Nicholas W. Fenney, emeritus professor of pharmacy, died suddenly on January 9 at his home in Hamden, a few months short of his 93rd birthday.

Fenney received degrees from Columbia University, the Connecticut College of Pharmacy, the University of Connecticut and Yale University. In 1925, Fenney was one of the first instructors at the newly organized private Connecticut College of Pharmacy. Fenney later moved with the college when it became part of the University of Connecticut. He went on to serve as professor, advisor and role model for pharmacy undergraduates until his retirement in 1968.

"During his 43 years as an educator and practitioner, very little happened within his profession that did not bear the imprint of his influence through his activity as a faculty member and as a caring and concerned member of the Connecticut Pharmaceutical Association," said Karl Nieforth, professor of pharmacy.

He played a significant role in the establishment of joint medical, dental and pharmaceutical comittees that would shape the development of pharmacists' involvement in the delivery of health care services for decades. He also served in many capacities with the American Pharmaceutical Association and the American College of Apothecaries and was a member of Rho Chi, National Pharmacy Honor Society. His many contributions earned him a number of awards, including the first Sidney Rome award from the Connecticut Graduate Chapter of Alpha Zeta Omega in 1964 and the 1965 Distinguished Faculty Member award from the University's Student Senate. His name was also nationally familiar due to his active participation in Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity.

Fenney once said that of all his professional accomplishments at the Connecticut College of Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut, the one that pleased him the most was the establishment of the annual postgraduate seminar in 1947, which he chaired or co-chaired for the next 21 years. The annual seminar is now known as the Arthur E. Schwarting Pharmacy Practice Symposium.

In a testimonial for Fenney, Raymond E. Mercier, editor of the Connecticut Pharmacist, said "If pharmacy in Connecticut is what it is; if it enjoys the national prestige and the present status at the University of Connecticut; if our stores are outstanding in appearance, service and cleanliness; if our students go on to greater heights and become leaders in our communities, state and nation, then I must say, it is due very much in part to the dedication of Professor Nicholas W. Fenney."

After his retirement, Fenney began a new career as a full-time consultant for the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut, a position he held for 25 years.

Fenney is survived by his wife, Ann Manduck Fenney, four children, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.