MAGAZINE Volume 15, Issue 1 | Fall/Winter 2020
AGRICULTURAL CREDIT: A FRUITFUL INTERNSHIP
From the President
Springing into fall with a solid plan In June, following a semester like no other I have experienced in my 30 years in higher education, Nichols College began work on a comprehensive plan to safely reopen campus for the fall. Putting the protection of students, faculty, and staff at the forefront, a Safe Campus Task Force set out to tackle complex operational challenges and prepare for a new normal in academics, campus living, and athletics. The decision to reopen was indeed complex and not made hastily. There was – and is – still so much uncertainty about the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, despite the battery of preventative measures imposed by the state, health officials warned of a fall resurgence which would be further complicated by the onset of the flu season. We carefully weighed the options, balancing the safety concerns of the faculty with the demands of our students for an on-campus experience with the financial health of the college with our fundamental responsibility to carry out our mission of providing an engaging and effective education. The plan that emerged was the result of hundreds of hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars, and arguably one of the most comprehensive among colleges in the region. When classes resumed on August 26, Nichols was ready. Classrooms had been reconfigured to accommodate the HyFlex format, allowing for 50 percent of the class to attend in person while the other half participates online. Dining facilities and other common areas were modified to promote social distancing. Policies were enacted to ensure mask wearing, limit visitors, and pause large-scale
events; cleaning protocols were established; protective gear distributed; and a quarantine wing was created to isolate affected students unable to return home. While fall sports competition has been postponed, student-athletes found a way to stay active and safely practice, in the hopes of returning to play in January 2021. And COVID-19 testing, which Nichols is offering free of charge to students, faculty, and staff, became part of the weekly – and in some cases, twice-weekly – routine. The college even adopted the Healthy Herd Pledge to underscore the role and responsibility of each member in keeping the community safe. By the midpoint of the semester, amid national news of colleges experiencing unmanageable spikes in COVID-19 transmission, Nichols had performed more than 18,000 tests resulting in only nine positive cases. It is expected that students will remain on campus until Thanksgiving break, after which all classes will transition to online only until the close of the semester on December 9. We can attribute much of our success this fall to having a solid plan, but a plan is only as good as its adherents. Credit is due to our students who have shown restraint and resilience. They seem truly grateful to be on campus and have been genuinely committed to protecting themselves and others. It is through this mutual understanding and respect for our shared responsibility that keeps us thriving as a herd in this critical time.
Susan West Engelkemeyer, PhD President
M A G A Z I N E
CONTENTS
Vo l u m e 1 5 , I s s u e 1 Fall/Winter 2020
EDITOR Susan Veshi VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Bill Pieczynski CONTRIBUTORS Brent Broszeit Pete DiVito Rae Glispin
ON CAMPUS
2–5
President Engelkemeyer announces plan for 2021 retirement
2
New certificate arms leaders with strategies to fight cyber-attacks
3
Nichols launches competency-based pathway for non-traditional degree earners
5
4 EWIB goes virtual
for 10th anniversary 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of Empowering Women in Business, a conference that brings some 200 career and aspiring businesswomen to Nichols College every year to gain professional and personal insights from inspiring speakers, skill-building workshops, and each other.
Jillian Riches Ron Schachter Molly Thienel DESIGN Steve Belleville
A T H L E T I C S Blink of an eye
PO Box 5000 123 Center Road Dudley, MA 01571-5000 508-213-1560 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., M–F
10
C L A S S N O T E S Nichols College
10-11
12–17
Vinny Lombardo ’96
13
Bob MacPherson ’71
15
Naomi Plante ’07
16
www.nichols.edu
Nichols College MAGAZINE is published twice a year by
18
Margaret Oglesby MBA ’05
18
S TAY C O N N E C T E D
21
6 A fruitful internship This summer, three Nichols College students learned about business literally from the ground up, recording essential data for fellow Bison Jim Jackson ’69, owner of Royal Bluff Orchards, and growing their appreciation for farm work and life outside of Dudley, Mass.
FALL
ON THE
HILL
Nichols College, Dudley, MA.
NICHOLS REMEMBERS
20 Marketing a legacy As one of the youngest members of the Colonel Conrad Society, Amahl Williams ’02 is using a planned gift to invest not just in Nichols College but in a family legacy that bridges the past, present and future. Students carved out fall fun on campus such as Student Appreciation Day, rings for basketball, and time in the great outdoors, including an early snow.
Nichols College Magazine
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ON CAMPUS
President Engelkemeyer announces plan for 2021 retirement; Nichols commences national search for its eighth president In September, Nichols President Susan West Engelkemeyer, PhD, announced her plans to retire in June 2021, capping a decade-long era of leadership marked by persistent growth at the college. During her tenure, enrollment has been increased
desire to start the next chapter of her life, which
by 20 percent, retention by 30 percent, and the
includes spending time with her family, and
graduation rate by 50 percent. The college com-
expressed confidence in the future of the college.
pleted a historic $45 million comprehensive cam-
“While the global pandemic has slowed our pace
paign, inspiring an unprecedented level of giving,
as we work to actualize our vision to become
and built a new academic building and student
‘a college of choice for business and leadership
center. Endowment has been nearly quadrupled,
education,’ I am confident that we will quickly
with the number of endowed scholarships rising
regain our footing and emerge stronger than
from 21 to 81.
ever,” she added.
“These years have been the highlight of my
“Susan is a visionary and strategic leader who
professional career in so many ways, and I am
has steadily advanced Nichols College through
truly grateful to the Nichols community for your
one of the toughest periods in higher education,”
partnership, your support, and your commitment to
said John H. Davis ’72, chair of the college’s Board
our mission, and to our incredible students who are
of Trustees. “Her dedication to this institution is
at the center of all we do,”
matched only by her genuine affection for the
Dr. Engelkemeyer said
students it serves, and Nichols will long benefit
in a memo to the campus
from the foundation she has set for our continued
community.
success.”
Engelkemeyer said her
The college is planning to celebrate the achievements
decision was based on a
of President Engelkemeyer throughout the year.
“These years have been the highlight of my professional career in so many ways, and I am truly grateful to the Nichols community for your partnership, your support, and your commitment to our mission, and to our incredible students who are at the center of all we do.” 2
Nichols College Magazine
l Fall/Winter 2020
The Board of Trustees has formed a Presidential Search Committee, chaired by Trustee Randy Becker ’83 MBA ’96, and selected Isaacson, Miller in Boston to guide the national search for Nichols College’s eighth president. The committee comprises a diverse and representative group of college stakeholders: Trustees Carolyn Burke MBA ’92, AVP, Talent Acquisition, MAPFRE Insurance
New certificate arms leaders with strategies to fight cyber-attacks
James Coghlin Sr. ’67, Chairman and Coach, Coghlin Companies, Inc. Chair John Davis ’72 (ex-officio), Chairman & CEO, VIMCO Corporation Vice Chair Thomas Hall ’69, Managing Director-Investments, TowerMark Wealth Management Treasurer Thomas Lodge ’79, Retired Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Graduate and Professional Studies
“Today’s leaders have an inherent
has announced a new master’s
responsibility to guide their IT teams
certificate program, Cybersecurity
in combatting cyber-threats which
for the Global Environment, to help
can have catastrophic and costly
public, private and government
consequences for their own
leaders protect their organizations
organizations and the global
from cyber-threats. The non-technical
business arena.”
Stefany Mendez ’13 MBA ’16,
certificate is designed for municipal
Procurement Category Lead,
administrators, business managers,
The program is nine credits and takes
and healthcare professionals who
four months to complete. In courses
seek to understand the threat
taught by industry professionals and
landscape and develop strategies to
academics, students learn about
secure their networked, data-driven
the current and evolving threat
infrastructures against malware,
environment, build a foundational
ransomware, phishing, DoS attacks,
understanding, identify cybersecurity
and corporate espionage.
best practices, comprehend effective
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Faculty Jean Beaupre, Associate Professor of Communication and Marketing Allison McDowell-Smith, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
governance strategies, and write
Alumni Christopher McCarthy ’92 MBA ’97,
“Cyberspace touches every aspect of
President, Chief Operating Officer,
our personal and professional lives,”
Fidelity Bank
says Tom Stewart, associate dean of
The newest certificate is one of
Graduate and Professional Studies.
several offered by Graduate and
Staff-Administration PJ Boggio, Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students
protection plans.
Professional Studies, which are available to every professional with a bachelor’s degree. They are
Students
Leadership, Advanced Critical
Darrien Waugh ’21, Men of Distinction/
Thinking and Decision Making,
President of Community Outreach
Project Management and Innovation Leadership, Data Analytics, and
For more information and updates on the presidential search, visit
Strategic HR Management.
presidential-search.nichols.edu.
alumni.nichols.edu
l Nichols College Magazine
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ON CAMPUS
EWIB goes virtual for 10th anniversary When the Institute for Women’s
opportunities through practical
Leadership at Nichols College was
presentations and dynamic networking.
forced to cancel its annual Empowering Women in Business (EWIB) Conference
Weisler, the 2020 speaker, is noted
in April due to COVID-19 pandemic
for sparking her own empowerment
empowering messages of hope,
restrictions, organizers were determined
movement. She published a website in
resiliency, and triumph in the face
to commemorate the 10th anniversary
2013, at the age of 14, which grew into
of adversity.
of this popular regional event at some
the Validation Project, an international
point in 2020.
organization that works with 6,000+
Among them are Liz Walker, award-
teenagers in 105 countries to turn
winning television journalist and
They are making it happen, albeit
passion into positive action through
virtually, on December 10, with its
mentoring and social justice
originally scheduled keynote speaker,
assignments. Her self-designed
Valerie Weisler, founding CEO of the
kindness curriculum is taught in
Validation Project.
nearly 1,000 schools.
founder of My Sister’s Keeper, an organization that advocates for women and children in southern Sudan; Amy Roloff, an entrepreneur and motivational speaker from the reality television series, “Little People, Big World;” Adrianne Haslet, 2013 Boston
EWIB began in 2010 as a grassroots
Marathon Bombing survivor and global
effort of Nichols faculty and staff to
advocate for amputee rights; Angela
bring together a community of female
Hucles, former Olympic Gold Medalist
entrepreneurs, business owners, ex-
in women’s soccer and founder of
ecutives, and students. Today, it is a
Empowerment through Sport;
featured program of the Institute for
Tracey Noonan and Dani Vilagie,
Women’s Leadership, which was
mother and daughter founders of
established by President Susan
IWL Director Rachel Ferreira and students Lynn Thibault and Sachelle Mercado
Engelkemeyer in 2013 to develop the leadership potential of students and
Wicked Good Cupcakes; and Mary Carlomagno, best-selling author on life simplification.
serve as a resource and authoritative
She will be the latest in a long line of
voice on women’s leadership for the
inspirational speakers to engage EWIB
For more information on the Institute
community at large. Over the years,
participants, who range from college
for Women’s Leadership or the
EWIB has helped thousands build
students to young professionals to
Empowering Women in Business
skills and confidence, and discover
seasoned businesswomen, with their
Conference, visit iwl.nichols.edu.
Liz Walker and President Susan Engelkemeyer
4 Nichols College Magazine
Amy Roloff
l Fall/Winter 2020
Adrianne Haslet and students Elizabeth Gargone, Amanda Haley, and Gina Petruzzi
Susan Engelkemeyer and Angela Hucles
Nichols launches competency-based pathway for non-traditional degree earners Nichols has launched a Competency-based Education (CBE) program that offers non-traditional students a flexible and independent pathway toward attaining a bachelor’s degree.
❞
“I’m going to get my bachelor’s done in
CBE assesses mastery of a subject
The demand for trained managers
one year, because I
based on a student’s knowledge,
is significant, according to the
can get it done on my
skills, and abilities, rather than the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, yet
prescribed amount of classroom
the postsecondary attainment rate for
own time, on my own
time required of a traditional
adults is 40 percent. CBE is regarded
college education. It is targeted
as an affordable and flexible option
jobs and I’m a mom,
to professionals with years of
for adult learners to complete their
so CBE allows me to
experience.
degrees and advance their careers,
take the courses when
especially for those who must In the Nichols program, students
also balance family and work
enroll in 7-week terms, taking two
responsibilities.
schedule. I work two
I have time, but I also have support in the background when
courses at a time at their own pace. If they finish a course before the end
“With the degree requirement for
of the term, they can add another.
more jobs growing, and the attainment
All courses and learning resources are
rate for adults lagging, the need for
felt like I was alone
online, and students are charged an
Competency-based Education has
going through this
annual subscription fee, regardless
never been more critical,” says Kerry
of the number of courses they take
Calnan, vice president for innovation
process.”
in a year. Students who successfully
and institutional effectiveness at
complete the program will earn a
Nichols. “Nichols is committed to
Bachelor of Science in Business
providing this alternative and viable
Administration degree, with a
pathway to help today’s professionals
concentration in management.
achieve their goals.”
I needed it. I never
— Sarah Kac
For more information on CBE at Nichols, visit pages.nichols.edu/cbe.
Dani Vilagie, Traci Noonan, Susan Engelkemeyer, Rachel Ferreira, and Associate Professor Jean Beaupre
Jean Beaupre and Mary Carlomagno
Valerie Weisler, keynote speaker 2020
alumni.nichols.edu
l Nichols College Magazine
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A fruitful internship by Ron Schachter
You can look at the Royal Bluff Orchards
This past summer, three student interns
To that end, father and daughter
through its orderly rows, or trellises,
from Nichols got an up-close view of
travelled cross country this past
of predominantly apple, as well as
all three perspectives, especially the
February to personally interview almost
cherry, trees growing on just over
last one, as they helped Jackson and
20 applicants on the Nichols campus.
500 acres around Royal City, Wash.
Bringolf launch a new IBM enterprise
Or you can read about the company’s
reporting system designed to track —
industry leadership in Good Fruit
in minute detail — the output, costs,
Grower magazine.
and earnings from the more than five million apples in the annual harvest.
Or you can view the agricultural complex covering four farms through
“At a Nichols alumni meeting with some
the new software program that CEO
of my friends on the West Coast, the
Jim Jackson ’69 and daughter Julia Bringolf have just implemented. Jackson co-founded the orchard almost 40 years ago.
They chose three — then-senior Oscar Chavez, and current junior Kevin Chetwynd and sophomore Hunter Girard — with a particular aim. “We were interested in exposing kids who may not have been out of New England to a different part of the
subject of internships came up as a way
country,” Jackson explains. “It was also
to introduce students to the real world,”
likely that they hadn’t been exposed
Jackson recalls. “And it just struck me
to agriculture.”
that ‘Hey, we could do this at Royal Bluff Orchards.’”
“My grandma is 74 and still picking in the blueberry fields. She was excited to hear about my experiences apple picking because she had never picked apples.” — Oscar Chavez ’20
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l Fall/Winter 2020
“The data we were organizing will help produce better fruit growing — which plots of land are going to produce apples more efficiently, and whether certain plots of land would do better with Fujis or Granny Smiths.” — Kevin Chetwynd ’22
“I’d never seen a farm at all,” Chetwynd
The greatest challenge proved to be
The data will make a difference in
agrees. “He wanted to know if I wanted
going through with the internships
traditional orchard management,
to take on a very different experience
during the worsening COVID-19
Bringolf says. “After 30 years, trees stop
in a different part of the country. When
epidemic. Washington had been one of
producing at the level we want,” she
you’re seeing fields more than an office,
the first hotspots of the coronavirus
notes, adding that the expiration date
it’s definitely something you don’t
outbreak in the early spring. The student
happened not long ago with a group
expect as a management major.”
crew likely became the first Nichols
of Granny Smith trees. “We pulled all
interns to undergo a two-week onsite
of the trees from the ground, installed
In heading to Washington state, the
quarantine as part of the more than six
a new trellis and irrigation system, and
three selected students would be
weeks they spent at the farm, from
planted Granny Smiths, Honey Crisps,
following in the footsteps of Jackson,
mid-May to the end of June. Their
and Galas.”
who launched his career back east
presence also represented the exception
at a Big Eight accounting firm before
rather than the rule in the age of COVID.
Based on the data-driven system, those
heading west to Washington and
Girard points to three or four Nichols
decisions can come earlier — and with
starting his own practice. It was there
classmates whose scheduled internships
more informed solutions. “We’re hoping
in 1982, at age 35, that he joined forces
were cancelled. “It was hard for a lot of
it will tell us how well our blocks are
with a client who wanted to plant an
people,” he says. “I have a friend who
producing, as we get data points that
apple orchard. Jackson took over the
had a great internship at Disney World
help determine the level of production
business by himself five years later.
in Florida and lost it.”
in each block compared to the level of financial return,” Bringolf predicts.
Not that there wasn’t some worry
The house set aside for Girard and his
about how the interns would transition
mates allowed them to quarantine and
Growers traditionally have had to rely
to farm work. “My dad definitely had
hit the ground running at the same
more on their judgement. The staff of
a concern,” admits Bringolf. “He said,
time. “We had to gather the physical
Royal Bluff Orchards plans to use both
‘These kids are not going to know what
paperwork of apple sales and revenue
data and their own assessments, a leap
to do!’ But after we sat down with them,
and transfer it to the new program,”
forward not lost on Girard. “It provides
we didn’t get the sense that they were
Chavez notes.
concrete evidence to review what were
city kids who wouldn’t understand small town life.”
educated guesses in the past,” he says. That meant amassing and coding the information in each “pack out report”
Chetwynd also gets the bigger picture.
from the frequent shipments of apples
“The data we were organizing will help
to one of five packing houses that
produce better fruit growing — which
Royal Bluff Orchards uses. The coding
plots of land are going to produce
included the different sizes, varieties,
apples more efficiently, and whether
prices per pound, and which of the 37
certain plots of land would do better
blocks — or land plots in the orchards —
with Fujis or Granny Smiths.”
produced the apples.
alumni.nichols.edu
l Nichols College Magazine
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“It would be good if the college continued what we’ve done with other alumni businesses out here. My thought was to set an example of how students might get out of provincial New England and see what the rest of the country looked like.” — Jim Jackson ’69
“We’re five to seven years ahead of the
“I pretty much knew nothing about
Chetwynd also made a discovery close
curve. We’re the first orchard to do this
apples,” he says, including the newer
to home. “I’d found out that Jim came
as far as I know,” says Bringolf, adding
generations of genetically engineered,
from Reading, Mass., the same as me,”
that the family business took a similar
V-shaped apple trees growing close
he says.
lead two years ago in implementing
to the ground. “The trees aren’t very
the program Field Clock, which tracks
tall,” he explains. “That makes for more
What the future holds for internships
every aspect of field labor — harvesting,
efficient harvesting,” without the need
at the Royal Bluffs Orchards remains
mowing, maintenance — by location
to use ladders.
undecided, although Bringolf would like to continue. “2020 was a rough year,”
and time spent, and arranges the data in an accounting format.
Chavez, Girard, and Chetwynd agree
she says, laughing. “These interns were
that they encountered a different
a bright spot.”
“It’s definitely helped us analyze our
world than they were used to…but not
labor efficiency,” Bringolf reveals,
all that different. Native Oregonian
Next year, she notes, the emphasis
adding that she is aiming to merge
Chavez engaged in shop talk with his
would fall on data analysis of the
that data with the new IBM database.
grandparents who have worked as
extensive database this year’s interns
lifelong fruit pickers. “They were excited
helped build. “I know moving forward
Besides coding three days a week,
for me,” he says. “My grandma is 74
Chavez, Girard, and Chetwynd spent
and still picking in the blueberry fields.
one day outside on the farm, where
She was excited to hear about my
workers were agriculturally distanced
experiences apple picking because she
because of COVID restrictions. “Part
had never picked apples.”
of the internship involved working in the nursery, temporary home to the
Girard, meanwhile, identified with
youngest apple planting. We could see
the orchard workers he met. “There
the lifespan of how it all works,” says
were similarities with the people I’ve
Chavez, whose horticultural education
surrounded myself with at home in
did not stop there.
Dudley — blue collar down to earth, hardworking people,” he reveals.
that there’s always work to be done, always problems to solve,” Bringolf says. “The more people you have to solve these problems — even on the intern level — is valuable.” Jackson has a larger agenda. “It would be good if the college continued what we’ve done with other alumni businesses out here,” he suggests. “My thought was to set an example of how students might get out of provincial New England and see what the rest of the country looked like.”
“Do it. It’s worth it, especially if you haven’t been out to this side of the country. It’s what Nichols makes possible. Take advantage of it.” — Hunter Girard ’23
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Nichols College Magazine
l Fall/Winter 2020
His main message: Come west. Girard offers this advice to his Nichols peers if the internships become available again. “Do it. It’s worth it, especially if you haven’t been out to this side of the country,” he insists. “It’s what Nichols makes possible. Take advantage of it.”
Harvesting opportunity during a pandemic As many college students and recent
During the pandemic,
grads saw internships and job offers
fortune was also smiling
become casualties of the COVID-19
on McKenna Gernander,
pandemic, some at Nichols College
who was able to complete
found success through flexibility,
her summer finance
open-mindedness, and a little help
internship with Aetna,
from the campus community.
even if the experience was
“Friends at larger universities can’t believe that a professor worked with me weekly to find a job. I am lucky I went to Nichols College.”
slightly different from what
— Isabelle Leonardi ’20
“My goal was to find a job within the
she expected. “Rather than working
events and event planning industry,
at the corporate office in Hartford,
and now that events are on pause
Conn., I worked from my kitchen
for a bit, it completely forced my
table in Coleraine, Minn.,” she says. “I
For those whose internships did not
search process to do a 180,” says
didn’t get any in-person interactions
materialize, some Nichols faculty
Rebecca Siegel. Like Siegel, fellow
with my co-workers or any other
members came through with
hospitality management major and
interns, but I was still able to get
alternative opportunities. Bryant
2020 graduate Taylor Ward faced
to know them well through group
Richards, associate professor of
dismal job prospects, and Isabelle
projects, networking sessions, and
accounting and finance, invited
Leonardi’s search for a marketing
virtual coffee chats.” Gernander, a
10 students across disciplines to
position proved fruitless. “Companies
student in the 3+1 Program, gets to
serve as research associates in the
working remotely don’t want to hire
continue her role at Aetna through
college’s innovative Robotic Pro-
you because they can’t train you,”
2020 and will begin a full-time job
cess Automation program, and Tim
she says.
there in June 2021.
Liptrap, associate professor of sport management, convened a group of student interns to offer consulting
But thanks to a long-time connection between Windsor Communities and Liz Horgan, director of the Career and Professional Development Center at Nichols, all three landed positions as leasing consultants. “I give tours to potential residents and deal with the day-to-day operations of customer service and follow-through on new leases or renewals,” says Ward. “And my favorite thing is I get to plan the events every month for the residents!” Siegel is also thrilled with the “opportunity to incorporate my love
“I give tours to potential residents and deal with the day-to-day operations of customer service and follow-through on new leases or renewals. And my favorite thing is I get to plan the events every month for the residents!”
hometown of Coventry, Conn. Gernander advises students and new graduates to consider all options during this time. Siegel agrees: “You might not get a job that is your dream job right away, but patience is key.” As is the support of the Nichols network, says Leonardi, who was aided in her search by Associate Professor Len Harmon. “Friends at larger universities can’t believe that a professor worked with me weekly to find
for events” through the position, and
a job,” she notes. “I am lucky
Leonardi welcomed the relocation from her native New Hampshire to
services to businesses in his
— Taylor Ward ’20
I went to Nichols College.”
warmer climates in Boca Raton, Fla.
alumni.nichols.edu
l Nichols College Magazine
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AT H L E T I C S
Blink of an eye by Pete DiVito, Sports Information Director
On the morning of Thursday, March 12, the Nichols College softball team departed for Florida from T.F. Green Airport to begin a stretch of 10 games in six days at the PFX Spring Games event in Clermont. Hours after landing, however, their schedule had been trimmed to just three games as colleges and universities from across the country shifted their spring break and, subsequently, spring semester plans, due to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. Some programs chose not to travel to Florida to compete while others left the Sunshine State early, cancelling their remaining games and returned home for myriad reasons. Ultimately, Coach Kristan Mallet had to deliver the heartbreaking news that the entire spring sports season would be cancelled, effective Friday the 13th. “Emotions definitely ran high when Coach Mallet dropped the news on us,” said senior backstop Taylor McIntosh. “There were no dry eyes among the group of seniors.” Classmate Alexis Ferris, who holds several pitching records at NC, said, “It took a little while to completely process that everything was taken away in just the blink of an eye. We worked hard, hours on hours of practicing to make this season ours, and then it was gone just like that. I felt sad, frustrated, and disappointed.”
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Nichols College Magazine
The Bison baseball program faced a similar situation. “We found out our season was going to be cancelled when we arrived at the airport to depart for Florida,” said Christian Naccari, senior and First Team All-Commonwealth Coast Conference third baseman. “When we heard the news, we didn’t know exactly what the next steps would be. Were we going to turn around, pack up and go home? Or, were we going to continue our trip and find some games to play with teams already down there? Luckily enough, we still got to go on the trip even though it was shortened.” The softball team scraped together six games with the remaining schools at the tournament and posted a 3-3 record, the final contest ending on a walk-off bunt from senior Katrina Valeri. “When we found out that these were our final games of the season, it motivated us to play our hearts out,” explained Valeri. “At the time, we didn’t know what the future held for us as seniors, so we just played. I kept reminding everyone that Nichols and Western New England were the only CCC schools down in Florida playing, and to be happy because not every conference
l Fall/Winter 2020
school received this opportunity. The games became very important and our team had great energy.” Winners of four of their first six games before heading south, the baseball program sported a perfect 4-0 mark at the Russmat Invitational in Auburndale and won the final Division III baseball game played in 2020, a 9-2 triumph over Keene State. “Despite the cancellation of our season, we didn’t lose sight of the main focus, which was to win,” said all-conference first baseman Kyle Bouchard. “As a senior, I found myself looking around at the field and taking it all in. I thought these games would be my last times on a baseball field. I was honestly in so much shock that it didn’t hit me until the absolute last game against Keene when they started to honor their seniors.” Both programs held ‘Senior Days’ to honor members of the Class of 2020 in softball (eight) and baseball (seven). The student-athletes received posters created by their teammates and took photos with parents and classmates.
Members of the men’s and women’s tennis teams celebrate the 6th consecutive men’s championship.
At the PFX Spring Games, the remaining teams were treated to a complimentary BBQ and cake on the final day of competition courtesy of the event staff, who recognized each senior over the PA system prior to the first pitch. Several weeks later, the NCAA did indeed grant all spring student-athletes another year of eligibility, which would allow the seniors on both squads another chance to have a magical senior season. This fall, Mallet welcomed six of the eight from the Class of 2020 — Valeri, McIntosh, Ferris, Taylor Commesso, Alex Rodi, and Amanda Alioto — while the 2021 ‘Herdball’ squad will feature Bouchard, Naccari, Jack DiCenso, and Andrew Charbonneau.
All Photos: Pete DiVito
“I always knew I wanted to go to grad school. I was just unsure if I wanted to go right out of school or take a break and go back later on in my life,” explained Alioto. “When I was presented with the opportunity to come back and play another year, it was a long, thought-out decision for me. It wasn’t a question of whether I wanted to play or not, but more about if I was going to face regret if I didn’t go back. I considered that many of the companies I would be applying to jobs with would be in a hiring freeze because of COVID-19. This made me realize that I wanted to continue my education a little bit longer and continue to play the sport I love with my best friends. Knowing that most of the seniors were coming back also influenced me because we were all so close.”
Naccari added, “When I heard that the NCAA gave our year of eligibility back, I instantly made the decision to return. I always planned to attend graduate school at Nichols. Now, I was going to be able to do that while playing baseball for another year. How could I pass that up? Last year’s team was special and I 100 percent believe we would have made some noise in the conference and reach heights the program has never seen before. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get another go-around with the same group of guys and get to contend for a championship.” Ferris, meanwhile, spoke candidly about the decision to return, explaining that she had not planned to attend graduate school. “After I graduated, I had planned on getting a job and figuring out what I wanted to do within my major in accounting,” she said. “More schoolwork was not in my plans! However, learning that I would be able to play again is what changed my mind.” Bouchard will enter the 2021 campaign with 167 career hits, which is 43 shy of the program-record of 210, held by former teammate Cam Cook. Naccari, meanwhile, has 143 career hits and is likely to finish in the top five at NC. Bouchard spent the summer playing with the Nashua Silver Knights in preparation for his final season of collegiate competition, saying, “During my four years at NC, we’ve dealt with so much adversity, including playing nearly the entire 2019 season on the road. I couldn’t end my career the way the last spring ended. Our senior class has something to prove. We want to win for each other and for Coach [Tim] Mayo.”
For Naccari, this past season changed his outlook on baseball and his time as a student-athlete. “[It] showed me in the blink of an eye, things can be taken away from you. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the game of baseball and the Nichols baseball program. Our team worked way too hard last year and was seeing positive results from all of the work we had put in, only to see our progress to come to an abrupt stop. The 10 games we played last year showed how much potential our program has. I know guys are going to come in with a hunger to train harder than ever before because the goals we have as a program are 110 percent achievable.” With most of her Class of 2020 back for one more run, coupled with a strong recruiting class, Mallet’s 2021 squad will feature a deeper lineup and pitching staff than any she’s ever had at Nichols. The Bison will have no shortage of leadership, either. “I am going to approach the 2021 season a little bit differently,” said Alioto. “I will always keep in the back of my mind that nothing is guaranteed, that everything could be different in the blink of an eye. I’m going to try to express this to my younger teammates. I want to teach them the importance of being on a team like ours and how lucky we all are to have this opportunity to grow, learn, and play softball at the collegiate level. I was always close with my teammates, but this year is going to be special.”
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CLASS NOTES
1970
1991
2003
2012
Class Champion:
Class Champion:
Class Champion:
Jim Mulcunry
Donna Small
Jillian (Hayes) Smerage
Jenny Ferrari celebrates her bridal shower with fellow alumnae.
mulcunryjl@charter.net
336-692-5157
Jnhayes80@gmail.com
dsmall9242000@yahoo.com John Wheeler, Rich Merrill and Jim Mulcunry were spotted in
1992
Sarasota, FL.
Class Champion: Mark Alexander mark1alex12@gmail.com
1973 Class Champion: Jay Reese (508) 359-7862 jay.reese@verizon.net
Melissa Jackson
Keith Hofbeck
msmeljackson@gmail.com
Chip Beckert was a marshal for the U.S. Open, held September 17-20 at the Winged Foot Golf Club in NY, where he is a member.
2006
1994
Class Champion:
Class Champion:
Erica Boulay
Danielle Troiano Sprague
erica.boulay@hotmail.com
thedwoman@yahoo.com
2008
Devin B. Haughey has acquired Fisher Insurance Agency Inc., becoming the owner, president, and CEO of the agency. Located in Milford, MA, FIAI is an experienced and established multi-line insurance agency offering commercial, personal and life insurance products to businesses, families, and individuals throughout the
Class Champion:
United States.
1981
Class Champion:
Class Champion: khofbeck@comcast.net
1972
2005
2000 Class Champion:
Rob Russo and Heather Kohn were married in Plymouth, MA, on July 26, 2020. Rob is a visiting assistant professor of information technology at Nichols.
Nicole Curley nsc3129@gmail.com
2010 Class Champion: Katelyn Vella katelyn.vella@yahoo.com
2011 Class Champion: Alexandria Hallam aliemchal@gmail.com
Andrea Sacco
2007
Andrea.j.Sacco@gmail.com
Class Champion: Meaghan Larkin meaglark@gmail.com
Steven Taylor MBA ’02, has been promoted to dosimetry technician at Electric Boat in Groton, CT.
2001 1985 Class Champion: John Donahue 609-257-8717 Johndonahue1234@gmail.com
Class Champion: David Twiss 978-979-7658 David.twiss14@gmail.com
Meaghan Larkin married James Sheehan on March 14 at the Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy, MA. “COVID-19 did not stop the Bison herd from showing up to celebrate, right before everyone was quarantined!” she said.
Please send your Class Notes news directly to your class champion. If you do not have a class champion, news may be forwarded to classnotes@nichols.edu. Digital images are preferred, but please do not crop them! The higher the resolution the better — 300 dpi (dots per inch) is best. Digital images may be sent directly to the Alumni Relations Office classnotes@nichols.edu. Prints may be sent to: Nichols College, Alumni Relations Office, P.O. Box 5000, Dudley, MA 01571.
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Music man Vinny Lombardo ’96 Making it in the music business isn’t
in the summer sun.” As Pilot Touhill,
easy; Vinny Lombardo just makes it
Lombardo says he aims to “spread the
look that way. Since graduating from
good vibes,” which fans and critics
Nichols College in 1996 and moving
alike pick up from his “catchy songs
to Los Angeles, he has toured
and soulful melodies.”
internationally with Building a Better Spaceship, made a name as
Lombardo writes most of the music
the critically acclaimed Pilot Touhill,
and collaborates with other musicians
and recently debuted as solo artist
and friends as well. Where does he
Vinn Lombardo.
find inspiration? “[It] can come from anywhere really,” he says. “Life
A prolific singer and songwriter,
experiences mostly, but sometimes
Lombardo has garnered a loyal and
just telling a story can work, too.”
growing following since his days with
Fast Times Magazine agreed when it
Building a Better Spaceship, which
wrote, “Pilot’s songs charm the listener
released two records. “I did most of
with stories of life, love and loss. It’s
my touring with this band,” he states.
very nice to hear an artist whose
That included 42 of the 50 states,
lyrics actually mean something.”
Europe, Asia, and South America. “Russia is still on the bucket list,” he
Pilot Touhill has released five albums
shares. They opened for bands such
and is keeping fans clamoring for the
as Incubus, 30 Seconds to Mars,
sixth, “The Last Butterfly,” by releasing
Lifehouse, 311, and The Killers.
songs on social media during the pandemic. The band is also keeping
But just as his career was taking off,
the good vibes going in the COVID-19
tragedy struck. “My dad was killed by a
era by streaming concerts where the
drunk driver in 2008 and that basically
fans pick the songs they perform. “It’s
ended the band,” says Lombardo.
worked out great so far, and we’ve
“I moved back [home] to New York
gotten a great response,” he reports.
and took a break from music.”
And his first solo single, “Don’t Leave Me Alone,” is winning even more
When Lombardo returned to LA,
followers, who note Lombardo’s
Pilot Touhill was born. The California
“silky” and “one-in-a-million” voice.
beaches and bars proved to be the perfect stage for his music, which has
Lombardo cherishes the fans, many
been described as a “mix of rock and
of whom have become good friends
pop with a modern twist on reggae
over the years, he says. “Some have
that goes down easy like a margarita
even designed artwork for albums
and posters,” he adds. “It’s nice to have friends from all over the world.” And old ones closer to home, as well. The White Plains native who “loved the small town feel of the Nichols campus” as a student, still maintains contact with many classmates and hopes to return for a homecoming football game one day. “Some of my best memories were being a part of the football, lacrosse and especially the rugby teams,” he says, adding, “The parties in ‘New Dorm Pit,’ as we affectionally called it, were epic and some of the most fun times of my life.” And in a life that is now filled with performing, touring, and cutting records for adoring fans, this humble rock star also recalls the simple pleasures that Nichols offered: “I miss the cafeteria and having a buffet of food made daily for me to eat.” – Susan Veshi
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CLASS NOTES
2017 Class Champions: Nicole LaBrack & Gina Petruzzi njlabrack13@verizon.net
2019 Summertime Bison sighting: Ian Ledger, Tatyana Carasquillo ’20, Kiki Guerin, Brian O’Riordan.
gmp0626@aol.com Classmates gather for a mini reunion at the Mystic Aquarium.
2013 Class Champion: Ryan Flavin rtflavin@gmail.com Kendra Noll and Devin Cassinelli ’12 (above) were married September 14, 2019, surrounded by fellow Bison!
Lindsay Gagnon, along with boyfriend Spiros, welcomed two fur babies: Kylo in June 2019 who turned 1 in May, and Penelope in June 2020 who turned 4 months in August.
2015 Class Champions: Andrew Haas & Mike Ricci
Erin Sheehan and Darby Geno ’16 were married September 5, 2020 in Woodstock, VT. Bison friends and family include, from left, Jesse Vieira, Paul Prescott, Kayla Fort, Nicholas Baldino, Caitlin Llewelyn, Sarah Babcock, Erin Geno, Darby Geno, Brieanna Baron, Kevin Lengendre, Megan Sheehan, Reece O’Connor, Jordi VanGal, Anthony Verville.
andrewhaas3@gmail.com michaeljamesricci@gmail.com Bison from the classes of 2015-2017 celebrate Independence Day. Friends and loved ones: Cora Lincoln, Sarah Ward and daughter Quinn, Paige LaFlamme and daughter Aria, Rachel DeMarco, Stacie Converse and dog Ace.
2016 Class Champion: Stacie Converse converse.stacielee@gmail.com Blaine Cobb shares an update: “I completed graduate school back in May, obtaining my Masters of Science in Healthcare Administration/Management, and was promoted at my job into a management role.”
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Dave Arute and Jen Doherty were married in Colchester, CT, on October 13, 2019. Bison in attendance included, from left, Dave Arute, Ryan Pichel, Bobby Lucy IV, Ben Harrow, Zach Levy.
l Fall/Winter 2020
Ian Ledger and Brian O’Riordan were also spotted on the Cape with another fine group of alumni, from left, Ian Ledger, Shanlee Crowell, Sarah Williams, Brian O’Riordan, Marissa Stone ’18, and her uncle, Nichols College Trustee Sam Haines ’73.
A degree of success Bob MacPherson ’71 Bob MacPherson ’71 found his way to Nichols College through both an interest in business and by his connection with Coach Mike Vendetti, who was from his hometown of Leominster, Mass. MacPherson ended up playing football and lacrosse at Nichols. “I knew that I didn’t want a big college experience and that I did want to study business,” he says. “My family wasn’t wealthy growing up, and I figured that getting a business degree made sense because it would provide me with a good living and a better chance at employment.” He helped cover tuition costs by working campus jobs, such as dorm proctor. MacPherson thrived at Nichols and enjoyed playing football under Coach Vendetti, who he describes as “a big guy with a soft side.” He remembers with a laugh a particularly chilly latefall practice in a hard rainstorm that left players wet, cold, and miserable: “As we were heading off the field and on the way to the locker room and a hot shower, Coach Vendetti said, ‘So, you think you guys are wet?’ And with a running start he slid belly first through a giant mud puddle on the field to lighten our mood.” In the classroom, MacPherson, an economics major, recalls being pushed by professors who really cared about their students’ success. He graduated from Nichols magna cum laude and earned a scholarship to UMass Amherst where he received a master’s degree in labor relations. He went back to school in his 30s for an MBA at Boston University. MacPherson began his career at Foster Grant Corporation as a labor relations representative, eventually rising to director of human resources for the company’s sunglasses division. In 1987,
he took a job at Lockheed Martin where he spent the remainder of his working life, including 16 years in California. He retired as vice president of human resources for the Lockheed Martin Advanced Development Company. “The highlight of my career was being on the management team which won the F-35 contract for military aircraft. This was the largest military aircraft contract ever signed, and it was very important to the company,” he notes. After a hectic career, MacPherson now has time to “perform my civic duty and volunteer,” which he does in his current hometown of Bedford, N.H. He serves on the Bedford Conservation Commission, the board of the Bedford Public Library Foundation, and the town’s Rotary Club. As an avocation, MacPherson was a football referee at the high school and college level for 38 years. Recently, he returned to his football roots as a clock operator at Division III Colleges throughout New England. MacPherson gives back in other ways, too, driven by a desire to help students achieve their dreams and goals. “When I look at the cost of education today, students must be able to make a good investment, and I feel confident that Nichols College gives its grads the ability to get a good job and find success in their careers after graduating,” he says. He believes the path to that success, like his own, starts with the study of business. He established the Kathleen M. MacPherson Endowed Scholarship in Business Administration at Nichols. “I named the scholarship for my wife, who is a former teacher, to honor her education background. What better person to name this scholarship for than someone who spent her life helping students succeed?”
Bob MacPherson, right, with Nichols Assistant Football Coach Henry Large
MacPherson enjoys spending time with Kathleen, their two daughters, and especially watching the baseball, basketball and volleyball games of his six grandchildren. He is also eying the next travel destination on his bucket list. “I have visited every major league ballpark except for four – Atlanta, Houston, St. Louis and Kansas City. I am hoping to knock those off the list eventually so I can say I have visited them all.” He maintains a map with a pin in each city he’s seen an MLB game. Among his favorites are Wrigley Field. “It has a nice old time feel, friendly fans and a great atmosphere. However, the best hot dog I’ve had would be The Chicago Dog at Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. It’s right up there with The Fenway Frank.” A business education, a rewarding career in human resources, and a full retirement have given MacPherson a unique perspective to share with Nichols students and alumni alike: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Just don’t make them over and over. Everything won’t be perfect all the time. Never give up and never quit on yourself. Perseverance leads to success.” – Brent Broszeit MBA ’02
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CLASS NOTES
Educational investment unlocks keys to the world Naomi Plante ’07 Naomi Plante ’07 grew up in Phoenix, Ariz., but summers spent in Massachusetts introduced her to not only the East Coast lifestyle, but professional opportunities as well. She started working with Bose Corporation at its Framingham-based headquarters in 2001. Plante learned and advanced quickly, starting in loss prevention, but wanted to invest in her education as she hadn’t yet in the traditional way of many of her peers. With her employer’s financial support, she enrolled at Nichols College in 2005 and spent the next two years completing her ABA in an evening accelerated program. “My education at Nichols provided a confidence in my career that I didn’t have before,” she says. In addition to her degree, she sought certifications that helped her to self-promote internally and gain new experience to the senior-level position she holds today as a program and project manager for customer service globally.
In this role, she has traveled to China, Dubai, Australia, India and Portugal. Recently, her teamwork brought her to the Netherlands 20 times over two years. Though there is no scheduled upcoming travel, her professional experience abroad has encouraged personal growth with a deep appreciation of the cultures and cuisine overseas. Development and implementation of an enhanced online presence proved timely with the pandemic. Finance and technology are “working together more than ever” to adjust to changes and challenges in the US and internationally that may impact the customer experience. Along with pursuing continued education, Plante’s advice to young professionals and current students would be to never underestimate the value of communication skills. “The most effective team members have to communicate clearly, no matter what their specialty is.” She shared the example of how some of her IT colleagues, whose main responsibility is coding, are still accountable to presenting and
communicating in biweekly timelines. Her teams utilize the Scrum framework to solve problems and optimize their brand. Her journey at Bose has evolved organically over the last 19 years, and she looks forward to the future without set plans, except maybe relocation to warmer year-round climates further down the road. Outside of work, her family has been one of many to add gardening to their 2020 hobbies. Plante looks forward to getting back to fitness competition, a commitment she has enjoyed in the past. She resides in Central Massachusetts with her husband and his two sons. – Molly Thienel
The Bison Care Fund The fund increases scholarship aid to Nichols College students hardest hit by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please help them to keep their education on track. Go to alumni.nichols.edu/BisonCare Thank you!
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2020 Even though in-person Commencement has been postponed for the Class of 2020,
Photo by Amanda (Fallows) Doty ’03, Amanda Doty Photography
the Nichols campus was still a destination of choice for many regalia-clad grads.
1
2
3
4
5 1 AnneMarie Graves and Liam Gorman 2 A herd of 2020 alumni take a break from playing cornhole to show their Bison spirit. 3 Erin Kelley, Taylor Ward, Maggie Noelk, Meg Gardner, Lindsey Taylor, and Katrina Valeri 4 Ashley Tarantino 5 Gretchen Carlson 6 Chris Brainard
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NICHOLS REMEMBERS
E Carl W. Plaza ’49, of Worcester, MA, July 1, 2020. E George W. Dreier ’56, of Ocala, FL, June 4, 2020. E James E. Morse III ’57, of Salem, MA, May 13, 2020. E Warren A. Shaw ’57, of Lancaster, MA, April 30, 2020. E David R. Umba ’58, of Bethel, VT, July 1, 2020. E Thomas H. Clark ’59, of Portland, ME, June 23, 2020. Peter D. Shapleigh ’60, of Cincinnati, OH, July 14, 2020. E David W. Quimby ’66, of Pepperell, MA, February 12, 2020. E Thomas A. Budd ’68, of Red Hook, NY, August 3, 2020. Leslie A. Hinckley Jr. ’68, of Windsor Locks, CT, April 29, 2020. E Paul A. Malboeuf ’69, of Worcester, MA, May 9, 2020. Gary C. Desmond ’73, of Shamokin, PA, October 5, 2020 Paul D. Rantala ’74, of Worcester, MA, April 30, 2020. E Paul M. Mason ’75, of Oxford, MA, July 8, 2020. John J. Plunkett ’78, of Somers Point, NJ, July 5, 2020. James S. McInerney III ’85, of Norwalk, CT, June 4, 2020. Kevin W. Smith ’89, of Kensington, CT, June 10, 2020.
A hero we never knew: Margaret Oglesby MBA ’05 Margaret Oglesby MBA ’05, a retired decorated major serving with the U.S. Army National Guard and retired chief probation officer in Massachusetts, died August 28, 2020. During her 28-year career with the National Guard, she served in Afghanistan in 2003 during “Operation Enduring Freedom,” where she oversaw 154 soldiers as the commander of the 747th Military Police Company and was responsible for the security and base defense of the Kabul Military Training Center, which included 300 U.S. personnel and 1,500 Afghani recruits of the Afghan National Army. For her service and dedication, she was awarded the Bronze Star. As a civilian, Oglesby worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Probation Service for 27 years, retiring in 2018.
Barbara L. McCall ’10, of Millbury, MA, May 20, 2020. FACULTY/STAFF E Edward J. Carroll, former NC radio host, of Dudley, MA, February 23, 2020. E Prescott Grout, former professor, of Chicopee, MA, February 28, 2020.
“Margaret was a 100 percent ‘can-do’ leader, enthusiastic and kind of like a pied piper,” said Tom Stewart, associate dean of Graduate and Professional Studies who previously worked with Oglesby at the Massachusetts Army National Guard. “She was a very confident, positive-minded, knowledgeable leader who inspired people around any cause.” She leaves her husband, Frank; three children; and two grandchildren. Among her survivors is niece and fellow Bison Kamarie Eddington ’19.
E Denotes service in the United States military
Golden Bison Deadline: The deadline for the next Golden Bison Bulletin is Friday, December 18. Be sure to send your submissions and any updated seasonal address information to: Nichols College Attn. Jillian Riches PO Box 5000 Dudley, MA 01571 Jillian.riches@nichols.edu or classnotes@nichols.edu Catch up on past editions and the happenings of alumni who have celebrated their 50th reunions and beyond. alumni.nichols.edu/nichols-publications/
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GREEN WITH ENVY As you may know, all Nichols College alumni are eligible for a 10% discount off of tuition.
10
%
We invite you to share your tuition discount with your friends & family.
N! ITIO U T OFF DS RIEN F FOR AMILY &F
NEW CLASSES START JANUARY 4 & MARCH 1, 2021 4 degrees • 5 certificates 6 annual starts • 7 week courses 800-243-3844 l gps.nichols.edu
G R A D UAT E ST U D I E S MBA l MSA l MSOL l MSC
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Amahl Williams ’02: Marketing a legacy Amahl Williams ’02, a senior marketing
understand the value
executive and ongoing contributor
of his lessons until
to Forbes magazine, says he owes
I started my first
his career choice to his Auntie Pam.
job in marketing.”
He recalls, “Growing up, when I was starting to think about careers, I asked
Williams has also come
my grandmother, ‘Who makes the most
to understand the
money in the family?’ She answered,
importance of giving
‘Auntie Pam; she’s in marketing.’”
time, talent and treasure to support
“I don’t consider this a gift but an investment in Nichols College, my son, and our family legacy. The legacy of this fund will be a story of a father who loves his son and who has instilled in him the transformative power of education... I have a 5-monthold daughter, who wasn’t born when I established this fund. I’ll have to work a little harder to create one for her, too!”
causes he cares about most. At Nichols, that means serving on the Board of Advisors; as a mentor to Men of Distinction, a student club that focuses on diversity and inclusiveness; and
in earnest at Nichols College, where Williams learned the fundamentals he still uses today as vice president of marketing for WonderBotz. “A lot of my classical marketing training came from
marketing program.
guest speaker, among other
“I don’t consider this a gift but an
volunteer roles.
investment in Nichols College, my son, and our family legacy. The legacy of
“Our collective power as alumni is in
this fund will be a story of a father who
our human capital,” he points out.
loves his son and who has instilled in
“You’d be surprised with the impact
him the transformative power of
you can make by speaking to a class,
education,” he states, adding with a
answering an email from a student
smile, “I have a 5-month-old daughter
or fellow alum, engaging in social
who wasn’t born when I established this
media by sharing other alumni
fund. I’ll have to work a little harder to
accomplishments, or putting in a good
create one for her, too!”
word for an alum during the hiring process.” As Williams puts it, “The answer to how you can give back is somewhere between nothing and a
As one of the youngest members of the Colonel Conrad Society, Williams shows that it’s never too soon to think about a legacy of giving back and blazing a path for others to follow.
Within that spectrum, Williams has also decided that including Nichols College in his legacy was the right move for him and his family. Through planned giving and a future
Professor [Larry] Downs,” he notes.
estate gift, Williams has vowed to
“I didn’t fully
create the Jachson Williams Endowed
20 Nichols College Magazine
and aimed at enhancing the Nichols
in the classroom as a distinguished
building with your name on it!” And so, his journey in marketing began
Fund, named for his 6-year-old son,
l Fall/Winter 2020
If you are interested in learning more about including Nichols College in your legacy, please contact Jillian at jillian.riches@nichols.edu.
S TAY C O N N E C T E D
Class of 1971 graduate to Golden Bison
Moments in Time Your 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: alumnioffice@nichols.edu.
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