Do you have questions? Please reach out to current Parent Council members or staff at Nichols School.
PARENT COUNCIL
President Jen Coppola P’27,’30
Vice-President
Angela Campagna P’30
Correspondence & Records
Christina Leonard P’32
Ex-Officio
Jess Hapeman ’95 P’28,’28
Middle School
5th Grade (Class of 2033)
Elizabeth Hays P’22,’23,’30,’33
Deidre Batson-Griggs ’03 P’31,’33
Christina Arthurs ’00 P’33
6th Grade (Class of 2032)
David Schwartz P’29,’32
Lisa Zebro P’32
Jennifer Atwal P’32
7th Grade (Class of 2031)
Brooke Leboeuf ’97 P‘31
Emily Doren ‘00 P’30,‘31
Jill Gerhardt ’97 P’31
8th Grade (Class of 2030)
Erin Cornelius P’30
Amy & Chris Capalbo P’28,’30,’31
Heather DeFazio P’29,’30
Upper School
9th Grade (Class of 2029)
Michelle Maccagnano P’29
Megan Lukitsch P’29
Brandon Barker P’29
10th Grade (Class of 2028)
Erin Lawson P’28
Carolyne Bukenya P’28,’31
11th Grade (Class of 2027)
Heather Abu-Sitta P’27,28
Danielle Chebat P’27
Adhilah Moulana II P’27,’27
Heather Jermak P’27
12th Grade (Class of 2026)
Rima Khan P’21,’24,’26
Becky Locke P’26
Jill Metz P’26
At-Large
Maansi Travers P’26,’28
Renee Mapes P’27
Jenny Li P’32
Jen Smith P’27,’29
Sarah Gramaglia P’33
Leah Mayer P’28,’29,’31,’33
Leah Hughs ’88 P’27
Julie Plata P’22,’22,’29
Tina Taylor P’28
Claudia Buttonhoff P’28
Continuing At-Large
Jessica Baird ’92 P’21,’23,’25,’28
Uzma Siddiqui P’30,’33
Dede Koeppen P’23,’26
Jamie Kelly P’23,’28,’28
Amat Fatimah P’28,’31
Jennifer Aubrecht P’25,’28
Tammy Aranyosi P’27,’28
Rachelle Nurse P’29
Zeb Farooq P’31
Ashley Dietrick P’28,’31
Lorrei DiCamillo P’28
Kim Schindler P’26,’28,’31
STAFF
Austin Farber Director of Advancement 716-332-5153
afarber@nicholsschool.org
Ben Gerhardt Director of Family Engagement and Philanthropy 716-332-5154 bgerhardt@nicholsschool.org
Sara Wiese
Assistant Director of Advancement Events & Marketing 716-332-5175 swiese@nicholsschool.org
“It’s easy to support a school that provides such great learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.” – Becky & Jason Locke P’26
Mark Your Calendars!
BIG GREEN: Friday, September 26, 2025
HOMECOMING: Saturday, September 27, 2025
NICHOLS NIGHT: Saturday, May 2, 2026
We welcome and encourage your participation. NICHOLS SCHOOL
AMHERST ST., BUFFALO, NY 14216
Give and Get Involved
This guide tells you everything you need to know about philanthropy and family participation at Nichols School.
For 134 years, Nichols School has prepared students for the work of life by providing an education that is not just great, but exceptional. Graduates of Nichols head off to college with the skills they need to succeed and make a difference in the world.
Last year, your generous contributions to the NICHOLS FUND supported the following:
• Combined Middle and Upper schools musical
• Orientation Trips for every student
• Professional Development opportunities for 40+ faculty and staff
• Curriculum enhancement for the Middle and Upper School
• Transportation for athletics
• An award-winning robotics team
• And so much more!
At Nichols we take pride in the culture of philanthropy that has been built upon for more than a century. The cost of tuition does not cover the full cost of a Nichols education. Additionally, as with all independent schools, Nichols does not receive local, state, or federal funding, and relies on the generosity of its community to sustain it. While contributions vary, we expect that each family makes an effort to support the school at the highest level possible. However, participation is key as every gift to Nichols makes an immediate impact.
Contributions to the Nichols Fund from families, alumni, faculty, and staff make up 10% of the school’s operating expenses each year. This is a critical component to providing an outstanding and unique educational experience for Nichols students. CURRENT FAMILIES GAVE MORE THAN
Nichols Fund
The Nichols Fund is an annual fundraising initiative which aims to solicit financial contributions from the school's community, including parents, alumni, staff, and other supporters. The Nichols Fund is crucial for the school’s financial health as it fills the gap between tuition income and the actual cost of providing an exceptional Nichols education. Contributions can be made in various forms, including cash and stock donations, pledges, matching gifts, and realized planned and deferred gifts.
Our goal for the 2025-2026 school year is to have 100% of our families participate in the Nichols Fund.
Capital Campaigns at Nichols School
Capital campaigns are multi-year, strategic fundraising efforts designed to secure significant resources for transformative, long-term projects. These initiatives support the growth and excellence of academic programs, faculty development, and institutional priorities — creating lasting assets that benefit Nichols School for generations to come.
Like all independent schools, Nichols undertakes periodic capital campaigns to fund major strategic initiatives, including:
New or Enhanced Facilities: To create modern, flexible spaces that support innovative teaching, dynamic learning environments, and the diverse needs of our students and faculty.
Faculty Endowment Funds: To provide permanent support for faculty positions and ongoing professional development, ensuring that Nichols attracts and retains outstanding educators.
Get Involved in the Parents’ Association
Every parent is a member of the Parents’ Association at Nichols. Students thrive when their families are involved and invested in their lives at school. When you contribute your time, resources, and talent, you become part of a long tradition of helping Nichols maintain its position as a school of excellence. There are numerous ways in which families can get involved in the educational experience here at Nichols.
Families may:
Endowed Program Funds: To grow and enrich academic programs, support cutting-edge research opportunities, and invest in the technology and resources needed to meet evolving educational demands.
Because capital initiatives fall outside the scope of the school’s annual operating budget, gifts to these campaigns are typically made in addition to annual support of the Nichols Fund.
If you’re interested in learning how you can help advance Nichols School’s strategic vision by making a major, multi-year commitment, please contact: Leslie Garcia, Assistant Head of School for Advancement, lgarcia@nicholsschool.org
• Serve as a member of the Parent Council
• Join the planning committee for the Nichols Night Auction
• Host an international student
• Serve as a Nichols Fund Parent volunteer
• Assist as a Parent Ambassador for Admissions events
• Chaperone a field trip
• Serve on committees that help plan and facilitate events
Nichols ConnectioNs
Nichols has always been about more than just time on campus — it’s about the lifelong connections we build. To strengthen those ties and support mentorship, we’re launching Nichols ConnectioNs, a new database celebrating the talent, experience, and passion in our community.
By sharing your college path, career journey, or personal interests, you can help connect students and alumni through panels, workshops, classroom visits, or mentoring. We’re looking for volunteers ready to inspire and give back.
If you’re a part of the Nichols community and ready to get involved – scan the code today!
