Induction ceremonies for the NIU Hall of Fame took place Friday evening in the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom.

Former NIU gymnasts Darlene Davis Blank and Tom Kennedy, former NIU football player Gary Stearns, former NIU Sports Information Director Bud Nangle and the 1951 undefeated IIAC-champion football team were the honored guests.

The other inductee, former NIU basketball player Paul Dawkins (1975-79), was unable to attend.

Blank was a gymnast for the Huskies from 1982-86. She led NIU in scoring during her last three years, and graduated as the Huskies’ scoring leader with 1,413.15 points.

“Coming back to receive this award has brought back good memories,” Blank said. “I thank you for this opportunity.”

Kennedy (1979-83) qualified for three-straight NCAA Championships, and set seven school records as a senior.

Stearns, a split end for NIU from 1960-63, won the NAIA receiving title as a senior.

“I’d like to thank my teammates,” Stearns said. “I’d like to thank the selection committee.”

Nangle, who produced the school’s first football media guide in 1948, was NIU SID from 1947-49 and from ‘67-84.

The loudest and longest ovation was saved for the 1951 football team. Several members of that squad, including Fran Cahill, Jack Pheanis and captains George Acker and Frank Bieber, attended the banquet.