Morgan State University Newsroom Morgan State University
Dear Morgan Community,
Earlier today, I learned of the passing of George Nock, a class of 1969 graduate of Morgan State University. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Mary, and the entire Nock family on their loss. Morgan held a special place in George’s heart and the feeling was mutual. I was fortunate to have gotten to know him personally and considered him a good friend.
I accompanied him and members of the 1966 “Golden Bears” Football team when they were recognized during the 2015 Citrus Bowl. It was an extremely emotional experience for George and his teammates for not only what they were able to accomplish on the field but for also what they were able to accomplish culturally by integrating America’s collegiate Bowl system with their appearance in the Tangerine Bowl. It was also an emotional experience for me to see them relieving those memories.
Upon graduating from Morgan, George Nock went onto play in the National Football League before settling on a successful career as an artist and sculptor. George was generous in volunteering his artistic services in memorializing two legendary figures in Morgan’s history – coaches Edward P. (“Eddie”) Hurt and Earl C. (“Papa Bear”) Banks. In 2017, Morgan unveiled Legends Plaza, a nearly 2,000-square-foot enclosure featuring six-foot bronze statues of the two legendary coaches, all of which was designed and created according to George’s artistic vision.
George Nock will be missed as the Morgan Community collectively mourns his passing. He was a very good man, an outstanding Morganite, and his work will live on at his alma mater.
Respectfully,
David Kwabena Wilson
President
Morgan State University
