Bernie Nichols graduated from WSU’s College of Business in 1961 with a degree in economics before attending the New York Institute of Finance. He and Alberta met while working at Continental Trailways in Wichita and were married in 1963. They raised two sons, Kevin and Jason. Alongside Kevin, Bernie built the Nichols Investment Firm of UBS, retiring in 2023. Through their scholarship, the Nichols hope to lessen the financial burden of higher education for future WSU business school students.
The Nichols are avid supporters of Wichita State. They have made contributions to Shocker Athletics and the Music Associates, and have been basketball season ticketholders for more than 50 years. In 1972, Bernie served a term as the president for the former WSU Alumni Association (WSUAA). In 2011, he was awarded with the Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honor presented by the WSUAA.
Alberta and Bernie have been active members of the larger Wichita community for years, serving as volunteers for Meals on Wheels. Bernie also held positions in the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wichita Jr. Chamber of Commerce.
