Kicking's Returns

At the same time, the former Dartmouth government major has compiled a record for public service second in the NFL only to the Bengals' lineman/Renaissance man Reggie Williams '76, who recently was appointed a city councilman in Cincinnati. Like w illiams, who was Chosen' NFL Man 'of the Year in 1987, Lowery has plunged into the charity work for the town that adopted him. And, like his fellow alum, Lowery himself has been nominated for Man of the Year.

This is riot a man to hide during the off-season. Six years ago, Lowery began volunteering for the United Cerebral Palsy Association^inspired by his Aunt Margaret. who has the disease. He .Started a "Kick with Nick" program, in which businesses and individuals (including Lowery himself) donate money for each successful field goal. He launched other programs for the association, including sales of a Chiefs player poster arid an annual celebrity "Roast 'N' Toast'' fundraising dinner. The result: more than $200,000 raised for research in cerebral palsy.

In 1981, Lowery started a "Kick for Dartmouth" program in which he pledged to his alma mater $50 for each field goal. The money was divided among the football, drama and language departments.

Last year he worked as a volunteer in the White House Office on Drug Abuse Policy, establishing a program that got 20 NFL athletes to record public-service announcements; they are being aired nationally this football season. His efforts against drugs extended to West Virginia, where he helped established a state-wide campaign in the schools.

As if that weren't enough, he has made hundreds or personal appearances for charities involving Easter Seals, the Boy Scouts, March of Dimes, cystic fibrosis, child abuse, missing children, asthma, and multiple sclerosis (to name just a few). He is vice president of the International Relations Council of Kansas City, and on several occasions he has even played drums with the Kansas City Symphony.

"I've got Dartmouth to thank for my attitude toward public service, says Lowery. "It helped teach me what was,important. - Ed.