Nicholscollege summer13 magazine

Volume 6, 8, Issue 1 | Summer 2013 2011

NICHOLS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Experiential learning is a staple at Nichols

M E S S A G E

F R O M

T H E

P R E S I D E N T

NICHOLS COLLEGE MAGAZINE Volume 8, Issue 1 | Summer 2013

Return on Investment Is college worth it? It’s a reasonable question and the title of a new book by William Bennett and David Wilezol that bears the subtitle, “A Former United States Secretary of Education and a Liberal Arts Graduate Expose the Broken Promise of Higher Education.” The authors explore the practicality of earning a college degree – an achievement that, over time, has become synonymous with success – given the cost of higher education, the mounting levels of student debt and a volatile job market. Despite the book’s provocative title, its underlying message is fairly basic: College is not for everyone.

I, too, believe it’s important for prospective college students to consider all of their options and choose the path that best fits their interests, aspirations, opportunity and means. And whether college is worth the investment depends largely on a number of variables. One of them is the return on that investment or ROI. In addition to cultivating the minds of young adults, do colleges equip today’s graduates for the workplace?

A recent study by Pay Scale Inc., a salary and compensation information company, has bolstered our position in this regard. Based on the cost of tuition and the payoff in median lifetime earnings, Nichols College was ranked #6 in the nation among business schools for return on investment. Perhaps it’s not that surprising given that one in four Nichols graduates becomes a company president, CEO or business owner, and more than 90 percent of our job-seeking graduates consistently find work within six months of graduation.

These impressive outcomes speak directly to the value of a Nichols education

EDITOR Susan Veshi ON CAMPUS EDITOR Ron Schachter VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Bill Pieczynski

and validate our concerted efforts to guide and mentor students for success during and after college. The core of our mission is to transform students into leaders through a dynamic career-focused business education. Our curriculum is designed around practical educational goals and objectives, such as communication, critical thinking and quantitative analysis, and leadership and teamwork, and experiential opportunities that increase our students’ professional insights and confidence. And whether students are specializing in accounting or English, they are required to take our Professional Development Seminar to prepare them for the realities of searching for and securing gainful employment by focusing on resume writing, honing interviewing skills, and helping students to present the best professional images of themselves.

It’s important for Nichols to get national recognition for our hard work and success. But it’s more important that when students and their families ponder the question, “Is Nichols College worth it?” we can assure them with a genuine and resounding, “Yes.” Susan West Engelkemeyer, Ph.D.

CONTRIBUTORS Kerry Barnes ’05 MBA '07, Brianne Callahan MOL '11, Peter DiVito, Jim Douglas, Julie Errico, Patti Najarian, William F. O’Connell, Jr. ’78, Mark Therrien, Len Suprise, Jenn Townsend ’13, Kelly Vaillancourt ’13 DESIGN Patricia Korch PRINTING Puritan Press, Inc. , Hollis, NH COVER PHOTO Dan Vaillancourt/ Patrick O’Connor Photography Shrewsbury, MA NICHOLS COLLEGE

PO Box 5000 123 Center Road Dudley, MA 01571-5000 508-213-1560 www.nichols.edu Periodicals postage paid at Webster, MA, and additional mailing offices.

NICHOLS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

(UPSP 390480) is published three times a year by Nichols College, Dudley, MA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: College Advancement

NICHOLS COLLEGE

PO Box 5000 Dudley, MA 01571-5000

Cover Photo: Steve Lemieux ’84, district manager at Staples Inc., and Stefany Mendez ’13, Lindsey Oliver ’16, and Ashley O’Keefe ’13 at a recent alumni-student engagement day.

CONTENTS

Volume 8, Issue 1 | Summer 2013

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2| 4| 4| 4| 5| 5| 6|

Class of 2013 celebrates Nichols Commencement Ceremony welcomes new home for WNRC Nichols names two new trustees Lynch serves up practical advice at annual faculty dinner Juniors bearing business cards Students spend spring break rebuilding New Orleans Women in Business conference offers educational, networking opportunities

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7| 10 | 12 | 13 |

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Experiential learning in the classroom Network connections Alumni heed the call for volunteers Appreciated asset: Professor Nordstrom retires

AT H L E T I C S

14 | High-achieving Sheehan eyes championship, international career

15 | Bison tennis program continues to dominate ALUMNI

16 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 21| 22 | 24 |

A View from the Hill Celebrating 200 years of Bison Pride Class Notes From the Archives: “The more things change. . . “ Catching up with Nancy Davis ’85 Catching up with Jason Dekow ’06 Nichols remembers Parental guidance

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Class of 2013 celebrates Nichols Commencement B

efore proudly moving the tassels on their mortar-board caps from right to left to signify the completion of their degree requirements and the beginning of the rest of their lives, the 413 members of the Class of 2013 listened to parting words of advice, encouragement, and reflection at the May 11 Commencement exercises.

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These sentiments were also echoed by two Nichols graduates, class valedictorian Stephen Mack and senior president Stefany Mendez, who offered reflections on their four years at Nichols.

“Our time at Nichols was about celebrating and sharing our true self with others with-

out the confines of intolerance,” Mack observed. “To be quirky, different, or push the boundaries of the status quo was genuinely acceptable as well as appreciated.”

“True and pure life lessons, born from real life experiences, is what we gained from our interaction with the faculty at Nichols,” Mendez added. “They have prepared us well for the world of work, but more importantly for a way to live our lives.”

“TO BE QUIRKY, DIFFERENT, OR PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF THE STATUS QUO WAS GENUINELY ACCEPTABLE AS WELL AS APPRECIATED.” Stephen Mack Class Valedictorian

In addition to the awarding of diplomas to 307 undergraduates and 106 graduate students, first-term Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy and Worcesterarea philanthropist Mary DeFeudis were recognized with honorary doctorates in Public Administration and Humane Letters respectively.

Governor Malloy, the featured commencement speaker, advised the graduating students to embrace life after Nichols. “It is now time for you to shape the world around you,” he said. “The future is nothing to fear, but it must be met with a sense of urgency.”

Malloy also counseled that changing times require open minds and considerable flexibility. “There will be changes in government, in business that will affect our lives in ways we could never have imagined,” he said. “Accept a new idea even if it confounds what you know about the subject previously.”

Under the sprawling – and overflowing – tent set up on Copper Quad, Nichols President Susan West Engelkemeyer, addressing the graduates, declared, “We know you are leaving us at your best right now, but the best is yet to come.”

“I’m done, and I get to be a real adult,” quipped graduating senior Fae Risio.

To classmate Eric Lowell, the occasion was bittersweet. “It’s a sign of a new beginning,” he reflected. “But I’m really going to miss this place a lot.”

Besides receiving their degrees, more than two dozen of the graduates were honored

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for achievement in their academic programs or for distinction in their Nichols careers. These include Keith Turbesi for academic excellence in the graduate program; Crystal Dennison for best representing the ideals of the College; Stefany Mendez for character and citizenship; Kristina Lindgren for best overall achievement; Stephanie Lee for industry and consistent application; Thomas Haggerty for loyalty, integrity, and cooperation; Kyle Butler for most significant improvement academically; Megan Woodruff for dedication, service, and commitment to perfection; and Gianna Raffa for service to the College.

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Ceremony welcomes new home for WNRC

At center, James and Carol Gahan, parents of James Gahan ’04, cut the ceremonial ribbon to open WNRC’s new home. Joining the celebration are, from left, Club Coadvisors Craig Brady and Andrea Becker, Nichols President Susan Engelkemeyer, Mike Ricardi ’05 and WNRC Club President Thomas Ray ’13.

In March, the Nichols radio station WNRC dedicated its new studio on the ground floor of the Fels Student Center in the name of former student James Gahan IV. Gahan, who was in the class of ’04, perished 10 years ago in the tragic fire at the Station music club in Rhode Island. He was reporting on the concert for WNRC. In a ceremony attended by Gahan’s parents, James and Carol, as well as friends and classmates, Gahan was remembered for his pioneering radio shows and his frequent excur-

sions with fellow reporters to do interviews off campus.

“At the time, they would use their press passes to get big interviews,” notes former classmate and Director of the Nichols Fund Kerry Barnes ’05 MBA ’07. “They were interviewing tons of people.”

In her remarks at the dedication, radio club co-advisor Andrea Becker noted, “We are so proud to have with us today Mr. and Mrs. Gahan. Jimmy blessed our campus and radio club when he attended Nichols.”

Mike Ricardi ’05 (right), a former radio show co-host of James Gahan ’04, tests out the equipment upgrades with Steve Fogel ’04.

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Nichols names two new trustees Samuel R. Haines ’73 and Peter L. Lynch ’74 have joined the Nichols Board of Trustees.

Haines, the Sam Haines ’73 chairman and CEO of Gear Motions, has distinguished himself during a 40-year career at that company, which grinds a variety of gears for industrial manufacturing. Haines assumed the presidency of the company in 1985 and in 2010 oversaw the firm’s transfer to its Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Haines had initiated that process five years earlier.

During Haines’ tenure, Gear Motions expanded by acquiring several related companies, including Oliver Gear in Buffalo, N.Y.; Nixon Gear, in

Syracuse; and the Aerospace and Defense Division of G.S.B., Inc. in Anaheim, Calif.

Peter Lynch ’74 Lynch has led major supermarket chains for more than 35 years, most recently as the chairman of the board, president, and CEO of Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., a company he guided through a significant operational and financial turnaround that resulted in a merger with Bi-Lo. Before filling those positions, he served as president and chief operating officer of the Albertson’s supermarket chain and president of New England-based chain Star Markets Company, Inc.

Lynch serves up practical advice at annual faculty dinner The Faculty Dinner on March 13, which is hosted annually by Robert Kuppenheimer ’69, featured an extra course in professional development with a presentation by Peter Lynch ’74, former chairman of the board, president, and CEO of Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. In his presentation, entitled “How Prepared are Graduates for the Workplace?” Lynch emphasized that advancing in business careers calls for many of the skills his alma mater teaches.

Reminding his audience that “Nichols produces by ratio more CEOs, presidents, and owners of their own businesses than almost any college in the country,” Lynch stressed the importance of financial and communication skills, as well as self-

confidence and the ability to work in teams.

“Business-oriented schools obviously prepare students better than other schools. You can’t have enough financial skills,” Lynch observed. “This is a financially driven world, and you need to know your numbers, whether in finance, accounting, or macroeconomics.”

At the same time, Lynch spoke of the importance of the so-called “softer” skills, which also square with students’ experience at Nichols. “Create self-confidence,” Lynch counseled. “Give your students the opportunity to win with their projects and papers. And put them in front of the class to show them that they can win in front of others.”

ON CAMPUS

Students spend spring break rebuilding New Orleans

Juniors bearing business cards As they head into the summer, Nichols juniors have spent the year handing out personal business cards, thanks to a unique initiative created three years ago by two Nichols alumni. As part of their Professional Development Seminar, all juniors are eligible to receive 250 free cards with the Nichols logo and web address listing contact information and college major.

The program was started by Matt O’Connor ’93, vice president at the career- and employment-based company Monster.com, and Paul Washburn, Jr. ’92, senior equity analyst at insurer FM Global, and is aided by local business Kerrin Graphics and Printing.

“Since I work in the employment space,” explains O’Connor, “I wanted to do something innovative leading to positive employment prospects for Nichols students. These business cards go beyond sending out resumes and emails.”

Liz Horgan, director of career services, notes that the cards come in especially handy in meeting the almost 75 potential employers at the annual spring

Career and Internship Fair. “It’s not uncommon for the employers at the Career Fair to say that they were impressed that students gave them a card,” Horgan observes.

The students themselves are impressed by the new cards, Horgan adds. “When they pick up their cards, they have a big smile. It’s as if they’re realizing, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m official.’ The cards validate that these students are professional.”

In fact, Horgan encourages the juniors never to leave home without them. “We tell them, ‘Keep these cards on you – in a plane, in a restaurant, at a wedding – you never know when you are going to meet someone.”

O’Connor has received thank you notes from juniors who

“...THE CARDS VALIDATE THAT THESE STUDENTS ARE PROFESSIONAL.” Liz Horgan Director of Career Services

have made a positive impression on potential employers with their cards, which, he insists, provide both intangible and practical benefits. “I think it gives them a certain level of confidence and allows them to ask for a business card in return,” he says. “And it shows a level of initiative in having something before you’re actually required to have it.”

Tanya Jure ’14 and Mike Kowal ’13 help build houses and good will in New Orleans.

For the second year in a row, a group of Nichols students journeyed to New Orleans during their spring break – the week of March 17th – to spend 12-hour days doing demolition, putting up drywall, and installing hardwood floors.

Representing the Nichols Center for Student Involvement, seniors Mike Kowal, Gianna Raffa, and Stephen Mack and juniors Mike Shaheen, Abby Gould, Tanya Jure, Colleen Coleman and Alyce Viens were joined on the trip by sophomores Amanda Lovejoy and Kerry Postale, as well as faculty chaperone and academic advisor Nora Cavic.

The nearly dozen Nichols volunteers worked in areas in the city that still affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the more recent Hurricane Isaac.

They were assigned to particular construction projects by Gulf Coast Volunteers for the Long Haul, a non-profit that arranges service trips by students and other volunteers and provides their housing.

Prior to their journey, the Nichols students had raised more than $6,000 for donations toward rebuilding efforts and their airfare.

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While the mornings in New Orleans were dedicated to putting up drywall in rebuilt houses, notes Cavic, “Every afternoon our group went to different sites to demolish the homes that were still sitting there since Hurricane Katrina.”

That work involved tearing up moldy carpets, ripping out cabinets, and knocking down entire walls.

The Nichols crew – outfitted in masks, goggles, and heavy gloves – proved a quick study in wielding sledge hammers and crowbars on the demolition side and laying down wood floors on the construction side, Cavic says, adding that there was time for some local experiences after the long workday had ended.

Those experiences included plenty of southern food, a jazz concert, and a swamp boat tour.

But, Cavic stresses, the Nichols students focused their considerable energies on the construction tasks at hand.

“I was amazed at how seriously they took their work and at their persistence. They were exhausted by the end of the day, but they never complained,” Cavic reports. “I think they understood the depth of what needed to be done.”

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Women in Business conference offers educational, networking opportunities Nichols hosted the third annual Empowering Women in Business conference on March 28, drawing more than 150 attendees who heard from the first woman mayor in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and participated in professional development sessions.

The event was co-hosted by Hometown Bank and the Center for Women and Enterprise.

In her keynote address Mayor Lisa Wong noted, “I had a passion and worked hard,” adding that achieving her office by age 28 – and twice winning re-election – required moving from being elected “second most bashful” in high school to finding her voice and reaching her constituency, often on foot.

In her first campaign, Wong explained, “I knocked on enough doors so people understood what I was talking about.” Nowadays, Wong quipped, “It’s a job where I can’t ever go to the grocery store without getting yelled at, but I love my job.”

With the business aspirations of her audience in mind, Wong also pointed out that on a larger level she sees herself as “the CEO of a $140 million agency.”

The audience, which ranged from women working in companies and non-profits, consultants, entrepreneurs, and Nichols students, dispersed after the

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address to classrooms throughout Davis Hall for moderated sessions.

Those seminars ranged from keys to successful leadership, the business opportunities created by social media, and the personal side of balancing work with family, managing finances effectively, and even improving memory.

The panelists at the sessions included representatives from Fallon Community Health, Prudential Financial, and a range of marketing and social media companies.

The conference participants, mostly from the greater Worcester area, capped off their evening with a one-anda-half hour networking session.

“We are all here to support one another,” Deanna Mills, vice president of commercial development for conference sponsor Hometown Bank, reminded them.

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Other conference sponsors included the lead sponsor Webster Five, as well as Small Business Insurance Agency; 4 The Cause Marketing and Consulting; Harrington Health-

Care System; Kerrin Graphics and Printing; MotiVact Group; Reliant Medical Group; Whalley Computer Associates, Inc.; and Quabaug Corporation.

From left, Hometown Bank Vice President Deanna Mills, Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong, and Nichols President Susan Engelkemeyer

By Julie Errico

Experiential Learning in the Classroom

A 5K benefit race, a campus scavenger hunt, free haircuts, and a 3 on 3 basketball tournament are all examples of student-run events held in April to promote the cause of the 15-40 Connection, an organization founded

by Jim Coghlin ’67 with the purpose of raising awareness of early cancer detection among 15-40 year olds.

The events, plus a dinner at the Publick House in Sturbridge and a high school dance, were planned solely by students in the Sport Event Management and the Resort and Conference Management courses offered this spring. This is just one example of the hands-on experiential learning projects taking place as part of the educational experience at Nichols. As was the case with the 15-40 events, some projects are initiated by alumni; others may arise from community members or local business owners who seek student help and consultation.

Although many of the students enrolled in the event management class

had never planned an event before, they formed teams and took on the challenge posed by Sandy Foster, education and outreach director of the 15-40 Connection. “She was so passionate that she made us want to incorporate that excitement into our project,” says Katarina Floridia ’14.

While preparing for the events, students learned the importance of targeting early detection programs to teens and young adults – their cancer survival rates have barely improved since 1975.

“It was great to know that we were making a difference,” says Samantha Ricard ’16. “You always hear stories about people with cancer – younger and older, but not at our age.”

Bryant Richards, visiting assistant professor and program chair of hospitality management, praises the students’

efforts. “Every event was academically successful,” he says.

“I believe that many of the events were of professional quality. And don't forget that none of the events were funded. Students had to solicit donations for their projects. In the end the customer was genuinely pleased with the outcomes, which is the true gauge of success.”

In addition to the 15-40 Connection, Nichols was approached in January by another organization looking for student involvement. A local representative from AARP asked accounting students to work on income taxes for low-income and elderly citizens in Southbridge. A number of students responded to the call with ultimately four students and two alumni completing the full three days of training provided by AARP. All of the students had completed the Federal Taxes class taught by Marcia Behrens ’78 MBA ’89,

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Experiential lear ning in the classroom

associate professor of accounting, in the fall of 2012. “This experience gave them the opportunity to take information that they knew and try to explain it to people who didn’t understand the tax law or have the same level of understanding or education, and that was a challenge,” explains Behrens. “They also had situations where the software or hardware failed or a client was difficult, but they learned how to deal with it.”

Jessica Anderson ’14, student coordinator for the project, found it to be very educational. “It really prepared us to know what it was like to work in this field,” she says. “It was also a valuable experience to work with people in that tax bracket. There were people who were unemployed, homeless, and seniors taking money early from IRAs. As a result of this experience, I’ve

become much more interested in the tax field, because you can give people advice on personal finances that will save them money in the future.”

In the Principles of Marketing class, students are required to create a product or service and to write a business plan to promote it. “Some students create a product that can help solve a problem or make their life easier,” says Megan Nocivelli, assistant professor of marketing. “Other students have a business idea they want to pursue when they graduate, and they use this class to begin writing a business plan for their product or service.”

In the plan, students must include a competitive analysis, an executive summary of the product or service, and a promotional plan, including the creation of a brief commercial and the use of social media,” says Nocivelli.

Novel products from class projects include a GPS-type card to track a stolen wallet, an on-campus laundry service, an iPod case for the shower, and a five-hour energy breath strip, to name a few.

Taylor Brown ’18 and her teammates

“EVERY EVENT WAS ACADEMICALLY SUCCESSFUL...I BELIEVE THAT MANY OF THE EVENTS WERE OF PROFESSIONAL QUALITY. AND DON'T FORGET THAT NONE OF THE EVENTS WERE FUNDED.” — Bryant Richards Visiting Professor and Chair of the Hospitality Mangement Program

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developed Smart Taxi, a service that would be run by and serve Nichols College students in need of a designated driver or a ride to an interview. Of the experience, Brown says that she appreciated the opportunity to learn hands-on.

“It was a lot better to do it hands-on.

I don’t learn as well from reading a textbook as I do from experiencing it,” she adds.

Steve Delahanty ’13, a sport management major, and his team developed a brand of athletic clothing called Delawear. While Delahanty acknowledges the work was overwhelming at times, “I learned that if I am fully dedicated to the project/product, I am capable of putting everything I have into it,” he says.

Students in the Sport Marketing class faced a similar challenge when they were required to juggle multiple class assignments with working in the front office for the Worcester Sharks hockey team. Students were charged with making a specified number of cold calls to sell Sharks tickets.

Students raise awareness of early cancer detection through a series of events, including, from left, a scavenger hunt, 5K race, 3 on 3 basketball tournament and a haircut-a-thon.

“IF STUDENTS WANT TO START A BUSINESS UPON GRADUATION, THEY NOW HAVE A VALID BUSINESS AND MARKETING PLAN TO USE... IT TAKES AWAY THE INTIMIDATION OF HAVING TO DO THIS BY THEMSELVES.” — Megan Nocivelli Assistant Professor of Marketing

This project serves a number of goals, says Tim Liptrap, associate professor of sport management. “Given that a number of our sport management graduates end up with sales in their careers, it is important to expose students to this side of the business,” he says. “Students who complete the class gain experience working in the front office of a sports team, completing an

extensive number of cold calls, managing database records and completing sales presentations.”

Students say they also learned the value of perseverance, as in “Don’t take no for an answer,” and time management skills with assignments such as creating a survey and an individual website for personal branding.

While a few students found success

with the cold calling, for others it was a time to evaluate future career goals.

Zachary Mason ’15 says, “The class gave me real-world experience and helped me realize that I don’t want to pursue a career in sales.”

However, the skills are important regardless of a student’s career goal.

“Our students need to have the skills in order to obtain a job,” notes Liptrap.

“Sales are a part of everyday life, no matter the products or services. The proof of our success is that a number of our students go on to work at prestigious sports franchises such as the Miami Dolphins, Providence Bruins, Worcester Sharks and the N.Y. Yankees to name a few.”

Whether students are participating in event planning, tax preparation, product development, or ticket sales, they are involved in experiences that differentiate Nichols from other schools. And clearly it is working. “With our graduate success rate, it is clear that employers value this practical experience,” says Luanne Westerling, associate dean of business studies and program chair of business communication. “Often students will encounter similar experiences in the workplace and as a result are well-prepared to handle them.”

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NETWORK CONNECTIONS

By Julie Errico

Bridging the gap between students and alumni is sometimes a challenge given the time constraints and distance.

However, this spring, the Nichols College Student Alumni Society found a way to make those connections while also raising support and awareness about the importance of giving back.

As part of a world-wide event, Student Engagement and Philanthropy Day on February 28, 2013, Student Alumni Society (SAS) held a special fundraiser: For a donation of $5.00 to the Nichols Fund, students were given an opportunity to network with alumni at a future time, either on campus, at their place of business or at a lunch or dinner meeting.

“We decided to sponsor the event because we really wanted to connect the students with alumni,” explains Taylor Ross ’13, SAS club officer.

“Our club's mission is to bridge the gap between students and alumni and this event effectively did so in a way that students would be comfortable with.”

“I always tell students that every handshake can lead to an opportunity,” says Brianne Callahan, director of alumni relations and SAS adviser.

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“ALL OF THE STUDENTS THAT I MET WITH WERE OUTSTANDING EXAMPLES OF THE KIND OF STUDENTS NICHOLS GRADUATES.” — Steve Lemieux ’84 District Manager, Staples

“With this activity and our annual week-long event called The Gift of Opportunity, the goal is to increase student awareness about charitable giving and the concept of building a business network with Nichols alumni.”

More than 30 students took advantage of the networking opportunity, including Lindsey Oliver ’16, Ashley O’Keefe ‘13, and Stefany Mendez ’13, who met with Steve Lemieux ’84, a district manager at Staples. “To be able to meet with successful alumni who lead very busy lives is a gift to

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us as students,” says Oliver. “Other people our age do not receive this opportunity.”

Lemieux was impressed with the group. “All of the students that I met with were outstanding examples of the kind of students Nichols graduates.

They presented themselves in a professional manner that will make them stand out to potential employers,” he says. “I think that by spending time and asking questions of alumni, they will gain valuable insight from the experiences of other Nichols grads.”

Steve Lemieux ’84 shares product marketing tips with Ashley O’Keefe ’13 and Lindsey Oliver ’16 at Staples in Auburn, Mass.

Although the meetings took place at various locations and the careers were different, wherever possible, students were paired with alumni who work in their field of interest.

“I am very interested in Staples and pursuing a career there,” says O’Keefe.

“Mr. Lemieux gave us insight into his career with Staples as well as the retail side, taking us to a prototype lab where a full-size store has been built inside a warehouse. This allows the company to make the best decisions about store layout and merchandising. Every piece

of information both he and Deanna Ray, [senior human resource manager], shared made me want to learn more about the organization and to fully understand why they loved their jobs,” she says. Mendez adds, “Understanding other industries that have to do with my major has helped me realize that the job search does not have to be traditional and that the work force has many ways of engaging the skills I have to offer.”

David Bedard ’86 hosted students at ING US, where he serves as president

of the annuities business segment. He wanted to connect with students on a more personal level and to gain a college student’s perspective. Given the breadth of his experience, Bedard, a Nichols College trustee, hopes that students learned more about options that may be open to them. “I was an accounting and finance major, which is a good entry point into business,” he says. “However, as I moved up the ranks, I was exposed to different roles and eventually moved out of finance.

Whether it’s finance or another type of business, the challenges are the same.

This meeting gave students the opportunity to take what they have learned in the classroom and see how it can apply to real-life situations.”

Manny Goncalves ’14, one of the students who shadowed Bedard, says he learned about the value of time management skills. “Mr. Bedard not only met with us but also had a few conference calls that he had to take while we were there,” he says.

“He made it look easy, but I am sure that this has only come with years of experience.”

Goncalves also had a campus meeting with Arlette Lynch MBA ’02, regional lending manager at the Canton Bank Lending Center and a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, who shared the importance of matching a career with one’s abilities and talents. “Having a good job is wonderful, but if you are not happy with your job responsibilities, or the

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Network Connections

Alumni heed the call for volunteers Nichols students who were generous on Student Engagement and Philanthropy Day, February 28, were paid back in-kind with the opportunity to network with these alumni volunteers in April: Dave Bedard ’86, President, Annuities Business Segment, ING US

Jonathan Birtwell ’06, Equities Analyst, Pan Agora Asset Management

Michael Carlson ’95, Senior Investment Advisor, Sentinel Benefits & Financial Group

Peter Caruso ’90, First VP – Investments, CHK Group of Wells Fargo Advisers

Joseph Casper ’90, Senior Business Analyst, Allergan Inc. Domenic Cornacchioli ’09, Store Manager, Target Corp.

Randy Daggett ’74, Administrator, K.B. Ambulances Karl Doane ’92, Business Development Manager, IBM Microelectronics Division

Jason Evans ’12, Military Police/Tax Reclaim Specialist, Chris Capuzzo ’16 meets with Matthew Krumsiek ’05, owner/ partner of Krumsiek & Associates.

environment in which you work, it will negatively impact your life because you are not fulfilling your true potential,” she told him. “I stressed to him that if you love what you do, your job will be something you look forward to every day, and it will become a part of your life, rather than just a title or something you have to do to earn an income.”

“I DECIDED TO GIVE BACK WITH MY DONATION BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE IT’S MY RESPONSIBILITY TO START DONATING NOW.” — Chris Capuzzo ’16

In addition to offering career feedback, the meetings also forged valuable contacts. Kurt Gustafson ’09, branch manager of Northeast Great Dane, who hosted Chris Capuzzo ’16, hopes to offer to Capuzzo the same help he received. “If Chris ever needs anything, whether it’s a reference letter, guidance or anything else related to what he’s

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trying to do, I’m available to help,” he states.

Capuzzo is grateful for this support and inspired to give back himself in the future. “I decided to give back with my donation because I feel like it’s my responsibility to start donating now.

When I graduate and get that good job, I can continue to give back to the school. The only way to grow is to give back to the people and places that have helped you along the way.”

“The value of these visits is tremendous on both sides,” notes Callahan.

“The alumni get to share their advice and guidance based on their experience and knowledge of the workforce, and the students can build their network and learn from someone who was at one point in their shoes. As the SAS mantra goes, ‘Student Today, Bison Forever,’ we will continue to grow this program in which alumni and students can learn from one another.”

Summer 2013

U.S. Army Reserve / Brown Brothers Harriman

Kate Fields ’04 MBA ’07, Assistant Director, Sales & Marketing, Hampshire College

Suzanne Gryb ’85 MBA ’92, Vice President, Claims, Mapfre USA

Kurt Gustafson ’09, Service/Branch Manager, Northeast Great Dane

Dave Hale ’75, Loan Officer, Poli Mortgage Group Andy Higgins ’80, Vice President, Sales, International Ceramic Engineering

Corey Hutchinson MBA ’03, Lead IT Project Manager, Virtual Computing Environment, Johnson & Wales

David Irons ’71, Regional Sales Manager, American Beverage Corp./Daily's

Matthew Krumsiek ’05, Owner/Partner, Krumsiek & Associates

Bob Kuppenheimer ’69, Vice President/Managing Director, Nuveen Investments

Steve Lemieux ’84, District Manager, Staples Jeremy Longden ’09, Financial Analyst/Senior Associate, State Street Corp.

Arlette Lynch MBA ’02, Regional Lending Manager, Bank of Canton

John Mannila ’89, Vice President/Senior Relationship Manager, TD Bank

Bob Martin MBA ’11, Admissions Officer, UConn Loretta McHugh MBA ’06, Director of Quality, HSWOA Jocelyn Provo ’11, Major Gift Associate, American Red Cross of Central MA

Vanessa Roney ’12, Senior Sales Associate, SCHOTT Electronic Packaging

Paul Salisbury ’09, Branch Manager, Hertz Nate Smith ’89, Managing Director, Absolute Machinery Michael Sprino ’03, MBA ’12, Business Sales Manager, Verizon

Amy Trakimas ’08 MBA ’12, Marketing Assistant, The National Graduate School

Appreciated asset: Professor Nordstrom retires

By Kelly Vaillancourt ’13

As the spring 2013 semester concludes, so too does Louise Nordstrom’s time on what

Her many contributions to the College – both as a professor to students and a col-

students have coined “the Hill.” For the past

league to faculty members – certainly do

39 years, Nordstrom has both taught and

not go unnoticed, and Ed Warren, long-time

mentored Nichols College students in the

professor and chair of the history depart-

field of economics. In addition to serving as

ment, can attest: “Louise’s technical compe-

the economics program chair, Nordstrom

tence in economics; her professionalism;

was also notably named the first recipient of

and loyalty to her profession, students, and

the Keith T. Anderson ’81 Professorship in

the economics program have had a tremen-

Economics and Finance in acknowledge-

dous impact on the Nichols College com-

ment of her scholarly achievements and her

munity.” Her loyalty to Nichols is not only

dedication to the advancement of the field

apparent to fellow faculty members, how-

of economics.

ever. According to Akai Cadieux ’14, “Louise Nordstrom is an excellent professor who is

39 years, she has been a source of encour-

dedicated to the students, the faculty, and

agement and inspiration for both her fellow faculty members as well as her students.

Nichols College as a whole.”

Nordstrom has certainly proven to be a valuable asset to the College in more ways

tinues to grow – Nordstrom will undoubt-

than one. “I will always respect Louise for her

edly be a valued and remembered member

candor and integrity,” Warren says. “Her

of the Nichols College community.

ability to get to the heart of the matter and

Professionalism, dedication, integrity,

figure out what should be done is amazing

and intellectual and personal competence –

– in fact, this has helped the faculty and aca-

these are but a few of the many qualities

demic governance here substantially over

Dr. Nordstrom has demonstrated during

the years.” Warren also notes her high stan-

her time here, says Warren. “All of us at the

dards and lack of hesitation when it comes

College will miss her dearly.”

to speaking her mind – two characteristics

In recognition of her contributions, the

that he says have kept both the faculty and

Nichols College Board of Trustees recently

the economics program “on track.”

approved Provost Alan Reinhardt’s recom-

As an individual and a member of the 1984

For years to come – and as her program con-

mendation to designate Dr. Nordstrom as

faculty, Nordstrom’s contributions to

Professor Emerita of Economics beginning

Nichols College have been profound. For

July 1, 2013.

c o m m u n i t y. n i c h o l s . e d u

NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

13

AT H L E T I C S

High-achieving Sheehan eyes championship, international career As a sophomore in 2011-12, Ryan Sheehan brought notoriety to the Nichols College men’s basketball program for his action both on and off the court. In the team’s final game of the season, a onepoint loss at Salve Regina in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Semifinal round, Sheehan became the 24th student-athlete in program history to reach the 1,000th point

First Team, but he also finished No. 13 in the nation in scoring at 22.2 ppg. More importantly, after being named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District 1 Team for the second-straight year, Sheehan received the highest academic honor a student-athlete can receive when he was placed on the 2012-13 Capital One Academic All-America ® Division III Men’s Basketball First Team.

Richard Orr Photos

plateau – but just the third to do it in two seasons. He was also named to the CCC First Team, a year removed from earning conference Rookie of the Year honors.

Off the court, the international business major was named to the CoSIDA Division III Academic AllDistrict 1 Team.

What did Sheehan do for an encore as a junior? Not only was he a repeat selection to the CCC

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NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

“I was really excited, especially to see that I was chosen to the First Team,” says Sheehan. “Being academic All-America is something I have strived to achieve. My family has always stressed the importance of academics, so receiving this honor made me happy because it made my family very proud. I’d prefer to be chosen academic All-America than AllAmerica as a player. It shows that I

Summer 2013

am a well-rounded person, not just an athlete but someone who tries very hard in the classroom.”

Sheehan enters his senior campaign No. 6 all-time in scoring at Nichols, 458 points behind Billy Collins’ (1991-95) mark of 2,014 points. He would need to average between 17-18 ppg to surpass Collins, but Sheehan has bigger goals in mind – team goals.

“It would be a great personal award to have, to be able to see my name on that all-time leading scorer banner,” Sheehan explains.

“I’ve been lucky enough to receive a lot of personal awards during my first three years here, but I’d really like to add a championship to my resume and get a banner for the team. That’s the one thing that had eluded me thus far. You can be a great individual player, but it doesn’t mean much if you don’t win a championship. I don’t want to be remembered as someone who scored a lot of points but could never win a championship.”

Away from the basketball court, Sheehan – who holds a 3.89 GPA – has been an integral part of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), following in the footsteps of his roommate and fellow student-athlete, Bryan Gill. A two-sport star in ice hockey and baseball, Gill turned over his duties as president to Sheehan when he graduated in May. “Bryan Gill was one of the main reasons I wanted to become more

involved in SAAC,” says Sheehan. “The group didn’t meet very often when I was a freshman, and last year, Bryan picked up the reins and made it something people really wanted to do. He did a great job with the Bison Rally and Bison Madness; he made both events very important.

SAAC also became involved with ‘Play for a Cure.’ Now that I have been elected president, I would like to keep the tradition going.

We’re already looking towards working with the Wounded Warrior program, as well as continuing the Bison Rally and Bison Madness events. We would also like to try and organize a spring event.”

Sheehan will spend this summer as an international market research intern with LGC in Beverly, Mass. When he receives his diploma next May, Sheehan says he just wants to find a job, but feels confident his time as the quintessential student-athlete at Nichols – specifically, as a twoyear basketball captain – has prepared him for the next phase of his life.

“I’d love to be a consultant for a company that works overseas and travel to make sure everything is running smoothly and efficiently,” says Sheehan, who cited Europe as one of the places he’d like to travel to for work.

“Being able to take a leadership role on the basketball team has helped and taught me how to work efficiently in and with large groups. Working with different personalities on the basketball team and helping teammates who may not be happy will help me in the business field, where everyone isn’t always going to be happy with the role they have.”

AT H L E T I C S

Carlos de la Cruz ’16

Bison tennis program continues to dominate

By Jenn Townsend ’15

Going to the NCAA Division III post-season tennis tournament is getting to be a habit for the Nichols men’s and women’s tennis teams.

After the Nichols women played in the NCAAs in 2011, the Bison men followed suit in 2012 and again in 2013. In the most recent appearance, the squad defeated Colby-Sawyer in a 5-0 shutout in the first round on May 9 before dropping a second round match, 5-1, to Williams, the eventual national champion, the next day.

These high-profile accomplishments represent only the latest chapter in a continuing success story for both the men and women of Nichols tennis.

The 2013 men’s team also became the first to earn a regional ranking by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) and held the 18th spot from March 28 until May 2. This year’s lineup consisted of 16 players, two of whom come from overseas, Carlos de la Cruz from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Eduardo Irizarry from Lajas, Puerto Rico. The women’s team, meanwhile, featured 13 players, some of whom like Anna Dyakiv from

the Ukraine and Kelsey Peterson from Fairbanks, Alaska, have come to Nichols from even farther afield.

As a freshman Irizarry was undefeated (14-0) this spring in singles action including wins over Division I Holy Cross and Connecticut, as well as regionally-ranked Hobart. Overall, the rookie posted a singles record of 17-2 and an identical doubles record when with sophomore doubles partner Brandon Roode in dual matches. Irizarry also was named Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Rookie of the Week four times as well as

the league’s player of the week three times – including a sweep of both accolades the week ending March 24 and March 31.

“Making it to the NCAA tournament and competing against very tough teams in the fall season has given us a lot of confidence because we know that we can beat those teams,” says Roode.

In addition to defeating the No. 1 doubles teams from Holy Cross and Connecticut, Roode and Irizarry upset a regionallyranked doubles pair from Hobart early in the season. The duo then turned heads by pick-

c o m m u n i t y. n i c h o l s . e d u

ing up the lone point against the top tandem from Williams who entered the NCAA tournament with the No. 1 ranking in the region.

The men’s tennis team prepares for the NCAA tournament by playing big name teams in the regular season. In the past season the Bison faced Division I school Holy Cross, beating them in a surprising 7-0 victory.

“In the summer I really enjoy training and getting better for the fall season to face these big opponents. I can’t wait for next fall to try and go a step further,” Roode says.

This past fall, Roode made a stellar run in the ubercompetitive USTA/ITA regional tournament which led to the sophomore being ranked by the ITA for much of the spring.

During his run to the quarterfinals, Roode topped a semifinalist from the 2012 NCAA Division III men’s tennis singles tournament.

As for freshman partner Irizarry, “It’s been very different for me, the language, the food, and culture,” he admits. “But I have enjoyed myself very much this year and love playing tennis here.”

Recruiting almost all 29 of his players, ninth-year coach Paul Brower has built the men’s and women’s teams into conference champions. “I spend a tremendous amount of time on recruiting,” Brower explains. “And a successful team is a big part of getting recruits to come to Nichols.”

The women, who play the bulk of their schedule in the fall, won the CCC Championship in 2010, and were CCC tournament finalists in 2011 and 2012. The men won the league championship in 2012 as well as this year. The men’s team has made it into the second round of the NCAA Divison III championships each of the past two years.

NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

15

ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

A View from the Hill

By William F. O’Connell, Jr. ’78 President, Nichols College Alumni Association Board of Directors

We all recall the changing seasons every year at Nichols, from summer into fall, fall into winter and, finally, winter into spring. I am sure that some of us still remember the song, “Turn, Turn, Turn” by the Byrds, which was based on the Book of Ecclesiastes. According to the song’s familiar lyrics, “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, a time to reap.”

In this effort, at the end of every summer, Nichols College welcomes a new class of freshmen to the Hill and plants in all of them a seed that over four years is fed and nurtured not only by the administration, but also by professors, coaches, classmates, friends and parents. Each spring, we realize that the seed that was planted just four short years ago has grown and blossomed into young men and women who are ready to take their place in the world, like other graduates before them. For four years, they have heard that Nichols produces leaders, and for that reason, a lot is expected of them and all of us who have earned the right to be a called a “Bison for life.”

As we approach our 200th anniversary or “Bisontennial,” we reflect on the countless seasons that have come and gone, and on the seeds planted by the school’s founders that we all continue to nourish. I encourage our recent graduates – and all graduates – to give back in any way they can through time, talent and treasure, and to take pride as we watch Nichols grow.

Celebrating 200 years of Bison Pride When asked, “What does Bison Pride mean to you?” members of the Nichols College community offer a spectrum of responses. They represent the unique and collective experiences that keep Nichols squarely in the hearts and minds of those who cherish their association with this venerable and dynamic institution.

Tammy Wolf ’94 Sales Account Executive at VMware

“Nichols gave me the foundation I needed to be successful for today, tomorrow and in the future. Every time I made a payment for my student loans, I reminded myself how important this investment was for me.

When those loans were paid off, I then began giving back my time to help support the College in a way that has now become a personal commitment. Thank you Nichols!”

Kevin Swallow

1940s 65th REUNION

Class Scribe: Stanley Finn 70 Franklin St. Northampton, MA 01060-2039 413-586-0886

1950s

Class Scribe: Tom Bartsch 303 Archer Mead Williamsburg, VA 23185-6582 tbar23185@aol.com H. John Perry reports: “Now that I am elderly, I reside on Hutchins Island in Stuart, FL, in the winter and Brewster, MA, on Cape Cod in the summer. I am a lucky guy with five grandchildren. Adios!”

Nichols Men’s Ice Hockey Coach

“As coach of the men’s ice hockey team, I have seen Bison Pride represented in many

different ways this year. Our student-athletes take pride in wearing the Nichols jersey and playing not for themselves, but for the guys next to them. Our team was truly a family this season.

“In late April, we held an endof-the-year banquet for our hockey program and the alumni turnout was great. Hearing the alumni talk about the times they had at Nichols and their experience here was amazing.

They are truly proud to be a part of the Bison family. The support we have received from them and everyone else around the Nichols campus since day one has made me truly feel a part of the Nichols family. It is this family feeling that makes Nichols such a special place and why so many have Bison Pride. I am proud to be a Bison and carry on the rich tradition here at Nichols College.”

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

60th REUNION

Class Scribe: Robert Risk 309 Conestoga Rd. Wayne, PA 19087-4009 610-688-8242

Class Scribe: Arthur Fries 917 Jordan Ct. Nipomo, CA 93444-6625 805-343-4015 friesart@hotmail.com Ice Hockey Coach Kevin Swallow (center) with Dave Hale ’75 and Danny Greiner ’13, winner of the Unsung Hero Award, named in Hale’s honor.

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Summer 2013

ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

Class Scribe: Kent Tarrant 45 Valley View Dr. P.O. Box 496 Hampden, MA 01036-0496 413-566-5130 kent@samnet.net From the Class Scribe…

At press time, we were planning to hold the annual spring meeting for the class scholarship fund on May 3rd at the Publick House. This year’s recipient will be announced shortly and the fundraising plans for the ensuing year will be discussed. The scholarship fund started in 2008 and has reached $35,901 which earned us a matching gift on our first $25,000. This makes a grand total of $60,901. This is very significant and growing nicely. Let’s keep it going….your continued support will make a big difference in a student’s life.

55th REUNION

1960s Class Scribe: Charlie Howe May–September 212– 22nd St. Surf City, NJ 08008-4926 charleskatehowe@gmail.com 609-494-5450 October–April 17468 Cornflower Ln. Punta Gorda, FL 33955 941-575-8150 From the Class Scribe…

Let me start by thanking everyone who has already gifted or pledged to the Nichols Fund.

Our class has always tried to set a good example over the years, and, thanks to all of you, we have continued that tradition.

Kate and I are still spending half the year in Punta Gorda (summers in Surf City, NJ) and enjoying getting together with Nichols alumni each year at the Naples gathering gra-

Notable gift Ed Donahue ’72 gave an unrestricted gift of $100,000 to the Nichols Fund in December.

“An unrestricted annual gift of this significance will enhance the educational experience in any number of ways, and we are grateful to Ed for this generous gift as well as his 30 plus years as a loyal donor to Nichols,” says Bill Pieczynski, vice president of advancement.

Donahue is a charter member of the Nichols Board of Advisors and one-time chair of the College’s President’s Society. He currently resides in Kingwood, Texas, and serves as the senior vice president and CFO of Vitruvian Exploration, LLC.

ciously hosted by John ’72 and Janet McClutchy. It was nice to see Hugo Pagliccia ’63 and his wife, Carol, as well as John Girvin ’59. Hugo is encouraging everyone to join LinkedIn. He has started up a Nichols Networking Group, hoping that it will become a vehicle to get Nichols grads to support one another in business and their professions. So far he has 40+ members. If you are already on LinkedIn, check out Joe “Buzz” Bardsley ’59 better known as “The Visionary.”

PZ [Paul Zimmerman] notes that there is not much to report, only that he is getting older, and his golf game is getting worse.

He and Cal Hills had a nice dinner with Nichols President Susan Engelkemeyer and Vice President Bill Pieczynski and commented that both he and Cal are extremely happy with the direction the new president is taking the College.

Bruce MacDonald writes that he and wife, Sue, celebrated their 50th anniversary on December 29th with all of their children and grandchildren with a visit to Ashville, NC. They are planning to participate in homecoming this year for a belated 50th, which they missed last year because of back surgery.

He noted some interesting statistics that he found in Bison publications, including issues from 1959 and 1960: enrollment was 362; tuition, effective June 1, 1958, for two semesters was $600, plus $1,050 for room and

board. He said perhaps that is why we were satisfied with our starting salaries of $5,000-6000 when we graduated. Bruce has gathered some promotional pictures, probably from the mid ’50s, which he plans to bring to homecoming. He is involved in building sets for a local theater production of "Arsenic and Old Lace," which was, by the way, the same play Nichols produced some 50 years ago.

In a short note (and a few nice pictures), Pete Judd writes that he and Patti just returned from a 10-week trip on their sailboat, DreamSeeker, to Hope Town, Abacos. He said that they had a great time, as always, and made it back to SC in nine days...a little less than 700 miles.

JT [John Turro] and I talk on a regular basis. He and Adelle are doing fine. Alan “Ace" Peterson is dealing with some "C" issues and John is keeping in close touch with him.

Rene Langevin is at long last retiring from Bartlett High School on June 24th. After being associated with the school for more than 50 years as a teacher, coach and part-time athletic director (for the past eight years), Rene will now get to work on the “Honey Do” list.

Karen, make sure that you keep him busy!

And out of the hills of southern Vermont came a note from Bill Smith, who said he still cuts six cords of fire wood from standing timber every year for heat. He works at home in a

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shop building little furniture and repairing antiques, and in the winter is a part-time ski instructor at Bromley Mountain. Other than work, he is very involved in his town with too many committees, as fire warden and on the board of directors for several organizations. He says it's a lot but it keeps him hopping between skiing in the winter and motorcycling in the warmer months. Life is good, and he hopes that all is well with you and yours.

That about covers it for this issue. Hope that the Class of '63 has a wonderful homecoming.

George Withington reports: “I enjoyed my 50th class reunion last September. It was nice to have met the new president, see the campus, and see some of my old classmates. Keep up the good work!”

50th REUNION

Class Scribe: Bruce I. Haslun 16 Gilder Point Ct. Simpsonville, SC 29681 hashardt@att.net From the Class Scribe…

In early April, I began these notes while sitting in an airplane on the tarmac of Charlotte Airport waiting to take off for Hartford, CT. There was an alumni gettogether set for West Hartford, and I had a bunch of free mileage. (You and I are both old enough to know there is no such thing, but the airlines love to

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ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

From the Archives

“The more things change…”

Contributed by Jim Douglas

Note: Nichols College is fortunate to have a rather extensive archive of material relating to the history of the College and its predecessors on the Hill going back to the founding of Nichols Academy in 1815.

In this ongoing column, Jim Douglas, director of the library and curator of the archives, will share something from the collection that illuminates a part of our long and proud history.

B

efore there was a Nichols College, there was a Nichols College of Business Administration, a Nichols Junior College, and a Nichols Academy. Over a hundred years ago, Nichols Academy was both a high school for the town of Dudley and a private preparatory school.

In the mid-1870s the Academy consisted of a classroom building and a boarding house and was on the brink of entering a new era of building construction and revamping under the leadership of a new Trustee and major benefactor, Hezekiah Conant.

In an advertisement for the Academy, circa 1873–76, the stated mission was to “fit thoroughly young men for Harvard, Yale, Bowdoin, or any college in the United States,” but it also had a “special aim to fit young men and women for the sterner duties of practical business life imparting to them the most thorough knowledge of Book-keeping in single and double entry….” For pedagogy, “We ignore all text-books so far as they tend to fill the mind with unmeaning rules and [we] appeal to the student’s common sense and reason, instead of loading the mind with vague and impractical theories.”

Practical was clearly an important consideration as the word appears four times (and impractical is clearly a disparaging word).

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Summer 2013

Sound familiar? It should. While business education on the Hill has moved far beyond “Book-keeping in single and double-entry,” more than a century later Nichols is still committed to a “career-focused business and professional education” and use of case studies and emphasis on practical, experiential learning.

By the way, modern day readers of the early advertisements are often bemused at the cost of services and products. Our advertisement shows board each week to be “$3.00 for 5 days and $3.50 for seven.” For a 12-week term, tuition, room and board could be about $52.00. (And there were optional extras, such as book-keeping which in 1878 cost $2.00.) Sounds like a deal by today’s standards, doesn’t it? Until you learn that annual earnings for workers (farm and non-farm combined) in 1876 was about $403. So the cost, particularly if more than one daughter or son was attending at the same term or more than one term, was by no means insignificant.

And, oh yes, the location hasn’t changed. The Nichols Academy Catalogue for 1878–79 put it this way: “The Academy is beautifully situated upon Dudley Hill, one of the most delightful spots in New England…The student is here free from the temptations that surround him in larger and less quiet places. No place in all New England is better known for purity of air and water, salubrity of climate, and beauty of scenery.”

have their little jokes!) Icing on the cake, my son and grandkids live in West Hartford. The reception was terrific with about 50 in attendance.

I’ve had a lot of contact with y’all in the last few months as the 50th Reunion Committee gears up and gets information out. You will hear more about the schedule, but I wanted to mention a “don’t miss” event: President Engelkemeyer is holding a Town Hall meeting on Saturday morning. I saw a preview in West Hartford. There are exciting plans, visions for the future, where the college is going, and challenges ahead. Very exciting stuff and a very exciting lady leading the way!

By now, you are aware of the Class of ’63 Reunion Challenge from Tom Niles to create a class scholarship. This year, whatever you are able to give, be as generous as you can be and give from the heart.

Stan Urban doesn’t know if he’ll be able to make the reunion. He writes, “I’m still battling cancer, but chances are excellent that I’ll win. Presently living in Fort Lauderdale while my wife, Nicole, runs the hotel and restaurant in Haiti.” (Let me know if you’d like his number.)

Peter Chamberlin will be at the 50th and thinks Bruce MacDonald ’62 will be back, as well as Bob Leith ’62.

Pete is going to double his usual annual gift for this challenge year!

Al Rock and his wife, Susan, are looking forward to seeing us all. Al said he is making a donation to the challenge, but after April 15th. You can tell Al was wide awake in Mr. Katori’s accounting class!

Peter Brusman (Mr. Brusman to his friends) called. I said, “Buddha! S’up?” Mr. Brusman seems to think that as we reach our Golden Years, Buddha may not be the sobriquet he most cherishes. We had a great and valuable conversation and he hugely helped me with something I am writing about Nichols.

ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

I really appreciated the input both he and his wife gave me.

Thanks, Buddha! Oops! I mean, Mr. Brusman.

Jack Lubbers ’64 visited his long-time roomie, Dave Paulson ’64, back in February. Dave continues to not do well and needs a lot of care, but is still living at home.

Bill Cleary brought up some reminders of things way past: “Remember, $2,500 per year was our cost, excluding books, the food “bleep” and the WW2 dorms too. But thank goodness for toilet coolers!” Actually, I thought the food was as excellent as I’d had aboard ship and that a 2-man dorm room was superior to a “berthing space” housing 45 fellow deck forcemen. Bill also notes that his former employer, Chevron, will match his contribution. That’s something all of us retirees should look into.

Hugo Pagliccia is lending a lot of support to the 50th Reunion Committee, but he has developed prostate cancer that has also involved complications, all of which is doubly concerning due to past family problems.

Ross Weale checks in periodically, but rarely says what he’s up to. I’m beginning to think Witness Protection Program.

Art Tozzi continues to send funny, “on-target” emails.

Bill Keats and his wife are looking forward to the reunion. He was recently hospitalized with diverticulitis, but recovery went well. Bill has been a CPA for 42 years in his own practice.

Most recently I heard from Ed Mazzetta ’64, who is going through some very difficult times.

Suzanne has dementia requiring 24/7 care.

Bob Therrien writes: “I married the girl of my dreams and have had 50 years of married bliss… two children, boy and girl… son, Dan, graduated cum laude from UNH… Naval OCS… retired Commander 20 years later.” After retirement from the family tire business, Bob began baseball umpiring. This season will be his 11th. I have to sadly report that

Catching up with Nancy Davis ’85

Upon graduating from Nichols College in 1985, Nancy Davis entered the labor force with a hunger to find and pursue her passion. This led her to New York City, where she became a senior financial analyst for American Express, and Phoenix, Arizona, where she was put in charge of the U.S. Travel Services Office for the multibillion dollar corporation. As manager of this division, Davis acted as a system liaison for the American Express headquarters in Brighton, England and the U.S. Her exposure to and involvement in computer systems caused her to pursue a new career in computer networks. In fact, she eventually earned certification as a CNE, or Certified Novell Engineer. To further her career in this field, Davis then became a network engineer for Harvard Medical School.

After a considerable amount of time in the fields of finance and computer networks, Davis decided to pursue an altogether new career.

Stemming from the longing to provide her three young daughters with an unparalleled educational experience, Davis founded The New Academy – a private, co-educational school (kindergarten through eighth grade) located in Winter Garden, Fla. Her technological background

after more than 50 years together, Bob’s wife died just before Christmas. He will try to join us at the reunion.

Finally, Dave Schemm ’61 reports that John “Tennessee” Franklin ’61, a Stump Jumper, has passed away. I remember Tennessee very well. He lived in Merrill Hall and one night before Christmas holiday we shared a (great) number of Purple Jesus.

Colonel came down to wish his sons a Merry and Happy, but John and I got the punch bowl out of sight before damage could ensue! We’ll miss John at the reunion. (By the way, I think Fred Potter has the Purple Jesus recipe.)

So there’s the news for this

paired with her belief in a hands-on learning approach fostered the school’s implementation of small class sizes and class utilization of technological “gadgets” including iPads, iMacs, and eReaders. The New Academy’s technologically enhanced environment provides students with a 21st-century approach to learning, and literally connects students to their many lessons.

What’s more is that Davis’ approach seems to be quite effective. “In life, everybody measures success by money. My measure of success is the smiles on my students’ faces each day,” she states. ~ Kelly Vaillancourt ’13

quarter. A number of the brothers and/or their families are hurting. As usual, if you say prayers, include them…and if not, keep them in your thoughts.

In my next column, it would be great to be able to report that we had met and exceeded the Niles challenge. It would also be awfully good to hear from you because you’re special to all of us.

Class Scribe: Warren Bender 3604 Kingsley Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC 29588-7714 843-492-6727 wbender@sc.rr.com From the Class Scribe…

Just finished reading the newest “Nicky” magazine and then next

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day I get an e-mail saying any news for the ’64 gang is due in three days! I hate pressure in my retirement years.

The magazine had a great picture of Dick Scheffler ’63, my across-the-hall dorm mate in Goodell. (Wonder if he is still taking small change from unsuspecting youth?) He needs to know that next time he is in Ft. Lauderdale, anytime from November to March, to look up Paul Opacki ’63. That’s his winter haven. In fact, that is what I did when Lila and I visited friends in Del Ray this past February. Paul drove up to have breakfast and we got caught up, including the latest on his roommate, George Pagnotta ’63 and

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ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

We’d like to hear from you!

Please send your news directly to your class scribe. If you do not have a class scribe, 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).

Digital images may be sent directly to: classnotes@nichols.edu.

Prints may be sent to: Nichols College, Alumni Relations , P.O. Box 5000, Dudley, MA 01571

the family of Joe Sterczala, who owned Kerry’s Men Shop on Main Street. Paul has had an antique shop on Cape Cod for the past 8–10 years.

Carl “Gillis” Gilbert, my roommate the last two years at school, dropped me a line (thank you, thank you) to let me know that, thanks to his youngest daughter, come this July he will have enough grandchildren to form a football team.

Also, after he read about Curt Stiles in the magazine flying Phantom jets with the Marines back in ’66–’67 out of Chu Lai in Vietnam, he said the unit he was in moved north to Chu Lai in the beginning of ’67 to secure that base for that purpose. Two more Nichols grads bravely serving our country.

Thank you, gents.

That’s it for now and hope y’all are enjoying your summer.

Remember, fall of ’14….“And The Beat Goes On.” 45th REUNION

more than 21 years of service and now serves in a senior judge capacity.

Class Scribe: Robert Kuppenheimer 4627 Tremont Ln. Corona del Mar, CA 92625-3130 bob.kuppenheimer@nuveen.com From the Class Scribe…

Congratulations to Tom Hall, who had another grandchild, and to Lee McNelly, who is expecting another one shortly.

The Nichols Class of 2035 has two more potential students!

Robert Savage writes that he is starting another business within his company that has an exclusive relationship selling a Swissmade product in all of North America.

1970s James Reid writes: “Doing the job I was hired to do back in November ’72 – collections.

Happy as hell. Retire? Not a chance.”

40th REUNION

Edward Zavaski is pleased to report that he became a grandfather to Julianna R. Cuifo on March 15, 2012.

REUNION

Gerry Hagarty says he survived a year of interferon, and hopefully, the melanoma did not.

David Hale writes about the celebration of life in honor of Ken Morris ’73, who died March 11th: “[Hockey] Coach [Kevin] Swallow contributed a #6 sweater and a Bison puck to Ken’s widow. She was extremely moved. I was at the celebration for three hours and the line was out the door when I came and when I left. Too young, so sad.

RIP #6!”

1980s Dave Rice reports: “I was proud to attend the 2013 Nichols College Hockey Year-End Awards gathering at Davis Hall, and to present the first annual Chris McWade Award ‘to the player that best represents what it means to be a Nichols College student-athlete, and exemplifies the following traits: character, dedication, loyalty, determination, persistence, leadership.’

Congrats to Will Brown '13 for receiving the first-ever award.

Chris McWade '81 was a goalie in the late ’70s and early ’80s

Thomas Gauthier sent a photo of his granddaughter, Elizabeth Angèle, born March 31, 2013, in Katy, Texas.

Elizabeth Angele Gauthier

Participating in the 2013 Hockey Year-End Gathering are, from left, Bill O'Connell '78, Mike Downing '79, Ed Koorbusch '81, Den Sexton '80, Dave Rice '80, Chip Beckert '81, and Greg and Tim McWade, sons of Chris McWade ’81. John Fearing '81 is missing from the photo.

Paul Rasmussen writes that he has retired from the state (FL) circuit court bench following NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

Class Scribe: Mark Alexander markalexander68@yahoo.com

35th

Terry M. Dwyer reports that he is currently retired and well-travelled. Looking back, he says his time at Nichols has given him two great educations, one in the classroom and one in life, and both have served him well!

John Harrison reports that he sold his advertising agency, Harrison Leifer DiMarco, five years ago and recently started a new marketing communications firm, The Brand Compound.

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Friends of the late Ken Morris ’73 gather to celebrate his life, from left, Paul Mooney ’73, manager and Ken’s caddie, Dave Irons ’71, Peter “Doodle” Sennott ’71, John “Bullet” Maffeo ’75, David Hale ’75, Jack Kelleher ’72 (Ken’s roommate), Don MacQuarrie ’69, and Lee McNelly ’69.

Summer 2013

ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

and enjoyed the all-time career saves record at time of graduation. He was also captain, a multiple ECAC all-star, earned numerous ECAC "Player of the Week" awards, was inducted into the Nichols College Hall of Fame, and will receive a 2013 Alumni Achievement Award for his success in business and community involvement. Chris's latest company, Connected Living, is a social platform for seniors and is rapidly being installed in senior communities nationwide.”

30th REUNION

Class Scribe: Michael Donehey 508-376-5469 (phone) 509-376-5043 (fax) mdonehey@live.com

Class Scribe: Rose (Cummings) Mamakos 3 Woodland Ave. Kingston, MA 02364-1029 mamcraz@comcast.net

Class Scribe: John P. Donahue 10 Corsham Dr. Medford, NJ 08055-8434 609-257-8191 jdonahue5@csc.com Franklin Boisvere reports that he is still teaching in Florida.

Class Scribe: Susan Zimonis 18930 Misty Lake Dr. Jupiter, FL 33458 561-707-8781 susanzimonis@bellsouth.net 25th REUNION

Class Scribe: Diane (Bellerose) Golas 90 Lebanon St. Southbridge, MA 01550-1332 508-764-6077 spongedicat@aol.com

Catching up with Jason Dekow ’06

Since graduating from Nichols College in 2006, Jason Dekow has been actively involved on campus. Currently, Dekow is the college relations program leader at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. In addition to overseeing and managing the company’s internship programs at the graduate, undergraduate, and high school levels, Dekow also coordinates hiring efforts for BCBSMA. Not surprisingly, his position has been the driving force behind his frequent appearances on campus. “I try to be involved as much as possible,” Dekow says, “whether it’s visiting a Professional Development Seminar [PDS] class or sitting in on Professor Libba Moore’s annual alumni panel for her Human Resource Management class.” In addition, Dekow volunteered to be a judge for the College’s first elevator speech contest, which was held in March. The contest featured current students who gave a 30-second to one-minute speech, or “pitch,” defining themselves and the value they would bring to an organization. Dekow also visits the College each spring to interview and recruit students interested in pursuing a career at BCBSMA. Dekow’s volunteerism and presence on the Nichols College campus is certainly having a positive impact on students. “Many students have approached me and told me that by speaking to them, it has solidified their decision to elect

Joseph LoPresti, ChFC®, LUTCF, of the Barnum Financial Group, an office of MetLife, was awarded the Individual Distribution Sales Manager of the Year, the highest honor given to a MetLife Agency sales director. This is the seventh time LoPresti has received this award.

Jason Dekow (right) and Tim Madden ’95 at a recent alumni reception in Boston.

human resource management as either a major or a minor,” he says. However, whether he is speaking to a class or recruiting for BCBSMA, it is the many opportunities to mentor, guide, and assist students where possible that is most rewarding to Dekow.

His involvement with the College is recognized by fellow alumni as well. He was recently nominated to serve on the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. His enthusiasm and support for Nichols College have only strengthened its brand, and will continue to do so for years to come.

1990s Class Scribe: Donna Small 4905 Bay Harvest Ct. Clemmons, NC 27012-8245 336-712-1053 (home) 336-692-5157 (cell) dsmall9242000@yahoo.com 20th REUNION

c o m m u n i t y. n i c h o l s . e d u

~ Kelly Vaillancourt ’13

Class Scribe: Danielle (Troiano) Sprague 20 Stagecoach Rd. Leominster, MA 01453 508-845-6604 thedwoman@yahoo.com 15th REUNION

Class Scribe: Emily (Seiferman) Alves millie.176@hotmail.com

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ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

NICHOLS REMEMBERS

2000s Class Scribe: Andrea Sacco andrea.j.sacco@gmail.com

Class Scribe: David Twiss 978-979-7658 (cell) david.twiss14@gmail.com

Jesse Plouffe ’03 (far right) gave students, Matt San Clemente '15, Josh DeLoach '14 and Joe Sposit '15, a rundown of the athletic shoe business.

10th REUNION

Class Scribe: Jillian (Hayes) Smerage jnhayes80@gmail.com From the Class Scribe…

Amy (Champagne) Johnson and her husband, Paul, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Gavin Paul, on April 4, 2013. He joins sisters, Mya and Chloe.

Jesse Plouffe, senior product developer at New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc. in Lawrence, MA, hosted a group of Nichols students accompanied by Brianne Callahan MOL ’11, alumni relations director and Student Alumni Society adviser, on April 24. Plouffe spoke with the group about his career and offered advice on breaking into the sport management industry.

The visit included a discussion on prototypes along with tours of the production line, inventory room, and sports lab.

Class Scribe: Erica (Mello) Boulay erica.boulay@hotmail.com 5th

REUNION

2010s Class Scribe: Katelyn Vella katelyn.vella@yahoo.com

Horace S. Nichols ’48, of Boston, Mass., died March 28, 2013. After serving briefly in the U.S. Navy and graduating from Boston University, he began his career in 1950 at Putnam Management Co., where he ultimately served as a portfolio manager of The George Putnam Fund and The Putnam Investors Fund. From 1975-2012, he was managing partner of Hunter Associates, a trust advisory company. Nichols was predeceased by two wives, Jean and Ruth, and leaves five children, Alison (John) Ferring, Charles (Patricia), Anderson and spouse Barry Jones, Anne (John) Maynard, and John (Rikki); two stepchildren, Brad (Susan) Harmon, and Gretchen (Bernard) Fontichiaro; six grandchildren; and five step grandchildren.

Lawrence S. Student ’48, of Leominster, Mass., died Feb. 14, 2013. An Air Force veteran of the Korean War, he and his father owned and operated Student Bros. Family Shoe Stores in Fitchburg, Gardner and Leominster.

With his wife, he co-authored "Beginning Bonsai: The Gentle Art of Miniature Tree Growing."

He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Shirley, and leaves a son, Michael (Barbara); daughter, Toby (Michael) Schindler; and a grandson.

Francis T. Brown ’49, of Greenfield, Mass., died March 3, 2013.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was employed by Lyman's in Chicopee and Union Butterfield in Athol, and retired from Greenfield Tap and Die as a production planner. In retirement, he worked at the Bag Co. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ruth; son, Jeffrey (Sonja); daughter, Beverly (Larry) Interlande; and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Milton.

Members of the class of 2013 and their families commence with the celebrations at the Senior Reception on Commencement eve.

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Summer 2013

Alan N. Mendleson, Jr. ’49, of Washington, Maine, died April 9, 2013. A native of White Plains, N.Y., he served as a private in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II. He was a lifetime entrepreneur with a range of businesses that

NICHOLS REMEMBERS

included electronics, video stores, a hotel and cottages on Cape Cod, a restaurant, and a carwash with an ice cream parlor. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Raymah; children, Patricia (William) Fender, Alan III (Enid), Deborah, Holly Selleck, Susan (Todd) Bennett, and Heidi (Mark) Dalaklis; brother, Jerry; sister, Jane; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Charles D. Watrous ’49, of Menifee, Calif., died March 12, 2013. In 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and earned his commission as an officer at the Officer Candidate Armored School at Fort Knox, Ky. After military service, he worked in marketing and field sales for Stanley Works, Borg Warner, General Electric, and FMC. From 1986 to 2000, he and his wife, Donna, owned and operated Lake Mission Viejo Travel. In addition to his wife, he is survived by son, Jeffrey and his wife; and sister, Fran Baudner. He was predeceased by three brothers.

Cuthbert "Skip" Mills III ’50, of West Brighton, Staten Island, N.Y., died April 4, 2013. He served in the U.S. Navy in the aviation division during World War II and, for almost 30 years thereafter, served with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 14-01, Sector New York, based in Fort Wadsworth.

Mills worked for the former Irving Trust Co. of New York, and then as an administrator at Calvert Mills Co. and Parker Trading Corp., retiring in the early 1980s. He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Mary Jane.

Kenneth A. Rondeau ’51, of Bristol, Conn., died April 7, 2013.

Before his retirement, he was vice president and service manager for Chic Miller Chevrolet of Bristol.

He leaves his wife of 58 years, Dorothy; sons, Rick, Kenneth (Carol), Peter (Lana), and Michael; brother, Donald (Janet); sister, Judith (Alan) Snitkin; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. He was predeceased by a brother, Albert.

Col. Robert H. Lockwood ’54, of Seven Lakes, N.C., died Jan. 22, 2013. Following college, he entered military service as a naval cadet and served two tours of duty in Vietnam, flying 862 missions and earning the Silver Star Medal among several other commendations. Lockwood was commanding officer of the Marine Air Reserve Training Attachment in Norfolk, retiring in 1983. After retirement, he served as the executive director of the Orange County, N.C., chapter of the American Red Cross for 10 years. Survivors include his wife, Marty; children, Pamela Koll, Kendra (John) Marshall, Brae (Don) DePol, and Brent (Cathy); sister, Jean (David) Reilly; nine grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren.

John O. Franklin ’61, of Franklin, Tenn., died Feb. 6, 2013. He worked for the Tennessee Department of Conservation Division of Forestry along with several private corporations, retiring in 1992. Survivors include his wife of nearly 50 years, Diane; children, Lyn (Louis) Hoyt, Bettie (Tony) Colombo, and John, Jr. (Andrea); brother, Robert (Patsy); and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Ernest.

Richard L. Maynard ’67, of Plymouth, Mass., died Jan. 13, 2013. He had a career in direct sales and was instrumental in the development of Princess House Inc. and PartyLite Gifts. He is survived by wife, Dona; children, Christopher (Tracy), Jodie (Jeff) Pear, Kyle, and Taylor; three grandchildren; and sisters, Anne Brodzinsky, and Jeri FerrissMaynard.

David C. Utakis ’69, of Sebastian, Fla., died March 7, 2013. He was a tax assessor for the towns of Uxbridge, Dudley and Southbridge, Mass. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Pamela; stepdaughter, Kristin Bugan; and brothers, Michael and Frank.

He was predeceased by a brother, M. Robert.

Vernon “Terry” S. Gray III ’72, of Bennettsville, S.C., died Dec. 20, 2012. He served in the U.S. Army and was retired from Domtar Paper Mill as a financial analyst.

Charles J. Kach ’73, of Worcester, Mass., died Jan. 14, 2013. A selfemployed licensed electrician, he leaves his wife of 35 years, Ann; son, Brendan (Jaime); two daughters, Ann (Brian) Lewandowski, and Kathleen (Michael) Fleming; five grandchildren; sister, Carol (Al) Stazinski; and brother, Francis (Sheila).

David B. Lougie ’78, of Worcester, Mass., died Jan. 11, 2013. He worked as a purchasing manager at Monroe Wire for over 20 years, then as a computer analyst for NCR for seven years. He is survived by daughter, Aimee; stepson, Christopher Bergeron; sisters, Dr. Linda (Edward) Prystupa, Deborah (James) Esposito, and Nancy; and a brother, Stephen.

Bobby G. Payton ’73, of Stoughton, Mass., died Nov. 20, 2012. He was president of First Boston Tax Services.

Christopher J. McWade ’81, of Franklin, Mass., died May 25, 2013. He began his career working in sales for an international steamship line and in 1993, cofounded Team Enterprises, a marketing and advertising agency based in Woburn. In 2007, after serving as the primary caregiver for several family members, he co-founded ConnectedLiving, a social impact company designed to enhance the experience of aging through technology, programming, and people. He was inducted in the Nichols College Athletic Hall of Fame for ice hockey in 2008 and will be given an Alumni Achievement Award this fall. McWade leaves his wife of 28 years, Ellen; sons, Brian, Timothy, and Gregory; daughter, MaryKatherine; and brother, Peter (Cheryl) McWade.

Robert C. Whit ’75, of Westborough, Mass., died April 18, 2013.

He was the president of White Hardware in Framingham before serving as an assistant manager at Home Depot. He is survived by his former wife, Nancy; children, Kathy (Roberto) Reif, Lori, and Daniel; sisters, Shirley Hart, and Marjorie; and a granddaughter.

Richard “Rick” R. Stimets, Jr. ’82, of Worcester, Mass., died March 16, 2013. He spent his career as a financial planner, most recently at Ameriprise Financial. Survivors include mother, Ginger; three children, Jacky, Ricky, and Amy; their mother, Stacey Zawacki; sister, Lisa (Rick) Thomas; and fiancée, Jo Sundin.

Carol-Ann “Kiwi” (Alarie) Adams ’78, of Dudley, Mass., died March 13, 2013. She was a licensed social worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Rehab Center in Sturbridge for over 30 years, retiring in 2010. She leaves a son, Wilfred (Betty Jean) Bond; daughter, Samantha-Ann Grout; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandsons. She was predeceased by her husband of 33 years, Wesley.

David G. Butler MBA ’91, of Dudley, Mass., died Nov. 27, 2012.

He worked in several positions at American Optical Corp. from 1966 until 1998 when he retired and became an independent consultant specializing in environmental management. He leaves his wife of 36 years, Priscilla; three daughters, Deanne (Tony) Lins, Carolyn McMahan, and Jennifer (Stuart) Hatch; a son, Randall; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a brother, William (Helen).

Kenneth F. Morris ’73, of Beverly, Mass., died March 11, 2013. He had been employed as a sporting goods representative for the past 25 years until the time of his retirement. Prior to that, he worked as a department manager at Herman’s World of Sporting Goods, O’Brien Plumbing Shop, and as a recruiter at Nichols College. In addition to his wife of 39 years, Christie, he is survived by son, Derek; brother, Bruce (Dawn); and sister, Nancy (Robert) Grant.

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Your Success Is Our Business

Parental guidance

The Nichols College Parents Committee at a recent meeting, back row, from left, Rob Hoey ’84 MBA ’01 P’15 P’16, Robert Leary P’14, Kyle Haggerty ’89 MBA ’07 P’13, Bernie Gagnon ’82 MBA ’89 P’16, Don and Peg Harbert P’17, and Dave Cole P ’16; front row, from left, Pam Connolly P’14, Mary Hoey P’15, ’16, Paula Leary P’14, Paula Gagnon P’16, and Anne Cole P’16. Missing from picture: Laurie Arel P’15, Sylvia Burlingame P’14, and Kathy Langlois P’14

hen rappers Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff came out with the song, “Parents Just Don’t Understand” in 1988, they could not have been referring to Nichols College parents. The newly formed Nichols College Parents Committee is proof that Nichols parents not only understand but want to help their children get the most out of their Nichols education.

The NCPC is charged with identifying and utilizing the talents and resources of parents for the encouragement, engagement, and enrichment of their students’ education and their future as alumni of the College. The committee serves as a resource for parents, providing a vital connection for parents with their children, with Nichols and with other parents.

Committee Co-chair Dave Cole P ’16 appreciates this connection to his son’s educational experience.“The Parents Committee offers opportunities

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NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

to be involved in the growth of the school through volunteerism, offering parental perspective on the experience and reinforcing the importance of giving,” he says.“Additionally, it is a great way to connect with other parents and be a part of social events put on by the committee. I hope to see the committee grow its membership of both new and existing students’ parents, be an organization that contributes to the Nichols experience and leaves a legacy of positive influence on the College.”

As a liaison between Nichols and parents, the NCPC encourages other parents to increase their involvement with Nichols through volunteering, attending events, speaking to a class, or making a financial contribution.

Co-chair Paula Leary P’14 states, “I joined the Parent Committee to support the Nichols College community. It has been an opportunity to meet other parents and faculty and to plan

Summer 2013

activities, which will directly benefit our children and the College, now and in the future. It has been a valuable experience for me and for my family.

I look forward to an exciting year and encourage parents to participate in this worthy organization.”

To find out more about how parents can help ensure the ongoing success of Nichols and their sons and daughters, visit community.nichols.edu/ncpc or contact the Parents Committee through Brianne Callahan, 1-866-622-4766 or alumnioffice@nichols.edu.

STAY CONNECTED

Congratulations to the Class of 2013!

Moments in Time Your alma mater and classmates want to keep in touch with you! Sign up for our bimonthly email newsletter, Nichols & Sense, by sending your name and email address to alumnioffice@nichols.edu.

Want to receive text updates on when we will be in your area? Send us your cell phone number and we can make that happen as well.

alumnioffice@nichols.edu | community.nichols.edu

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PA I D PERMIT #375 NASHUA NH

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

Visit online at community.nichols.edu HOMECOMING 2013:

Then. Now. Always.

Friday, October 4

Saturday, October 5 continued

1 – 3 p.m. – Alumni Golf, Dudley Hill Golf Club Play nine holes with your favorite foursome at a special rate. Pre-registration is required.

10 – 11 a.m.

Town Hall Meeting with President Susan Engelkemeyer, Fels Student Center Main Lobby

4 p.m. – Women’s Tennis vs. Salve Regina University

10 a.m. – noon – Then. Now. Always., Fels Student Center, Room 210

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. – President’s Reception for Golden Bison (50th Reunion year and older),

Share a recorded message with the Nichols community in preparation for the upcoming bicentennial celebration.

Fels Student Center. Pre-registration is required.

11 a.m. – noon – Bison Games, Softball Field Test your skills at family friendly activities. Pre-register with a team (strongly recommended) or sign up that day.

Participants will receive a lunch ticket for the BBQ at noon in the Hospitality Tent.

5 p.m – Field Hockey vs. Gordon College 6:30 p.m. – Annual Alumni Awards Ceremony & Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, Daniels Auditorium Wine/beer and hors d’ oeuvres will be served, $15 per person. Pre-registration is required.

Awardees: Outstanding Alumnus Award: Thomas “Troop” Emonds ’65 Alumni Achievement Award: Christopher McWade ’81 (posthumously) Ken Thompson Service Award: Ronald Schmitt ’62, ’65 Honorary Alumna Award: Professor Louise Nordstrom Hall of Fame Inductees: Heather Clarke ’06, Thomas LoRicco ’78, Bryan Meuse ’07, 1973 Football Team (Hall of Honor) 7:30 p.m. – Men’s Soccer vs. Gordon College

Noon –1 p.m. – Alumni Barbeque, Lot M Admission is free (with a lunch ticket) for Bison Games registrants; $5 for all others.

11 a.m. & noon – Student-guided walking tours of campus 11:30 a.m. – Women’s Soccer vs. Gordon College Noon – 3 p.m. – Bison Pride, Vendetti Field Food, fun and games for kids of all ages.

Noon – 5 p.m. – Tailgating, Parking Lot M Open flames and glass bottles are not permitted.

Noon – 6 p.m. – Hospitality Tent, Lot M

Saturday, October 5

Register and receive a free gift. Join us for a live WNRC broadcast and a chance to win prizes.

9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

1 p.m. – Football vs. Salve Regina University

Shuttles from Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center to Nichols College leaving every hour on the hour.

3:30 – 6 p.m. – Homecoming Reception, Lot M

9 a.m. – noon – Registration, Fels Student Center

Enjoy a complimentary dessert.

Check in and get a schedule of events, see which of your classmates has arrived, tour the new facility, and enjoy coffee and pastries until 10 a.m.

Hotel Information: Homecoming attendees are encouraged to stay at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center. For reservations, call 508-765-8000 (mention Nichols College to get a special discount) or book online at www.southbridgehotel.com and enter the code NICHOLS2013.

For more information, contact Alumni Relations at 866-622-4766 or community.nichols.edu/homecoming2013.