Golden Bison Vol 2 Issue 2- Summer/Fall 2021

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A newsletter for Nichols College alumni of the past 50 years or more

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Vol 2 Issue 2: Summer/Fall 2021

Good medicine: Bennett pushes Bison athletes to be their best, on and off the field Tim Bennett came to Nichols as a graduate assistant in sports medicine 10 years ago to gain experience in the field and pursue his MBA. When he arrived, there was a team of four athletic trainers; within six months it was down to two.

“I was able to work with all of the sports teams and got such great experience for a first-year graduate assistant,” he says.

After just a year, Bennett, who graduated from James Madison University in 2012 with a degree in athletic training, was promoted to the full-time position of assistant athletic trainer while he continued with his graduate classes. During this time, he was able to work closely on the new athletic training room, which was part of the renovations to Chalmers Field House in 2015. “When I first started, our athletic training space was a small room with carpet and just a couple treatment tables.

Now we have an amazing facility that I was lucky enough to help implement,” Bennett says. “Our goal was to make it the most functional space possible for our sports medicine staff and our student athletes.”

After two years in the role of assistant athletic trainer, Bennett was promoted to his current position as head athletic trainer and assistant director of athletics.

Bennett supervises a team of one assistant athletic trainer and three graduate assistants.

“It’s my job to make sure my team and I take care of our kids so that they can have the

best competitive experience possible,” he explains. “Our department provides direct medical oversight, first aid, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, preventative treatments, therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation services for all varsity athletes.” Over the summer Bennett works with student-athletes to get their medical records on file; in mid-August, pre-season practices start for the varsity teams. During these weeks, leading up to the start of classes, teams are practicing non-stop. Bennett and his staff can work over 80 hours a week to make sure the athletes and coaches are supported. “During pre-season we survive off of pizza, salad and ice cream,” he jokes.

Once classes start, the sports medicine team settles into their usual cadence. A typical day could start as early as 6 a.m. to prepare

athletes for early morning practices, followed by open office hours in the athletic training room, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. During this time, athletes with injuries can make an appointment to receive treatment. Bennett’s team creates a treatment plan which could include; physical therapy and rehab exercises, strength drills, whirlpools, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, cupping, massage, laser treatments, and much more, which must be respected by the athletes. At about 2:30, Bennett’s team prepares athletes for practice or competition with pre-practice routines, which could include padding, bracing, Continued on page 2

BOSTON MA

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GoldenBison

PERMIT #5732 PAID US POSTAGE NON-PROFIT ORG

Good medicine – continued from page 1

taping, stretching, soft tissue mobilizations,

to transform students into professional,

like foam rolling. Then they make the rounds

mature adults, and my team holding them

to support team practices or hop on a bus for

accountable by pushing them to stick to

away games. Each member of Bennett’s team

their training programs or showing up to

is assigned several sports to cover.

treatment appointments on time is part of this education.”

Nichols College partners with the University of Massachusetts Memorial Sports Medicine

Eric Gobiel, director of athletics, praises the

Center to provide diagnostic services for

work of the sports medicine team: “Year in

injured athletes, such as X-rays and MRIs, the

and year out, they are the unsung heroes of

results of which are returned to Bennett’s

our department, and we couldn’t be luckier

team to create a customized treatment plan.

to have the team that we do. Tim is a strong

He is comforted by the insurance investment

leader for the department with great attention

Nichols makes in its student-athletes. “I’ve

to detail, providing personalized care for

been in situations where a student has told

athletes, and serves as a mentor. He truly

me that they can’t seek medical treatment

epitomizes what it means to be a Bison.”

because they can’t afford it,” he remarks.

“Hearing the struggles of some of our student-athletes is upsetting. Knowing that Nichols College can help cover the costs of providing treatment for our athletes who are injured gives me a big sigh of relief.”

Coach Bob Donahue workout routine made just for our Golden Bison!

Do 20 reps of each move for a full body workout.

“Nichols is trying to transform students into professional,

1. Body Weight Squat

4. Band Curls

Step One

Step One

mature adults, and my team holding them accountable by pushing them to stick to their training programs or showing up to treatment appointments on time is part of this education.”

— Tim Bennett Step Two

Step Two

Bennett reflects on his longevity at Nichols and the life he has created here. “I’m a

2. Hip Hinge

5. Band Push Down

southern boy. I thought I’d put in two years as a graduate assistant and then go back home and live on a farm. But here I am 10 years later as the director of the program, a homeowner, a husband, and a dad of triplet baby girls!” He has also found a home on the Hill, among the student-athletes he treats and respects. “They have integrity. They appreciate honesty and being held accountable,” he says. “Nichols is trying Step One

Step Two

Step One

Step Two

3. Calf Raises

LIVE WORK OUT VIDEO COMING Keep an eye on your email!

Step One

Step Two

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MEET THE HERD — STUDENT HIGHLIGHT:

Ryan Warner ’23 Meet Ryan Warner, a junior at Nichols College. Some of you may have had the pleasure of meeting Ryan at reunion weekend, where he took alumni on tours, shuttled the Herd in golf carts (and even his own jeep!) and helped with event set up.

Learn more about this priceless all-star volunteer. important to me even though they are just one credit courses. They literally set you up for life after college. We work on our resumes, create our Handshake [job and internship database] account, and make sure our LinkedIn profile is updated. A bunch of my buddies from other schools have come to me to ask for resume advice. I always ask them, ‘Your school doesn’t do this with you?’ They say no, and I think to myself, ‘Man I’m lucky!’ I end up getting called a resume snob, but

STATS:

I’m okay with that!”

• Class of 2023

• Major: Accounting

Q A

• Minor: Criminal Justice Management • Favorite Lombard Dining Hall Meal: Buffalo Chicken Wrap

What do you love the most about Nichols?

“I love Nichols because it is a great

community of people. At Nichols, class sizes are small and you aren’t just a number; the professors and our advisors know us all by name. It has been very helpful to have close relationships with

Q A

them. I love that I know everyone in my class and that people are

What are your plans for after graduation?

friendly here. There are no bad eggs!”

“There are a couple different career paths that I am considering, a Certified Public Accountant, exploring opportunities at a company like Fidelity or a Certified Fraud

Examiner. My criminal justice minor would give me great perspective to explore the field of fraud examination and forensic accounting.

Fun Fact:

I also plan to take advantage of Nichols’ 4 + 1 program and will continue on to the graduate accounting program.”

As a Nichols student, Ryan is continuing the legacy

Ryan currently works as an intern with Krumsiek & Associates, PC,

of his father, Patrick Warner, who shares, “As a

owned by Nichols alumni, Kim Krumsiek ’03 and her husband

proud member of the Nichols Class of 1994, I was

Matt ’05.

extremely excited when Ryan made the decision to join the Herd and major in accounting like his

Says Kim: “As Bison alums, we are proud to continue to hire fellow Bison for our internships. We have really enjoyed having Ryan join

dad! I knew he would thrive on the Hill given the

us for his internship. Ryan is everything great about Nichols. He has

small campus, friendly

a strong work ethic, a positive energy, and is a quick learner and a

atmosphere, the hands-on

future leader for the Herd.”

Q A

approach of the Nichols professors, as well as the

What are you involved in on campus?

“I might be involved in too much at this point! Currently

wide opportunities to get

I am a member of the men’s lacrosse team which I plan to

involved. Ryan has taken

continue through graduate school. I serve as treasurer for

full advantage of his

the Class of 2023, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and for

experience, from playing

a new club, Hope Happens Here, which supports mental health for

for the lacrosse team,

student athletes. I am also a member of the Accounting Club.”

being a class officer, an

Q A

What has been your favorite class at Nichols so far?

orientation leader, as well as his job on the IT Help

“I definitely have one. They will laugh because I am an

Desk. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for

accounting major and I won’t mention accounting, but the

him, as I know Nichols is preparing him well.”

Professional Development Seminar classes have been so

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Golden Bison, meet the next generation of leaders from Nichols College.

This year the 10 Under 10 Award was created to recognize GOLD graduates (Graduates Of the Last Decade) for outstanding accomplishments in leadership, service, career and character. Our first class of leaders includes a police officer, entrepreneur, business owner, national security analyst, and a VIP executive with the Boston Celtics. Awardees were honored in a virtual ceremony on July 29, 2021.

Shaun Delaney ’15 Police Officer, Woburn Police Department Shaun became a full-time police officer in 2019. In addition to protecting the residents of Woburn, Mass., he plays a critical role in keeping alumni of the Nichols lacrosse team connected to the institution. Shaun’s nominators describe him as committed, charismatic, inclusive and caring.

“I’ve always had a strong work ethic and take pride in this. My experience at Nichols helped my work ethic grow. This is because, without a doubt, the class sizes, the professors’ guidance and their drive to push us to succeed as students, and the opportunity to play lacrosse for Coach [Eric] Gobiel.”

Presenter: Ryan Flavin ’13

“Shaun’s committed and caring personality to his family, friends, alumni and hometown citizens are all the attributes we should strive to incorporate into our daily lives. We are all lucky to have Shaun as an ambassador of what a Nichols College alum can accomplish and contribute to society.”

Anna Dyakiv ’14 Senior VIP Member Experience Executive, Boston Celtics Anna considers Nichols College to be the foundation of her success with the Boston Celtics. She was an involved student, playing women’s tennis (inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019) and served as a student ambassador. She continues her involvement as a member of the Board of Trustees and a wonderful representation of women in sports. “[Former President] Susan Engelkemeyer and [Former Athletic Director] Charlie Robert have been amazing mentors of mine since the day I met them. They are strong, hard working, dedicated women who have paved the path for the rest of us; they make the unfeasible seem possible.”

Presenter: Abby DePasquale ’14 MBA ’15, Associate Director of Career & Professional Services

“Anna’s commitment to Nichols College didn’t end when she walked across the stage in 2014. She has been paving a path of leadership ever since. Anna works hard to build a partnership between Nichols College and the Boston Celtics including internships, networking opportunities and all things professional development.”

DJ Goldstein ’17 MBA ’18 Executive Director, Watermark Retirement Communities In his role, DJ has had to make tough decisions, especially to ensure the health and safety of the residents while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. As a captain on the men’s hockey team, DJ was also a leader at Nichols and today serves as a mentor and supporter of the program, sponsoring a yearly team dinner where he gets to meet the current players.

“When I was notified that I was a 10 Under 10 awardee, I immediately thought of how grateful I was that I found Nichols. Nichols is the people; without the people Nichols wouldn’t be the community that it is. This is what makes Nichols so very special.”

Presenter: Carmen Garcia ’17

“When I was asked to nominate a fellow Bison, this individual was the first person to come to mind. A Bison to me is a hardworking, caring, responsible individual and above all a friend.”

Stefany Mendez ’13 MBA ’16 Procurement Category Manager, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Stefany has been steadily climbing at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, where she was hired as administrative assistant in 2014 and moved to manager within 16 months. She is a shining example of leadership: president of her class at Nichols and on the Board of Trustees. Stefany is actively involved as a volunteer with several organizations, and in 2017, was honored by El Mundo Boston’s 30 Under 30 Awards.

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“My motto has always been to pave the path for those that are to follow. I’m so honored to be recognized for my involvement and hope to inspire others to do the same, whether it is planning events for fundraisers for low income families or providing mentor or coaching opportunities, any volunteer service to help our youth is so important.”

Presenter: Liz Horgan, Director of Career and Professional Services

“Stefany began her Nichols College journey as a first generation college student determined to take advantage of every opportunity. Service has always been an integral part of Stefany’s life, and she’s been incredibly committed to Nichols College.”

Brooke Packard ’18 7th Grade English Teacher, Ware Public Schools; Massachusetts Realtor, Real Living Realty Professionals; Founder and Owner, B.P’s Easy Living Corporation and Trifecta Protection In addition to teaching, Brooke is a realtor and entrepreneur. She launched B.P.’s Easy Living, a cleaning company, as a student, and grew the business to 12 team members, 100+ clients while expanding services to include landscaping and pet care. After a year of product design work on a 3-in-1 safety device, Brooke launched Trifecta Protection. She was a member of the women’s basketball team at Nichols and still serves as a volunteer.

“I’m driven every day to be better and push myself further in every single aspect of my life and I think Nichols did a great job in setting this foundation for me. People ask me often what is my why. In three different ways my why is time, we don’t get enough time in this life.

Time, freedom and my family are extremely important to me.”

Presenter: Emily Barden ’18

“The magnitude of entrepreneurship while teaching middle school students and the future of our world is very far from ordinary. Brooke Packard is so deserving of the 10 Under 10 Award.”

Paul Parks III ’19 Owner, Frisbie’s Dairy Barn; General Manager, Luna’s Waffles & Cream; Instructor, Mastery Martial Arts Paul is a driven entrepreneur. At Nichols, he had an opportunity to work on a consulting project for Mike Frisbie ’90, owner of Frisbie’s Dairy Barn, which led to Paul purchasing the business from Mike in 2020. Given Paul’s other two concurrent jobs, his nominators described him as versatile, powerful, full of energy and someone who puts others before himself.

“Nichols College is very big reason I am the person I am today. Previously, I was a martial arts instructor dead set on not attending college and working full time as an instructor. My dad very quickly told me that wasn’t an option and I’m so glad that he did. Thank you to my dad who made sure I went to college and helped me along the way.”

Presenter: Rob Russo ’12 MBA ’13, Visiting Assistant Professor & Visual Media Studio Director

“I nominated Paul Parks for the 10 Under 10 Award because he embodies everything I believe a Nichols student should stand for. I witnessed Paul learn and apply these lessons from the classroom to his job in the visual media studio and step up as a leader among our student staff. He is such a great person.”

James was a leader on campus, establishing the Men of Distinction Club and working closely with the Institute for Women’s Leadership and the Career and Professional Development Center, which he continues to support through virtual events with current students.

“I became interested in serving our country from coaches who had a military and law enforcement background. I chose to go to Nichols to pursue my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. What makes Nichols incredible is the support system I gained the second I became a Bison. I was supported in both my career and professional goals.”

Kevin Pittz ’10 Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Presenter: Kris LeDuc, Career

Kevin serves over 300 local families in Albany, N.Y., as a financial advisor. He also volunteers, giving back to his community in several ways, including as president of the Rotary Club of Albany, ambassador for Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, board member of St. Anne Institute, and mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. At Nichols, Kevin was a member of the tennis team and Radio Club. He and his wife Juli have two children.

“From my first day at Nichols, James made a lasting impression — not many students walked around campus carrying their tablet in a brief case.

This is just a simple example of his unparalleled professionalism throughout his college career and beyond. We have all witnessed that James holds himself to the highest standard while empowering others around him.”

“My time on the Hill was great; it still gives me goosebumps thinking about calling the play by play for the hockey team when they won the conference championship for the first time.

Congratulations to all of the nominees; it is a great rock star class to be a part of.”

Presenter: Jillian Riches MBA MSOL ’18, Assistant Director of Public Engagement

“Kevin has a thriving financial advising practice serving the Albany area and has held many volunteer roles to give back to his local community.”

James Singletary ’19 Investigative Support Analyst, National Intelligence Unit, Government, National Security Working for the U.S. government is a goal that James had worked hard to achieve. His nominators describe him as having a positive attitude and demeanor that is contagious.

Development Specialist

Amber Tariq ’16 Senior Accountant, UMass Memorial Health Amber was a standout student during her time at Nichols College, an honors student, member of the Accounting Club, and teaching assistant. She also worked in the accounts payable department and held two internships. Her hard work and good nature have served well, rising to a senior accounting role at the region’s premier medical center.

“I started out in public accounting after graduating; last year I transitioned to the healthcare industry. One of my professional goals has always been to work in an industry where I can see the positive impact that our organization has on our society, and I feel that is exactly where I have landed at UMass, especially given the circumstances of this last year. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Nichols.”

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Presenter: Jean Beaupre, Associate Dean

“I was fortunate enough to have Amber in a class called How Women Lead and worked closely with her when she volunteered for the Empowering Women in Business Conference. As an alum, she continues to shine, volunteering at our Sophomore Shout Out Event, the Accounting Mentor Program and the Accounting and Finance Career Fair.”

Mario Turner ’16 MSOL ’17 MSC ’18 Safety and Investigations Specialist, TJX Companies Mario has accomplished his goals through hard work and perseverance. A criminal justice major at Nichols, he went on to earn two master’s degrees, in organizational leadership and counterterrorism, and co-founded the college’s Office of Veterans and Military Services. He holds several certifications from FEMA, a Force Protection Certification from the Marine Corps Recruiting Organization and an Operational Security for Control Systems certificate from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Mario continues to give back to Nichols College, participating in career development events, mentoring students and serving as a member of the Board of Advisors. He is currently enrolled at the Massachusetts State Police Academy program to be completed this fall, saying, “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

His nominators describe him as professional and a strong communicator and leader.

Presenter: Boyd Brown, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

“Mario was an icon on campus; he was one of those people that everyone seemed to know. He was an undergraduate student, then a graduate student, a staff member, the originator and founder of our Office of Veterans and Military Services and a student ambassador. In everything that he did he set a standard, not only for excellence but for service. This is the reason why Mario couldn’t be here today; he is currently in the police academy pursuing his goal of serving his community as a police officer.”

A tale of timing, talent & technology Mike Pelletier ’67 Mike Pelletier ’67 was lucky to have an illustrious career in the up-and-coming field of technology. While life wasn’t always easy for him or his family, he feels blessed that the right doors opened for him at the right time.

Pelletier is a “townie” growing up in Webster and Dudley, down the road from Nichols College and attended Bartlett High School.

“I was brought up in this small community in the late 1940s; a different environment then.

“My parents had a ninth-grade education and were factory workers. My mother worked at Steven’s Mill. My father worked at various shoe and textile companies within the area.

We were not rich.”

inventory data. Pelletier was responsible for bringing the data punch cards each day to the computer room where he got to know the computer operator. When the operator told Pelletier that he’d been called to serve in the Vietnam War and asked if he’d be interested in doing his computer operations job, Pelletier eagerly said, “Yes!” He started reading the IBM manuals and was hired as the computer operator, third shift, full time in 1964.

At a young age, Pelletier’s parents instilled in him the importance of education and work ethic.

Pelletier was on track to become a history teacher, but his father suffered a fatal heart attack at 54, and left Pelletier with the sole support and responsibility of providing for his family at 21. The state college he was attending was too far away to continue his studies. At the suggestion of the family attorney handling his father’s passing, he applied to Nichols College. He got an interview, got accepted, and started right away in the fall of 1964.

“This was my start to learning how computers are interrelated in business environments,” he says. “I learned about payroll, inventory, working with engineers, sales forecasting all areas of the business. The topics I was learning at Nichols I was doing on the computer, finding out how they are doing all this stuff. I was also learning how to program the computer. I was seeing everything.” The combination of work and school was a great benefit. Topics in the classroom reinforced his role at American Optical and on-the-job experience made him a better student. When Nichols added a data processing class, Pelletier ended up assisting the teacher because of his on-the-job knowledge of the topic! He even arranged a tour of his work space for the students to see the technology in action.

Pelletier became a full-time day student and a full-time employee at American Optical (AO) in Southbridge, Mass. He worked third shift, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., went home for breakfast, then onto Nichols for classes until 3 p.m., then he slept for a few hours and did it all over again. Most of Sunday was spent in the Nichols library. This “routine” lasted three years until graduation.

At American Optical, Pelletier’s job was grinding down blank lenses until they reached the desired tolerance. Eventually, however, he started to have a negative reaction to the dust created during the process and had to move on. Needing another job to support his family and pay for his college tuition, he landed at Sanitary Dash, a plumbing supply company in North Grosvenordale, Conn. He did “piece work,” manufacturing products paid by the “pieces” he made daily. Pelletier blew his quota out of the water on several occasions, causing resentment among the other workers and resulting in tire slashing and harassment. Luckily, another door was about to open for him.

During this time, American Optical came to Nichols to recruit students to help with their

At first, Pelletier was involved in intensive computer training, learning how to write computer code. At the time there were no computer languages, everything was written in 1’s and 0’s, binary and hexadecimal code.

With little computer storage compared to today, programmers were tasked with writing very “tight” or concise code so as not to overburden available memory in the system. Pelletier says he had the tightest code in his class and was assigned to write custom code to work with the IBM operating system programs. “Next thing I knew I was sitting in a room with a bunch of math majors. Someone from Nichols was writing better code than they were!” Pelletier’s experience both at Nichols and at American Optical enabled him to see the big picture when solving problems, compared to the math majors who were focused on the small details. He believes this mindset has been a big part of his professional success.

Then, as a senior at a campus recruiting event, Pelletier made a connection with the Eastman Kodak Company recruiter. Based on his knowledge, experience, and good grades, he was offered a job in all three Kodak divisions: Kodak Office, Kodak Park Manufacturing, and Kodak Apparatus Division. He opted for Kodak Office, giving him more insight into the overall business

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processes of the company. As a result, Pelletier was able to move from a program analyst position to a senior system analyst; and designed and implemented new systems and applications for the Eastman Kodak Company. This work caught the attention of the Corporate IT Group.

Pelletier was one of three employees chosen for a one-year assignment with the Corporate IT team at Kodak. The team was responsible for global IT policies. The first project he pitched was a disaster and the team passed on it. A colleague then suggested he get feedback from other team members to ensure his project would support other initiatives in the office. Pelletier wasn’t used to problem solving in a collaborative environment, but it worked. He adjusted his plan with their input and got it approved. It was a great career lesson. Several project assignments and responsibilities followed. At the end of the year, he was asked to stay on with the Corporate IT department. Another door opened, another opportunity!

Pelletier began traveling all over the world, including England, Sweden, France, and Germany, to assess their computer processing needs and help develop Kodak’s telecommunications efforts and connect their data centers. He worked on underseas fiber optics, satellite communications, data centers and client networks, systems security

and encryption. Thanks to his business background with Nichols and his strong expertise in technology, he was able to keep his eye on a strategic vision while still understanding the details of the project.

Kodak’s management changed, and the company prioritized cutting cost measures, resulting in outsourcing Eastman Kodak’s IT department to IBM and Digital Equipment Corporation. Pelletier opted to work for Digital Equipment Corporation, which was acquired by Compaq Computer Corporation and eventually Hewlett Packard Corporation.

Out of the 1,200 original Kodak IT employees, Pelletier says he was one of only five still working, and now with Hewlett Packard, he

served as a worldwide IT consultant and IT Business Solutions Architect.

In 2002, after 35 years in business, Pelletier took an early retirement option. He moved to Florida and is currently employed at the Pelican Landing Community Association, a private gated community with over 3,000+ residences and 7,000 people in Bonita Springs. “I love it,” he exclaims. “No more 80-hour weeks for me. I get to help with their IT needs, bus transportation and First Mate on their boat trips to their private island on the Gulf. I talk to hundreds of people a day from all over the US and the world.”

Pelletier reflects on his time at Nichols,

“I learned discipline and attention to detail from my accounting classes. Due to my personal circumstances, I had to work full time and go to school, which taught me great time management skills. Putting the knowledge gained together with real life experiences formed a personal methodology for me on how to attack any problem or situation.”

He continues. “I look at all the things that have happened in my life and I thank God every time. He opened doors at the proper time for me; it was always obvious when a door opened that this was the right path to follow. It was a series of door openings that led me to my success, the first door being Nichols College.”

Felling

His yard is gnarled spirea,

burning bush, rust-colored juniper

planted years ago. We tramp

through plantain lily and Solomon’s

seal—that muck of yellows—

Michael Meagher

and look up at the old birch, scaling

Michael Meagher, Adjunct Professor, was

its scaly nakedness together.

born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, then spent most of his twenties landscaping,

He places the cold saw in my hands.

roofing, and manual laboring in British Columbia and Nova Scotia. In 2015, he

And because he says nothing—

received a Master’s in Creative Writing from

to me, his son, who once tire-swung

the University of New Brunswick, where one of his stories won the David H. Walker Prize.

through those long weekday

His writing has appeared in The Antigonish

evenings, who branded the bone of

Review, Canadian Literature, CV2, The Fiddlehead, The Malahat Review, PRISM

its lowest branch with rope—

international, Queen’s Quarterly, and

I choke the engine and pull the cord,

The Journey Prize Stories 29. His poetry book, Seven-to-Five, just came out with

listening for that just-so purr,

Gaspereau Press. For the last six years,

then angle the blade for the notch cut,

feel the tree’s shaky weight

Rhode Island, and raising two kids. He moved back to Halifax, Nova Scotia, a few months ago, where he continues to

push against my shoulders, flakes

while teaching at night, he was living in

teach online.

of its paper vibrating off.

Where to buy the book: www.gaspereau.com/bookInfo.php?AID=0&AISBN=9781554472253

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“Your attention please”: Fran Lemay ’53 endows new scholarship

IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER

Fran Lemay ’53, a loyal and consistent supporter of Nichols College, was recently inspired to contribute a major gift of $50,000 through his IRA distribution to endow a new scholarship.

The Fran Lemay ’53 Endowed Scholarship will support a new or returning student who is active in the campus community. When asked if he’d like to include a GPA requirement in the scholarship criteria, he said, “No thank you! I did much better at Nichols than in my Deerfield Academy days, but I was a long way away from a straight A student.

I want any student to have an opportunity to apply for this scholarship.” A portion of Lemay’s gift will be used to place an engraved plaque on a locker in the newly renovated football and lacrosse locker rooms, to commemorate the sports he played in college.

REDUCE YOUR TAXABLE INCOME. ACT NOW TO SAVE ON TAXES!

Have you wanted to do more for Nichols?

Here is a charitable way that offers a tax break, too. Talk to your financial advisor to learn how you can reduce your taxable income while supporting Nichols College.

If you are 70½ or older and required to take an annual minimum distribution from your IRA, you can transfer up to $100,000 directly to a charity and avoid paying taxes on the income. By rolling over all or part of your IRA’s required minimum distribution to Nichols College, you can help reduce your tax bill while supporting today’s students on the Hill.

Lemay has happy memories from his time on the Hill. He was a member of the Justinian Council, worked as a waiter and then a head waiter, served as a proctor, and was part of the Army Reserve program through Nichols. As head waiter, he was responsible for making college announcements. He’d start each meal service by getting on the microphone saying, “Your attention please!”

In 1950 Lemay joined the army and after graduation in 1953 was activated to serve and was stationed in Germany. He served a 2-year term and once completed continued to be a member of the army reserves. When he returned home his mother, seeing a sign for Tellers Wanted, gave him a very effective motherly nudge to apply for the job and his career in banking began. His starting salary was $2,600 a year! New hires typically had a 90-day trial period, after just two weeks they officially accepted Lemay as a full-time employee. He went on to be a successful leader in the banking world, serving as bank CEO and overseeing several acquisitions. He retired as president and CEO of United Savings Bank, a role he served in for 24 years. When he retired as president, he became the chairman of the board. A different path than listed in the class prophecy section in the 1953 yearbook which predicted that LeMay will be “running a night club called Bunch’s Villa and has recently employed Clem Dowling as head waiter.”

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? • Transfer tax-free gifts from your IRA directly to Nichols • Can be applied toward your annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) • Beneficial for individuals who do not itemize deductions on their income tax • Withdrawals not subject to annual charitable deduction limitations • IRA gifts may be used to satisfy multi-year campaign or reunion gift pledges

On an unrelated note, Lemay said he enjoyed Bruce Underwood’s article on Oktoberfest from the winter/spring edition of the Golden Bison Bulletin. “It brought back memories for me. I have been at least 15 times, the first time I attended the Fest was 1954.

Bruce has me beat!”

To learn more, email advancement@nichols.edu or talk to your financial advisor.

The Nichols College community is grateful to Fran Lemay for his generous investment in Nichols students and the next generation of leaders.

The Justinians First row left to right: Dr. Carpenter, Fred Vonick (Treasurer), Lou Ferry (President), Fran Lemay (Vice President) Second row left to right: Mr. Douglas, Walt Spicer, Bob Root (Corresponding Secretary), Dick Holden, Norm Knapp (Recording Secretary), Bob Forcier, Ed Morse

8

The only time in Nichols history that 400+ men ate dinner by candlelight Bob Lucas ’69 Going back to my days at Nichols has been interesting and rewarding.

Plus, it keeps my mind focused, as the aging process continues to move forward!

We went up to see and eat. As we walked in, all the tables in the dining hall had several candles, plus the emergency lights.

The cafeteria line had emergency lights and candles.

This experience happened in my freshman year in the late fall of 1965, November 9th, to be exact!

Propane was the mode to cook the food, thank God! It was probably the only time in Nichols history that 400+ men ate dinner by candlelight! LOL!

Researching this story was eye-opening, as it was a major event of its time. The newspapers called it, “The Great Northeast Blackout of 1965,” where a failure of a single 230-kilowatt transmission line in Ontario, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. would cause a catastrophic effect.

Most of New York State, seven neighboring states, and eastern Canada were in the dark, trapping 800,000 people on the NY City subway system.

Of course, it was midterm exams at the time, so we thought the exams would be cancelled, as we were unable to study. When we got back to Smith, someone in our group wanted to go for a drive to see how extensive the power outage was. So off we went, a car full of us, looking to find a gas station open and lights. Even though, a sophomore, I believe his name was Bruce, had plenty of gas to go out to look for gas. Strange?

My father worked for the then New England Power Co. in Massachusetts. He was a power dispatcher; they were responsible for making sure there was enough electricity to power the Northeast and parts of New York for any given time. The demand for the electricity at the time was very high, as it was cold for that time of year as well as dinner time. Communications were done by dial up phone only. This is probably why the event occurred, the lack of fast communication!

Anything to go off campus, as freshmen could not have cars on campus. Several of my friends had rented garages off campus to store them for the weekends to Boston or home.

Well, we went to Webster, and it was dark, no gas station open. Then we decided to go to Southbridge to see if they had any open.

Of course, no lights anywhere, but as we went through town towards Sturbridge, we found the light! It was a small gas station that had a generator, and he was open for business! The line to get the gas was way too long to wait. (The gas station had not hiked up the price during the blackout.

That would not be the case in this day and age!

The good old days!)

I spoke to my dad the following night. He told me about the transmission line tripping in Canada, causing a domino effect to the whole power system, as it caused other heavily loaded lines to go offline.

Just like your home electrical box has circuit breakers, so did these transmission lines, resulting in the eventual breakup of the entire Northeastern transmission network.

So, back to Nichols and still no power!

But shortly after, the power was restored and we had to study for the next day’s midterms, after all!

Well, now that we have the reason for this story, here it is!

We were in Smith Hall getting ready for dinner, when we lost power. We thought it would come back on, but as time passed, nothing. We found out that dinner was still being served, but by candlelight!

A simple time of life!



The Colonel Conrad Society “I decided that when my time comes to enter the afterlife, I want to help my fellow man or woman of Nichols College by including a bequest in my estate plans. With this commitment, I hope my legacy will live

Trivia Question: What year did they change the dress code of wearing sport coats and ties to casual dress in the dining hall for dinner?

I remember when sport teams after a late practic, tried to get in for dinner with their practice uniforms or sweats on. They had student proctors at the entrance of the dining room, to make sure that you

on at our little school atop Dudley Hill.”

had proper attire! Well, no one passed by them. They seem to be always on the larger size, as a requirement to work there!

– Rick Blankley ’65

Submitted by Bob Lucas ’69

For a chance to win a Nichols College prize and help us create

Join Rick Blankley ’65 and include Nichols College in your estate plans to become a member of the Colonel Conrad Society.

our next trivia questions submit your answer via email to jlllian.riches@nichols.edu or mail your response to: Nichols College

Contact Jillian Riches for more information at 508-213-2211 or at jillian.riches@nichols.edu

Attn: Jillian Riches PO Box 5000, Dudley, MA 01571

9

Golden Bison Updates 1953

was sure to happen shortly after

convinced me that I had made

graduation, since he thought that

a poor career choice. Since I

Howard Raphaelson shares

at best, I would lose two years and

transferred in January, I did not

We also broadcasted athletic events.

thoughts and remembrances:

at worst I could lose my life or an

find out that there was a “tradition”

Since the radio station was only in

important body part or two. He

of hassling first-year students by

operation for a few hours in the

I lived in Merrill, which is long gone.

thought I should go with him to

the upperclassmen. When I found

evening, we generally recorded

It was a wood frame building with a

Venezuela, and he could arrange for

out in September, I had no interest

them on a tape recorder and played

couple of floors and moderate sized

me to get a job running a lumbering

in joining the action and even less

them back later. On one occasion,

rooms with plywood walls. The walls

camp or mining camp for a year

in tolerating it. I am afraid that I was

we taped a basketball game in

kept out the light from the adjoining

or so in the mountains. I would be

outspoken in my contempt for the

Boston. On the way back we

rooms, but hardly interfered with

the manager since I could read and

theory that treating underclassmen

stopped at a drinking establishment,

the sound. You could carry on a

write and could presumably be

poorly somehow made things better

and after a few drinks decided that

conversation with someone in the

trusted to handle the payroll. Such

for the upperclassmen or the college

it would be a good idea to record

next room in a nearly normal tone.

a job paid well, and since there was

we attended. The hassling actions

a show there. We brought the

This was not a problem. The rooms

nothing to spend money on, at the

petered out. I doubt that it was all

recorder in and taped some music

were comfortable and were roomy

end of the time I could come back

my doing, although any controversy

and some conversation. We also

enough, since there were bunk beds

to Caracas and his connections

about it might have caused Colonel

taped the female singer and

which used only a moderate amount

would allow me to use the savings

Conrad to think about it, and he was

subsequently interviewed her.

of floor space.

to buy an exclusive import license

respected for having firm ideas, and

for a profitable item, such as a line

no one tested his patience.

Conrad’s connections.

When we got back to campus, we

I had a number of friends. Across

of power tools or home appliances.

the hall was German Mancini, from

After a while I could afford to buy

We had a radio station in the upper

station and decided we should

Caracas, Venezuela. Some years

an additional import arrangement

floor of the observatory, that could

broadcast our pub session at once,

later I tried to get his home address

and could eventually semi retire

reach all of Dudley Hill, which

which we did.

from Nichols, and it appeared that

and start a family while the profits

encompassed the college and

the information had been lost. In any

rolled in. I chose to allow myself to

perhaps a dozen non college

The next day when we went to

case, it was gone, and since it was

get drafted. Now and then I wonder

private homes. Mostly we played

the station to prepare to play

well before the internet, I gave up. I

about that decision. I think about it

records with bland comments in

the basketball game tape, we

am pretty sure that his trail is long

more often now, with the political

between. We had a steady supply

discovered that the pub tape was

since gone cold. Too bad.

news and the virus.

of long-playing music records

gone. We never found out what

produced for use by military bases

happened to it and decided that it

brought the equipment to the radio

German felt that it would be a

I transferred to Nichols after a

all over the world. We may have

would be best if we never tried to

mistake for me to be drafted, which

little time at Worcester Tech that

gotten them through Colonel

find out where it went.

Reunion Recap The first ever reunion weekend was a hit! Thank you to those of you that were able to join us.

A special thank you to our 50th reunion committee members for your hard work!

The classes of 1970 and 1971 were both welcomed as our newest Golden Bison.

Our foresters enjoyed a reunion dinner at the 200 Sportsmen Club. The menu included mystery stew!

Foresters from near and far were in attendance.

Chuck Evans ’65 joined us from Pennsylvania with his son from California! Thank you, Ron Schmitt ’65, along with Bruce Demoranville ’65, for your continued support and effort in providing

Our attendees enjoyed stories

reunion experiences for our foresters. We are so

by the fire pits, sleeping in our

grateful for your volunteer service.

current freshmen dormitory, interacting with Bison of all ages, a sunset boat cruise on Webster Lake, and more.

A bittersweet moment of the weekend was saying goodbye to President Susan West Engelkemeyer and wishing her well for her retirement.

10

Golden Bison Updates 1956

1957

past ten years and wish Susan

I was friends with everybody. I think

and Dave a happy, healthy and

it would have to be Jenness Robbins

John Durney from Dallas, Texas,

Class Champion: Kent Tarrant

enjoyable retirement. As I’m

from Searsmont, Maine. When I

shares how he stays connected

413-566-5130

writing this, I’m reminded that I,

moved up there after graduation,

to Nichols:

kent100@charter.net

(and in some cases a few of us) have

his family took me in. They gave

personally known every president

me a job at the sawmill and set

of Nichols. As Warren Bender ’64

me up in a camping trailer at Lake

would say, “AND THE BEAT GOES

Quantabacook. I helped build his

ON.” Just read a David Brooks

first house and his father was

column in the NY Times, who gave

instrumental in getting me a job

the commencement speech this past

with the state forest service. I have

week at BC. One of the pieces of

many happy memories of those days.

In today’s world, there are a number of ways to stay connected. Through social media alone we keep in touch with our loved ones, friends and others. I use the same media when staying in touch with Nichols, but

Allen Scherer shares: I am retired and enjoying my retirement with my wife, Yvonne. We enjoy spending time with our children, Emily and Allen, and our grandchildren, Ellie and Natalie. I have many fond memories of my time on campus.

find I also have an additional per-

Nichols prepared me for a successful

sonal connection with the school.

industrial sales career.

In the mid-1950s, I roomed in Budleigh Hall at Nichols Junior College with a friend of mine from

1958 Dick Rocker reports: After graduating from Nichols, I went to Michigan

my hometown of White Plains, NY,

State, graduating in September

Chuck Downing. Chuck was a year

1960. Following graduation, I

ahead of me and was influential

went to work in the glass container

in my attending Nichols. After the

industry for 28 years. It was then

Christmas break Chuck brought

time to start my own business which

back his record player with music

I did by involving myself in the

ranging from pop to light classical.

promotional products business for

It wasn’t long before we were playing

28 years. Retired now in Tennessee,

two musicians in particular, Mantovani

after losing my wife six years ago.

and the Melachrino Strings (two unfamiliar names), which we enjoyed listening to while studying. This

Hello to my classmates!

Class Champion: Charlie Howe

of the year until Chuck graduated

609-494-5450

and left with his music.

charleskatehowe@gmail.com

undergraduate education plus a year of law school. I spent the next 25 years in sales/management in the corporate world (division president)

10 friends who would be willing to

Jim Dolan reports that he recently

contribute each year to a worthwhile

celebrated his 82nd birthday on

cause or charity, pool it together,

May 10. He and his wife Anne are

meet for a weekend each year, and

still happily living in Portland, OR,

decide where to make the donation.

and just recently completed a home

Just think what effect that would

renovation; next year their home

have over a 60-year period. I share

will be 100 years old. They love to

this with you realizing the important

go on cruises and have traveled to

role that the alumni of Nichols have

Europe many times, typically on

played in advancing all aspects of

an every other year cadence. After

college life on the Hill. I assure you

graduating from Nichols College,

that the Herd is alive and well, and

Jim went to graduate school at the

still needs your support. Reunion

University of Rhode Island. From

will be celebrated at the newly

there he worked in New York as a

established reunion weekend,

product manager for Nabisco, then

June 3 and 4. It’s a “Biggie.”

in the advertising business in Boston and then in an assisted living and

1962

scenario continued for the remainder

Fast forward. I completed my

advice that he shared was pick out

Nelson Durland shares: I transferred from Dean Jr. College to Nichols in 1960. I had to take many more credits so that I could graduate in 1962.

I was a two-year letterman in track

Richard Makin offers an update:

and was the first resident of

I had recently discovered that

Goodell Hall (no longer there). I was

Cal and Sally Hills’ son Tripp and

a member of the EAVE for seniors at

his wife had purchased a home in

Goodell Hall. I was very proud to get

our golf community in Naples. So,

back to the Hill for our 50th reunion.

when the Hills planned a visit to see

nursing home company for 20 years.

He reports that he has no regrets!

Jim is still in touch with his Nichols College buddies Joe Ronchetti and Don Mafera.

Bruce MacDonald shares a few favorite memories.

Memories of my time at Nichols have come together to form a very

followed by 18 years doing

their son, I invited Paul Zimmerman

In 1995 I retired from being supervisor

consulting work in the M&A field

for the weekend. Consequently, the

of transportation for Sullivan

for small to mid-sized privately

Hills family, Paul, and Pam and I had

County. I am still very active in the

held companies. It was during this

a fun enjoyable dinner in Naples

fire department, Masons and the

time my lovely spouse, Marsha, and

catching up on old times at Nichols.

AM Vets. Charlie Howe has been a

I decided to have wine hour at

Paul, Pam and I got to enjoy a round

great class agent, keeping all of us

cafeteria that allowed the repeated

home and spend more quality time

of golf the next day, and I think Pam

together and informed.

use of the milk machine without

together. This was not easy as she

beat both of us!

years and have two daughters.

During our wine time, we relax by playing the Easy Listening Channel as background music, and

memory, as limited as it is, has yielded the following: • Taking a table and chair in the

leaving one’s chair. This went a Rick LaVergne says: I am still alive

long way toward my weight

Charlie Howe is checking in with

and kicking and enjoying the great

gain at Nichols which magically

classmates: Hoping that you are all

outdoors. It is tough to pick a best

disappeared when graduation led

in good health and that the last year

friend while I was at Nichols because

to Army Basic Training.

had a business of her own in education. We’ve been married 57

rewarding period in my life. My

has not dimmed your outlook for the year ahead, which by the way,

John Turro ’62

will be 2022, and includes the 60th anniversary of your graduation from

John Turro reflects: We used to have barn parties, those

who, among others, are featured

Nichols College. A lot has gone

but Mantovani and the Melachrino

under the bridge since that time,

Strings! It takes me back in time to

let us all look forward to fond

a college dormitory room listening

remembrances and new beginnings.

ended up burning down. It was between Budleigh and

to this beautiful music, wondering

As most of you are aware, the baton

Daniels. I also remember having a lot of mixers between

what life would bring. Yes, that is

of leadership was passed this July

Annhurst College, a Catholic women’s college in

one of the ways I stay connected

to a new president, which is a new

Woodstock, CT. The nuns were very strict; we would have

to Nichols!

beginning for the college. We

to leave by 11 pm. Our best relationship with a women’s

were a lot of fun! I also remember that we had football rallies in Bazzie’s and in T-Hall where I lived but that

have certainly been blessed with

college was Endicott during my time.

outstanding leadership during the

11

Golden Bison Updates to hustle $10 bucks from me. He

We were in South Carolina by April

good friend, Howard, K.O. Chong Jr.,

remember a very heroic woman,

promised me he would accept a

1971. We moved to Marion, a town of

you are missed greatly and thought

I believe her name was Lois Alton,

rematch in Stuart. After plenty of

5,000 people. Weekends we would

of often.

our dining room hostess, who did

wine and dining we returned

go to Myrtle Beach. Bruce and his

her very best to maintain control

back to the East Coast on April 19th.

family and our family each had a

Rob Fenn muses: I enjoy reading

mobile home in the Ocean Lakes

the Golden Bison paper immensely.

Campground.

The stories in it revel in the times

• I am sure my classmates will

of our dining room. Yes, she did try very hard but there were times

We all want to wish Susan, our

when food just seemed to fly on

departing president, a very happy

its own.

retirement and want to thank her

I never felt like I had a “job,” and

many of them. Especially the famous

for taking Nichols to the next level.

I got to work with 300 fantastic

“bra incident” that Barry Paletta ’66

We have never had such a popular,

people. We lived in the campground

shared with us in edition, Volume 2

accomplished president.

for five years and then built our

Issue 1: Winter/Spring 2021.

• Our life’s ambitions to reach comfortable financial objectives have demanded unthinkable adjustments as we reflect on the cost of doing our laundry downtown at a cost of .25 cents to wash and .10 cents to dry per load.

• Spring brought the need for sun exposure to look our dating best.

I was at Nichols and I remember

home close to the ocean. As for Hope she can attend some of our

Bruce, he is now in Port St. Lucie,

However, I remember it a little

alumni meetings in the future.

FL, and they are refurbishing

differently. Here’s what I remember.

their home.

1964

It took place during Convocation which was held every Thursday

Class Champion: Dan Tomassetti

Steve Thorn exclaims: Boy, are we

during third period in the old gym

glad to be rid of 2020! Letha and

(the Barn). During this time the

I celebrated our 56th wedding

gym was also used for plays, thus

anniversary in September 2020 and

having a series of lighting features

that is mostly all the good that came

in the overhead. The Convocation

writing for the Golden Bison Bulletin;

out of that year. Starting in March

had the entire student body present

confirmed, was a setting including

for 8-10 years I was asking fellow

with nowhere to go, I started fixing

in chairs in front of the stage with

maybe 4 wives of our professors

classmates to send me something,

a wall on the house that the birds

faculty sitting on the stage with

being hosted by my professor

so here goes!

had pecked holes in and ended up

Colonel Conrad at the lectern.

painting the whole house myself. All

Luck would have it one of the

The answer was found on the top of Budleigh’s front pillars with sleeping bags to negate the temperature.

• A favorite tale, although never

413-567-0085 papa.wadur@gmail.com Warren Bender writes: It feels funny being asked to submit some

at Budleigh for an afternoon meeting. An extra-long couch

To start, Bruce Siegal ’63 was on our

of our social calendar appointments

lighting fixtures was located directly

accommodated all 4 of the ladies

freshman basketball team in 1960

were cancelled, as I am sure is the

above the lectern.

as the resident dog laid down

when I was a freshman. Both of us

case with all of yours. We have eight

behind the couch unbeknownst

played together until he graduated

grandchildren, some of whom were

Some genius took the bell feature

to all. All was well until the dog

in ’63 and then I graduated in ’64

scheduled to graduate in 2020,

off an alarm clock, sharpened the

relieved some backed up pressure

(by the skin of my teeth). I was

which they did but with no

arm of the clock like a knife, set the

and, as the story goes, there were

asked to be captain my senior year.

celebrations. We did venture to

time on the alarm so that the alarm

South Carolina to watch our Meghan

would go off without a sound and

After leaving Nichols, I got a job

graduate from Clemson and not

then cut the string that was holding

in New York City with National

to be able to find a job, so she is

the bra; a giant bra then fell down

This group of memories, as well as

Cash Register; I lasted eight months.

attending Clemson for her master’s

dangling directly above Colonel

the prior publication, I hope has

Taking the Long Island Railroad and

degree. This year our two youngest

Conrad’s head. Attached to the bra

brought a smile or two to my old

the subway was not my style. My

grandchildren will graduate from

was another string with a sign that

friends.

next job was for five years in Port

high school and have already

read “Hi, Son” on both sides. This

Washington, Long Island, which

accepted offers to attend Arizona

sign slowly kept turning as the gym

I thoroughly enjoyed. I ended up

State and Syracuse University.

erupted in laughter.

overseeing all that was handled in

So, you can see the family is very

house. I still stayed in touch with

active and texting has become

The Colonel’s eyes were wide

Bruce, who was in New Jersey

our main form of communication.

with shock! The faculty behind him

where he ended up working for his

While in South Carolina, Letha and

were falling out of their chairs with

family business.

I contracted COVID-19 and at the

laughter. If any of them were known

same time I had a couple of TIAs.

as professors lacking a sense of

One was serious enough to have

humor, they surely had a sense of

an operation on my carotid artery.

humor that day. The uproar from

With all of this, we ended up having

the crowd was so intense that

to stay for three months instead of

the Convocation meeting had to

the three weeks we had planned for.

be ended.

a lot of cross looks back and forth between the ladies.

Paul Zimmerman catches up with friends!On Saturday April 17th Sally and Calvin Hills from Vera Beach, FL. drove to Stuart, FL. to pick up PZ (Paul Zimmerman) and then drove over to Naples, FL to visit the Hill’s son Tripper and Dick and Pam Makin. It was fabulous seeing my fellow classmates and roommate, spending time chatting about our 4 years at Nichols college. We were the first class graduating with a 4-year BA degree. I played golf with Dick and Pam and Dick proceeded

Bruce called me to tell me he was moving to South Carolina to help his father. After several months, he called and asked me to move to Mullins, SC, to help him. I said, “You’re out of your mind.” My wife

Today (4/26/21), the snow has finally

Lila was for it, but I wasn’t thrilled.

My son was a year and a half old and all of our friends were in New

melted off and we look forward to

And so, the legend of the

warmer days here in the mountains.

bra incident continues.

We also look forward to going back

York. One day my father came over and my wife mentioned the possible move. He was no help, he said,

to our beach condo on Hilton Head

Thank you to my fellow Golden

sometime this summer and a winter

Bison for sharing your memories!

trip as well. We might have a chance

“Your friend asked you to move to

to go to Florida to visit Jim Clifford,

South Carolina and help in a family

Bill Dyer, Dave Ruddock and Kip

business and you could get the hell

Poludniak. A trip was proposed in

out of New York. I didn’t raise you to

2020. A final word about our very

be an idiot.”

12

Golden Bison Updates 1965

Jack MacPhail sends a quick note:

man’s opinion, while we’re all still

First, thanks to Rick Blankley for

above ground, we can top this

Class Champion: Rick Blankley

taking over the scribe role for our

attachment a lot of us have with a

610-430-1483

class. This doesn’t come without at

whole bunch of pride. The visit, if

tango12rick@aol.com

least some work (and even better,

you chose, will be well worth it.

a great sense of humor which Rick

Here’s to a happy and healthy

Charlie Wing offers congratulations

has much more of than me) and so,

re-opening of our world this summer.

to Rick Blankley on taking over for

thanks Rick!

Everyone, stay well and thanks for

Jack MacPhail as class champion

listening. All’s well here in the Pacific

Roy Garizio says: Sharon and I

Second, I was jolted into writing

Northwest with the West Coast

have been blessed with five grand-

this note, coming off three + hours

alumni growing.

children, all who live near us in

and adds this update: It seems like ages since our time at Nichols. Last year I submitted a bio on my life and

of a Nichols Board of Advisors

it appeared in our Golden Bison

meeting, which is held semi-annually,

Updates section. One item that

hosted ably by Development

I mentioned was that my wife

1966 Class Champion: Phil Collins

Director Brent Broszeit. The meeting

and I were now living at the Great

included several presentations: the

Outdoors RV & Golf Club Resort in

new president of Nichols College,

Titusville, FL.

Glenn Sulmasy, J.D, LL.M; a fare-

703-627-9924 pecollins10@aol.com Dave Hammond reports that his wife

well from the very talented 10-year

of 51 years, Catherine, passed away

Berwyn, PA. However, only one of the five have any interest in cars, our youngest, Mason, who just celebrated his 9th birthday. We took him to see his favorite car at a McLaren dealership near where we live. He got to sit in one and went home with a new hat! It was

When the news went to all the

president Susan Engelkemeyer; the

alumni, the phone rang, and it was

Nichols Consulting Group (please

another resident of our RV resort. It

check them out for any commercial

was Bob Hood, who was supposed to

or non-profit consulting needs);

be a ‘65er but ended up graduating

Jim Jackson ’69, a forester who

in ’66, told me that he also lives in

has now two years in a row hosted

the resort. He also mentioned that

interns at his business, Royal Bluff

Don Parsons ’66 lived there as well. I

Orchards; and a conversation about

did not know either one was living in

the work the Board of Advisors is

the same resort as me until putting

doing to recruit Nichols prospective

this information in the Golden Bison

students and provide internships to

Bulletin; it brought it all together.

current students.

1967

to the bar, walked up to the guitar

What struck me most is how much

Hunt Coracci, Sam Bailey and Jim

my book and date it 1967.”

momentum and solid staffing the

Jackson ’69 reunite at the ruins of

college has; they are absolutely first

Casa Grande National Monument in

So now I am the only ’67 grad

I do remember you, Rick, and you

rate! I encourage you to get back to

Arizona in February 2021.

to have his signature on that

are playing an important part in the

campus and see this for yourself. I

momentous day in my yearbook!

Class of ’65. Thank you.

think the school has always meant a

Who is he?

on December 3, 2020. He currently lives in Palm Coast, FL, but has been spending much more time at his family home in Vermont. The home has been in his family since 1870 and one that many of our forestry alumni might remember visiting.

Dave joined his fellow foresters at this year’s reunion, June 4-5.

Nichols gave us something special.

which we all enjoyed!

Bruce Barton shares a memory: About one year ago, my wife and I went to our local bar with friends to hear a local guitar player. He was great; I hadn’t heard anyone that good since Nicky U days, so I drove home, grabbed my Nicky U graduation book and drove back

Three Nichols grads living in one RV resort in Florida!

a wonderful birthday celebration,

player and said, “I want you to sign

whole bunch to a lot of us, and one

David Lombard ’65 David Lombard has been inducted to the Dalton Communication Recreation Association Athletic Hall of Fame. David is being recognized for his role as a contributor to this organization. David, along with two

Phil Collins ’66 HOF gathers with family in Marco Island, Florida, where his family has been visiting for 35 years. This family photo was taken on the beach in which you see the sunset in the background.

partners, founded this The Dalton CRA Athletic Hall of Fame with the goal of recognizing athletic excellence within the Central Berkshire School System. In addition to celebrating athletic achievement they strive to “ensure that all children, regardless of their financial situation, have an opportunity to write their story through athletics.” Over the years several notable athletes have been inducted, including Dan Duquette (former general manager of the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles), Turk Wendell (right-handed relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and the Colorado Rockies), Jeff Reardon (relief pitcher for the New York Mets, Montreal Expos, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees) and Jim Duquette (a baseball executive who

Pictured are: son Flip; his wife Rachel; their daughter Cannon Grace;

served as the general manager for the New York Mets).

my wife, Susan, of 54 years; me; daughter-in-law, Heather; son Scott; and ßtheir children Sloane and Greyson.

13

Golden Bison Updates 1969

1970

West Engelkemeyer’s contributions

Class Champion:

Class Champion: Jim Mulcunry

to Nichols College: She has made

Robert “Kuppy” Kuppenheimer

mulcunryjl@charter.net

the effort to know her students and

4627 Tremont Ln.

alumni alike and has structured our

Corona del Mar, CA 92625-3130

Peter Garrell reports: I’m fully retired,

college to be educationally and

rkuppy@gmail.com

and I have a condo in St. Pete

Peter Johnson adds his appreciation for the past ten years of Dr. Susan

Beach, FL. I spend time with my four

financially secure, especially over the past 18 months when it has been

Bill Wood says: I came across this

so difficult to survive. She has been

picture recently and thought it

a very successful leader and we all

would fit your request for input to

should be proud to have had her

the publication. That’s me and my

as our president. I will never forget

future wife (now of 50 years) during

the first time I met Susan. I was

Spring Weekend

up on the Hill watching a Nichols

1969. The picture

Homecoming football game with

was taken by

Mike Vendetti, when he said, “Peter,

Nichols legend

I would like you to meet someone.”

Bob Paulsen.

At that point he brought Susan over

Incidentally,

for our first meeting, an introduction

Donna and I

I will never forget. Thanks, Susan, for

were introduced

all you have brought to our college!

by my roommate of four years,

time for music! I also remember my favorite movie from those days being The Graduate. During my time at Nichols I have fond memories of friends like Tom Hall, Kuppy, Lee McNelly, Richard Russo, Henry Howard, Bill Shaughnessy and of course my roommate, Mike LaFoley.

I started off living in O’Neil Hall

kids and with family, enjoying life.

My wife is also retired after working for 40 years in education. We spend six months in Florida and six months in New Hampshire.

Jim Mulcunry, David Irons ’71 and Frank Lovell ’71 enjoy reunion weekend!

and later ended up in Olsen Hall, which sadly had a disastrous fire in February 1969.

I am a lifelong resident of Maine

Dave Weyant, and his girlfriend. We

and have spent the last 37 years

attended a party at the home of dormmate Dan Stewart that night in November 1968.

Brad Child and John Ritacco make Gil Rochon shares an update: With

friends with Mike Ricci ’15 on their

the COVID shutdowns in 2020, my

shuttle ride from the boat ride

wife and I only managed two trips

during reunion weekend.

Richard and Cindy Attardo reported

during the past year. January, we

that they were heading to Missouri

spent 20 days in South America,

for Cindy’s family reunion, had a

five days in Brazil and five days in

Viking River Cruise planned for May,

Argentina. Then in February we took

and planned to attend Homecoming

a 10-day cruise to the Caribbean.

and Reunion weekends.

The rest of the year we stayed close

as an antique and fine art dealer specializing in maritime items. www.portnstarboardgallery.com

to home except for traveling to our

Lee McNelly celebrates his 50th

Florida home in Ft. Pierce. We are Jay Ramsdell

now back to our northern home

and wife Betty

in Ware, MA. We have two trips

enjoy ice cream

planned for this summer. Alaska in

cones on the

August and Japan in September.

Cape during

Hopefully they will happen and

the recent

hopefully the world will return to

Nichols Summer

some semblance of normalcy.

wedding anniversary at the Tuscan Sea Bar in Newburyport, MA.

Interested in helping Nichols keep classmates connected?

Become a class champion!

Stampede stop.

Michael Leslie writes: 1969, it was a very good year, the year of Woodstock, of course, a wonderful

If you don’t see a class champion listed for your class year then the job could be yours!

Not too much heavy lifting and a lot of fun.

Contact Jillian to learn more.

508-213-2211 David Thomas shares a photo: the fall 1968 fall varsity football team travels to Maine Maritime.

Best group of men that I have ever been associated with on or off the field!

14

Jillian.riches@nichols.edu