nichols college spring 2013 magazine

NICHOLS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Volume 6, Issue 1 | Summer 2011


Volume 7, Issue 3 | Spring 2013

The Fels Student Center:the new heart and home

of Nichols

In my second year as Nichols College presi-dent, I am struck by how much I have relishedthe opportunity to lead Nichols during thishistoric time and the progress we have all madeto keep Nichols strong and vital. As we turn thecorner on the mid-point of the 2012-2013academic year, I’d like to update our alumni,parents and friends on several strategic priori-ties that will guide us as we move towardNichols’ bicentennial in 2015. KEEPING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE

Helping students and families meet the increas-ing burden of financing a college education isdriving campuses across the country to addressthe issue with compassion, creativity andresourcefulness. At Nichols, we have developeda new Financial Aid Policy, effective thiscoming fall, which will have a major impact ona student’s aid based on Expected FamilyContribution. In addition, we will encouragealumni and donors to increase their support ofendowed scholarships, the most direct andrewarding way to make a difference in astudent’s life. These efforts will help shrink thegap of unmet need and help more students real-ize the benefits of a college education.PROMOTING STUDENT SUCCESS

Making college more accessible is one way toensure that graduates today are prepared toassume increasing responsibility in an everchanging and challenging work force. We havealso intensified efforts to attract and retainstudents who are driven to get the most out oftheir educational experience. This year, theCollege tightened admissions standards by rais-ing the floor of acceptable SAT scores, ourHonors Program is growing, and academicperformance is on the rise. In a true communityresponse, our dedicated and vigilant faculty andstaff have developed programs to identify,support, mentor and guide students tostrengthen the bonds that keep students engagedin the education process and their professionaldevelopment. Our efforts over the past twoyears are producing results. Our second semes-ter retention rate reached an eight-year highwater mark with 88 percent of first-yearstudents returning from the Fall 2012 to theSpring 2013 semester!

As you’ll read in this edition of NicholsCollege Magazine, the Fels Student Center,which opened in November, has quicklybecome the heart and hub of an already close-knit campus. The building offers ample andlively spaces to gather with friends; comfortable

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

EDITOR

Susan Veshi

ON CAMPUS EDITOR

Ron Schachter

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT

Bill Pieczynski

CONTRIBUTORS

Kerry Barnes ’05 MBA '07, Brianne Callahan

MOL '11, Peter DiVito, Julie Errico,

Patti Najarian, Len Suprise, Kelly Vaillancourt ’13

DESIGN

Patricia Korch

PRINTING

Puritan Press, Inc. , Hollis, NH

COVER PHOTO

Patrick O’Connor / Patrick O’Connor Photography

Shrewsbury, MA

NICHOLS COLLEGE PO Box 5000

123 Center Road

Dudley, MA 01571-5000

508-213-1560

8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., M–F

www.nichols.edu

Periodicals postage paid at Webster, MA,

and additional mailing offices.


(UPSP 390480) is published three times

a year by Nichols College, Dudley, MA.

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to:

College AdvancementNICHOLS COLLEGE PO Box 5000Dudley, MA 01571-5000



State of the College

spots for students to grab agourmet coffee or an orderof enticing chicken wingswhile tackling homework or relaxing between classes;seminar rooms that feature the latest technologyto facilitate teaching and learning; and one-stopshopping convenience for student activities andstudent services. Whether students are meetingwith fellow classmates or prospective employ-ers, the Fels Center represents the core of theNichols brand and mission: career focused andstudent centered.

Moving forward, we have plans to furtherenhance our facilities to maintain our distinc-tiveness and competitive advantage. Proposedprojects include the Nichols Business Leader-ship Center to house state-of-the-art classrooms,faculty offices, Centers and other essentialstudent development and support services, andan upgrade to athletics and student wellnessfacilities.STRENGTHENING OUR MISSION

Our commitment to transforming students intoleaders starts on day one, during that first yearof a student’s college education when engage-ment is critical. The first-year experience hasbecome an immediate priority of the College.This year, in our required Business and Societycourse we introduced a business simulationmodel where teams of students created and rantheir own MikesBikes, competing againstcolleges and companies across the country onthe basis of shareholder value. (One Nicholsgroup, called Team Cycology, earned thenumber four rank in the MikesBikes Intro Hallof Fame!) Later this year, the Nichols commu-nity will come together to begin to design aunique and innovative first-year experience thatrivals our aspirant schools and cements ourstatus as a business college of choice in NewEngland. Stay tuned!

As we approach a remarkable milestone inthe College’s evolution, Nichols can be bothproud of and humbled by its past achievementsand those to come. We are on a path to uncover-ing the potential of this hidden gem and realiz-ing a future where Nichols is an even greaterforce on the competitive educational landscape.We appreciate your support and encouragementas we take this journey together.

Susan West Engelkemeyer, Ph.D.

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O N C A M P U S

2 | Nichols receives transformational gift2 | Upcoming book chronicles Nichols College history3 | European partner visits Nichols College campus3 | Prez gets good press4 | Nichols junior turns animator4 | First-year students score #4 in global ranking5 | Curriculum

F E A T U R E S

6 | Career-Focused, Student-Centered: The Fels Student Centeris the new heart and home for Nichols students

11 | The art of student recruitment

A T H L E T I C S

13 | Weeks inspires team with endless passion and a solid work ethic

14 | Senior shows Bison Pride at national bowl game14 | Pride rock14 | Your connection to Bison gear14 | Keeping score

A L U M N I

15 | Celebrating 200 years of Bison Pride15 | Class Notes16 | Catching up with Jack Fones ’3719 | Catching up with Peter Caruso ’90 and Patrick Holland ’8821 | Catching up with Danny Tamayo ’1222 | Nichols remembers 24 | Double your impact with a matching gift


C O N T E N T S

c o m m u n i t y . n i c h o l s . e d u NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

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NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E S p r i n g 2 0 1 3 2

Nichols receives transformational gift

Upcoming book chronicles Nichols College history

Nichols College PresidentSusan West Engelkemeyerrecently announced that theCollege has received an unre-stricted gift of $5 million froman anonymous donor.

In making the announce-ment, Engelkemeyer notedthat, along with the opening ofThe Fels Student Center, “thishistoric gift from an alumnushas the potential to transformthe College and was inspiredby the commitment of theentire Nichols community, who continually invests in thisspecial place on the Hill.”

“We are excited to buildupon this positive momentumand look forward to creatingmore opportunities for our students in the years to come,”Engelkemeyer added.

The College is working tomatch the interests of thedonor with any number of initiatives identified in its newstrategic plan that will bringNichols to new heights as theschool approaches its bicen-tennial in 2015.

“A gift of this magnitudewill have sweeping conse-quences, not only for the possibilities it opens forNichols during this importanttime in our history but also for the potential of this generous investment in theCollege to inspire others,”noted Vice President forAdvancement Bill Pieczynski.“This marks a new and excitingday for Nichols.”

Professor Emeritus ofHistory James ConradJr. may be the mostqualified person totell the story ofNichols College. Besides his extensiveteaching career oncampus, his father,James Conrad Sr.,founded the school as a two-year college in 1931, with just 11 students at first, and servedas its president.

That period to the presentday makes up Conrad’s just-completed volume of Nicholshistory. The book is his seconddevoted to Nichols, following an earlier effort that focused on Nichols Academy as a pre-collegiate private schoolfounded in 1815.

The second book includesNichols’ evolution from a juniorcollege to a four-year institutionin 1958 and the transition to acoed student body in 1971. “It was a marvelously excitingtime,” Conrad says. “Nichols hasa remarkable history, includingthe fact that it has survived allthese years as a small, uniquecollege. Few colleges like oursexisted in the countryside. I keep referring to the word‘remarkable.’ We have survived,and survived very well.”

By the middle of the 20thcentury, Nichols began distin-guishing itself as one of the fewtwo-year colleges in the countryto offer a degree in businessadministration, Conrad pointsout. “The early students werevery good. Even though wewere in the Great Depression,they were quite successful aftergraduating.”

Some of those graduates, in fact, went into writing, publishing, and broadcasting.Conrad identifies Fred Friendly,the pioneering president of CBSNews who worked alongsidebroadcasting legend Edward R.Murrow during the 1950s, asone of the two-year college’smost illustrious graduates.

Nichols also broke new ground when itexpanded to a four-yearcollege, a long-heldambition of PresidentConrad. “He was already planning [thatexpansion] in the1930s,” Conrad reveals.“All of it was on the

table. Nichols was the first junior college to become a senior college in Massachusetts,”a first made all the more remark-able, he points out, “since Massachusetts had been aleader in higher education formore than 150 years.”

The admission of females in1971 – nine matriculated thatyear – marked another turningpoint that helped to overcomethe gender stereotypes fromearlier years. “There was initiallysome feeling – and I don’t agree

– that women weren’t interestedin business,” Conrad recalls,adding that on the first day ofclasses, “There was no big commotion as suddenly ninewomen showed up.” Womennow make up a large portion of the student body and havecontinued into successful busi-ness careers.

Conrad does more than let his words do the talking inhis new book. It contains a vari-ety of historical photographs culled from the hundreds heresearched.

“In some respects, Nicholshas changed a great deal. Insome respects, it hasn’t whenyou think of the master plan,”Conrad sums up. “We’re still a business school and we’re still rural.”

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European partner visits Nichols campus Prez gets good pressAn op-ed piece by PresidentSusan West Engelkemeyer onthe future of college educationmade it into “The Podium” sec-tion of the Boston Globe inNovember. The piece, entitled“Colleges at a Tipping Point”explored the current challengeof new graduates to find jobs,particularly as college tuitionscontinue to rise, and the factorsthat reinforce why higher education is a worthwhileinvestment.

While Engelkemeyer offeredcompelling data that a collegeeducation still pays – almost$800,000 more over a 40-yearcareer compared to those with-out a degree – she also acknowl-edged that those statistics mayreassure nervous families.

“A long-rangeforecast offers littlesolace to prospectivecollege students andtheir parents, who areasking themselves ingrowing numbers ifthe investment in afour-year education –as much as $200,000at some schools – will providethe more immediate return of agood job upon graduation,”Engelkemeyer wrote.

As an antidote, PresidentEngelkemeyer pointed to thefrequent internships pursued bystudents at Nichols and theschool’s Professional Develop-ment Seminar, which under-graduates are required to take ineach of their four years. Thisone-credit course helps stu-dents enhance their communi-cation skills, develop portfoliosof their work, research fields andemployers of interest, and prac-tice interview techniques.

Engelkemeyer also cited the results of these approaches,including a 90 percent andabove employment rate withinsix months of graduation,according to an annual surveyby the Nichols Career ServicesOffice.

At the same time, PresidentEngelkemeyer underscored the

need to keep tuition under con-trol and issued a warning to fel-low college administrators:

“While the bottom line isthat a college education isworth it, those of us in charge ofthat education have to do moreto manage our own bottomlines. Runaway health costs maygrab more of the headlines, buthigher education costs have fol-lowed the same trajectory, andthen some.”

Some solutions, PresidentEngelkemeyer offered, would bethe year-round teaching ofcourses and use of an otherwiseempty campus; the hard task ofcutting undersubscribed aca-demic concentrations; and scal-ing back on capital improve-ments that are not necessary, all

with the aim ofpassing on savingsto students andtheir parents.

When it comesto the latter con-cern, the op-edcolumn pointedout, “Colleges areinvesting heavily

in large building projects, fromburgeoning athletic facilities todormitories than can rival someuptown apartments. At Nichols,we’re about to dedicate a new,$10 million student center,which we think will improve thequality of campus life. But all ofus need to take a harder look atwhat qualifies as a needed addi-tion and to scale back on whathas become a veritable armsrace of capital improvements.”

Engelkemeyer concluded,“All of these approaches andideas – from promoting thevalue of a college education to taking a hard look at ourbudgets – may sound like we’re running a business, albeit a very special one. We are. We all have to do more to makesure our customers are gettingwhat they’re paying for, and that we don’t price them out ofthe market.”

“WHILE THE BOTTOMLINE IS THAT A COLLEGEEDUCATION IS WORTHIT, THOSE OF US INCHARGE OF THAT EDU-CATION HAVE TO DOMORE TO MANAGE OUROWN BOTTOM LINES...”

A delegation from Nichols’ partnerEuropean University – a growinginternational business school withcampuses in Munich, Barcelona,and Geneva – descended on theNichols campus on October 19th.

The visit included a meetingwith Nichols undergraduatesinterested in studying abroad;lunch with the College’s Board ofTrustees and Board of Advisors;and a brainstorming session withNichols faculty to explore new ini-tiatives for the five-year-oldexchange program between thetwo institutions.

“Right now, some of theNichols students who come to usare some of our most valuableassets,” says European UniversityPresident Dirk Craen. “We’re look-ing at how we might do morebusiness together.”

At the heart of the current pro-gram is the opportunity to earndual undergraduate degrees, a BAor BS from Nichols and a Bachelorof Business Administration (BBA)from European University.

“It’s a two-way street,” explainsTom Cafaro, vice president forenrollment and marketing atNichols. “Nichols students canspend the first two years at theDudley campus and a thirdabroad at one of the EU campusesand come back to Nichols for theirfinal year.” The schedule works inreverse for EU students.

Both institutions are workingon extending their collaboration.Some ideas under considerationinclude having students on bothsides of the Atlantic tackle casestudies via videoconference,developing a course in reputa-tional management, and adding adual-MBA program.

“We really believe that thispartnership gives a real-worldvalue to our students,” Cafaropoints out. “Global concerns areof importance even to smallbusinesses,” which, he says, arebenefiting from an increase ininternational trade due to theprominent role of the Internet incommerce.

The visit by EU officials toNichols was preceded by a tourof the Massachusetts StateHouse in Boston and a sessionwith a representative from theInternational Chamber of Com-merce to discuss the knowledgeand skill sets needed by gradu-ates in today’s international busi-ness world.

Nichols is also exploring a sep-arate collaborative program inLithuania, and Cafaro will visit thecapital city, Vilnius, this spring.Cafaro hopes to forge an aca-demic partnership with a Russianuniversity in coming years.

The International BusinessProgram at Nichols has alreadybegun to make inroads intoSouth America. Last May, Depart-ment Chair Marcus Goncalvesled almost a dozen graduate stu-dents on a 10-day trip to thecoastal Brazilian city of Victoria.

There, they studied interna-tional business practices at Salesian University while makingsite visits to well-establishedBrazilian companies. Goncalves is looking to extend the arrange-ment with Salesian College,which has campuses through-out Brazil, and he figures that the 10-day program couldbecome a fixture during Nichols’spring break.

The EU delegation, pictured here withSenator Richard T. Moore (center),includes, from left, Sascha Liebhardt,dean, European University Munich; JohnDalton, director of the London School ofPublic Relations; René Van Baardewijk,EU alumnus and director of alumni inSpain; Dirk Craen, EU president; PierreKeller, ECAL University of Art & Design;Julius Niedvaras, CEO, InternationalBusiness School at Vilnius University;and Eveline Lienhard, journalist24Heures newspaper.


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Junior Melanie Gajewski has hadan animated existence atNichols, and not because shehas a lively interest in so manyfields. She is becoming anaccomplished videographer andanimator.

Gajewski has been hired bythe College to create videos ofevents including student “move-in day” at the beginning of theacademic year and parent orien-tation. However, the creationthat has made the biggestsplash is Gajewski’s animatedrendition of a Rubik’s Cube,famous for decades as a colorfuland challenging puzzle.

The finished work – whichalso involved solving that puzzle– contains 400 still shots of dif-ferent color configurations onthe cube, which come to life in a15-second, rapid-fire sequence.The animation became the cen-terpiece of a television and Webad for Nichols last year.

“When [Vice President forEnrollment and Marketing] TomCafaro said, ‘We’re going to usethe Rubik’sCube for a com-mercial,’ my jawdropped,”Gajewski recalls.“And I’ve hadother studentssay to me, ‘I sawyour commer-cial.’ Being seenis life-changing.”

While Gajewski has recentlytaken up drawing, taking theVisual Communication courselast year with Professor MauriPelto marked a turning point.Her main project relied heavilyon video. “I saw that I had a realinterest in it,” she says, addingthat she has come to prefer ani-mation even more.

“It’s more rewarding,” Gajew-ski explains. “You can turn some-thing regular into somethingreally cool. I could videotape astudent coming out of a build-ing, and then draw the scene ina series of pictures whichbecome the animation before

Nichols junior turns animator

O N C A M P U S

finally turning into the actualvideo shot of the subject.”

Gajewski says that she’slooking at a wide range ofcareer possibilities. “I loveNichols so much because thepeople here were able to drawout the abilities I have,” she says.

Her options include continu-ing her parents’ business ofowning and managing apart-ment buildings, starting her

own business –in particular, abakery specializ-ing in cupcakes –or heading tograduate schoolto become a col-lege professor.

Of course,there’s the lure oftaking her talents

as a videographer and animatorback to Worcester-based VisionAdvertising, where she is work-ing part time. “I have a job wait-ing,” she says. “My boss made mepromise to work there.”

I’m passionate about somany things,” Gajewski admits.“It’s difficult finding that onecareer where I can do every-thing. I feel like something greatis going to happen.”

Four first-year students earned the #4 spot in the global rankings forMikesBikes Intro Hall of Fame, outscoring some 10,000 teams over afive-year period.

The students, Steve Bellini, Michael Warrino, Samantha Gandolfoand King Landesman, dubbed Team Cycology, achieved a share-holder value of $249.19 by employing financial strategies to markettheir products, a youth bike, a road bike and a mountain bike.

MikesBikes is a simulation tool that was introduced this year intothe first-year course, Business and Society. Students create an onlinebicycle manufacturing company, first getting hands-on experiencemaking pricing, marketing and production decisions then progress-ing to distribution, operations, product development, and financialdecisions. They formulate strategy and analyze real financial reportsand dynamic market data, while competing against others in theircourse in an online multiplayer environment. Performance is rankedon shareholder value.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our students as a teamand as representatives of Nichols College,” says Maryann Conrad, visiting assistant professor of management. Among the colleges, uni-versities and companies in the top 20 global rankings are Penn State,Quinnipiac, Drexel and Intel Corp.

First-year students score #4 in global ranking

Team Cycology members, from left, Samantha Gandolfo, King Landesman,Michael Warrino (kneeling) and Steve Bellini

NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E S p r i n g 2 0 1 3

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Name of Course: Business and Society

Professor:Mary Trottier, Professor of Management, Director of the LeadershipProgram

Description: Business and Society is a first-year survey course that provides a founda-tion in business disciplines includingaccounting, finance, management, market-ing, economics, and human resources. Stu-dents explore these business aspects asmanagers of their own company in anonline competitive team-based simulation,where they actively and sequentially applynewly learned business skills to a real-worldsetting. Through course readings, exercises,and class discussions, students learn aboutvarious business objectives and what a company needs to do to accomplish its mission in today's dynamic global businessenvironment.

Required Readings: BUSN, Fifth Edition,Kelly and McGowen

Special Projects: Students watch theaward-winning documentary film, Is Walmart Good for America? They divide into teams, representing the parties affectedby the Walmart decisions depicted in thefilm, and debate whether Walmart is goodfor America.

Students are assigned to a team thatserves as the management committee for anongoing business called MikesBikes. In thiscapacity, they have the opportunity to makebusiness decisions regarding marketing,product development, expanding physicalcapacity, and product quality. After makingthese decisions, they learn how their deci-sions impacted the company’s financialstanding and determine the degree towhich their decisions contributed toincreased sales and profitability.

In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United Decision, teams consider the question, “Should corporations expend corporate financial assets to buyvotes and impact elections via corporatedollars?” Focus is on corporate decisionsand how corporations should expendresources to further their business interestsand on the ethical dilemma in relation tomanagement responsibility to act in thebest interest of shareholders.

CURRICULUM

On the Day Nichols College MagazineVisited Class: The class focused on simulat-ing how businesses might fare in certaineconomic situations and what financial andcultural factors cause businesses to flourishor not. A particular focus was on how tech-nology such as the Internet can affect howbusinesses make decisions, how they getout information, and how they advertise toan online market.

Professor Trottier compared being awareof such factors to paying attention to thesurrounding neighborhood when building ahouse. “You’d want to check out schools.You’d want to look at what the sewer andutility services are like,” she explained.Bringing the conversation back to business,she added, “If you’re running a pizza placeand don’t have home delivery, you’re at acompetitive disadvantage. If you’re talkingabout something like retailing, at a timewhen there’s so much more online buying, astore without a good Web site will lose mar-ket share.”

The entire class worked on how the foot-ball industry might take the same approach,before students broke into smaller groups,each devoted to a different industry – retail-ing, construction, manufacturing, andrestaurant operations.

Requirements: Besides quizzes, a midterm,and a final exam, students are graded ontheir performance in the special projects andon class participation.

Professor Quote: “It is my expectation thatthis hands-on approach will provide a moremeaningful learning experience that willhelp these first-year business students inselecting a business concentration. I wouldalso hope that they will gain an understand-ing of basic business concepts that willserve as a solid foundation for learning inthe remainder of their business courses."

Student Quote: “She’s very direct. Whenyou say something wrong, she does not hes-itate to correct you,” says freshman CaseyFrank. “But she’s not trying to embarrassyou. It’s because she understands whereyou want to go, and she corrects you beforeyou get too far down the road.”

Professor Bio: Trottier received a BA fromRivier College and an MA from Anna Maria

By Ron Schachter

Spelling out the objectives

Starting this term, as part of Nichols’emphasis on educational goals andoutcomes, all courses state their objec-tives clearly in the course syllabus.Here’s how Business and Societydefines its objectives:

After successful completion of thiscourse, students will be able to:1. Demonstrate a basic level of under-

standing in the business disciplinesof accounting, finance, manage-ment, marketing, human resources,and operations.

2. Analyze basic business documentsand reports, and apply businessconcepts and principles to real-world situations.

3. Make thoughtful, ethical, and effec-tive business decisions.

4. Define team dynamics and the factors that help and hinder theeffective functioning of a group.

5. Express thoughts and ideas effectively in written and oral communication.

College. She has also held key managementroles with American Optical and CibaVision,and helped establish OrganizationalResources Associates Inc., a managementconsulting firm in human resources with afocus on legal compliance programs. Trottieris the author of Motivating and DevelopingHuman Potential, published in 2008.

“Curriculum” is an occasional feature that introducesreaders to courses taught at Nichols College.


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Career-Focused, Student-Centered: The Fels Center is the new heart and home for Nichols students By Julie Errico


Rising up on the hill at the intersection of student andacademic life, the new Fels Student Center has quicklybecome the epicenter of campus.

Telegram Photo

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Students at Nichols College have a newplace to call home. The Fels StudentCenter, which officially opened inNovember, brings together a range ofstudent services, classrooms and invit-ing spots to study or gather. In so manyways, the facility celebrates the core ofthe Nichols experience: career-focusedand student-centered.

Trying to design a student centerthat is flexible, multi-functional, yetoffers students “one-stop” shopping forservices was not an easy task. However,the Fels Center is clear proof that it ispossible to reach that goal. “In someways, this building could be viewed as a‘game changer’ for the culture of ourcampus,” says Bob LaVigne, associatevice president for facilities manage-ment, who supervised the project.

With its comfortable furniture,inviting stone fireplace, contemporarycolor scheme, and ample gatheringspaces that range from the Main Loungeto cozy nooks, the center has become a

favorite hangout and study location inthe short time since it’s been opened.Shrey Chetteri ’16, president of thefirst-year class, admits the studentcenter influenced his decision to cometo Nichols and has become the primaryplace to spend time with friends andwatch sports on a 100- by 160-inchprojection screen. “I spend four to sixhours a day in the building,” he says.

Senior Erica Antonio is taking fulladvantage of the facility while she isstill on campus. “So far it's been thebest addition to the school to bang outthe final semester,” she says. “I spend acouple of hours two to three nights aweek there to catch up with friends,hang out, and study. It’s just a greatplace to do something instead of stayingin my room or the library.”

Commuter students are also experi-encing the benefits, such as the ease inmeeting other students, the convenienceto the commuter lot, and a relaxingenvironment to meet friends and talk

“IT SEEMS THAT EACH DAY THATPASSES SINCE THE FELS STUDENTCENTER WAS OPENED, I HAVE METMORE OF MY PEERS, RESIDENTSAND COMMUTERS...”

~ Mark Pover ’15


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with professors. “It seems that each daythat passes since the Fels Student Centerwas opened, I have met more of mypeers, residents and commuters,” saysMark Pover ’15, president of theCommuter Council. “While I havealways been very involved on campus,the student center has been where Ispend the bulk of my spare time."

Amanda Lovejoy ’15 echoesPover’s comments, saying, “As acommuter, I am sometimes here allday…. It is nice to know that thestudent center is a place where I cancome to spend time between classes,study, attend meetings, and participatein various activities.”

Since the center opened this pastfall, the Campus Activities Board(CAB) hosted a number of events andmore are planned for the spring semes-ter. From a comedy series to movienights in the Main Lounge to coffeehouse singers in Jazzman’s Café, a variety of events are scheduled everyweekend, along with several othersthroughout the week.

In addition to hosting informal andplanned student activities, the buildingalso houses most of the student servicesoffices along with the post office, socialmedia suite and bookstore to create a“one-stop-shopping” experience forstudents. ”This will make everyonemore efficient,” says Brian Quinlan,director of the Center for StudentInvolvement. “Students can stop by thebuilding for an event, an organizationmeeting, and chat with Dean [Brian]McCoy and never leave the building!”

Since moving to the center, manydepartments have seen a surge instudents just stopping by for informalmeetings and conversation. “When wewere in another building, we didn’t haveas many students just drop in to talkabout their plans and ideas,” saysFischer Institute Director Blanche Milli-gan. “Now it is more spontaneous andmore students are sharing their interestsin a semester overseas and askingimportant questions about what theyneed to do to get there.”

The Office Career Services has also

“AS A COMMUTER, I AM SOMETIMESHERE ALL DAY. ...”

~ Amanda Lovejoy ’15

“WHEN WE WERE IN ANOTHERBUILDING, WE DIDN’T HAVE ASMANY STUDENTS JUST DROP INTO TALK ABOUT THEIR PLANSAND IDEAS. ...”

~ Blanche MilliganFischer Institute Director


C a r e e r - f o c u s e d , S t u d e n t - C e n t e r e d

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Joined by well over 100 members of theNichols and local communities, PresidentSusan West Engelkemeyer led the formal ded-ication of the new student to longtime bene-factor and former Nichols Interim PresidentGerald Fels ’66 and his wife, Marilyn, onNovember 16, 2012.

“We celebrate their lifelong devotion toenriching the lives of others and thank themfor their unparalleled commitment to NicholsCollege and the local community,” remarkedPresident Engelkemeyer. “Through Jerry’sleadership on the Board of Trustees and asinterim president [during the 2010-11 aca-demic year], this building grew from conceptto reality. It is the manifestation of Jerry’s stu-dent-centered approach for Nichols andwould not be nearly as inviting and student-oriented without his vision for this project.”

Fels, the former CEO of MAPFRE Com-merce Insurance in Webster, shared the credit.“It was really a collaborative effort betweenthe Board of Trustees and the donors,” he

noted. “And it’s a reflection on the Nicholscommunity as a whole as to what can bedone when we work together.”

In addition to its tribute to Fels, the College recognized the contributions of othermajor donors for the project, more than halfof whom were in attendance and took theirseats alongside the podium.

The ceremony, which was held in the cen-ter’s main lounge, also featured a 10-minutevideo of testimonials by Nichols students,administrators and Board of Trustee mem-bers. Another highlight of the event was thecrowd of students who wore green t-shirtsbearing the message, “Thank You Jerry andMarilyn!”

The entire $10 million cost of the buildingwas funded by private donations, and thenames of five benefactors are embossed justinside the center’s entrance.

Benefactors: Keith T. Anderson ’81 John H. Davis ’72 Stephen A. Davis ’80 Gerald ’66 and Marilyn FelsArthur J. Remillard, Jr.

In dedication to those who made it possible

seen an increase in student traffic and isthrilled about having dedicated inter-viewing rooms with Skype capabilitythat benefit both students and companyrecruiters. “Employers cannot help butbe impressed with our facilities,” saysLiz Horgan, director of career services.“It looks polished and professional.”The professional environment also gives

students more confidence when theycome in for an interview with anemployer.

In addition to the more professionalenvironment, some groups are enjoyingthe additional work space. A dedicatedarea to produce videos, edit photo-graphs, and write blogs for Nichols’social media outlets allows for greaterstudent and faculty collaboration. “The new space enables the team ofstudent developers, videographers andphotographers the space to expand andtake on more complex projects andlearn about all stages of developmentand media,” says Claudia Snell, directorof Web/social media.

While the enhanced services are

“EMPLOYERS CANNOT HELP BUT BE IMPRESSED WITH OURFACILITIES ...”

~ Liz HorganDirector of Career Services


The following individuals and foundationsalso made generous contributions:

Bill Abel ’50 George I. Alden Trust Donna Becker ’83 and Randall V. Becker ’83

MBA ’96 Mrs. Herman BeckerOliver W. Birckhead, Jr.’42 and Jane Birckhead Charles P. Burnett ’55Jerome E. Casey ’54 Dexter-RussellJohn B. DirlamJim Dunbar ’51George F. & Sybil H. Fuller FoundationMatthew P. Gruskin ’54 Sam Haines ’73 and FamilyThomas J. Hall ’69 Richard B. HardyKurt R. Harrington ’74 Calvin A. Hills ’62Hyde/Dexter Russell Charitable Foundation Herbert F. Kaupe ’43Robert B. Kuppenheimer ’69 Thomas H. Niles ’63 Dr. Suryakant PatelAlan Peppel MBA ’98 Alan R. Peterson ’62 Charles A. Petrillo ’65 Martin J. Power ’78Earl S. Prolman, CLU, ChFC ’54Leslie H. Read ’55Robert J. Vaudreuil ’77 Paul E. Zimmerman ’62

10

As a building at the center of student andacademic life, the Fels Student Center wasdesigned with classrooms as well as placesto socialize and study. The goal for oneclassroom in particular was to give aca-demic departments a “cutting edge trainingfacility that rivals the best of any corporatefacility,” says Tim Liptrap, chair of the FacultyEducational Technology Committee andassociate professor of sport management. It was a daunting task, but one that facultyand the departments of facilities manage-ment and information technology took onwith anticipation. Their first assignment was

to consider someof the “best ofbreed” classroomtechnologies andadapt them towhat would workfor Nichols. As partof the assessmentprocess, the com-

mittee made formal visits to both HarvardUniversity and MIT.

“One goal was to expose students to aworld of Web and video conferencing, asthey are likely to experience those tools inthe workplace after they graduate,” says Nick Barnes, committee member and chairof information technology management. As a result of Polycom video conferencing

advantageous, the new food eateriesbring a much needed variety to thecampus and community. Walk into thebuilding, and it’s hard to ignore thesmooth notes of jazz music waftingthrough the air, the scent of fresh wings

cooking, and the whirr of homemadesmoothies in the blender.

The selection of food eateries wasmade after considerable thought andresearch. Amidst an abundance of pizzaand Chinese food places in the local

(cameras facing faculty and students, ceil-ing-mounted microphones and speakers),faculty will have the ability to conference inguest lecturers from around the world viaaudio or video.

It was important that the room was flexi-ble as well as useful. In addition to offeringguest speaker capability, it also serves as anexcellent multifunction learning space. Theclassroom's features create a multimediaenvironment, giving instructors the optionof using not only the traditional whiteboardbut also providing connectivity for a laptop,iPad, iPod, and two 55-inch LED monitors, allthrough the podium's touch screen controls.These capabilities, along with the 35-footLED scrolling stock ticker, give professorsand speakers opportunities to engage stu-dents in completely new ways.

The room includes 23 student worksta-tions with dual 22-inch monitors, which canbe lowered below the desk level to supportstandard lectures, integrated voice-over IPsoft phones (pending) and webcams.

While all programs will have access tothe classroom, the new technology roomwill specifically benefit and support special-izations such as information technologymanagement, sport management, criminaljustice management, marketing, and theMBA programs.

area, a menu including freshly-madechicken wings, sauces and salads at thenew WOW Café & Wingery was awelcomed change. With its laid-backcoffee house atmosphere, Jazzman’sCafé allows students, faculty and staff to enjoy gourmet coffee drinks, pastries,and sandwiches right on campus.

“These two concepts bring a com-pletely different and exciting atmos-phere to the campus and its surroundingareas,” says Dennis Santelli, director ofdining services at Nichols, which usesthe food and management services ofSodexo. “The responses and commentsthat we have received so far have beenextremely positive.” The WOW andJazzman’s cafés also give students theability to use their Bison Bucks topurchase food at two new on-campuslocations as opposed to driving offcampus. The eateries have become sopopular that the WOW Wingery hourswill be extended until 1:00 a.m. on theweekends due to student requests.

There’s no question that the FelsStudent Center will continue to signifi-cantly influence the culture of theNichols campus for years to come.“The Fels Center Student puts the insti-tution on a new path in a way that Idon’t think we’ve ever seen before,”says Brian McCoy, vice president anddean of student services. “Every detail,every color that was picked is unique. It fits the need of having a place tocongregate. We now have a place to call home.”


C a r e e r - f o c u s e d , S t u d e n t - C e n t e r e d

The high-tech touch

11

By Julie Errico

For Nichols admissions staff, recruitingthe next generation of college studentshas become much more than meetingguidance counselors, visiting highschools, and attending college fairs.Given that the number of students grad-uating high school is expected toremain stagnant or drop, Nicholsadmissions staff has had to work harderand become more creative to attractstudents from the diminishing pool ofhigh school students.

“The world of college recruitinghas really evolved,” explains Paul Brower, director of admissions.“Competition has become incrediblyfierce, particularly among privateschools in New England. Our recruitingprocess is designed to engage studentsand to get them to understand the bene-fits of a Nichols education as well asthe supportiveenvironment weprovide to helpthem succeed.”

In today’srecruiting envi-ronment, highschool juniors andseniors who areconsidering Nicholscan expect to be contacted via multiplesources and avenues. Whether it isthrough a personalized email message,a letter from a program chair, or aninvitation to an on-campus open house,

athletic event or overnight stay, all ofthese approaches are aimed at convinc-ing potential students of the value of aNichols education.

Nichols recruiting program offerspotential and accepted students multi-ple opportunities to visit the campus.In the fall, undecided high schooljuniors and seniors and their parentsare invited to campus for informationalsessions and to meet with currentstudents and faculty. Prospectivestudents have their own designatedsessions where they can ask questionsto current students. Recognizing theparents’ role in the selection process,parents receive their own letters aswell as participate in special parents-only sessions at on-campus events.

The feedback from students andparents alike from the open houses hasbeen very positive. “Has to be the besttour ever – this student session is

amazing!”said onevisitingstudent.Anothertweeted,“Absolutely

loved my day a Nichols. Couldn't havefelt more welcome.” Parents alsoappreciated the opportunity to visitcampus and to hear from other parents.One parent tweeted, “It’s reassuringhearing from other parents at the openhouse re: academic support system oncampus.”

The Bison-4-A-Night OvernightEvent allows accepted students to expe-rience life as a Nichols student. Duringa two-day stay, students are paired upwith host students who have similarinterests and are given the opportunityto experience campus life in a residencefacility, dining hall and class. A grouptrip to a Nichols sporting event is oftenthe highlight of the visit and creates asense of camaraderie within the group.

“Our expansion of on-campus andovernight visit programs has been verysuccessful,” says Brower. “Allowingstudents to get to know Nichols andfeel at ease here helps them to feelcomfortable choosing us in the deci-sion-making process.”

Individual tours by student ambas-sadors, summer and fall informationsessions, a Young Business Profession-als panel, and an accepted student dayround out the admissions events.

During the recruitment and accept-ance process, admissions staff andcounselors make a concerted effort todevelop relationships with students andto keep in touch.

Perhaps the highlight of the yearand the culmination of the recruitingeffort is the December Decision Day.Students who have applied for admis-sion come to an open house, attendinformational sessions and receive theiradmission decision. It’s an emotionalday for both students and their families.

For students who are also inter-ested in playing sports, Nichols’athletic coaches play an integral part inthe recruitment process and often helpcounsel students on the benefits of aNichols education.

AndrewP tweeted:Great day at @Nichols_College , met the lax coach & captain, they had a great campus and view. DEF attending here..#DormLife#Stoked

LisaW tweeted:@Nichols_College Staff and students thankyou for putting on a great event!!! NC has it all, academics, sports, leadership andcommunity!!!

The art ofstudentrecruitment


successful athletic programs hereat Nichols,” Roberts explains.“Along with building ourathletic programs, we also wantto continue to spread the wordabout what a great institutionNichols College is.”

“My approach to recruit-ing is to find student-athleteswho fit the mold here at

Nichols College in either the fieldhockey and/or softball programs,” saysKristan Mallet, head coach of women’sfield hockey and softball.

Coaches agreethat the type of student

athlete who succeeds atNichols is someone who is coachable,willing to work hard on the field and inthe classroom, and commits to his orher own success.

Although the Admissions Officeand Athletics Department have theresponsibility of recruiting students andstudent-athletes to Nichols, Browersays, in reality, the recruitment effortinvolves the entire Nichols community.“Whether it’s an alumnus who refers apotential student, a faculty memberwho speaks at a recruiting event, a

studentambassadorwho answersquestions, or astaff memberwho recom-

mends Nichols in a chance encounter,we could not have the success we havewithout them.”

1212

Just as prospective student-athletes participate in the regularadmissions events, they can also takeadvantage of sport-specific eventsthroughout the year. For example, someteams hold their own open houses forstudent-athletes to tour the campus orattend a game and then meet withcurrent players and coaches to learnabout Nichols and the student-athleteexperience.

On average Nichols coaches spendabout one to three days a week on theroad recruiting during the traditionalplaying seasons and anywhere fromthree to seven days per week during thenontraditional season. “Our coachestake a very proactive, hands-onapproach when recruiting prospectivestudent-athletes,” says Charlie Robert,director of athletics. The recruitingprocess begins with coaches getting toknow these athletes and their familieson a personal level to determinewhether or notthey would notonly be a goodfit for Nichols’athletic pro-grams but alsofor the College in general.

“Our maingoal is to continue to build more

Fels Center wow factorWhile current students are enjoy-ing the benefits and features ofthe new Fels Student Center,prospective students, their par-ents and high school guidancecounselors are also appreciatingthe state-of-the art design and the welcoming atmosphere of the building.

“Prospective students and theirfamilies seem to be really impressed,”says Paul Brower, director of admis-sions. “They love that they can go intoone building and hit all of the majoroffices and were really impressed bythe trading room and the vastness of the lounge.”

Guidance counselors visiting the campusright before the holidays were even moreimpressed with the step into the futureNichols is taking by building the new center,commenting on the easy accessibility of student services and the technologicallyadvanced classrooms, as well as the tradingroom.

Even the WOW Café & Wingery has beenfeatured in recruitment events. At the Deci-sion Day luncheon in December, acceptedstudents and their families were treated to avariety of wings, dipping sauces and otherluncheon items, along with an opportunityto speak with faculty, staff, and current stu-dents. “Having lunch at the WOW gave stu-dents a preview into the alternative diningoptions,” says Emily Reardon, assistant direc-tor of admissions. “In addition, speakingwith our current students gave them insightinto what it is like to be a student at Nichols.”

Whenever possible, the Admissions Officeplans to feature the Fels Student Center in some capacity for its events. The new classrooms, for instance, will be used formock classes and open house informationsessions. The student center has been incor-porated into the regular tour route, andupcoming overnight visitors will spend timein the facility.

“Whether it is a community member driv-ing by, a donor, an alumnus, a potential stu-dent, guidance counselor, or a parent, thenew Fels Student Center shows that Nicholsis looking forward to the future,” saysBrower. “We recognize that the needs of stu-dents are changing, and we are committedto changing with it.”

AJC tweeted:@Nichols_College Nichols already feels likehome #can'twait

KathyO tweeted:Very impressed w/the football coach & faculty @Nichols_College & excited for Alex!Think this would be a gr8 choice for him!


13

A T H L E T I C S

Former NFL head coach Bill Parcells once uttered the now infamousphrase, “You are what your record says you are.” By those standards,the 2012 Nichols College football team was 1-9. However, football isjust one small piece of the student-athletes who wore the Bison decalon the side of their helmet 10 weekends a year. While some earnedpost-season accolades for their performances on the field last fall,one member of the Bison who did not receive any awards personifieseverything that is good about Nichols football.

Sophomore Chad Weeks of Endfield, Conn., is listed at five-feettwo-inches tall and 110 pounds. At the age of three, Weeks was diag-nosed with retinoblastoma, a rare childhood cancer of the eyes. Doc-tors were forced to remove his left eye and later fitted Weeks with aprosthetic. Too young to remember having to make any life-alteringadjustments following the surgery, Weeks grew to love all sports as achild, mainly baseball, basketball, and martial arts.

“I always had an OK shot playing basketball, but then everyonestarted getting taller,” says a laughing Weeks. “Baseball was just apast-time for me. I played with my friends, but I was a left-handedsecond baseman. I started playing a lot of backyard football in sixthand seventh grade. When I got to high school, one of my friendsasked me to try out for the team. Mind you, I had never played PopWarner football or pee wee growing up, but my high school, EnricoFermi, didn’t have a very strong program. They wanted me to playrunning back, but I ended up playing defense. I played both corner-back and safety, and I absolutely loved it.”

Blessed with “a decent amount of speed,” Weeks says he wasquicker than many of his opponents in high school. “I was always hurl-ing my body around. On special teams, I learned to compensate a lit-tle more on my left side, where there might be a blocker coming fromthe side. That said, if I’m running hard and stay low, I don’t have toworry about getting blindsided. I lifted weights quite a bit as well.”

Following high school, Weeks planned to join the military, but wasdenied entry. The only college Weeks applied to was Nichols, andonce he enrolled, he reached out to then first-year head coach Kevin Loney about walking on to the team. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted toplay in college, so I put it off until July or August,” says Weeks. “CoachLoney invited me to come out and see if I liked it, and I loved it.”

When asked about Weeks, Loney explains, “In my first semester onthe job, we were looking for accepted students to help fill out ourroster. I got to Chad's name on the list, and I will never forget our first conversation. After going through our usual pleasantries,inevitably I asked about height and weight. Chad's response was,‘Well, I'm about 5'0” and 100 lbs.’ I thought he was joking, so I invitedhim to try out thinking he would never follow through. I can’t tell youhow happy I am because I was wrong. He's passionate, hard-working,selfless, and tireless. His list of attributes that make us better are toomany to name.”

Weeks readily admits he knows he will not start for the Bison, as he

has appeared in onegame in each of his firsttwo seasons wearing No.17. Still, that hasn’tchanged his approach tothe game. “I’m always try-ing to get better, and Istill prepare like I’m goingto play. I love practiceand wouldn’t do it everyday if I didn’t. I’m also try-ing to make the otherstudent-athletes better.”

While some would bedisgruntled about theirlack of playing time orperhaps even look totransfer to another insti-tution where their number would be called more often, Weeks loveseverything that comes with being a Bison. “They’re just passionate,” Weeks says of the coaching staff. “We’re still in the rebuilding processright now, and there was dramatic improvement in the team fromlast year despite what our record says. Anybody around the programscan see that.”

A history education major, Weeks posted a 3.07 GPA last fall andhopes to land a jobteaching like his twoolder sisters and coachhigh school footballwhen he graduates in

May 2015. “During games, I watch how our coaches handle differentsituations. I want to see what the players are looking for from thecoaches, and what the coaches want from the players.”

For now, Weeks is enjoying being a student-athlete and taking ineverything that Nichols has to offer. “I was self-conscious cominghere. You never know how people might react. This was the first timeI was living away from my parents, but I made a close group offriends and I just love hanging out with the team. I feel right at home.They treat me like any of the starters. We joke around and have agood time. When we arrive for camp in August, we spend so muchtime together before anyone else is on campus, and everyone growstogether like a family.”

Loney adds, “I can't tell you what an amazing experience it hasbeen to be around a guy like Chad every day. I honestly think Chad isthe heart and soul of Nichols College football. I don't know if ourplayers realize just how blessed they are to have a living example ofeverything football teaches you about perseverance, mental tough-ness, and responding to adversity. It's fun to watch Chad in drills withour defensive backs’ coach, Will Blanden, and his fellow position guys.When our opponents ask about him, they are amazed at his workethic both on and off the field. In the end, no one remembers yourrecord, but they do remember the lives you affect. In my book, Chad Weeks is undefeated.”

Weeks inspires team with endless passion and a solid work ethic


“During games, I watch how our coaches handle different situations. I want to see what the players are looking for from the coaches, and what the coaches want from the players.”

14

A T H L E T I C S

Senior football student-athleteAlfred Appiah participated in theThird Annual National BowlGame on December 9, 2012, at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown, Pa. The contest featured student-athletes fromFootball Championship Subdivision (FCS), Division II andDivision III football programspaired off into two teams – Red Nation and Blue Nation.

Appiah took an 11-hour busride to Pennsylvania to partici-

pate in the contest, which he started and played all but two seriesin for Blue Nation. While his team was on the losing end of a 35-21score, Appiah says the entire experience was memorable. “I wasproud to represent Nichols College on a national stage,” he says.“Even though we didn't have an overly successful season on thefield, I wanted people to see that we do have talented athletes atNichols that can play with the best in the nation.”

Appiah is looking forward to attending a regional college com-bine at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J.,in March with the hopes of catching the eye of a professionalscout. In the meantime, he is preparing to work as an IT specialist ifa football career isn't in the cards. He is also pursuing a minor insport management, leaving him with a good deal of flexibilitypost-Nichols.

“All of us met with an agent panel at the National Bowl, andthey explained to us the process of becoming a professional foot-ball player,” says Appiah. “They told us to have a 'Plan B' because10,000 people try to make either the NFL or CFL every year. Itwould be a blessing to become a professional football player in any league.”

Two new score-boards grace theNichols athleticfields: one for base-ball and one to beshared by soccerand softball. Thescoreboards werepurchased from Daktronics, which is recognized worldwide in itsindustry as the leading designer and manufacturer of electronicscoreboards, programmable display systems, and large screen videodisplays using light emitting diode (LED) technology. They wererecently recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Top 100 MostTrustworthy Companies.

Senior shows Bison pride at national bowl game


Keeping score

Pride rockBison Pride takes on a newform with the installation ofBison Pride Rock adjacent toVendetti Field. The rock wasa gift from the Class of 2011who wanted to increaseBison Pride on campus bygiving athletes a good luckcharm to touch beforegames. With the help of theCenter for Student Involve-ment and Facilities Manage-ment and a donation fromRampco Construction, the rock was installed and engraved thissummer.

The Nichols College Department of Athletics launched shopnicholsathletics.com last October. Working with AdvancedOnline, which is rapidly becoming the premier provider of onlinestore solutions to NCAA mid-major colleges and conferences, thestore offers Bison fans across the country the opportunity to pur-chase athletic apparel, from t-shirts and hats to sweatshirts andbackpacks. Brand names such as Adidas, Champion and UnderArmour are all featured on the site, which has been visited over 2,500 times since it opened less than six months ago!

Your connection to Bison gear

15

A L U M N I / C L A S S N O T E S

1940s

Class Scribe: Stanley Finn70 Franklin St.Northampton, MA 01060-2039413-586-0886

Class Scribe: Robert Risk309 Conestoga Rd.Wayne, PA 19087-4009610-688-8242From the Class Scribe…Our 62nd year of graduatingfrom Nichols in 1950 has comeand gone. The consensus ofthose who attended homecom-ing in September 2012 is that itseems like it was yesterday. Itsure was nice to see so manywonderful changes at Nichols –all the new buildings, somedorms and classrooms, the fieldhouse, gym and athletic fields. I kept hearing from our class-mates, “Awesome, did you seethat?” The College staff did agreat job in being ready forHomecoming 2012 and theclasses all thank you (especially

1950s

Donald Gorczynski ’81Training Store Manager, Gap, Inc.and Owner, Nature Wildlife Photography

“I am proud to saythat I am a Bison andthat my Bison Pridehas increased over the

past three years as I beganrecruiting recent Nichols gradu-ates to Gap Inc. I see that thecurrent crop of graduates hasbeen properly prepared to enterthe workforce. They have beengiven the tools to succeed andbeen provided with a top notchbusiness education which pre-pares them for the things theymay encounter in today’s busi-ness world. I see the schoolcontinuing to grow and offer acompetitive product that pro-vides young minds with thestimulation they need to be pre-pared to enter the workforce.”

William O’Brien ’13Student Caller, Nichols CollegePhonathon Program

“When Nichols students think ofBison Pride, they may initiallythink of the sports teams on

campus. Yes, havingBison Pride in NicholsCollege athletics isimportant, but for meit goes far beyond

cheering on your friends atsporting events. To me, BisonPride is demonstrating a posi-tive attitude for underclassmenand showing them that being aBison is more than just attend-ing Nichols; it is taking part inthe Nichols community. Stayinginvolved on campus is some-thing that I take seriously. Hav-ing an opportunity to make adifference is not something thatI pass up.

“I think that upon receivingmy diploma in May and contin-uing on to the next chapter

Celebrating 200 years of Bison Pride

in my life, my pride for NicholsCollege will only continue togrow. Choosing Nichols Collegewas one of the best decisionsthat I have made. I hope to lookback at my college experienceand reminisce on all of the influ-ential people I have met and theamazing times that I had here. Iknow that my pride for Nicholswill only continue to increase inyears to come, as it was a step-ping stone to get me where I am today.”

Holly Munce ’99 MBA ’01Reading Teacher, Brown Elemen-tary School

“Nichols College is a part of me.My life was shaped and moldedfrom the experiences I had whilebeing part of the Nichols com-munity. From adapting to dormlife, being amember ofstudent gov-ernment andvarious clubsand athleticsteams to the personalized edu-cation from dedicated andhighly respected professors, mylife was forever changed.Nichols College will always be apart of who I am and who I havebecome.

“My connection with NicholsCollege has never yielded butrather evolved. After graduation,I accepted a graduate assistantposition on campus and servedon the Alumni Board. I feel sograteful for all I have learnedand taken away from my NicholsCollege experience and can'timagine not paying it forwardby staying involved and pledg-ing my support for all NicholsCollege has given me.

“I will always carry Nicholswith me; the memories will stayforever. They were truly some ofthe best days of my life.”

the Class of 1950). We had 10 classmates for homecomingand a great time was had,renewing friendships and heav-ing all the BS. We’re hoping to beable to attend our next one.

Class Scribe: Tom Bartsch303 Archer MeadWilliamsburg, VA [email protected]

Daniel Bermanwrites: “Going on56 years of working. Hope tocontinue. I am helping sevengrandchildren ranging from twoto 19 years.”

Class Scribe: Arthur Fries917 Jordan Ct.Nipomo, CA [email protected]

From the Class Scribe...

In 2012, I celebrated 50 years inthe insurance business. In March,I will celebrate 53 years of mar-riage to Cindy. I still work parttime, 25 to 40 hours per week,from my office/residence inNipomo, CA (central coast).

R E U N I O N60th

The 1950 gang is here: Back row, from left, Dave Graham, Charlie Foote, Otis Vaughn, AlHanlon, Bill Abel, Bob Risk, Tom Preston, Bill Loughton; front row, from left, Walt Petersand Fred Levitan.

Long after freshman-year nerves and graduation ceremonies, alumniand students reflect on their time on the Hill. See what keeps the Nichols College community celebrating its Bison Pride.


R E U N I O N65th

Watch for other stories of Bison Pride in upcoming issuesof Nichols College Magazine.

16


October–April17468 Cornflower Ln.Punta Gorda, FL 33955941-575-8150

From the Class Scribe…

Let me start by saying that the2012 Homecoming weekendwas just great from beginning to

Class Scribe: Kent Tarrant

45 Valley View Dr.P.O. Box 496Hampden, MA 01036-0496413-566-5130

[email protected]

From the Class Scribe…The annual get-together for ourscholarship fund committeetook place at the Publick Houseon a beautiful October day. Pres-ent were Don Claprood, DaveFleming, Art Rizy and myself. Atotal of $74,000 in cash, pledgesand interest was reported. Crystal Dennison ’13 was againselected as this year’s recipient.Her grades and involvementwith the school are excep-tional…she was an easy choice.We set a new goal at $100,000with plans to get our messageout to all of our classmates tojoin in.

Class Scribe: Charlie Howe

May–September212– 22nd St.Surf City, NJ [email protected]

R E U N I O N55th

1960s

Bob Risk ‘50 gets in the pre-homecomingspirit with his great-grandson, James.

John Scott (Jack) Fones has always had a cre-ative mind. From the time he turned 10 to thetime he began his college career in 1935,Fones wanted to be a comic strip artist. How-ever, after graduating in 1937, he joined TIME,Inc. as an editorial trainee. His time as an editor-in-training was particularly special, as the maga-zine had a “distinctive, off-beat” style during the1940s and early ’50s. It proved to be an idealavenue for Fones to demonstrate his ownunique writing style – one that expressed hislove of humor.

In January 1946, Fones had an urge to starthis own national magazine for college students.As a result, he quit TIME, Inc. in 1951. While themagazine Fones had in mind never came to sur-face, he was soon introduced to the up-and-coming field of public relations. “I never had adesire to get involved in public relations, butafter being an editorial trainee for TIME, I knewwhat would attract editors.” This knowledge,Fones says, is what made him a successful publi-cist. After spending 10 years with Ben Sonnen-berg’s Publicity Consultants, Inc. and supervis-ing accounts such as Lipton, Pepperidge Farm,and Greyhound, Fones decided to establish hisown public relations firm: John Scott Fones, Inc.Public Relations in New York City.

As many recent college graduates are findingout, entering the field of public relations isn’teasy, and Fones can attest: “PR is much moresophisticated today than it ever was. For thatreason, it is important for graduates to knowthat merely sending out a resume to PR firmsisn’t going to land them a job – or a career.”When asked what advice he had for recent andsoon-to-be graduates, Fones stressed theimportance of reaching out to key peoplewithin the organization to which you are apply-ing and emphasizing why you are their bestoption. “I suggest composing a well-written let-ter to the president of the organization and

detailing the ideas you have for improving it.Today, businesses are looking for innovation,particularly from fresh, young minds.”

After being successful in public relations foralmost 40 years, he retired to Florida’s Gulf Coastin 1987. He spent his time as a retiree doingwhat he loved best: writing columns for variouspublications in the unique, whimsical style thathe was known for. In addition to covering theseniors’ sports section of Florida’s BradentonHerald in 1990, Fones received an offer to editthe Senior Floridian in 1993. In the summer of2000, he offered to write a column for theweekly Sun on Anna Maria Island – an offer thatwas gladly accepted. For the next 11 years,Fones continued to entertain readers with hisdistinctive style and humor.

If you’d like to read his columns for yourself, 100 of them are available in his book entitled “Senior Prom, Or Why I Never Owned a Goat “which was published in December 2012. It isavailable online and in bookstores nationwide.

~ Kelly Vaillancourt ’13

Catching up with Jack Fones ’37

end! Kate and I arrived a dayearly and spent the afternoonon the Hill. We met up with Jack MacPhail ’65, who wasawarded the Ken ThompsonAlumni Service Award this year,and Dave Lombard ’65, whosededication and support of the

College is unequaled. That after-noon the Class of 1962 becamethe newest Golden Bison (50years) at a reception held at theBlack Tavern. That was followedby the Annual Alumni Awardsceremony. We ended up back atthe Southbridge Hotel for


17


dinner and some socializing with George Withington, Alan Peterson, Bill Lafond andNelson Durland and wives. TheAlumni and Advancementoffices did a wonderful job oftreating not only us, but otheralumni as well, to a wonderfullight buffet. A good time washad by all.

Early Saturday morning, Kateand I were off to the tailgateparking lot to set up our tent. Itwas hard to believe that we werethe first in the lot and took thebest location. We then were offto the President’s Breakfast inthe old gym which has beentransformed into a beautiful hall.We were excited to see and havebreakfast with Jim Conrad, whois writing a follow-up to the his-tory of Nichols Academy and

shared with us many of the hap-penings that took place over theyears. One thing that was of par-ticular interest was that duringthe transition from a two-year toa four-year school, the adminis-tration was concerned aboutwhether enough students wouldelect to continue for four years.Guess which class led the way?You got it – the Class of ’62! Attailgating, everyone pitched inwith all kinds of food and drink.Following lots of conversation,picture taking, eating and drink-ing, we were off to the footballgame. It was a beautiful sunnyday. We all cheered for the Bisonbut, unfortunately, a victory wasnot in the cards, despite a valianteffort. At half-time, we marchedto the field with banner in hand.Paul Zimmerman and Debbi

were at the hotel in the morningbut had to go back to NH.

Dinner at the Colonial Club,arranged by Rene Langevin,was absolutely wonderful. Asthe evening closed, we said ourgood-byes, wishing each otherwell and hoping that we canmeet again in years to come. Iknow that many of you wouldhave liked to be with us on thishomecoming weekend, but formany good reasons were unableto attend. I hope that through-out this article I was able to giveyou the feeling of being a partof our weekend.

In closing, I would like to per-sonally thank each of you whocontributed to the Nichols Fund.You truly are helping to createopportunities for a lot of people.

Class Scribe: Bruce I. Haslun16 Gilder Point Ct.Simpsonville, SC [email protected] the Class Scribe…I begin with a communicationfrom our brother (Pete) Brusmanbecause I take pleasure in pick-ing on him, but also because hereminded me of something Ineeded to tell y’all. But first, let’spick on him. He writes that heand Diane go on a “Northern FixTrip.” The Brusmans, of course,live in Virginia. To me, that’s kindof “northern suburbs.” Infact, if I needed a fix trip Imight go up that far if Ihad my cross-country skiswith me. Frankly, I get myfix trip in a different way. Icheck out the weathermap in my Wall StreetJournal every morning,confirm I still don’t wantto go up there and then,send a letter to my twingrandchildren basicallysaying, “C’mon down,y’all!”

But before I alienatehim completely, brotherBrusman is one of ourbest correspondents. He

sent some terrific pictures ofFred Potter, Sandy Stropp(long-time roommates), andhimself messing about on Pot-ter’s sailboat. (Pictures need tobe “photograph quality” so keepthat in mind when sharing yourget-togethers with classmates.)

And speaking of photographs,how about Major (Ret.) Art Tozziand your correspondent! [Seepage 18.] Simpsonville, SC, I amproud to say, was his last stop ona truly epic journey around theUSA. I’d suggest you go to hisblog for information on the trip,but I do have to share a coupleof things. Toz wanted to see1000 Islands in the SaintLawrence River. Maybe a lot ofus would. But he doesn’t dothings halfway. He rented an air-plane and flew himself up anddown the seaway for an aerialview. Over beers and lunch Iasked, “So, Toz, you liked the mil-itary life?” He said, “Bruce, I wokeup every day and couldn’t waitto get to work.” Funny, I’d neverthought about it, but realized Ifelt the same way about mythree years aboard ship.Ross Weale, thanks for the

compliment, “You do a great jobas class agent!” Now, how aboutsome news as to what you’re upto these days? That goes for therest of you guys, too!

Members of the Class of ’57 enjoy a holiday lunch with the recipient of the Class of 1957Endowed Scholarship, Crystal Dennison. They are, from left, Kent Tarrant, Art Rizy, Dave Fleming and Don Claprood.

Fred Potter (center) welcomes first mates,Sandy Strop and Peter Brusman.


Taking the field, 50th reunion-style are, from left, Mike Krasner, George Withington, John Turro, Dick Makin, Charlie Howe, Rene Langevin, Ken Ingraham, Alan Peterson,Nelson Durland, Bill Lafond and Dick Knoener.

R E U N I O N50th

18


I received word that Dick Newton passed away inNovember. Dick was very instru-mental in agitating before theJustinian Council for the fundingof a Nichols College Fire Depart-ment. Once Colonel heard aboutthe huge savings we’d make inthe College fire insurance policyit was a done deal. Dick servedon the NCFD for four years andwas deputy chief for two years.During his time, the Justiniansbought a second-hand fire truckthat answered fire calls with the Dudley town volunteers.John Miles ’60, who hadbecome a registered nurse in theAir Force, and myself, havingtaken advanced first responseCoast Guard training, served asEMTs under Dick. He continuedhis interest in serving others asan officer in the Newberry PoliceDepartment and later with River-front Marine in Salisbury. ToMary and Dick’s family, on behalfof the Class of ’63, our condo-lences. I remember him well andwe’ll miss him at the 50th.

You’ll be reading this in thespring, but nonetheless, hopeyou had a very Merry Christmasand that this New Year is yourhappiest ever. Please, keep intouch!

Art Tozzi (right) visits with Bruce Haslunon his trip around the country.

Class Scribe: Warren Bender3604 Kingsley Dr.Myrtle Beach, SC [email protected] the Class Scribe…Well, it is now 2013. I thoughttime might slow a bit in retire-ment, but no luck. I’m going totry what I've heard many times:“Live each day to the fullest andthen plan for tomorrow.” Well,December 19th (the day thiswas written) included 2-3 hoursof reading on the beach, as itwas supposed to be close to 70degrees. Also my Knicks were onTV playing the Brooklyn Nets.

Have a great summer and Ihope Mr. Howe ’62 has a great50th reunion. Next year ('14) willbe yours truly, so I hope all mymates will begin to block outthe time to attend.

I’ll double down on ’63 ScribeHaslun’s plea…“C’mon guys, Itoo am getting desperate fornews.”

“And The Beat Goes On” – atleast another 15-20 years.

Mike Runyon says he’s lovingretirement and will “see you all in five years at our 50threunion.”

Class Scribe: Robert Kuppenheimer

4627 Tremont Ln.Corona del Mar, CA [email protected]

Peter Lunsfordwrites: “I am stillrunning my employee benefitsconsulting and brokerage busi-ness but am doing much morefishing, hunting and golfing. Ihave some wonderful memoriesof my years at Nichols.”

R E U N I O N45th

Class Scribe: Mark [email protected]

David Alvord reports: “This past spring I was honored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Hamp-shire County EMS Associationfor my past 30 years as an emer-gency medical technician forthe town of Plainfield, where Icontinue to serve as the assis-tant fire chief of the PlainfieldVolunteer Fire/EMS Department.This past fall my wife, Linda, andI sent our youngest of threeboys off to college at WestfieldState University. Earlier in thesummer, I stepped down as amember of our local highschool’s student athlete fundraising organization, theMohawk Athletic Association,where I served the past six yearsas president. Yes, another volun-teer organization!”

R E U N I O N40th

R E U N I O N35th

Even in formal wear, Dick Scheffler ’63shows his Nichols colors. He is decked out for the wedding of the son of Art Greenseid ’73 and his wife, Roberta,in Fort Lauderdale, FL, in October.

1970s

1980s

Andy Higgins ’80 sent in this photo of “a little gathering with some of my footballbuddies from the ’70s”: Front row, from left, Tom LoRicco ’78, Bill Fraser ’78, Joanne(Petruzzo) O’Malley ’79, andMike Villanova ’79; back row, from left, Jim Rossini ’79,Higgins, Gary Guglielmello ’79, and Pat Hoey ’78.

Please send your news directly toyour class scribe. If you do not have aclass scribe, news may be forwardedto [email protected]. Digital images are preferred, butplease do not crop them! The higherthe resolution the better – 300 dpi(dots per inch). Digital images may be sent directlyto: [email protected]. Prints may be sent to: Nichols College, Alumni Relations ,P.O. Box 5000, Dudley, MA 01571

We’d like to hear from you!



19

Class Scribe: Michael Donehey508-376-5469 (phone)509-376-5043 (fax)[email protected]

Class Scribe: Rose (Cummings) Mamakos

3 Woodland Ave.Kingston, MA [email protected]

Deb (Carpenter) Goldberg ’83sent in the photo (page 20) andwrites: “We are a group ofNichols graduates who built abond of friendship when wearrived at a new dorm calledChisholm. We were the firstgroup of girls to fill that housewhich was converted to adorm…. We have a tradition ofgoing away one weekend a yearto reconnect and have timeaway from our families.”

Class Scribe: John P. Donahue10 Corsham Dr.Medford, NJ 08055-8434609-257-8191 [email protected]

Class Scribe: Susan Zimonis18930 Misty Lake Dr.Jupiter, FL [email protected]

David Bedard recently joinedING U.S. as president of its annu-ities business segment. He isresponsible for product andfinancial management and theoperating performance of the

R E U N I O N30th

Working together for more than twodecades, Peter Caruso ’90 and PatrickHolland ’88 have proven that familiaritybreeds anything but contempt. In fact, itis one of the keys to the success of The CHKGroup, a union they formed with a thirdpartner, Michael S. Kelleher, in 2001.

The trio met at Dean Witter in Worcesterin the early ‘90s and moved over to LeggMason, where they decided to join forces.After more than a decade at Legg Mason,which was later acquired by CitigroupSmith Barney, they set up shop with WellsFargo Advisors in 2009. While investment advisorstraditionally act independently, they felt that theycould offer their clients greater depth and breadthin an increasingly complex financial market bycombining their experience and skills. “As ourclient base grew and the wealth of their assetsgrew, so did the complications of investment planning,” explains Caruso. “The spirit is that [theteam] brings a lot more to the table for our clients,”Holland adds.

Each partner plays a specialized role in thegroup, with Caruso, a Certified Financial Planner™,and Holland, a Certified Investment ManagementAnalyst®, anchoring the operation.

The team approach to financial managementhas been trending for about ten to 15 years, saysHolland, although many teams disband shortlyafter forming. So, what’s the secret to The CHKGroup’s staying power? “We had known eachother and worked with each other for a good eightto nine years before,” says Holland. “We sharedphilosophies regarding investing, approaches toclient relationships, growing the business, anddefining success. We went into it with eyes open.”Their personalities and skill sets are also comple-mentary, says Caruso. “The reason we formed theteam is because you can’t be all things to allclients,” he adds. That includes ensuring the rightclient/manager fit. “Sometimes a client may bemore comfortable with me or with Pat. With onlyone person, the client is stuck.”

The two have also teamed up in their involve-ment with Nichols. Both joined the Board of

Advisors in 2011 and make a point of participatingin local networking events for alumni. They havealso shared their professional insight and expertisewith students through mock interviews andalumni panels. “It’s great to get into the class-rooms and interact with students,” says Caruso.Their visits to campus stir memories of their ownNichols experience, including the professors whomade an impression with their real world connec-tions. Says Caruso, “Part of the reason I am doingwhat I am today is the trips we took to Wall Streetand the stock exchange through the Finance Club.”

As a result of their involvement, both Carusoand Holland have a deeper relationship withNichols. “It has been very inspiring to learn aboutthe many successful individuals who have gradu-ated from Nichols,” says Caruso. “And the alumnicare about what happens to each other. There is acommunity within Nichols that I never knewexisted.” Holland attributes that to the experienceof attending a smaller college, which allows for amore personal connection. “Over the past fewyears, the alumni who volunteered their time andsupport did it at a time when the College neededit most. They did not want to let the connectionfade away. That’s impressive. The progress theschool has made since then has been nothingshort of astonishing,” he says.

Just goes to show what can be accomplishedwhen people work together.

Catching up with Peter Caruso ’90 and Patrick Holland ’88


fixed annuity business. He willalso serve as a member of theRetirement Solutions executiveteam, collaborating on overallbusiness strategy and direction.Bedard has more than 25 yearsof experience in financial lead-ership positions at insuranceand financial services organiza-tions, most recently as executivevice president of global annu-ities for The Hartford FinancialServices Group.

Class Scribe: Diane Bellerose Golas

90 Lebanon St.Southbridge, MA [email protected]

Class Scribe: Donna Small4905 Bay Harvest Ct.Clemmons, NC 27012-8245336-712-1053 (home)336-692-5157 (cell)[email protected] the Class Scribe…

I am very excited to announcethat my first novel, “Just BetweenFriends,” was published in

R E U N I O N25th

20


1990s

20

Among those in attendance at the Chisolm annual reunion this year (see page 19) were,from left, Mary (Meyer) Kilburn ’84, Deb (Carpenter) Goldberg ’83, Lisa (Mortarelli)DiGiandomenico ’84 and Marybeth (Shelzi) Hood ’86. Not pictured is host, Lynda(Shilinksi) Ganem ’84, and Valarie (Cote) Houser ’84.

August of this year. It’s availableon Amazon.com. My secondnovel, “A Ripple in the Water,” isscheduled to be released inMarch 2013.

Ruthann (Lyon) Sullivan hasjoined Vermont Mutual Insur-ance Group® as director of ITinfrastructure. She has 15 yearsof experience working in thetechnology sector around NewEngland, most recently asinterim chief information officerfor the State of Vermont. In addi-tion to Nichols, Sullivan is analumnus of the 2010 SnellingCenter for Government, VermontLeadership Institute. She served

as the 2011 Eastern Region pres-ident of the National Associationof State’s Technology Directors.She is a member of the 46 BarreStreet Consortium and serves asthe treasurer for the River RockSchool Board. Sullivan resides inMontpelier with her husbandand two children.

Class Scribe: Danielle (Troiano) Sprague

20 Stagecoach Rd.Leominster, MA [email protected]

Dave Sokolnicki MBA ’99, themen’s basketball head coach atNichols College for 13 years, hastaken a position as head coachfor the St. Thomas Aquinas HighSchool boys’ basketball team inDover, NH.

R E U N I O N20th

Class Scribe:Emily (Seiferman) Alves

[email protected]

Melissa (Turner) McGuirk andher husband, Michael, announcethe birth of their daughter,Katherine Anna, on Sept. 7,2012. She joins Jack and Avery,twin brother and sister. The fam-ily resides in Hopkinton, MA.

Class Scribe: Andrea [email protected]

R E U N I O N15th

Donna Smallannouncesnew book.

Rebecca Coffin ’92 writes that she missed the half-time reunion at Homecoming 2012but wanted to send in this photo: From left, Marc Feigenbaum, Coffin, Suzanne Costanzoand John Sullivan.

2000s


21


Nichols College prepared Danny Tamayo wellfor a career in international business, and at IBSCommodities, he found a place to prove it. IBS, arelatively small export trading company based inWorcester, Mass., focuses on trading agriculturalcommodities such as grains, produce, dairy prod-ucts, etc., with foreign countries. “IBS is a smallbusiness with the presence of a big business,which immediately caught my attention,” saysTamayo. “As a small business, IBS would allow meto master the fundamentals of business adminis-tration. As a business with a strong presenceabroad, IBS would provide me with the platform Ineeded to demonstrate my knowledge of interna-tional operations.”

Tamayo applied for the position of interna-tional sales associate, which had three majorrequirements: a degree in international business,the ability to speak and write Spanish fluently,and five years of field experience. While the lastrequirement was a substantial impediment forTamayo, it didn’t stop him from applying – quitethe contrary. “Though I was missing those fiveyears of experience, I felt comfortable with theknowledge and skills that I had developed duringmy time at Nichols,” Tamayo recalls. A week aftersubmitting a cover letter and resumé to the vicepresident of international sales, the company con-tacted him for an interview.

Tamayo proved that he was well-equipped forthe job through an internship at the Massachu-setts Export Center, his analytical skills as demon-strated in his portfolio, and his Spanish-speakingskills (the entire interview was conducted in Span-ish). That interview led to a second, in which hemet the president and CEO of IBS. “She told methat in the 20 years spent in her field, she hadnever seen a resumé as organized and well-crafted as mine, which I owe to the PDS programat Nichols,” Tamayo says. It was clear that Tamayoimpressed IBS: it waived the five years of fieldexperience requirement and hired him as a junioranalyst. “That was the best moment of my life,” hesays. “IBS put its trust in me and gave me a rareopportunity, and I owe it all to the preparation Ireceived at Nichols.”

He credits his Nichols education for his success,citing the Advanced Economies and EmergingMarkets course, which focuses on profiling foreigncountries as a means of understanding its cus-toms, as particularly beneficial. “As a junior ana-lyst, I research foreign nations, the people whoinhabit them, their governments and laws, theircurrencies, and their business environments,” hesays. “As an international business major, I knew Iwanted a job that would allow me to connectwith the entire world. That’s what trading com-modities is all about.”

When asked what advice he had for soon-to-begraduates, Tamayo responds with a memorablequote from Management Professor ArthurDuhaime: “He once said, ‘I believe the one thingwe as faculty do better than faculty at other col-leges is give our students the confidence to goout there and succeed at any job.’” Tamayo adds,“We must be confident in ourselves if we want tosucceed, and my experience at Nichols helped memaster this.”

~ Kelly Vaillancourt ’13

Catching up with Danny Tamayo ’12

Class Scribe: David Twiss978-979-7658 (cell)[email protected]

Class Scribe: Jillian (Hayes) Smerage

[email protected] the Class Scribe…John Avilla and his wife,Meaghan, welcomed twin girls,Gretchen Mary and ElizabethClaire, into their family on Aug. 7, 2012.

Ryan Fasoldwas recently pro-moted to vice president at TheProtector Group InsuranceAgency.Lisa Gonyea is employed as

the executive assistant to thedean of liberal arts and profes-sional studies at Lesley Univer-sity in Cambridge, MA.Debra (Scanlon) Minor,who

was promoted to vice presi-dent/credit manager at ClintonSavings Bank in December 2011,was named by the WorcesterBusiness Journal as a 40 UnderForty honoree in September2012.Brian Taborda was recently

promoted to recruiting teamlead at JVT Advisors, an ITstaffing firm in Andover, MA.

(Continued on page 22)

R E U N I O N10th


William F. Northrop ’42, ofHopedale, Mass., died Nov. 26,2012. He served in the U.S. ArmyAir Corps during World War IIwhere he was stationed in Europefor four years. Following militaryservice, he continued in the fam-ily tradition of loom building afterhis father, grandfather, and greatuncle, who invented the firstautomated loom. They had allworked for the former DraperCorp. When Draper Corp. closed,Northrop and other Draperemployees formed DREX Co. Heretired in 1990. He is survived byhis wife of 66 years, Helen; threechildren, William F. III and his wifeCarol, Richard and his wife Ronnieand Pamela; three grandchildren;two great-grandchildren; and asister, Mary Newell.

Albert L. Wyer ’48, of Wolfeboro,N.H., and formerly Swampscott,Mass., died Sept. 9, 2012. Heattended Governor Dummer Academy before serving in theU.S. Army as an anti-aircraftartillery gun crewman with the132nd Anti-aircraft Gun Battalionin France and Belgium duringWorld War II. Wyer was employedwith the Bank of New England inBoston for over 37 years. He issurvived by his wife of 62 years,Marianna; children, SuzanneMcNeil and her husband Paul,and David and his wife Denise;and three grandsons.

Everett F. Jewell ’52, of Norwich,Conn., died Nov. 4, 2012. He wasemployed for 28 years as aninsurance agent for AAA in EastHartford before retiring in 1994.He was previously employed as aFuller Brush representative. Afterhis retirement, he drove limou-sines for Foxwoods Casino for tenyears. Survivors include his wife,Shirley; four children, Mark,Michael and his wife Donna,Patrick and his wife Kathy, andLinda Stefon and her husbandGerald; eight grandchildren; andsix great-grandchildren.

Leo S. Maniatty ’52 of Fort Meyers, Fla., died Nov. 10, 2012.He was the president and co-owner of Ding Dong Cart Inc., amobile ice cream firm, which he

founded in 1958 with his wife,Claire. He was also the presidentof the Christopher Charles RealEstate Co. Maniatty was prede-ceased by his wife; sister, Anne;and eight brothers, Connie,Arthur, John, Philo, George, Ash,Michael and Peter. Survivorsinclude children, Linda, Herm andhis wife Connie, Christopher, andPerry; and one grandson.

James F. Boylan ’53, of JerseyCity, N.J., died Apr. 1, 2012. Heserved in the U.S. Army in thePacific Theater, was wounded inaction in the Philippines andreceived the Purple Heart andBronze Star. Boylan taught high school English in the JerseyCity school system and finishedhis career as principal of James J.Ferris High School, which is nowhome to the James F. BoylanLibrary. Preceded in death by hiswife, Helen, a son, James, and sis-ter, Rosanna Nelson, he is sur-vived by children, Mary O’Gradyand her husband Bob, Ellen O’Grady and her husband Paul, Joan Wladyka and her hus-band Joe, Ann Galvin and herhusband Thomas, Monica Bonnerand her husband Patrick, KarenYoung and her husband John,Paul and his wife Patricia, andJames and his wife Octavia; 27grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

David Palmier Hunt ’54, ofAtlantic City, N.J., died Aug. 11,2012. After serving in the U.S. Army, he was the owner and operator of the EntertainersClub in Atlantic City for manyyears. He is survived by his sister,Elizabeth Swenson.

Cameron “Brad” Cook, Jr. ’55, ofNorwood, Mass., died Aug. 26,2012. He lived in Foxboro formore than 50 years where he wasa Boy Scout master for Troop 32.He also worked as an accountantat Bird Machine in South Walpole.Survivors include his wife, Marie;two sons, Brian and Robert;daughter-in-law, Bessie; and twograndsons.

James Zappola and his wife,Tracy, celebrated the first birth-day of their son, Dominic, onDec. 16, 2012, with friends andfamily.

Class Scribe: Erica (Mello) Boulay

[email protected]

On Nov. 9, 2012, Nick Slocumwas recognized as the YoungProfessional of the Year at the2012 Central RI Chamber ofCommerce Rising above theRest Award Ceremony. He hasbeen a full-time realtor andinsurance agent since 2006 atThe Slocum Agency Inc. andSlocum Realty, a third-genera-tion family-owned and operatedbusiness that has served RhodeIsland since 1949.

R E U N I O N5th

Class Scribe: Katelyn [email protected] the Class Scribe…

Kadie (Jacques) Drakakisannounced the birth of a babygirl, Melina, on Nov. 20, 2012. Kevin Pittz provided an

update on what he’s been up tosince “we walked off the Hill”almost three years ago: “Sincegraduation, I've been workingfor Edward Jones in Albany, NY,in the position of financial advi-sor, helping individuals achievetheir long term financial goals.You can contact me [email protected]. See you at the next Homecom-ing!”


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N I C H O L S R E M E M B E R S

2010s


Nichols College Magazine available online

Whether you want to savethe environment or justspace on your kitchencounter, you can opt toview each issue of NicholsCollege Magazine onlinerather than receive a printcopy. Simply email us at [email protected],state your name and yourintention to go greener, and visit http://community.nichols.edu/mag-azine for new issues in the fall/winter, spring and summer.

N I C H O L S R E M E M B E R S

23c o m m u n i t y . n i c h o l s . e d u NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

Richard “Buzz” Clarenbach ’56,of Franklin, N.H., died Oct. 11,2012. He served in the U.S. Armyfor three years. In 1964, he pur-chased the Jean M. Shaw Insur-ance Agency and also worked asthe clerk at the Franklin DistrictCourt. He was predeceased by hissister, Elizabeth. Survivors includehis wife of 50 years, Beverley;sons, Scott and his wife Cindy, Jeffrey and his wife Tracey, andDavid and his wife Christine; andnine grandchildren.

Kerry D. O’Brien ’60, of Florence,Mass., died Oct. 22, 2012. He waspresident of J.W. O'Brien & SonInsurance Agency which mergedwith Woodward & Grinnell Insur-ance Agency. He served as theauditor for the MassachusettsState Racing Commission, thedirector of special projects for theOffice of the Majority Leader inthe Massachusetts House of Rep-resentatives, and the director oflegislative affairs for the HolyokeSoldiers' Home. O’Brien was pre-deceased by his brother, James.He leaves his wife of 51 years,Judith; daughters, Erin Cooneyand her husband Christopher,Tara Lashway and her husbandDavid, and Kristy Dadmun andher husband Thomas; and fivegrandchildren.

Richard L. “Dick” Newton ’63, ofAmesbury, Mass., died Nov. 20,2012. He was the director of per-sonnel at Nike Corp. in Saco,Maine. He was a former policeofficer in Newbury, and for thepast five years, worked for River-front Marine in Salisbury. He issurvived by his wife of 34 years,Mary; his children, Sarah Scolforo,Richard and his wife Irene,Amanda DelMonte and her hus-band Wayne, Cynthia Miller andher husband William, and Robertand Steven Everette; brother,James; sister, Elizabeth Tulley; and11 grandchildren.

John R. Brown ’65, of RockvilleCenter, N.Y., died Dec. 2, 2012. Heleaves his wife, Carol; children,Patrick, Michael, Carin, AllisonJohnson, and Timothy; sister, Beverly Ward; and eight grand-children.

Alan W. Watts ’66, of ColonyPark, Penn., died Oct. 24, 2012.He served in the U.S. Army in Germany during peacetime andwas employed by Sears Roebuck& Co. for 30 years, retiring as thevice president of the children'sdepartment for the entire chain.Watts was president of John M.Smith Homemaker's Furniture,owner and president ofThomasville Furniture in Rock-ford, Ill., and last worked as aschool bus driver at Governor Mifflin School District. Survivorsinclude his wife, Sandra; children,Kathy Eichinger and her husbandChris, and Larry and his wifeJamie; three grandchildren;brothers, Richard, Jeffrey, andRoy; and sister, Deborah Lunn.

Mark C. Donovan ’69, of Scitu-ate, Mass., died Dec. 27, 2012. He was the proprietor of M & S Painting Co., which hefounded in 1975. He leavesbehind his wife, Deborah; sons,Garret and Stephen; and sister,Jeanne Young. He was prede-ceased by his brother, Stephen.

Neal M. Mirfield ’70, of Maynard,Mass., died May 23, 2012. He wasemployed by XRE Corp. of Little-ton for 18 years prior to startinghis own business. He is survivedby his wife of 43 years, Mary; chil-dren, Rebecca Foster and her hus-band Joseph, Jeremiah and hiswife Angela, and Brenden; andthree grandchildren.

Burt Z. Kasson II ’71, of Bald-winsville, Mass., died Oct. 15,2012. He had been employed inthe nuclear technology field withStone and Webster Co., the for-mer Niagara Mohawk Co., andNational Grid. Survivors includehis wife of 38 years, Susan; sons,Timothy, Neil, and Stephen andhis wife Johana; one grandson;sister, Sheila Sammons; andbrother, John and his wife Jan.

Frederick W. O'Neill ’72, of PortOrange, Fla., died Dec. 1, 2012.He worked for over 20 years inthe automotive business, first as aparts manager with a Volkswagendealership then as the service,body shop and parts director for

Friendly Motors Mercedes-Benz.After earning an associate’sdegree in graphic design at Day-tona Beach Community Collegein 1997, he worked for theMuseum of Arts and Sciences inDaytona Beach and won severalawards for his work. O’Neill is sur-vived by his wife of 24 years,Rebecca; daughter, Lauren; step-sons, Corey and Christopher Sim-mons; and sister, Martha and herhusband, Ken Kilner.

John Healy Duffy, Jr. ’77, diedOct. 27, 2012, in Framingham,Mass. He worked for many yearsas an accountant, most notably atthe Legionaries of Christ. Duffy issurvived by his parents, John Sr.and Mary Jo; and siblings, Chris-tine Cloutier and her husbandGaston, Mary Corkery and herhusband John, Letitia Bottino and her husband James, KathleenNash and her husband Daniel,Thomas and his wife Nataline,Michael and his wife Pamela,Robert and his wife Sharon, Peterand his wife Diane, James and hiswife Patricia, and Richard and hiswife Doreen. He was predeceasedby a brother, James.

Leland J. “John” Pearl III ’82, ofStoughton, Mass., died Oct. 12,2012. He was a vice president ofStoneham Bank and is survivedby his mother, Barbara; wife, Jane; daughters, Amanda, Jennifer and Allison; siblings,Leighann Stanton, William, Donna and her husbandLawrence White, Mary, KathleenAnnese and her husband Keith,Cindy Jackman and her husbandWayne, and Deborah Lima andher husband Robert; and sister-in-law, Patricia Burke.

Karin Sears ’84, of Methuen,Mass., died Nov. 10, 2012. Shewas a teacher at West Elementaryin Andover. She leaves her par-ents, Donald and Mary Stewart;husband, Paul; two daughters,Tracy and Annie; and siblings,Cindy Cluney and Jeffrey Stewart.

Eric B. Bergman ’05, of NorthBrookfield, Mass., died Dec. 28,2012. He was the manufacturingmanager for Bay State Metal Inc.

He leaves his wife of 27 years,Cynthia; children, Timothy,Samantha, and Chelsea; siblings,Donald and his wife Susan,Sharon Bisceglia and her husbandJoseph, Kristine Robbins and herhusband Lee, and Karen McCannand her husband Michael.

Anthony Michael Ciccone, former student, of Pepperell,Mass., died Sept. 2, 2012. He most recently completed hissophomore year at Nichols andwas a member of the 2010Nichols College NCAA TCCC Division III Soccer Champions. He had also been a youth soccerreferee for the past eight years in both Massachusetts and NewHampshire. He leaves his parents,Kenneth and Donna; a brother,Dominic; and grandparents, Johnand Barbara Halloran.

Kenneth E. Grant, chief financialofficer at Nichols College from1982 to 1994, died Sept. 12, 2012,in Linthicum, Md. Before comingto Nichols, Grant served a varietyof roles at his alma mater,Hartwick College. He was pre-ceded in death by his sister, DianeDelaplaine, and is survived bycousins, friends and caregivers.

Want to find out if your company

participates in a matching gift program?

Visit the Nichols donation page to find

out how.

https://community.nichols.edu/donate

Y o u r S u c c e s s I s O u r B u s i n e s s

24

Maximizing resources has alwaysbeen important for Nichols College

and thankfully, doing so is now easier thanever. As more companies implementmatching gift programs, institutions acrossthe nation, just like Nichols, have been ben-efiting from donors who take the extra stepto get their annual donations matched.

What is a matching gift?

Matching gift programs were developed bybusinesses to encourage their employees tocontribute to charitable organizations. Inmost instances, companies match contribu-tions dollar for dollar, and some will evendouble or triple the amount of theiremployee’s gift! To charitable organiza-tions like Nichols, contributions frommatching gift organizations stretch annualgifts given by our donors.

During the 2012 fiscal year, 42 NicholsFund donors participated in matching giftprograms resulting in over $30,000 of addi-tional funds being sent to the College.

How can you participate in your company’s matching gift program?

Each company with a matching gift pro-gram has its own procedure for employeesto request matching gift funds, but theprocess is very similar. First, donors needto request and complete the necessarymatching gift paperwork found within the company’s human resources office.Once completed, the information is sent to Nichols for verification. The good newsis that most companies make it really easyfor their employees to request matchingforms. Check with your HR department toensure that you do not miss your matchinggift opportunities.

Taking the extra steps to ensure that your gift is matched takes minutes and has a lasting impact on the College and the students we serve. For more informa-tion on matching gifts, please contact Kerry Barnes, director of the Nichols fundand stewardship manager, at 866-622-4766or [email protected].


Double yourimpact with amatching gift

S T AY C O N N E C T E D

[email protected] | community.nichols.edu

Moments in TimeYour alma mater and classmates want to keep in touch with you! Sign up for the alumni email

newsletter Nichols & Sense by sending your email address to: [email protected].

Congratulations to the Class of 1963 who will celebrate their 50th Reunion at Homecoming 2013!

P.O. Box 5000Dudley, MA 01571-5000

Save the Date:Get ready to tee up for the 35th Annual Alumni Golf TournamentSaturday, July 20, 2013, 1- 6 p.m.

Dudley Hill Golf Club

Coming upWednesday, April 3 –WEST HARTFORD, CTWampanoag Country Club

Wednesday, April 10 – BOSTON, MALarz Anderson Auto Museum

Tuesday, June 4 –WORCESTER, MAWorcester Country Club

For up-to-date information, check out the online community.

Visit online at community.nichols.edu

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nichols college spring 2013 magazine

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