27, 2024, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. His first faculty position was at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. Although he and Sandy enjoyed the experiences of a different part of the country, they were thrilled to be closer to family when the opportunity arose to join the faculty of the department of Speech and Hearing at Indiana University. In January of 1970, Nick began his decades long relationship with IU upon his appointment as Assistant Professor of Audiology. Over the years, in addition to serving as a faculty member, he held the titles of Director of Audiology, Hearing Clinic Director, Associate Dean of the University Division and Professor Emeritus. Other IU activities that Nick was proud to be involved with included, the Distinguished Scholarship Interview Program (1978-1980), official timer/scorer for the Men's (1979-2019) and Women's (1988-2019) Little 500, Academic Advisor for Pre- registration, University Division (1981-1985), Bloomington Varsity Club Board (1995-2002), Residence Hall Faculty Fellow (1997-2005), and the Office of Student Advocates (2005-2021). Nick assisted in student-athlete recruiting and faculty sponsorship for IU football under coaches, Lee Corso, Sam Wyche and Bill Mallory. Nick and Sandy have been IU football and basketball season ticket holders since 1972 and avid supporters of all IU athletics. In 2013, he was presented the Bill Orwig Award. This award is given annually by the I-Association to a non IU alumnus who has impacted IU Athletics in positive and important ways. Following this past IU women's basketball season, Nick told his daughter that the past few years of watching the women play, both in person and on tv, were some of the most enjoyable he had experienced in all of his years of following IU sports! To know he had this joy, in what would be his final year to cheer on a Hoosier team, provides his family with an enormous amount of gratitude. Nick's contributions transcended the Bloomington community. He served as chairperson for the Indiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ISHA) and Indiana Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiology (IBESPA), and was an active member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) program committee. He forged great relationships with his professional colleagues. Nick received many honors and awards over his career. A few include, Sagamore of the Wabash (1988), Kentucky Colonel (1993), Outstanding Teaching Award (1993), nominee for Outstanding Alumni Award in the Department of Audiology and Speech Sciences, Michigan State University (1996), TERA Teaching Award in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences (1998), IU Campus Division Faculty Award (1999), and the IU Foundation President's Medallion (2005). For many years, Nick delivered meals for Meals on Wheels. His final deliveries would be this past Christmas morning, with his grandson, Zach. This is a tradition that he shared with several of his grandchildren over the years. Although he formed deep and meaningful relationships with fellow faculty and staff at IU, his passion was always the students. He loved the students. Until his death, he continued to stay in touch with a remarkable number of his former students. It is an understatement to say that the students loved him back. Over his lifetime, Nick amassed a large and diverse circle of friends. Although he claimed to be deficient in the ability to remember names, he never forgot a face and almost always remembered at least one thing about the person. Regardless if you just met Nick, knew him a few months or several years, he likely made an impression (and you probably have a story)! Nick and Sandy were co-owners of the Bloomington Driving School for many years. Certainly, there are those of you reading this that were lucky enough to have him as your Driver's Ed instructor!! He often regretted that he didn't keep a permanent record of those he taught to drive. Along with the numerous high school students, he also taught IU international students and faculty, world renowned musicians and even a legendary former IU swimming coach! Nick was a long time member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. In the early years, Nick was an active member of the Men's Club and played a number of years on the St Charles softball team. Although it sounds cliche, there was nothing more important to Nick than his beloved family. He took immense pride in being a husband, dad and "pap" and he leaves behind an incredible legacy. He was a constant source of advice, support, encouragement and love throughout their lives. Attending the athletic events of his grandchildren over the past 25 years provided him with immense joy and gratification. In his final days, it was apparent that it was this very thing that he was going to miss the most. In addition to his wife, those left with amazing memories are, daughters Heidi Dolson (Scott) and Nikki Huff (Joe) and daughter-in-law Angie Hipskind. Grandchildren, Luke, Sam and Zach Wisen and Kristen and Nick Dolson, Liam, Cole and Bo Huff and Charlize and Drew Hipskind. Others who survive are sister, Sara Montgomery, and sister-in-law Barb Winter. Nephews Barry (Shelly) Montgomery and David Montgomery, and nieces Amy (Fritz) Winter, Kim Winter (son Jackson) and Ann (Andy) Montgomery. The family takes comfort in knowing that Nick is now reunited with his son, Dr. Andy Hipskind, who passed away on September 18, 2021. Others who preceded him in death were his parents and brother-in-law, Michael Montgomery. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Michael LaGrange and nurse, Loriann Fechtman for their care over the past several years. Also, a special thank you to the care team from IU Health Hospice; Jenny, Alyssa and Angi. The family is grateful for the gentleness with which they cared for Nick these past six weeks. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 16 at 11:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2222 East Third Street. Visitation will be Thursday, August 15 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 South Old State Road 37. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following: Andrew S. Hipskind, MD Memorial Scholarship c/o the IU Foundation, PO Box 500, Bloomington, IN. 47402 St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2222 East Third Street, Bloomington, IN. 47401 Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, PO Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN. 46206-1410 Online condolences may be shared with Nick's family at www.allen cares.com
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4 Entries
william h hays III
August 22, 2024
To the Hipskind family - Although I had the great pleasure of teaching Andrew Hipskind, I only met Nick when I signed on as an advocate and IU's Student Advocate Office. He immediately welcomed me into the fold, and we shared memories of his late son, Andrew. I remember him as a consummate gentleman, in every sense of the word: gentle, kind, compassionate and deeply concerned for the welfare of others. I regret missing his service, but I have been out of the country, returning last night, to the sad news of his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Bill Hays
Jim Gibson
August 15, 2024
I remember my work with Nick so fondly. I worked with him for many years when he served as Associate Dean in UDIV, and during his time in the Student Advocates Office. Nick was fantastic in both roles, but he was the epitome of a "student advocate". His dedication to students being successful and doing everything to support them to reach their goals was unmatched. His energy and passion in supporting students had a great impact on those of us in the student services field. He was an example of what it means to truly be a champion for students.
I also had to the great opportunity to work with his daughter, Heidi, for a number of years, and Heidi's husband, Scott. Heidi's work ethic and devotion to IU clearly comes from her family. I send much good vibes to Heidi and the whole Hipskind family.
I told Nick this more than once, and say it now...
"Nick...you are a good dude".
Jim Gibson
Gerald Marker
August 14, 2024
Nick and I shared the Wednesday morning shift at Student Advocates for many years and it was always the highlight of the week. Nick always had a smile and a wry sense of humor and an extensive knowledge of college sports, especially football and baseball, that was amazing. My Dad saved the label "a good person" for those whom he admired and respected and I now apply that designation to Nick, who fulfilled in every way what constituted a good person, one who made the world around him a better place. I shall miss him.
Annie Willis
August 13, 2024
I will always remember that Nicholas was a decent, kind, respectful, caring and supportive colleague, friend and champion of student causes. He loved the students as if they were his very own and in many ways they were as they needed his guidance and care. It has been my honor to have worked with Nick for many years. We served together on the Student Recreational Sports Advisory Board for 25+ years. He was actively engaged in everything students.
I consider Nick to be A Student Rock Star! His sense of humor and his support of students made him a Rock Star!
His inclusive character and gentleman manners along with his signature smile and laugh was contagiously wonderful!
He had a twinkle in his eyes of kindness! His peacefully welcomingly strong voice put students and colleagues at ease.
His Alias was in my opinion "St. Nick A Claus." We all better be good for St. Nick will be adorned in his God given Crown of Glory and his St. Nick Santa Claus Red & White (Crimson) IU Cap watching over us all.
Enjoy Heaven my dear friend and all the treats that God has for you! Love to you, Ms. Sandy and All of Your Family!
Annie Willis
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Aug
15
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Allen Funeral Home and Crematory4155 South Old State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47401-7483
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Allen Funeral Home and Crematory4155 South Old State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47401-7483
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