Toaxnoes Fall/Winter 2010-2011

118TH COM M E N C E M E N T

REUNION 2010

GENERAL INFORMATION TEST

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Fa l l / W i n t e r 2 010

Campus Clips A.

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A. Jim Newman ’79 & Lise Buyer ’78 (front) and Jane Cox Hettrick ’78 and Jeff Meyer (back) work on a group activity at a Board of Trustees meeting.

B. The 2010-2011 Parents’ Council President, Debbie Bourne, and Vice President, Mary Bacon, gather for a Parents’ Association meeting.

C. Emily ’13 and Christy Ardalan ’18 are the proud owners of the kid that came to campus on Pet Day. D. As part of the Advanced Pre Calculus class’ final test on quadratic functions, Lindsay Wright ’12, James Lee ’12 and Nick Shea ’12 calculate the math involved in landing a marble into a container via a ramp.

E. On the 7th grade class trip to Camp Pathfinder, Max Scott ’16 (left), and Benjamin Brason ’16 (right), go canoeing with English Department Chair, Deb Howe (center).

F. Suet “Crystal” Ng ’12, an Advanced Photography student, stands in front of her classmates’ work on display at the Music is Art Festival, held on the grounds of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in September.

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Editor’s Note A longstanding Nichols tradition is the Upper School’s General Information Test. Since 1911, the GIT has been compiled on an annual basis from questions submitted by the faculty and administered to students in grades 9-12 as a measure of general knowledge. In order to award an annual prize to the student who receives the highest score, the GIT is funded through the generosity of Lucy and Sherman J. Maisel ’35.

In September, our friend, Sherman J. Maisel ’35, passed away. We received a note from his wife, Lucy, saying they took the test and both scored in the 80s. We are all grateful for the years of pleasure the GIT has brought to members of our community. Each year, people tell us how much they enjoy the chance to take it, to boast their score, or to share the tradition their family has started within this tradition. Some challenge a particular member of their family with the test and they compare results, while others take the test as a group on a certain holiday or at a family party. Sherman’s legacy at Nichols will continue to live on in the GIT. Turn to page 36 to take this year’s edition.

With every day, in actions small and great, we create our own legacies. Our alumni continue to make Nichols proud long after they leave the School. We know this from the stories we hear about you – many of which end up on the pages of this magazine, on our website, and talked about fondly by former faculty members, friends and loved ones.

There are countless stories of alumni in Buffalo and around the globe, in all industries, who have achieved incredible accomplishments.

So, we ask you to continue to let us know what you’re up to. We want to help shout your good news! If you have news to share about yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to e-mail Blake Walsh ’98, our Director of Alumni Relations, at bwalsh@nicholsschool.org, so we can include it in Class Notes or consider it for a special feature.

We also want to make sure we have your most recent e-mail on file because we continue to send out regular e-mail updates. You’ll find a postcard enclosed to complete and return at your convenience. The sooner you get us your new contact information, the quicker we’ll be able to send you news and event information. For those outside of Buffalo, we’ll be holding Nichols get-togethers in cities around the country and we want to see you. Please confirm that we know where you are so we can tell you about these fun events!

Staff

Fa l l / W i n t e r 2 010 Editor Nina Barone nbarone@nicholsschool.org Contributors Susan Allen Richard C. Bryan Nina Barone Neil Farmelo Holly Fewkes Leslie S. Garcia Elaine Gardner Elizabeth Stevens Gurney ’75 Deborah Howe Kristen Tripp Kelley Connie Klinck Klopp N’73 Jim Kramer Kate Olena Jennifer Peresie Chuck Ptak Jill C. Robins Carol Sue Stapleton Tyler Tokarczyk ‘08 Blake S. Walsh ’98 Designer Kelley Rechin, Duffy Moon Design Photographers J. Matthew Kianka Wm. F. “Kim” Kimberly ’47 Andrea Mancuso Tom Maynor ’81

Keep in touch,

Nina M. Barone Director of Marketing and Communications

– means “that which is true” and is pronounced “taw alay théss.” is published twice a year by the Development Office.

Telephone: 716.332.5151 • Fax: 716.875.3931 Third Class postage paid at Buffalo, New York.

Nichols is an inclusive community. Acceptance granted to qualified students.

Nichols School 1250 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14216 • 716.332.6300 • www.nicholsschool.org

Front Cover: Matthew Calleri ‘16, John Ennis ’15 and Matthew Sherris ’15 show their Big Green spirit during the Homecoming celebration.

See page 40 for more photos.

Call for Artists

Nichols is interested in hearing from artists – in our School community and beyond – who may want to display their work in the Nichols School Gallery in the Glenn and Awdry Flickinger Performing Arts Center. Guest artists also have the opportunity to meet with students in classes, as well as the chance to speak at a special assembly or Morning Meeting to share their work.

The Colby Fund, which provides income to promote and enhance the arts at Nichols, provides some funding to assist with exhibitions, guest artists and special programs for the benefit and education of our students. If you are interested in learning more, please call the Development Office at 716-332-5151.

Contents Head of School Report ................................................................................ 5 Faculty & Staff Appointments .................................................................... 6 Former Board Chair Dinner ......................................................................... 8 New Members of the Board of Trustees ................................................... 9 New Alumni Board Members ...................................................................... 10 Alumnus Reflections – Building a Community of Trust ............................... 11 Alumni Return the Favor by Coaching Today’s Athletes ........................... 12 2009-2010 Report on Giving .................................................................... 14 Verdian Day .............................................................................................. 18 AP Achievements of the Class of 2010 ..................................................... 20 Cum Laude Society Induction Ceremony ................................................ 21 Legacies .................................................................................................. 22 The 118th Commencement ..................................................................... 23

Nichols Sells 1180 Amherst St. This fall, Nichols School sold 1180 Amherst St., the house adjacent to our campus, formerly the Schoellkopf residence. The School acquired the property in 2003 from the United Church Home.

Richard C. Bryan, Head of School, related: “We have had minimal use of the property, and the longer we debated the house compared to our campus master plan, the clearer it became that there was no viable use for it. Since the land does not border our academic core, it did not meet our strategic planning needs. It was our desire that the property remain a single family dwelling in order to preserve the sense of community in our neighborhood.”

In the spring, members of the Board of Trustees made the decision to sell the property to a buyer who would use it as a single family residence. Board President, Jane Cox Hettrick ’78, spearheaded the effort. Jane shared that they were pleased to find a buyer who is using the property as a single family home: “That was extremely important to us for two key reasons: we want to be good neighbors and we want to live our mission of environmental sustainability.”

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Class of 2010 Matriculation List ................................................................26 After Nichols – Mara Moscato ’97 ........................................................... 27 Athletic Hall of Fame .................................................................................. 28 Spring 2010 Athletics Recap ....................................................................... 30 William Nichols Award ............................................................................. 31 Pennies for Peace .................................................................................... 31 Olive Ringo Award .................................................................................... 32 After Nichols – Duncan Sisson ’98 ........................................................... 33 William Nichols Society ........................................................................... 34 The Lucy and Sherman Maisel ’35 General Information Test .......................................................................... 36 Homecoming ............................................................................................... 40 Reunion 2010 ............................................................................................... 42 Pen Pals ................................................................................................... 48 Storytelling: Pervasive throughout Learning and Life .............................. 52 After Nichols – Eric Berlow ’86 ................................................................ 54 Tree Planting ............................................................................................ 56 In Memoriam ........................................................................................... 57 Class Notes ............................................................................................. 58 Faculty Profile – Julie Genco Alford ’84 .................................................... 63

Head of School Report

“So, What’s Next?”

by Richard C. Bryan

The celebration for the end of the nicholsfuture.org Capital Campaign and the dedication of The Class of 1963 Center for Mathematics and Science were only two days past when someone asked me where the School was heading. It occurred to me that we had been working on the campaign for over four years, and it had been an all consuming focus. I could see that others had a similar question, “So, what’s next?”

Successful schools in the 21st century can easily provide an answer to this question, because they are engaged in continuous strategic planning. Today’s schools are under the pressure of persistent change, and therefore real-time strategic thinking has replaced what were formal intervals of strategic planning. Time has a way of condensing in this mode; at times, planning and doing seem to operate concurrently.

School Trustees and administrators have been engaged in continuous strategic planning for the past four years. It has allowed us to constantly take stock, make adjustments as needed, and provide a roadmap for the short and long term future.

In turn, our planning process has provided goals for Board Committees, brought groups of community members together to solve issues, and provided a basis to measure progress as well the efforts of individuals.

Our plan has a cover page, which includes the School’s mission statement, core values and vision for the future. These words must be at the center of what we are planning or exploring, so that we remain grounded. Five Strategic Pillars represent the core areas of concentration. There are three to five initiatives that follow; beginning strategies for each initiative, and a measureable outcome for each initiative.

The first strategic pillar concerns the educational mission of the School: Foster the ideal learning environment and a dynamic educational program. In the

past five years, we have concentrated on the development of our 21st century Core Competencies. This year, our focus is on technology integration, and one initiative in this pillar is devoted to this concentration.

The major priority in this pillar is a study on the future use of Moot Hall, now vacated by the opening of the Class of 1963 Center for Mathematics and Science. We have a number of beginning steps including the establishment of a Board of Trustees Subcommittee and the commission of a thorough engineering study of the building.

Other initiatives in this section focus on balance of program, differentiated learning, and the implementation of the Fritz Zeller Initiative on Character and Leadership.

Market and enroll a 5-12 student body that is both talented and diverse, is the focus of the second pillar. Independent schools, especially in economically challenged areas, must devote attention and resources to attracting new students to the school. We seek to further coordinate our admissions strategies with our marketing and communications efforts, including empowering members of our community – faculty and staff, parents, alumni and friends – to be effective ambassadors for our recruiting efforts, and implement a thorough review of our financial aid process.

The third pillar: Attract, retain and develop the highest caliber of faculty and staff. Our major concentration is to improve opportunities for the professional development, mentoring and training of faculty and staff. We are targeting technology knowledge and application, the advisory program, and understanding differences in student learning styles.

Communication is the main theme of the fourth pillar: Support ongoing efforts to improve communication among parents, alumni and the community. It is essential for schools to model and exhibit

strong communication skills for teaching, partnering, informing and nurturing all members of the school community. Based on feedback from last year’s parent survey, we have concentrated efforts this year on improving faculty communication with parents on student academic progress.

Building on the many recent improvements to our website, another initiative involves continued integration of the site into the fabric of school life, particularly the password-protected Parents Portal and our weekly e-mail updates.

Our final pillar is Sustain a strong financial condition both short-term and for a debt-free future. With the generosity of so many parents, friends, alumni, faculty and staff, the successful conclusion of the nicholsfuture.org Capital Campaign allows us first-rate facilities, advanced technology, a stronger endowment and a debt-free future.

New initiatives include the creation of stronger summer programs, the continued reduction of the School’s carbon footprint, and careful budgeting for the upcoming school year.

If this seems a bit daunting, it is. Such is the nature of good independent schools today. The status quo is unacceptable, and change must be explored in order to keep Nichols School strong and mission-focused.

Tell me what you think of this snapshot of our strategic planning. Are we missing an area of major focus? Do you have any suggestions or comments? Feel free to e-mail me at rbryan@nicholsschool.org. We will always welcome your insights as we strive to continue to improve.

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Faculty & Staff Appointments

by Nina Barone Jim Cammarata Jim joins us from the Oracle Charter School in Buffalo, N.Y., where he has been teaching history since 2006. For the past two school years, Jim was the History Department Chair and he was the 9th grade instructional team leader. He also served as the faculty Trustee for the Oracle School Board. Jim received a bachelor’s degree in History from the State University of New York at Buffalo, with a concentration in Asian Studies. In 2005, he received a Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Social Studies Education from Buffalo State College.

Jim teaches 6th grade geography and 8th grade history and is coach of the 7/8 Boys Soccer team.

Jennifer Clarey Jennifer returns to Buffalo after spending five years in Colorado Springs, Colo. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business from Canisius College and extensive human resources and accounting experience. Most recently, she worked as an Accounting Manager for an oil and gas venture company.

Jennifer is the new Payroll/Benefits Manager in the Business Office.

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Lolly Errickson Lolly has taught high school English for the past decade in both public and independent schools. For the past three years, she has taught AP Literature and Composition, as well as junior and senior English at Yarmouth High School in Yarmouth, Maine. She received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English at the University of New Hampshire.

Lolly works part-time in the College Office, helping students with their college essays, in addition to serving as a writing tutor for Upper School students.

Paul Errickson Since 2005, Paul has been Head of Middle School at North Yarmouth Academy in Maine. Previously, he was Director of the Middle School at The Good Hope School in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He earned a master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of New Hampshire and is seeking a master’s degree in Independent School Leadership from Columbia University.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Conservation from the University of New Hampshire.

While at North Yarmouth Academy, he also taught biology, coached soccer and skiing, and led faculty committees.

Paul is the new Head of Middle School.

Leslie Garcia Leslie served as the Director of Advancement at Buffalo Prep for the past five years. She was responsible for generating operational revenue through major gifts, corporate and individual annual giving, grants and special events.

She also handled budget development, volunteer recruitment and management, marketing and public relations. She served as Director of Institutional Advancement at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart prior to Buffalo Prep.

In her role as Director of Development, Leslie will manage annual giving through The Nichols Fund and the day-to-day operations of the Development Office.

Heather Newton In 2002, Heather became the Assistant Director of Admissions at the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, later moving to the position of Associate Director of Admissions in 2005.

Following a move to Buffalo, Heather continued as the Associate Director at Yale, working from home and commuting to New Haven, Conn. She previously worked at the advertising firm Carlson Draddy and Associates in Westport, Conn.

Heather has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and a master’s in Public Administration from the Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Heather is the new Director of Admissions.

Whitney Nuchereno Whitney taught Middle School Spanish and French at Greenwich Country Day School in Greenwich, Conn., from 20062009. She previously substituted at the Nichols Middle and Upper Schools as well. She is a graduate of Skidmore College, with dual bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and French, and most recently completed master’s degrees in Spanish and French from Middlebury College.

Whitney is the Middle School Spanish teacher, covering five sections of Spanish in grades 5-8. She also serves as an 8th grade advisor and assists with Middle School Girls Tennis and Basketball.

Jennifer Peresie For the past three years, Jen served as the Office Manager of Thermo Mechanical Service Corporation.

Prior to that position, she was a Senior Account Executive with Ingram Micro Incorporated for eight years.

Jen is the new Development Office Associate.

Blake Walsh ’98 Blake returns to Nichols after graduating 12 years ago. For four years, Blake worked for the Harvard University Alumni Association in Cambridge, Mass.

He coordinated the reunion events each year and managed the Freshman Career Forum. Since 2008, Blake served as the Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship at SUNY at Buffalo. He holds a

bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Wesleyan University.

As the Director of Alumni Relations, Blake oversees alumni activities, events and communications, as well as the Alumni Division of The Nichols Fund. In addition, he serves as coach of the JV Boys Soccer team.

Andrew Zajdel Andrew recently completed a master’s degree in Mathematics from SUNY at Buffalo and served as a Mathematics Teaching Assistant at the university. This past year at Nichols Middle School, he regularly acted as a substitute teacher.

Andrew earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from Canisius College, and served as a math tutor in the Mathematics Department at Canisius.

Andrew is a 7th and 8th grade math teacher and assistant coach of the 7/8 Boys Soccer team. He also serves as a 7th grade advisor and leads the Middle School Math Club.

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Save the Date!

Internal Appointments Laura Lombardo Yusick ’96 Laura, previously the Director of Admissions, is the new Director of Financial Aid. Her responsibilities include overseeing the transition to a new financial aid system, FAST, as well as handling all financial aid implementation and education with families. She also manages Named Scholarships. Laura assists seniors and their parents with college financing options as well.

Michele Speach and Annie Newall In addition to Michele and Annie’s duties in the Middle School, the pair will serve as the new Co-Directors of Summer Programs. They are creating and overseeing the School’s entire summer school program offering, including academic, extra-curricular, day camp, athletic and off-campus activities.

Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4 Special celebrations for classes ending in 1 and 6.

All alumni welcome!

Visit www.nicholsschool.org/ reunion or call 716.332.5151.

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A.

Former Board Chair Dinner

On May 6, we held a Former Board Chair Dinner, which gave us a wonderful opportunity to honor our many past Board Chairs. We thanked outgoing Chair, Bill Gisel ’70, for his years of service and leadership, and welcomed Jane Cox Hettrick ’78 as our first female Chair. Since the event, our most senior member, Jack Walsh ’39 has passed.

Please see the tribute to Jack on page 57.

A. (back, l-r) Jack Walsh ’63, Neil Farmelo, Ted Walsh ’72, Robert Gioia, Rick Bryan; (front) Bill Gisel ’70, Jane Cox Hettrick ’78, Jack Walsh ’39 and Jock Mitchell ’66 B. Bill Gisel ’70, Hannah Gisel ’06 and Mary Gisel

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New Members of the Board of Trustees

by Nina Barone

Kristan Carlson Andersen ’80 Kristan is a Vice President of Real Estate Sales for Gurney, Becker & Bourne. A 1980 graduate of Nichols School, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in French and Sociology from St. Lawrence University.

She is a past President of the Alumni Board at Nichols, as well as a former member of the School’s Board of Trustees. She previously served on the Parents’ Council at Elmwood Franklin School.

Kristan and her husband, Robin H. Bronstein, reside in Buffalo with their children, M. Noel Andersen ’13 and Elizabeth A. Andersen ’16, who both attend Nichols.

Charles E. Balbach H’52 Charles is a retired executive of Science Kit and longtime Nichols volunteer. A graduate of Harvard University, he earned a bachelor’s degree before going on to Harvard Business School to obtain an M.B.A. An honorary alumnus of Nichols, Charles was honored with the distinction in 1992.

He and his wife, Carol E. Heckman, reside in Orchard Park, N.Y. His children, Teo ’86 and Melissa ’83, both graduated from Nichols. Charles also is the grandfather of Aidan ’17.

David W. Brason David is Chief Development Officer of WILLCARE. A graduate of Harrisburg Academy, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University, as well as a Master of Philosophy degree in Latin American Studies from Cambridge University. He and his wife, Jessica H. Brason, are Chairs of the Parents Division of The Nichols Fund.

They reside in East Aurora, N.Y., with their children, Eleanor ’13, Madeleine ’14 and Benjamin ’16.

Hugh M. Russ, III ’78 An attorney with Hodgson Russ LLP, Hugh graduated from Nichols in 1978 before earning a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Harvard University. Following Harvard, Hugh attended UB Law School and obtained a Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude.

Hugh serves on the Board of Directors for Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Board of Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. He acted as President of the Nichols School Alumni Board from 2007-2010. He also is a previous Regional Director of the Harvard Alumni Association, a past President of Neighborhood Legal Services, the former Director and President of Compass House, and a past Director and Vice President of Homespace.

He and his wife, Dr. Linda S. Russ, reside in Amherst, N.Y. Their son, Oliver ’09, attends Harvard University and their daughter, Caroline ’10, attends Cornell University.

Michael K. Walsh ’70 Michael is an Executive Vice President of Walsh Duffield Cos. Inc. and a 1970 graduate of Nichols. He earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Yale University.

He serves as Board Chair of the Board of Directors for Child & Family Services and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Child & Family Services Foundation. Michael also is a member of the Board of Trustees for Medaille College.

He has served on the Alumni Board at Nichols, in addition to being an active Class Chairman for the Nichols Fund. He is a past Director for the Board of Trustees at Nardin Academy, as well as the Legal Aid Bureau of Western New York.

He and his wife, Deborah, reside in Buffalo. Their children, Demaree ’04 and Abbe ’06, are both alumni of Nichols.

Demi graduated from Canisius College and Abbe from the University of Wisconsin– Madison.

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The 2010-2011 Alumni Board gathered in the Alumni Room for their opening meeting.

Pictured (standing, l-r): Todd Brason ’76, Alexis Muscato Agnello ’98, Jesse Baier ’05, Michelle Rosenberg Parentis ’86, Diane Gardner ’79, Mary Giallanza Carney ’89, Theresa Giallanza Tantillo ’81, Craig Semple ’98; (seated , l-r): Scott Saperston ’90, Wendy Lebowitz Pressman ‘83, Christen O’Mara Smith ’92, Ellen Hassett ‘84 and Jane Arcadi ‘05. Not pictured: Kevin Burke, Jr. ’91, Thomas Caulfield ’72, Edward Franz ’91, Adam Greenberger ’89, Jennifer Jarvis Hamberger ’81, Ian Jones ’80, Rakhi Kohli ’95, William Reich ’88, David Tiftickjian ’78 and Katelyn Todd ’05.

New Alumni Board Members

by Blake Walsh ’98 Mary Giallanza Carney ’89 Mary is the new Nichols Alumni Board President. Having succeeded Hugh M. Russ III ’78, who recently completed his threeyear term, Mary looks forward to working with the Board to provide Nichols with energetic alumni counsel and programming wherever necessary.

Mary, an attorney at Carney & Giallanza, her family’s law firm in downtown Buffalo, also is a current parent of John ’17.

A graduate of Kenyon College and UB Law School, she resides in Amherst with her husband Mark and two children.

We welcome the following new members to the Board:

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Alexis Muscato Agnello ’98 Alexis is Assistant Vice President for Commercial Banking and Relationship Manager at M&T Bank. Dedicated to various boards and causes around Western New York, Alexis is excited to additionally lend her time and efforts to the Alumni Board. A graduate of the University of Vermont and UB School of Management, Alexis resides in Buffalo with her husband, Jon.

Tom Caulfield ’72 Tom is Administrator of Capital Improvements for the Buffalo Sewer Authority, as well as an Adjunct Instructor/Lecturer at Daemen College, Hilbert College and the State University of New York at Buffalo. An active supporter of IrishAmerican arts and cultural organizations, Tom resides in South Buffalo and Wilson, N.Y., with his wife, Nancy. Tom has two children and two grandchildren, and is a member of the 2010 Nichols Athletic Hall of Fame inductee class.

Theresa Giallanza Tantillo ’81 Theresa is the proud parent of three current Nichols students, Joseph ’11, Anna ’13 and John ’18. She also is the sister of our Alumni Board President, Mary. With a working background in fashion merchandising and real estate, as well as a fundraising background with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Theresa is now a dedicated Nichols mom who brings an invaluable current parent perspective to the Board.

Kate Todd ’05 Kate is an Equity Analyst and Interview Coordinator for the New York Analytics Department of Bloomberg News in New York City. After graduating from Syracuse with a Management/ Psychology dual degree in Advertising, Kate has served tirelessly to keep Nichols alumni in New York City connected. Kate will serve the Board well as a much needed “big city” representative.

Alumnus Reflections

Building a Community of Trust

by Tyler Tokarczyk ’08 In the spring of 2007, I was a junior at Nichols and just beginning my college search.

Walker Williams, a student from Washington and Lee University, came to Nichols to share his experiences with the Honor System at the university. The Nichols Honor Code was roughly a year old and still lacked a significant presence in life at Nichols.

After listening to Walker’s speech in Morning Meeting, I took the opportunity to talk to him individually about his time at W&L and the advantages of being in a community of complete trust.

It was this conversation and the suggestions of my college counselor, Mr. Kramer, and my English teacher, Mr. Desautels, that encouraged me to visit W&L. While taking the campus tour, I vividly remember walking

through the university commons and seeing a laptop sitting completely unattended.

This image stuck in my mind as the tour guide explained how tests and exams are not proctored and how dorm rooms are almost always left unlocked. From that point forward I knew I wanted to be part of a community in which everyone holds himself or herself to a high set of standards.

Now as a junior at W&L, I pride myself on being part of such a community. The one question that everyone asks is “Do people actually cheat?” And my response is always “No.” The reciprocated trust between professors and students is why cheating is not an option at W&L. Professors take students at their word and students return the trust by completing their own work.

On Friday, Sept. 24 I had the pleasure to

Girls Soccer and Field Hockey State Champs!

by Holly Fewkes Both the Girls Varsity Soccer and Girls Varsity Field Hockey teams enjoyed tremendous success this past fall.

The soccer team finished with an impressive record of 20-1-1.

They won the Monsignor Martin League Championship the first weekend in November with a decisive 8-1 win over Sacred Heart in the finals. From there, they traveled to Staten Island the next weekend to meet St. Joseph of the Sea in the Catholic State SemiFinals. The girls defeated their opponent 5-0. The team met their toughest competitor in St. Anthony’s in the finals the next day. Less than one minute into the game, Catherine Williams ’12 scored on a pass from Lauren Randaccio ’13. St. Anthony’s was not accustomed to playing catch-up and a physical battled ensued. With the score tied 1-1 with 20 minutes left in the game, Haley Welch sent a pass to Maddie Elia ’13 who buried it in the net. The final score was 2-1, resulting in a Catholic State Championship for Nichols! The girls

return to Nichols and share my experiences living with the Honor System at W&L. This was something I wanted to do since my freshman year because I remember the effect Walker’s speech had on me. I was finally able to make the trip courtesy of the Owings Fellowship, a fellowship designed for W&L students to visit secondary schools and alumni chapters to engage in dialogue on academic integrity and honor systems.

I made the trip with the two Owings Fellows for 2010-2011, Austin Branstetter and Pearson Nibley. We spoke to the Upper School in Morning Meeting and then met with members of the Student Council and the Student Conduct Committee in the Junior-Senior Lounge during X-period. In the latter meeting we had an open discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of the Honor Code at Nichols. In the three years since I have left Nichols, the Honor Code has improved significantly but still has minor shortcomings. The more the students and faculty put their trust into the Honor Code, the stronger the Nichols community will be.

Hopefully in the coming years the Honor Code will continue to grow and become a cornerstone of Nichols and inspire students to lead honorable lives, both inside and outside of the classroom.

outscored their opponents 106-6 en route to this fantastic finish.

The field hockey team finished with an excellent 16-1-2 record!

They met Ridley College in the CISAA Semi-Finals and defeated them 2-0 to force a rematch between Nichols and St. John Kilmarnock, who tied 1-1 earlier in the season, in the CISAA Finals. A last minute goal by SJK forced overtime; the result was a heartbreaking loss for the Vikings on the fifth penalty shot of overtime. This loss only set the stage for the New York State Association of Independent Schools tournament, where the girls were determined to bring home the championship! The rainy, muddy, quarter final game resulted in a 3-0 win vs. Hackley School.

The Semi-Finals saw Nichols upset the #2 seed Rye Country Day School, 4-2. Two goals scored by Marissa Faso ’11 and one each by Shannon Martin ’11 and Shannon Nachreiner ’12, and RCD never knew what hit them. Nichols moved on to the NYSAIS Finals where the team put on a field hockey display and Holy Child never got into the game. Two goals by Marissa Faso ’12, plus each by Tori Salmon ’11 and Lauren Basil ’11, and the Lady Vikings dominated the game, resulting in the NYSAIS Championship! The field hockey team outscored their opponents 62-8 throughout the season.

Congratulations to both teams on their outstanding accomplishments this year!

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(l-r) George Kloepfer II ’68, Roddy Potter ’82, Tom Franz ’76, Sandy Smith Cunningham ’93 and Greg Plumb ’96 are among the School’s alumni coaches.

Alumni Return the Favor

by Coaching Today’s Athletes

by Holly Fewkes Nichols School has had a long history of traditions and Big Green school spirit. The Athletic Department is fortunate to have 15 graduates of Nichols on the coaching staff. Seven of those coaches work full time at the School and eight are employed as outside coaches. Some of these coaches have been here for over 30 years, while several recent alumni are back coaching our students in their first year.

These special people dedicate time above and beyond the typical school day to enhance the lives of our students through sports. Many of these coaches have wonderful memories of their time at Nichols and want to return the favor to current Nichols students.

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Adam Bellows ’05 won the CISAA Championship for Boys Hockey his sophomore year in 2003 and wants to give back to the hockey program and help them return to the CISAA finals. He said that Nichols Hockey helped him further his hockey career after high school and he hopes to do the same for current players.

“Nichols keeps athletics and academics in proper perspective. Its students and faculty strive for excellence in everything,” said Colin Brinson ’85, Nichols Football coach. He remembers being a member of the 1985 State Champion Basketball team where 7 of the 10 players were three-sport athletes.

Blake Walsh ’98 recently started

working at Nichols in the Development Office as the Director of Alumni Relations; he coaches JV Boys Soccer. His fondest Nichols athletic memory is soccer in his senior year when he captained the team to the position of #1 small school in WNY and the NYSAIS finals. He enjoys using his own Nichols experience to help freshmen adapt to the School and calm any fears they have.

Roddy Potter ’82, the current Girls Cross Country coach, has been coaching boys and girls in cross country since 1997, and dabbled in soccer and lacrosse in the late 1980s. His best coaching memories include the NFL Girls Championship in 1998. A 2nd place Boys NYSAIS

Championship finish in 2002 was significant and the current girls’ program is heading for their fifth straight winning season!

“My Nichols experience, from 6th grade to senior year was awesome in every sport I played,” said Charlie Barth ’06, who has been named the head coach of Boys Squash, beginning this winter. He is looking forward to relating to the players and helping them improve their squash skills.

“Nichols prepared me to attend Yale University and play lacrosse at the highest level which included the Final 4 my senior year. I want to give something back to Nichols and hopefully provide the groundwork for current students to enjoy similar success and experiences,” said Mike Parentis ’86. Mike, the 7/8 Boys Lacrosse coach, won three straight WNY Lacrosse Championships and two straight NY State Basketball Championships.

Homecoming has always been a fond memory for Liza Walsh Keenan ’97. She currently coaches the JV Field Hockey team and loves being part of everyday life at the School again, including seeing the Nichols of today through the players’ eyes.

“I still gets a thrill out of competition,” said Tom Franz ’76, an Upper School history teacher at Nichols, who has been coaching Boys Lacrosse, Wrestling and Freshman Football since the mid-1980s. He has many fond memories of his coaches at Nichols, including Coaches Waltz, Dugan, Fitzhenry, Cockerill and Kloepfer. He enjoyed hearing lacrosse players of all ages meet and greet at a recent Reunion.

“I was ready to give back to the School and sport which both have given so much to me over the years,” said Ted Marks ’78. In his fourth year as the head coach of Boys Crew, defines himself as a stellar JV Nichols athlete. He rowed outside of school at WSRC and had an outstanding career at Boston University, as a U.S. Lightweight team member and the World Championship Regattas.

“There is no shame in losing if an individual or team has given absolutely everything it has to give during the contest, and we certainly did that day,” said George Kloepfer ’68, recounting a 2-point loss to the St. Joe’s football team in 1984 when current coach, Colin Brinson ’84, was on the team. St. Joe’s was picked to destroy Nichols and a great 2-point game ensued. George has been coaching and teaching at Nichols for 39 years. In

his senior year, he was a member of two undefeated teams – football and tennis – and went 17-1 in basketball.

Danielle Vallas ’95, Director of Wellness, Upper School Dean and physical education teacher, has fond memories of both hockey and lacrosse. She was a member of the first Girls Hockey team at Nichols and now coaches the 5/6B team and is thrilled to see how far the sport has come at Nichols. Vallas also is president of the MSLA Lacrosse League, of which Nichols was a founding member. She now coaches at Nichols with Beth Stone, who was her coach, and they led the team to 2nd place in the MSLA this past spring.

Greg Plumb ’96 has been coaching and teaching at Nichols for eight years, while coaching basketball, soccer and lacrosse for four years. Currently coach of Boys Varsity Basketball and Boys 7/8 Soccer, he was a member of the Class C State Championship basketball team and last year he led the Boys Varsity Basketball team to the Class A State Championship.

Plumb’s two siblings, Chris ’93 and Catie ’01, also are Nichols graduates and are both very successful swimming coaches in Indiana.

“Being a Nichols athlete teaches our students lessons that reinforce and also transcend those taught in the classroom.

Our athletes learn the value of patience and collaboration, sportsmanship and teamwork, managing priorities and time, what it feels like to be on top of the world, and how to pull together when you feel as though you’ve hit the bottom.

Every day on the fields, in the gym and in the rink, students are learning the value of pushing beyond their comfort level and are achieving results better than they could have imagined the day before,” said Sandy Smith Cunningham ’93, coach of Girls 7/8 Field Hockey and Girls 7/8 Basketball. She has always valued the lessons she learned through Nichols athletics, including priorities, rigor, responsibility, respect, sportsmanship, time management and perspective. She has continued to instill these important values for the past 13 years to her basketball, volleyball and softball student athletes.

Sandy has seen many student athletes emerge as leaders at Nichols.

“Being a part of such a dominant and competitive soccer team is something I will always be proud of and remember fondly,” said Elizabeth Koelmel ’05 about making it to the state soccer finals four years in a row. Koelmel returned to Nichols this fall as the assistant for Girls Varsity Soccer. She wanted to coach at Nichols because of the great competitive environment that is fostered here. She said it was appealing to work at a school where the students are challenged and pushed to succeed both in the classroom and on the playing fields.

Another young alumna coach is Courtney Ball ’07 (Girls 7/8 Softball).

Thank you to these 15 alumni who dedicate many hours enhancing our students’ lives both in and out of the classroom!

Join us for Winter Sports Night!

Friday, Jan. 28 Celebrate our athletic teams!

Visit www.nicholsschool.org/athletics for game details.

2009-2010

Report on

Giving B

y the time you are reading this, we are well into a new school year and the 2009-2010 school year seems a distant memory. What has not faded is our appreciation to all those who supported us so generously last year. Whether you supported us by giving of your time or talent by volunteering in some capacity, or giving of your treasure by supporting us financially, we are grateful to you. The 2009-2010 school year was a terrific one, filled with growth and achievement on many personal, individual and institutional levels.

Our enrollment was at a 10-year high; our Annual Fund grew by over $30,000 above the past year; our capital campaign, nicholsfuture.org made steady progress toward its ambitious $23.3 million goal. We credit our continued success to the dynamic leadership of our Head of School, Rick Bryan, and his wonderfully talented and dedicated faculty and staff. His vision and focus on strengthening this great school to be the very best it can be has and will continue to sustain us.

We must acknowledge our Annual Fund leaders, John Farmelo ’77 and Hugh Russ ’78 who led our Annual Fund effort under the guidance of our Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund, Sarah Gelman Carney ’92. They went out with a bang, exceeding our $770,000 goal. We acknowledge all their many years of service to Nichols and look forward to their continuing support of the School in different roles. Our Headmaster’s Society leadership team of stalwarts, Amy Habib and Bill Hudson ’60, joined by Wayne and Mary Bacon, led a terrific effort resulting in nearly $100,000 above last year in gifts of $1,000 or more for our Headmaster’s Society.

In addition to raising over $770,000 in unrestricted dollars for the Annual Fund, we received nearly $600,000 from special events and through restricted giving. We also added nearly $1.3 million to our Capital Campaign.

Thank you to each and every one of you who supported us last year. We thank you and hope that we can count on your continued support. Your gifts, whatever the size, whatever the purpose, enrich our school community and we wish to express our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. We hope many more of you will join the impressive list of donors this year! On behalf of all of us at Nichols, especially our students, who benefit directly from your generosity, thank you very much!

On a personal note, after 25 years at Nichols and the conclusion of our third Capital Campaign, I will be taking a brief sabbatical starting in January and will return to Nichols on a part time basis following our spring break in early April. I am looking forward to the opportunity and know that I leave everything in good hands under the capable leadership of our new Director of Development, Leslie Garcia, and the terrific team in the Development Office. I look forward to seeing you all in the spring!

Elizabeth Stevens Gurney ’75 Assistant Head for Advancement 14

Nichols School

2009-2010 Gift Summary The Nichols Fund

$774,307

Restricted

$31,292

Financial Aid Gifts

$293,398

Endowment

$29,061

Auction

$191,559 *

Wrapping Paper Sale

$7,310 *

Big Green Auction

$29,830*

Total

$1,356,757

* Figures represent gross receipts

nicholsfuture.org Capital Campaign Gifts Unrestricted

$139,910

Building/Grounds

$776,712

Endowment

$383,318

Total Gifts to Nichols

$2,656,697*

* This reflects cash gifts or pledges received between 7/1/09 and 6/30/10.

Total Capital Campaign as of 6/30/10 $22,074,073

Annual Giving Constituency

Amount in Dollars

Trustees

$59,535

Former Trustees

$34,317

Alumni

$443,307

Current Parents

$87,556

Former Parents

$75,152

Grandparents & Former Grandparents

$30,915

Faculty/Staff Friends (Alumni Family, Corporations, Foundations, Former Faculty/Staff)

$3,350 $37,631

TOTAL

$771,763

Headmaster’s Society (gifts of $1,000+)

$579,152

Note: Gifts to the Headmaster’s Society also are included under donor’s primary constituency.

Operating Income

The Nichols Fund Awardees 2009-2010 Award Winners Congratulations and thank you to the following classes and Class Agents for their outstanding contributions to The Nichols Fund. Their hard work resulted in recording-breaking alumni gifts to the Nichols Fund for the 2009-2010 drive.

Carl N. Reed ’19 Memorial Award Highest percentage of participation.

Class of 1929/100% Class of 1931/100% Class of 1934/100% Class of 1942/100% Class of 1950/100%

2009-2010 Actuals at 6/30/10

Rentals, Interest, Student and State Support 10% Endowment 6% Gifts and Fund Raisers 10% Tuition and Fees 74%

Hubert L. Perry ’26 Memorial Award Largest dollar amount by one class.

Class of 1963/$40,500 Class Agents: Warren B. Gelman ’63; Charles F. Kreiner, Jr. ’63 James G. Hurley ’40 Memorial Award Most improved dollars raised for a non-Reunion class.

Class of 1963/$11,025 increase Class Agents: Warren B. Gelman ’63; Charles F. Kreiner, Jr. ’63 Lars S. Potter ’06 Memorial Award “Old Guard” class with the highest dollar amount and participation.

Class of 1950/100%/$11,550 Class Agent: John R. Bray ’50 John N. Walsh, Jr. ’39 & Edward F. Walsh ’43 Award Most improved participation for a non-Reunion class.

Class of 1971/9% increase Class Agent: David A. Farmelo ’71 Class of 1949 Award College-age class with the highest percentage of participation.

Class of 2006/10% Class of 1947 Award Most improved participation for a Reunion class.

Class of 1970/15% Class Agents: Peter C. Faust ’70; Michael K. Walsh ’70

Operating Expenses 2009-2010 Actuals at 6/30/10

Plant Reserve 3% Utilities and Plant Operations 7%

Financial Aid 12%

Institutional and Administrative 7%

Salaries and Benefits 64%

Instructional, Athletic and Student 7%

Endowment Fund

Total Market Value as of 6/30/10: $19,899,230 Faculty Enrichment 8%

E.W. Dann Stevens ’44 Award Most improved dollars raised for a Reunion class.

Class of 1960/$22,435 increase Class Agents: Walter E. Constantine, Jr. ’60; Donald E. Miller ’60 Vanguard Award Most dollars raised by parents in a single class.

Class of 2010/$53,966

Department and Other 7%

Unrestricted 26%

Scholarship 60%

Fall 2010

15

A Message from Leslie S. Garcia, Director of Development Since joining the Nichols community in May, I have spent a significant amount of time getting to know the people and processes that support this exemplary educational institution. I am impressed with the level of commitment I see each day. The culture of philanthropy resonates loud and clear, as the Nichols community steps up to provide the vision, efforts and generosity that prior generations provided for us.

As we kick-off the 2010-2011 Nichols Fund, I am grateful for the leadership provided by this year’s Chairs, Michael and Alex Llugany Montante ’86. With support from a remarkable team of alumni, parents, grandparents and friends of the School, I am excited to be working with the entire community to ensure Nichols remains as strong in years to come as it is today. Please support us in our efforts to provide the best to all Nichols students.

What is The Nichols Fund?

The Nichols Fund provides immediate support for the people and programs of Nichols. It is a giving drive comprised of annual gifts from the Nichols community in order to provide for and complement all aspects of school life, including academic curriculum, faculty salaries, athletic equipment, art supplies, and buildings and grounds maintenance, to name a few.

Why do we need to contribute to The Nichols Fund?

Tuition and fees do not cover the total cost of educating each Nichols student. Gifts bridge the gap between tuition income and the total amount required for Nichols to operate. The cost of tuition covers about 70% of the cost of a Nichols education.

We are committed to keeping tuition at a reasonable level, and increasing gift income through The Nichols Fund is one way to do so.

Why is my support important?

We have all benefited greatly from the vision, efforts and generosity of prior generations. Now it is our turn to help make it possible for future students and faculty to excel and thrive, imagine and discover, connect and succeed. The tradition of giving back to Nichols links every class and era, strengthening

16

Nichols School

a sense of pride for all in our community. When you make Nichols a philanthropic priority – whether you direct your support to student assistance, faculty and program support, or campus preservation – you play a vital role in continuing our School’s tradition of excellence. It is the collective support of many that makes this possible.

What should I give?

Each gift to The Nichols Fund, whatever its size, makes a valuable and direct difference to Nichols. As you think about your gift this year and in the future, please consider joining the Headmaster’s Society with a gift of $1,000 or more. Gifts to Nichols vary in size from $25 to $25,000.

Headmaster’s Society Giving Levels John J. Albright Club......................... $10,000 & up Nichols Faculty Club ..................... $7,500 to $9,999 1892 Club ..................................... $5,000 to $7,499 Clock Tower Club.......................... $2,500 to $4,999 Quadrangle Club .......................... $1,000 to $2,499 Alumni within 10 years of graduation ............. $500 Still have questions?

Call the Development Office at 716.332.5151 or visit www.nicholsschool.org/nicholsfund.

The Nichols Fund supports every student, in every class, every year.

“One thing that never changes is our appreciation for Nichols.”

David Strachan ’51 and Kim Kimberly ’47

You can direct your support to student financial aid, faculty and program support, the facilities and grounds of the campus, or the area of greatest need.

Annual gifts to The Nichols Fund touch every aspect of school life.

Nichols provides students with the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with world-class faculty and foster friendships that last a lifetime. Looking back on a Nichols experience invokes countless special memories, but one common thread is celebrated: the precious relationships that were made here and remain strong until this day.

Every gift to The Nichols Fund, no matter the size, is important and makes a difference.

Visit www.nicholsschool.org/give or call the Development Office at 716.332.5151.

Verdian Day

The Class of 2010 poses for a Verdian Day photo in the Quadrangle.

by Nina Barone On May 28, Verdian Day, Upper and Middle School students, parents, faculty and staff gathered in the Glenn and Awdry Flickinger Performing Arts Center to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.

2009-2010 Upper School Awardees:

Senior Awards Cottle Award: Siobhan Hanley ’10 Faculty Prize: Ed Spangenthal ’10 Williams Cup: Elliot Johnston ’10 and Kelsey Ryan ’10 McCarthy Prize: Jarrett Almand ’10 Joseph L. Hudson, Jr. ’49 Awards: Isaiah New ’10 and Tess Williams ’10 Headmaster’s Awards: Sebastian Augustine ’10, Katie Flaschner ’10, Francesca Fulciniti ’10, Jake Herskind ’10, Will Regan ’10, Will Savino ’10, Rami Sherif ’10 and Jake Stark ’10 Chester G. Dann ’49 Community Service Award: David Pegado ’10 and Ed Spangenthal ’10 18

Nichols School

Junior Awards G. Robert Strauss, Jr. ’79 Memorial Scholarship: Donata Lorenzo ’11 Dudley M. Irwin, III ’45 Memorial Award: Matt Benedict ’11 Nottingham Award: Emily Pfalzer ’11 Harvard Prize Book: Alexandra Matthews ’11 Williams College Book Award: Paige Dedrick ’11

English Department George Knight Houpt Senior English Prize: Sebastian Augustine ’10, Francesca Fulciniti ’10, Siobhan Hanley ’10, Michelle Ho ’10 and Kelsey Ryan ’10 Brown Junior English Award: Kerry Kennedy ’11

Sophomore Award Yale Award: Nick Shea ’12

Red Jacket Poetry Contest 1st place: Krystyna Nowakowski ’10 2nd place tie: Sebastian Augustine ’10 2nd place tie: Sam Milito ’10

Freshman Awards Christopher Wadsworth Award: Alex Aylward ’13, Jack Faso ’13 and Coumba Winfield ’13

Purdy Short Story Contest 1st place: Francesca Fulciniti ’10 2nd place: Michelle Ho ’10 3rd place: Jenna Herskind ’12

Arts Department Nichols School Arts Contribution Award: Will Savino ’10 Faith Davis Visual Arts Award: Elliot Johnston ’10 Nichols Dance Award: Paige Dedrick ’10 and Isaiah New ’10 Nichols Theatre Award: Sebastian Augustine ’10, Bridgid Danahy ’10 and Tess Williams ’10 Nichols Vocal Music Award: Isaiah New ’10, NJ Solis ’10 and Tess Williams ’10 Nichols Instrumental Music Award: Will Savino ’10 Charles E. Balbach Art Prize: Dillon Joseph ’10 Justin Webb Technical Theatre Award: Dillon Joseph ’10 Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award: Michael Che ’11

Aranya Maritime and Rick Bryan congratulate Isaiah New ’10, one of two recipients of the Joseph L. Hudson, Jr. ’49 Award.

Science Department Keating Science Award: Maya Jackson-Gibson ’11 Baldwin Science Award: Samuel Milito ’10 Mayer Science Award: Shannon Nachreiner ’12

Dual Latin and Greek Award: Siobhan Hanley ’10 Triple Chinese, Latin, Spanish Award: Krystyna Nowakowski ’10 Triple Chinese, French, Spanish Award: Hannah Sorgi ’10 Chinese Award: Jordan Sternberg ’10

History Department Millard Sessions History Award: Maria Philip ’11 Senior Social Science Award (AP Economics): Will Savino ’10 and Elliot Johnston ’10 Senior Social Science Award (AP Art History): Jessica Briatico ’10 and Francesca Fulciniti ’10 Senior Social Science Award (AP Govt.): Siobhan Hanley ’10 Senior Social Science Award (Capitalism & Democracy): Jacob Herskind ’10 Senior Social Science Award (AP Human Geography): Connor Gilbride ’10 Senior Social Science Award (Urban Studies): Katie Flaschner ’10 Senior Social Science Award (China & Japan): Christian Young ’10

Athletics Alumni Cup: Ron Canestro ’10 and Jill Tokarczyk ’10

Mathematics Department Tracy E. Tuthill Mathematics Award: Sam Milito ’10 RP I Mathematics & Science Award: Andy Jiang ’11 American Mathematics Competition Award: Sam Milito ’10 American Mathematics Competition Award: Austin Kubiniec ’12 Foreign Language Department Latin Award: Sebastian Augustine ’10 and Rami Sherif ’10 French Award: Will Savino ’10 and Jacob Stark ’10 Spanish Award: Jessica Briatico ’10

2nd place: Will Yerkovich ’15 3rd place: Patrick Taggart ’15 8th grade: 1st place: Seth Meyer ’14 (1st place in region) 2nd place: Jason Zhou ’14 (3rd place in region) 3rd place: Teddy Marks ’14

Other Lucy and Sherman Maisel ’35 General Information Test: Will Savino ’10 Bonnie Lerner Posmantur Award: Paige Matecki ’10 and Bethany Novak ’10

2009-2010 Middle School Awardees:

Western New York Spelling Bee 1st place: Alexandra Marie Castiglia ’15 2nd place: Aarti Chandan ’14 Red Jacket Poetry Contest 1st place: Sumayyah T. Haq ’17 2nd place: Alexandra Marie Castiglia ’15 2nd place: Paige Fiona Spangenthal ’15 Purdy Short Story Prize 1st place: Paige Fiona Spangenthal ’15 Geography Bee 1st place: Alexandra Castiglia ’15 2nd place: Sam Jones ’15 New York State Math League Contest 6th grade: 1st place: Madeleine Welchoff ’16 2nd place: Ryan DiPaolo ’16 3rd place: Stephen Dhillon ’16 & Leyton Johnston ’16 7th grade: 1st place: David Fulton ’15

Music Awards Orchestra: Most Improved Musician: Will Hibbard ’16 Outstanding Musician: Diana Henry ’16 Music Leadership Award: Jason Zhou ’14 Chorus: Most Improved Musician: Callie Keavey ’14 Music Leadership Award: Jason Zhou ’14 Outstanding Musician Award: Anthony DeRose ’14 Band: Most Improved Musician: Aubrey Borgesi ’16 Music Leadership Award: Rena Lyon ’14 Outstanding Musician Award: Jessica Zhou ’15 National French Exam Recognitions 1st place: Anna Magavern ’15 2nd Place: Brady Stevens ’15 National Latin Exam Recognitions Summa Cum Laude: Jason Zhou ’14, Armen Soukiazian ’14 and Joel Brinson ’14 Maxima Cum Laude: Nicola Marcucci ’14, Zachary Cole ’14, Zach Tone ’14 and Michael Geiger ’14 Magna Cum Laude: Callie Keavey ’14 Cum Laude: Fred Maynor ’14, Jack Hourihane ’14, Katie Hobika ’14 and Emma Raddatz ’14 National Spanish Exam Recognitions Premio de Oro (Gold): Lorena Lyon ’14 Premio de Plata (Silver): Seth Meyer ’14, Robert Kubiniec ’14 and Alexandra Montesano ’14 Premio de Bronce (Bronze): Spencer Bacon ’14, Aarti Chandan ’14, Cameron Hejna ’14 and Austin Egri ’14 Premio de Excelencia (Honor): Eva Schlehr ’14, Jennifer Sauter ’14 and Elliot Biltekoff ’14 H.R. MacKinder General Information Test (G.I.T.) 5th grade: Teodoro Marcucci ’17 6th grade: Leyton Johnston ’16 7th grade: David Fulton ’15 8th grade: Jason Zhou ’14 Middle School Overall G.I.T. Winner: David Christopher Fulton ’15 Cornelia L. Dopkins Award 5th grade: Thomas Alan Elia ’17 6th grade: Emma Geraldyne Hobika ’16 7th grade: Ethan Daniel Carrow ’15 8th grade: Kathryn Alexandra Hobika ’14 Fall 2010

19

Henry D. Waters Award Maxwell Martin Scott ’16 and Mia Grace Tirabassi ’14 Pliny H. Hayes III Award David Christopher Fulton ’15 and Anna Sophia Magavern ’15 The Bruce Anderson Award Seth Anderson Meyer ’14 and Anthony David Tirabassi ’14 The Nichols Coaches Award Caroline Mary Hogan ’14 and Emma Jean Raddatz ’14 E. Webster Dann Faculty Award Madeleine Wells Brason ’14, Aarti Chandan ’14, Leah Marie Finkelstein ’14, Walter Robert Robinson ’14, Armen Soukiazian ’14 and Jason Wei Zhou ’14 The Charles I. Kleiser Award Caroline Mary Hogan ’14 and Seth Anderson Meyer ’14

The Nottingham Award recipient, Emily Pfalzer ’11, is greeted by Marilynn Propis Militello, a graduate of Nottingham Academy.

Congratulations to all of the year’s award winners!

G. Robert Strauss, Jr. ’79 Memorial Scholarship Bob Strauss was a member of the graduating class of 1979. To honor his memory, this award is given to a rising senior who espouses the qualities most noteworthy in Bob – commitment to community service, academic growth and athletic participation. The following citation was presented to Donata Lorenzo ’11, the 2010 recipient of the award.

A member of Chorus and the softball team, you embody many of the qualities of Bob Strauss ’79. You have steadily grown as an academic over the past three years and are currently enrolled in four AP and advanced senior electives. In the past few years you have given over 60 hours of your time to organizations such as Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, First Night, Music is Art Festival, St. James Food Pantry, Chestnut Ridge Park, St. Cyril’s and Kids Day. Those who have volunteered with you value your presence because you make service fun.

AP Achievements of the Class of 2010

by Nina Barone An outstanding 67 members of the Class of 2010 took at least one Advanced Placement exam. Nichols offers 18 Advancement Placement courses, with teachers recommending students for sectioning in AP courses. Most Nichols students take at least one AP during their time in the Upper School, with many receiving college credit for their efforts.

The CollegeBoard AP announced that the following 38 graduates of the Class of 2010 received AP Scholar Awards for their performance: AP Scholars Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

Julia Accetta ’10 Ari Goldfarb ’10 Abhi Khurana ’10 Kristina Lutz ’10 Graham Marks ’10 Adam Shafik ’10 Madalyn Vershay ’10

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Nichols School

AP Scholars with Honor Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, AND scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

Boris Borovcanin ’10 Sean Griffin ’10 Stephen Kellogg ’10 Grace Munro ’10 Krystyna Nowakowski ’10 Jacob Shedd ’10 Tess Williams ’10 AP Scholars with Distinction Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, AND scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Jordan Berninger ’10 Jess Briatico ’10 Andrew (Jake) Cappucino ’10 Francesca Fulciniti ’10 Michelle Ho ’10 Edwin Johnston ’10 Eric Larson ’10 Lauren Lewis ’10 Isaiah New ’10

Seong Oh ’10 Caroline Russ ’10 Kelsey Ryan ’10 William Savino ’10 Rene Sobolewski ’10 Ed Spangenthal ’10 Jake Stark ’10 Thomas Unger ’10 National AP Scholars Granted to students in the United States who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, AND scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.

Sebastian Augustine ’10 John Paul Gillmeister ’10 Siobhan Hanley ’10 Jacob Herskind ’10 Sam Milito ’10 Rami Sherif ’10 Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2010 who earned these exceptional academic achievements!

The 2010 Cum Laude Society inductees

Cum Laude Society Induction Ceremony

by Nina Barone The Upper School enjoyed a wonderful Cum Laude induction ceremony on April 29. The 20 seniors named to receive the prestigious honor represent the top 20% academically in the talented Class of 2010.

President, Dr. Dan Rosenblum, and Secretary, Dr. Andrew Sutherland, of the Cum Laude Society were pleased to lead the ceremony.

The words cum laude form a Latin phrase meaning “with high praise.” The Cum Laude Society was founded in 1906

by Dr. Abram W. Harris of the Tome School in Maryland to recognize students of exceptional scholarship and good character.

In 1918, Nichols School was the thirteenth school to be admitted to membership in the Cum Laude Society. At Nichols, criteria for admissions of students to the Cum Laude Society is based on: academic Julie Genco Alford ’84, Dr. Robert & Frances Genco excellence; scholarship and love of learning; consistency in performance across the four years, with special attention to achievement in grades 11 and 12, degree of difficulty of course load; and character, honor and integrity in all aspects of School life.

Robert J. Genco, DDS, Ph.D., Trustee, former parent and current grandparent, spoke to the Upper School students at the induction ceremony. A SUNY Distinguished Professor of Oral Biology, Periodontology and Microbiology at SUNY at Buffalo, Dr. Genco also is an accomplished author of over 300 scholarly journal articles. His talk, titled, “Eat No White, Exercise Your Dog and Floss Your Teeth: Syndemics are Bad for Your Health,” was interesting and engaging. Dr. Genco gave a crash course in some key biology terms and touched on two major current health epidemics, diabetes and obesity.

Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2010 who joined the Cum Laude Society!

Julia Lynn Accetta ’10 Sebastian Zimmer Augustine ’10 Francesca Alexandra Fulciniti ’10 John Paul Gillmeister ’10 Siobhan Therese Hanley ’10 Jacob Mark Herskind ’10 Michelle Ann Ho ’10 Edwin McClellan Johnston IV ’10 Lauren Kelly Lewis ’10 Samuel Anthony Milito ’10 Isaiah Thomas New ’10 Seong woo Oh ’10 Caroline Mary Russ ’10 Kelsey F. Ryan ’10 William Nicoll Savino ’10 Rami Daniel Sherif ’10 Rene Michaelene Sobolewski ’10 Jacob Cameron Stark ’10 Madalyn Elise Vershay ’10 Theresa M. Williams ’10

Fall 2010

21

Legacies The following are the new legacy students who joined Nichols in the 2010-2011 school year.

Grace J. Alford ’17 Daughter of Julie Genco Alford ’84 Daughter of J. Scott Alford ’84 Granddaughter of J. Keith Alford ’59 Great-granddaughter of Robert B. Adam ‘36

John Alford ’15 Son of Julie Genco Alford ’84 Son of J. Scott Alford ’84 Grandson of J. Keith Alford ’59 Great-grandson of Robert B. Adam ‘36

Eleanor A. Chambers ’14 Daughter of Barton W. Chambers ’82 Daughter of Karen Keller Chambers ’82 Great-granddaughter of Robert E. Chambers ’34

James P. Hughes ’18 Son of Beatriz Llugany Hughes ’88

Vera L. Potter ’17 Daughter of Roderick Potter ’82

Jeremy M. Jacobs ’14 Son of Jeremy M. Jacobs Jr. ’81

Anna C. Pressman ’14 Daughter of Wendy Lebowitz Pressman ’83

Samantha Lazar ’17 Daughter of Eliot S. Lazar ’74

Lara M. Sherris ’17 Daughter of David A. Sherris ’79

Sophie Muggia ’18 Granddaughter of Donald E. Miller ’60

Ava Swiatowy ’18 Daughter of James W. Swiatowy ’78

Coatsworth Ostendorf ’18 Daughter of George H. Ostendorf, Jr. ’83 Granddaughter of George H. Ostendorf ’58 Great-granddaughter of Robert E. Chambers ’34 Great-granddaughter of Renwick A. Ostendorf ’25 Great-granddaughter of Edward G. Zeller, Jr. ’25

John J. Tantillo ’18 Son of Theresa Giallanza Tantillo ’81

Eric A. Dhillon ’18 Son of Lisa A. Hansen ’83

Sarah R. Fenn ’14 Granddaughter of James A. Bourne ’54 John A. Bassett ’14 Son of Kingman Bassett, Jr. ’77 Grandson of Kingman Bassett ’41

MacKenzie Hamill ’14 Daughter of Christopher L. Hamill ’79

Bradley E. Castiglia ’18 Son of Gregory J. Castiglia ’84 Son of Valerie A. Zingapan ’84

Miriam Hourihane ’18 Daughter of Wendy Zimmer ’81

Gregory P. White ’14 Son of W. Michael White ’81 22

Nichols School

Commencement student speaker, Will Savino ’10, delivers his address.

The 118th Commencement

by Nina Barone Nichols held the 118th Commencement on Friday, June 4, with students receiving their diplomas on a beautiful day in the Quadrangle. Head of School, Rick Bryan, opened the ceremony by recognizing the collective and individual talents of the class of 2010.

William G. Gisel, Jr. ’70, President of the Board of Trustees, shared that he assumed his role as President of the Board when the graduating class members were freshmen. He addressed how different Nichols is today from when they entered the Upper School; and he remarked how many extraordinary advancements have been made to the curriculum, while simultaneously, physical changes have taken place on campus. He added that, thanks to the core competencies developed during their time at Nichols, they have expanded their capabilities and ultimately grew into students prepared to move on to the next phase of their lives.

Student elected speaker, Will Savino ’10, addressed his fellow classmates with a combination of wit and sincere advice. He opened by telling the story of Turkmenbashi, the former President of Turkmenistan, who began life as an orphan and eventually transformed his country’s identity – with much of it being a reflection of himself. He renamed landmarks and items to mirror his own name, and he eventually made a myriad of conceivably insignificant changes. While they may not have been important in global politics or praiseworthy in the overall history of the country, he made many changes nonetheless. As Will put it, “he made Turkmenistan, Absurdistan.”

Although Turkmenbashi was not an incredible leader, when he set out to do something, he did just that. Will continued: “the world in which we live now has infinite social mobility…the leaders

of tomorrow will not be decided by birth, but by their dreams.”

He also shared several anecdotes from the school year, recalling a Morning Meeting Meditation given by Dr. Aranya Maritime regarding the installation of cameras on several busy city streets.

Will spoke about the benefits of increased technology, saying he appreciates that “Facebook and Twitter are running logs of our every move.” To Will, this indicates that we are moving closer to a society without secrets and filling the world with evidence. He stressed that we will not have trouble if we follow our own personal Honor Codes.

Will continued: “Over the past five years or so, a lot of literature has been produced that tries to answer the question of why successful people are successful. The consensus is that there is an enormous amount of luck involved. One has to be raised in the right environment, encouraged to thrive, and going to great schools along the way doesn’t hurt. This should come as no surprise to you.

So much of life is chance, and success depends on being born in the right place at the right time. But more than luck, the deciding factor in greatness is something Malcolm Gladwell refers to as the 10,000 Hour Rule. This rule states that if you work on something for 10,000 hours, you will most likely be incredibly skilled at it. He specifically cites the Beatles and Bill Gates, both the top of their fields and both with absurd amounts of practice in what they do.”

Will went on to emphasize the value in working hard toward something, citing examples of his classmates who identified what they wanted to achieve – be it academic, athletic or otherwise – and did so. He said, “Nichols is filled with talented students with a variety of skills, but the drive and fire to excel in what you do, is what makes the difference…I’m not trying to scare you, I’m Fall 2010

23

challenging you.” Will continued, “Find what you love to do and do it until you are amazing. We must challenge ourselves to achieve.”

In closing, Will reminded his classmates of his overall messages: “I urge you: dream big, stick to your Honor Code and work hard.”

Following the presentation of diplomas, Commencement speaker, Michael Angelakos ’05, front man of the famed band, Passion Pit, shared the following inspirational and heartfelt words to end the ceremony:

have adopted in a better, smarter, and more positive way as they become more and more ubiquitous and commonplace…

I now yearn to be someone who is truly aware of how lucky he is, someone who does not take anyone or anything for granted, someone who is as gracious as he is generous, honest, and sensitive to others. As this career fell into my hands, I have since been catching up to it, working harder and harder each day, giving much thought to how I treat the people around me. But to be fair, I didn’t go into this career or change of lifestyle with the mindset that it would help shift my perspective on how to live. I also did not even think in anyway that it would make me mindful of my As I just turned 23 years old, I speak to you today not only from ways in dealing with others and, ultimately, myself. This was all very past experiences, but from current ones. These are experiences that much a natural development. And let me tell you, I am not even close to have somehow led me to a situation where I am now supposed to impart being where I would like to be, but I am fairly certain I am on the right some sort of wisdom or advice to 100 or so extraordinarily talented, path, and that is good enough for now. intelligent and promising young adults – an experience itself, I assure Almost all of these developments were a result of a series of events you all. With few exceptions, these experiences are much the same if that involved my emotional health, leading me to dangerous and lifenot very familiar to the experiences you, class of 2010, are either facing threatening places. My narcissism and self-consciousness jeopardized now or will inevitably face at some point in the near future. Overall, the unexpected opportunities that I was these experiences tend to be emotionally presented with. When I finally admitted confusing, draining, or flat-out defeating. that I had problems and needed help, I And, as most people here have gone through was lucky enough to find the help and much of the same that you have to be love of my family, friends, and various graduating today, it is quite obvious to us other types of support to help me put my all that you have endured your share of life back together. If there is one thing peaks and troughs throughout the years.

I can truly say from past experience, The emotional turbulence of high school is it is that planning your future is not no small matter, and it will most certainly something you should invest too much resonate with you for years to come… time in – it is highly likely you will end The past few years have brought about up where you least expected, for better much analysis and many studies in regards or worse. For me, one of the highest to our development as a generation. We highs of my life was coupled with one of have become increasingly aware of ourselves the lowest lows. But what is interesting as a generation bred to think and worry to me now is that the lows I experienced more about our respective futures rather helped me build the need and urge to rise than our day-to-day lives. In essence, we to the occasion. With a once in a lifetime are living more in the future rather than opportunity presented with the worst the present. This is obviously the modus possible timing, I had no choice but to operandi of all preparatory schools: you are improve myself immediately. I needed preparing for undergraduate and perhaps to get healthier. I needed to put the time even graduate studies. But particularly in and energy into improving my well-being this age, it can sometimes bring out our first, before I really took the plunge with generation’s greatest weaknesses, namely Michael Angelakos ’05 of the band, Passion Pit, served as the my career. I quickly came to realize that our paranoia and anxiety…

118th Commencement speaker. my success was hanging on by a thread, So now we are what theorists, and my only chance of achieving it would columnists, researchers, and newscasters be to take care of myself. And with this opportunity also being so fleeting, call the “me generation.” We are the generation that expects the word it was a risk I had to take knowing the consequences… “yes” more than any other. We rely on our parents and schooling for an But it is absolutely imperative to note that today, tomorrow, and unprecedented amount of support, and tend to be, well, generally more in the years to come, setbacks will be as common as successes. These interested in our own success than anyone else’s. The disturbing side setbacks could be emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual, and everyone to this is that we would like to succeed even at the demise of our peers, will have their fair share of them. My close friend and teacher here at maybe even our friends. This sink or swim, Darwinian atmosphere is Nichols School, who you all know very well, Roddy Potter, wished upon virtually inescapable, and we are forced to work within its confines… me “great pain and anguish” not too long before I graduated. He was So, graduates, with all this being said, let me really start by posing a speaking in the context of a certain Buddhist philosophy but, regardless, few perfectly reasonable questions: if you and I are the most coddled, I understood how it applied to me, someone who doesn’t subscribe to any spoiled, self-centered, and narcissistic generation – and we are made particular belief. What he was referring to, in his notoriously deadpan, so aware of it – what do we then do with this information? How do we matter-of-factly manner, was that in order for me to really appreciate all best assimilate into society? How do we grow into better, more secure the things that I have and will have, I am going to need to suffer, at least individuals? Most of the time, people seem to prefer theorizing as to why to a certain degree. This is not exactly something you really want to hear, this massive behavioral change has taken place. Let’s stop pointing fingers especially right before you graduate and go out on your own. It is also and wasting time on why. There is a plethora of information regarding it something that no one really wants to come to terms with, but he was available already. Perhaps we should find a way to utilize these traits we 24

Nichols School

Paige Matecki ’10, Madeleine Waters ’10, Kelsey Ryan’10 and Jill Tokarczyk ’10 don their ivy crowns.

right. Any and all suffering to date has essentially increased the impact of all the positive aspects of my life. And I always hate it when Roddy is right…

Many of you graduating have various outlets, such as the arts or even a mentor here at school. I was lucky enough to have both. I quickly realized, when contemplating the message of this speech, that I had more emotional support from my mentors at Nichols than in any other point in my life. But that mentoring was really just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Expressing myself to the people I looked up to during school here at Nichols helped me significantly when I realized I had serious problems that I needed to deal with later in my life. When the safety nets of school and home are taken away and we are left to our own devices, such experience sets a precedent for us to open ourselves up more. This is absolutely essential in moving out of this so called “me generation,” and becoming more whole and secure people…

But most importantly, paying more attention to the emotional self is perhaps our generation’s way of becoming better people. It starts with you, in that if you are not healthy emotionally, you will not be a healthy person for anyone else. And it is your responsibility to recognize that or hopefully be mature enough to allow other people to recognize it for you, then agree to get help. So, taking the self-obsession and narcissism of the “me generation” and making a concerted effort to utilize the negative attributes of it in a positive fashion is the key. Illuminate yourself, open up, admit your faults, be honest with yourself. Heightened self-awareness can become one of your greatest assets and no longer your apparent generational flaw. And as we look in the mirror and pick out all our faults and dislikes about ourselves, in the end, the only thing we can do is deal with what we have been given, improve upon them if we can, and make the most of it.

The things I have said today are essentially just theories that I am working out in my head as I continue this very strange, exhausting, but incredibly rewarding journey. I am in no way perfect in any sense of the word. Absolutely not. Nor do I intend to pretend to be. I am tired of wanting to be perfect. I have learned to love my flaws. Sometimes I have to remind myself that my flaws that cause such inner anguish and selfconsciousness have helped me create art and build a career that I love and stand by. And none of my success has been achieved on my own.

I have wonderful people who have helped guide me to where I am today.

To this day, I do not do my taxes. I don’t schedule my days. I don’t cook. I can barely clean up after myself. To all of the teachers that have taught and know me well, I still hand everything in late, and somehow, most of the time, manage to get away with it. I don’t do my laundry and I can’t even fold a shirt properly. But I believe that coming to terms with my problems and improving myself has made working with the people directly involved in my life and career so much more wonderful and secure. I have found love, I have rejuvenated my family life, and I have found hope when hope was just a word I had removed from my vocabulary. The difference in just two years has been absolutely astounding.

And if I experienced it, I have no doubt so can each and every one of you in your own way. I am so proud of all of you. I cannot express how much faith I have that you all will overcome the obstacles that come your way. Learn from them, and allow yourselves to grow in light of them.

Enjoy today, and deal with tomorrow, tomorrow. Because today, class of 2010, you’ve succeeded. Congratulations and best of luck.

Fall 2010

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Class of 2010 Matriculation List Charles Abdel-Nabi Oxford College of Emory University Tarek Abdel-Nabi Reed College Omar Abialmouna Niagara University Julia Accetta The George Washington University Jarrett Almand Rochester Institute of Technology Matthew Angelakos University of Hartford Aliena Aubrecht Savannah College of Art and Design Sebastian Augustine Harvard University Ashley Ayers Mercyhurst College Amber Ball SUNY at Buffalo Jordan Berninger Hamilton College Boris Borovcanin University of Rochester Jessica Briatico The George Washington University Larkin Brinkworth The George Washington University Conrad Burgos University of Rochester Claire Buscemi Hobart and William Smith Colleges Ron Canestro Rochester Institute of Technology Andrew Cappuccino Johns Hopkins University Laura Carless University of Pittsburgh Ben Certo undecided Eric Chevli Case Western Reserve University Jon Clark Canisius College Dieter Clauss Cazenovia College Elizabeth Cook SUNY at Buffalo State

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Nichols School

Rachel Cromwell Stetson University

Stephen Kellogg Case Western Reserve University

Will Savino Amherst College

Bridgid Danahy Loyola University (IL)

Abhilasha Khurana The George Washington University

Amanda Schoene SUNY at Buffalo

Hannah Epstein Rochester Institute of Technology Julia Ferin University of Rochester Katie Flaschner University of Rochester Devin Friedlander The George Washington University

Thaddeus Kucharski SUNY at Morrisville Eric Larson SUNY at Binghamton Lauren Lewis Wake Forest University Peter Loree St. Lawrence University

Haley Fromen Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Kristina Lutz St. Lawrence University

Francesca Fulciniti Harvard University

Andy MacKinnon United States Merchant Marine Academy

Ramsey Gayles Columbia College (IL) Alexander George University of Puget Sound Michael George Rochester Institute of Technology Connor Gilbride Rochester Institute of Technology J.P. Gillmeister Harvard University Ari Goldfarb University of Maryland, College Park

Graham Marks Boston University Paige Matecki Niagara University Sam Milito Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Tia Miller Canisius College Anne Montesano SUNY at Buffalo Teresa Moscati Daniel Webster College

Evan Grenda University of South Carolina

Grace Munro Hamilton College

Sean Griffin Boston University

Isaiah New Columbia University

Bo Gurney Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Bethany Novak Nazareth College

Siobhan Hanley Yale University

Krystyna Nowakowski United States Naval Academy

Cokie Hasiotis University of St. Andrews (Scotland)

Jack O’Connor Castleton State College (VT)

Jacob Herskind Princeton University Michelle Ho Johns Hopkins University Elliot Johnston University of Pennsylvania Dillon Joseph Skidmore College Tony Juliano Alfred University Brandon Kaczmarz SUNY at Buffalo

Seong Oh Cornell University David Pegado St. Lawrence University Jonathan Plotkin University of Missouri Will Regan University of Virginia Caroline Russ Cornell University Kelsey Ryan University of Chicago Haylee Sauberan Lake Erie College

Adam Shafik SUNY at Geneseo Jacob Shedd Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rami Sherif University of Pennsylvania Bri Smith Canisius College Bridget Smith SUNY at Buffalo State Katie Smith Duquesne University Rene Sobolewski Vanderbilt University N.J. Solis East Carolina University Hannah Sorgi Hobart and William Smith Colleges Ed Spangenthal Colorado College Jaclyn Stafford SUNY at Fredonia Jake Stark Williams College Andrew Stein Lake Forest College Jordan Sternberg SUNY at Buffalo Andrew Toenniessen SUNY at Buffalo Jill Tokarczyk Hamilton College Thomas Unger Boston University Conner Vandegriff Hobart and William Smith Colleges Maddie Vershay Johns Hopkins University Tori Vossler St. Lawrence University Maddie Waters Hobart and William Smith Colleges Tess Williams Cornell University Christian Young SUNY at Geneseo David Zemsky Ithaca College

After Nichols

Mara Moscato ’97 Leads Contamination Cleanups Where do you live currently?

I recently moved from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where I lived for six years, to Flagstaff, Ariz.

Where did you go to college?

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Anthropology from Cornell University. After working in the social sciences, I earned a Master’s of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

How did Nichols prepare you for college and life beyond college?

Nichols has high expectations for students. Good grades are not handed out – you have to earn them. That instills a work ethic that benefits people during college and after.

What are you up to now? Tell us about your life and career.

I am happily married to my husband, Greg Thorhaug, who I met in college and married 10 years later. We spend a lot of time camping, hiking and kayaking, and hope to do some extended traveling in the near future. For the past six years, I have worked for TerraGraphics Environmental Engineering, which specializes in remediating mining-related heavy metal contamination. I manage the soil sampling of properties in the Bunker Hill superfund site in the Silver Valley in North Idaho, an area that was once the largest silver producer in the U.S. and has widespread lead and arsenic contamination. Each year, we collect more than 15,000 soil and water samples from 400 residential and commercial properties and analyze them for lead and arsenic. Contaminated soils are removed to a depth of 12-24 inches, disposed of in a designated repository, and replaced with clean soil or gravel. When the cleanup first started, children in the Silver Valley had the highest blood lead levels in the country, but in the past few years, the average blood lead levels are close to the national average.

Recently, I have conducted similar remediations in Senegal and Nigeria. In 2009, more than 20 children died from lead poisoning in a suburb of Dakar, Senegal, where people recycled lead acid car batteries. I went with three colleagues to assess the extent and

magnitude of contamination in the soils and interior house dust.

We trained Senegalese government officials and local crews to safely conduct the remediation, and we oversaw the removal and disposal of the contaminated soil, placement of clean soil, and decontamination of the interiors of the homes. I have returned two additional times to collect samples and continue to oversee progress.

This past spring, more than 300 children died from lead poisoning in the course of a few months in remote, mud-house villages in northern Nigeria.

Villagers were illegally mining for gold and processing ore in their homes. In July, we worked with the Nigerian government, Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and Blacksmith Institute, to conduct an emergency cleanup in two villages. I helped train crews to remove the contaminated soil with pickaxes, bag it, haul it away in wheelbarrows, and dispose of the bags in a landfill that we created. Work halted in July due to the rainy season and the lack of funding. We now have funding to clean five additional villages where children have continued to die, but several larger villages have also been identified and will require remediation in the future.

Did anything from your time at Nichols inspire your career path?

Attending Nichols is a privilege. Many of its teachers are better teachers and more interested in teaching than most professors I had in college. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to receive such a solid education and felt that I should do something where others may benefit from it. The experience that directly motivated me occurred while working at an alcoholism clinic on the Navajo reservation. There were few older men in town, as most of them had been miners in Uranium mines and died from lung disease.

Families are still fighting for compensation, and there are hundreds of open, abandoned mines. The combination of social justice, environmental problems and politics intrigued me and motivated me to work in the field of environmental health. continued on page 32 Fall 2010

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Athletic Hall of Fame

by Blake Walsh ’98 On Friday, Oct. 15, Nichols held a ceremony and dinner reception to honor the new Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.

Special thanks to our Selection Committee Chair, George Kloepfer ‘66, and his entire committee for all their work. We are pleased to honor the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2010. Nominations for future inductees are welcome at any time.

Thomas Caulfield ’72 • Three-year starter in football, wrestling and baseball.

• In football, was the right guard and anchored the line for the undefeated 1970 Interstate Championship team.

• In wrestling, he won many crucial matches throughout his career and was team captain his senior year; he placed first in his weight class in multiple tournaments.

• In baseball, he hit over .300 for his career and served as captain his senior year; he led the team to two Interstate Championships under Hall of Fame Coach, Andy Anderson.

• He wrestled and played baseball at St. Lawrence University and has run in various marathons over the years, including the New York City Marathon several times.

Lauren Gioia ’94 • Served as the captain of the field hockey team, and selected to the All-Western New York team.

• She also was captain of the lacrosse team and played as a two time All-American.

• Off campus, she was a champion equestrian throughout the Midwest and took 2nd and 3rd place ribbons at the National Horse Show in 1992, and 1st and 3rd place in classes at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in 1994.

• She was awarded the 1994 Alumni Cup her senior year.

• At Williams College, she achieved AllAmerican status in both field hockey and lacrosse during freshman, sophomore and junior years. In her senior year, she was captain of both teams. Her 1996 lacrosse team was ranked #1 in the country and went on to win the New England Small College Athletic Conference Championship that year.

• She was named the Defensive Player of the Year, a title awarded by the InterCollegiate Lacrosse Coaches Association.

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Lila Morris Hyde ’85 • She played varsity tennis from 8th grade through 12th grade, earning five letters; she was elected captain as a junior and as a senior.

• She earned Most Valuable Player in her sophomore, junior and senior seasons.

• Dominating the squash court throughout all four high school seasons, she served as captain her senior year; she was elected squash MVP as a junior and a senior.

• She played varsity lacrosse freshman through senior year, serving as captain and MVP; she also earned a variety of all-star awards on behalf of Nichols.

• She went on to play squash and lacrosse at Trinity College; while on an academic exchange in her junior year at Dartmouth College, she helped defeat Trinity for the Howe Cup, the Women’s National Intercollegiate Teams Championship.

• In her senior year in squash, she earned All-American status.

Paula Fronckowiak Krupa ’82 • She played varsity volleyball for four years.

• After switching from soccer to field hockey in her sophomore year, she earned MIP honors that year, was elected captain of the team in her senior year, and was awarded the MVP award that same season.

• She earned four varsity letters on the lacrosse team; earned MVP award as goalie in her sophomore, junior and senior years; and was captain of the team her senior year.

• She continued her lacrosse career at Ursinus College for a team that won the United States Women’s Lacrosse Association (pre-NCAA) Championships in 1983 and 1984.

• In 1985, the first year of the NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse Championships, her Ursinus team finished 2nd to Trenton State, but she led her team to the championship game again the following year, this time defeating the defending champions to win the NCAA trophy.

• She was selected to the All-Pennsylvania and All-Philadelphia All-Star Teams in 1985 and 1986; she was named an All-American her senior year and was selected to play in the North/South Senior All-Star Game – one of the few Division III players chosen to participate in this prestigious event.

Richard Oleksiak ’66 • Played varsity football for three seasons, from 1963-65, and led the 1965 team to an undefeated season and the Interstate Prep School League Championship.

• He earned three letters on varsity basketball from 1964-66, and led the team in rebounding his junior and senior years, setting a (then) record of 33 rebounds in a single game.

• He was a physical force on the School’s first undefeated team in 1964-65.

• His junior and senior year teams had a combined 35-1 record, winning the IPSL Basketball Title his junior year for the first time since 1938, and winning it again his senior year.

• From 1963-66, he earned four letters on the varsity track team; he was co-captain of the team and holds three school track and field records: 6’0’’ in the high jump, 51’1” in the shot put and 152’8” in the discus.

• He lettered in track at Colgate University, throwing the shot and discus.

• Also, he started a longtime affiliation with rugby, playing on Colgate’s first rugby team.

Frank Sacheli • He played hockey at Brown University and was recognized as the leading scorer for the Ivy League in 1968; he also received All-Ivy League and All-ECAC recognition.

• During his tenure at Nichols, he coached Boys Varsity Soccer, Boys Varsity Golf, Girls Varsity Softball, Girls Varsity Hockey and 18 years of Boys Varsity Hockey.

Sports

The Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2010 (front, l-r): Richard F. Oleksiak, Jr. ’66, Elizabeth Morris Hyde ’85, Frank J. Sacheli, Paula Fronckowiak Krupa ’82, Lauren E. Gioia ’94, H. Ward Wettlaufer ’54; (back): Jonathan R. Wright ’66, Jeffrey S. Weber ’86, Joseph J. Tomizzi ’83, David M. Weber ’86 and Thomas E. Caulfield ’72.

• In 2008, he coached the Girls Varsity Hockey team to the championships in the CISAA, and later led the girls in a perfect 16-0 season in the NAPHA league and to the Championship in 2010.

• As head coach of the Boys Varsity Hockey Team, he achieved a record 421 wins, 124 losses and 18 ties in 563 games played; he also boasts 25 tournament championships.

• He won seven Nichols New Year’s Championships, five Ridley Invitational Championships, five St. Andrews McPherson titles and four Lawrenceville Championships.

• In one three-year stretch, his teams won 69 consecutive regular season and playoff games, including 10 straight tournaments.

David Weber ’86 • He played varsity soccer for three years and was captain of the team his senior year.

• He played varsity lacrosse for three years and earned All-Western New York honors in his senior year.

• A part of one of the most successful varsity hockey teams in school history, he played for three years, accumulated 124 points, served as captain his senior year, and was selected co-MVP that same year.

• For his outstanding athletic achievements, he was the recipient of the Alumni Cup in his senior year.

• He played four years of Division I hockey at the University of Vermont, serving as captain of the team his senior year and winning the Jim Cross Coaches’ Award that same year.

Joseph Tomizzi ’83 • In his senior year, he led the baseball team to the 1983 Georgetown Cup Championship against St. Francis at the Old Rock Pile (War Memorial Stadium).

• In football, he was one of the top receivers in school history; at the time of graduation, he was ranked in the top 10 in Western New York history for career receiving yards.

• He earned 1st Team All-Catholic and All-WNY honors and was chosen to the 2nd Team All-State (large schools) squad in his senior year.

• He was a tenacious 5’10” center for three years on the varsity basketball team.

• He earned 10 varsity letters in a four year career in football, basketball and baseball.

Jeffrey Weber ’86 • He played two seasons of varsity soccer and earned Second Team All-NFL in the process.

• He played three years of varsity lacrosse, earning Honorable Mention All-WNY his senior year.

• On the varsity hockey team for three years, he was the leading scorer and MVP his sophomore year, and assistant captain his senior year.

• He went on to Colgate University, where he played four years of varsity hockey (89 games).

• In 1990, his senior year, he received the Coaches’ Award – a year that saw the Raiders make it to the final game of the NCAA Division I Tournament, where they lost to Wisconsin.

• After graduating from Colgate, he played one year in the East Coast Hockey League for the Louisville Ice Hawks, an affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks and the long lamented Hartford Whalers.

H. Ward Wettlaufer, Sr. ’54 • He earned three varsity letters on the baseball team, including pitching a nohit game.

• While attending Hamilton College, he became a two-time member of the NCAA First Team All-American Golf Team.

• He won several prestigious golf tournaments, including the International Junior Masters, Tam O’Shanter World Amateur Championship, Bermuda Amateur, the Porter Cup, Eastern Amateur, and the North and South Amateur.

• He played on the 1959 Walker Cup team with teammate, Jack Nicklaus, and played in two U.S. Opens, three Masters and one Senior Open.

• Country Club of Buffalo has named its annual scratch tournament in his honor, as he has won 22 Country Club of Buffalo Championships.

• For four years, he was ranked in the top 10 of the National Senior Amateur rankings.

Jonathan Wright ’66 • He played varsity hockey for four years and set the (then) school record for most goals in a season.

• As captain of varsity football, he led the 1965 team to the first undefeated season and Interstate Prep School League Championship since 1949.

• During his “off” season in track, was an outstanding discus thrower, consistently throwing over 120’ to register many wins.

• At Princeton University, he was captain of the undefeated freshmen team.

• As the single wing quarterback for the Tigers, he lettered for two years before switching to hockey and lettering in hockey the same season, making him one of a very few Nichols graduates to letter in two varsity sports at the Division I level.

Fall 2010

29

Spring 2010 Athletics Recap

by Holly Fewkes Baseball (10-12-1) Baseball had a successful season, finishing as the CISAA Regular Season Champions! The team lost an unbelievable nine heart breaking one run games in the regular season Monsignor Martin League. Most Valuable Player was Andrew MacKinnon ’10. The Coaches Award went to Tom Noonan ’12 and the Most Improved Player was Ryan Stayner ’11. The four seniors, Ron Canestro, Evan Grenda, Andy MacKinnon and Jack O’Connor, will be greatly missed. Thank you for your four years of contributions!

Boys & Girls Crew The Crew team had quality performances at six regattas this spring.

At the John Bennett Regatta, the Girls Senior 4 and the Girls Flyweight boats both placed 2nd. The Girls Junior 4 had the best showing of the season at the All High Championships, taking first place. They also qualified for the National Regatta where they made the semi-finals. Coxswain Nyrie Soukiazian ’12 was the Most Improved Rower for the boys’ team. The Boys Coaches Awards went to the Senior Boys team of Jarrett Almand ’10, Connor Gilbride ’10, Jake Herskind ’10 and Graham Marks ’10. MVP of the Girls Crew team was Ingrid Lund ’11 and the Coaches Award went to Brigid Daly ’12. Thank you to the seven seniors!

Girls Golf Girls Golf enjoyed a very successful season, culminating with a third consecutive CISAA tournament championship! They defeated Ridley by 11 strokes with Rene Sobolewski (2nd), Pamicka Marinello (3rd), Gaelin Carrig (6th) and Marla Murrett (10th) all placing in the top 10 in the tournament. The team also placed first in two other tournaments and defeated Dunkirk / Fredonia in a head to head match. The Coaches Award went to Rene Sobolewski ’10 and the Most Improved Golfers were Kayla Brannen ’13 and Heather Rinow ’11. Seniors Anne Montesano ’10, Rene Sobolewski ’10 and Madalyn Vershay ’10 will all be missed. Best of luck!

Boys Lacrosse (10-6) Boys Lacrosse had a successful season, finishing with a record of 10-6. The team had two exciting regular season wins over Canisius, one in double overtime. They lost to St. Joe’s in the regular season only to come back in the playoffs and defeat them 6-5 in overtime.

This victory allowed them to reach the finals of the Monsignor Martin League where they lost to Timon. Most Valuable Players of the team were Jordan Berninger ’10 and Tony Juliano ’10. Most Improved Players were Peter Borgesi ’12 and Derek Marks ’11. The six seniors will be greatly missed! Thank you for your contributions over the years.

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Girls Lacrosse (10-5-1) Girls Lacrosse enjoyed one of their finest seasons in recent memory!

They had a successful trip to Detroit, defeating both Detroit Country Day and Cranbrook-Kingswood. They also made it to the finals of the MidWest Tournament losing a close 7-5 championship game to Hathaway Brown. Lauren Basil ’11, Paige Matecki ’10 and Jill Tokarczyk ’10 were named 1st team All-MidWest. 2nd team AllMidWest was Marissa Faso ’11 and Haley Welch ’11. Julia DiTondo ’12 was named MVP of MSLA championship game. All MSLA Tournament Team included Julia DiTondo ’12, Marissa Faso ’11 and Kristen Winter ’12. Team awards included MVP’s Jill Tokarczyk ’10 and Paige Matecki ’10. Coaches Awards went to Lauren Basil ’11 and Marissa Faso ’11; and Most Improved Players were Tori Salmon ’11 and Kristen Winter ’12. Thank you to the 11 seniors! You will be missed.

Softball (4-9) Softball had a season marked by improvement. The team had early season victories over Cardinal O’Hara and Niagara Catholic and then ended the season with a key win over Nardin, 4-2. The team played well in the quarter finals of the league, losing to a strong Immaculata team. Jenna Holevinski ’12 was named Most Improved Player. Morgan McDermott ’13 and Pearl Guerin ’13 received Coaches Award. Ashley Lyman ’13 was named MVP, as well as being named 2nd Team All-Catholic. The team thanks Ashley Ayers ’10 and Amber Ball ’10 for their four years of dedication to the softball program!

Tennis (14-2) The Boys Tennis team once again feasted on success in the Monsignor Martin League and across the area. One of their most impressive wins came over The Harley School, 3-2. The team won the regular season Monsignor Martin League and dominated the league playoffs, sweeping the championships for the AllCatholic Championship trophy. Boris Borovcanin ’10 won the MML 1st singles title, defeating his teammate Jonah Epstein ’12.

Ryan Cromwell placed 3rd in the singles event. It was quite an accomplishment for Nichols players to take the top three spots.

Dieter Clauss ’10 and David Hamilton ’11 were the MML 1st Doubles Champions. MVP of the team was Jonah Epstein ’12.

The Coaches Award went to Michael Hoerner ’11 and the Most Improved Player was Boris Borovcanin ’10. Boris Borovcanin, Dieter Clauss, Eric Chevli ’10 and David Zemsky ’10 will all be missed. Thank you for your contributions!

Awards William Nichols Award Alumni Board President, Hugh M. Russ III ’78, read the citation for the William Nichols Award, which was presented to John R. Munro, Jr., departing Assistant Head and Director of the Middle School. Here are the words he shared: You arrived in 1997, fresh from America’s heartland – Indianapolis, Indiana. Immediately you set about, positively transforming how the Nichols Admissions Office operated. You brought best practices from NAIS, you began reaching out with parent coffees, you had an eye toward increasing diversity, and in the ensuing five years, you admitted nearly 600 new students to the School.

Following the move from the Nottingham campus in 2001, we needed an experienced Middle School educator to take the reins and create a cohesive community in Regan and Donaldson Halls. You did just that and more.

You helped make our School think of itself as one community. You created the Middle School House system, strengthened the advisory program, introduced the teaching of character, and promoted arts, athletics and extracurricular offerings in the Middle School. You are always willing to learn and to try new programs, which has kept the Middle School at the forefront of pursuing new ideas. With your refreshing enthusiasm, you have developed many customs and traditions that define our Middle School. We are thrilled that the House trophy will forever be known as the Munro Cup. But it is your humanity and character that is referenced most by parents, students and faculty. Students fondly remember you standing in the foyer of Regan Hall, greeting everyone by name every morning.

As a result, you make everyone feel comfortable, even on those first days when any new school can seem scary. Others talk about how you manage to be everywhere – at every play, musical performance, ski

club trip and athletic contest. Parents constantly seek your advice through book club meetings, in your office, grade level coffees or on the telephone.

Faculty relate that every conversation ultimately centers around what is right for the students, that you were the best advisor in the Middle School, and that the Thursday Morning Meetings were so successful because of your leadership.

On Thursdays in the Pond, you are a combination of witty game show host, talent scout, cheerleader, master of John R. Munro, Jr. ceremonies, and the wise School master sharing insights and advice. With a constant eye on the clock, you made sure students got their shining moments and that faculty announcements were relayed. Sprinkled around all this are always valuable little nuggets about character. John, you always reminded us to believe the best in people, and hundreds of Middle School students will carry that lesson for the rest of their lives because of your example.

We are sad to see you depart, but are excited for your new adventure as the Headmaster of Fairfield Country Day School. We will miss your poems on Verdian Day; our faculty days at the Chautauqua Institute; your love of nature and the environment, which led to many clean-up days around Hoyt Lake; your love of athletics and natural ability in so many areas; your wonderful energy, optimism and sincerity. You leave an incredible legacy that will be long remembered.

For all these reasons, we salute you, John R. Munro, Jr., and proudly award you with the 2010 William Nichols Award.

Pennies for Peace

In early November, Nichols participated in Pennies for Peace, a program founded by author and philanthropist, Greg Mortenson. It teaches students about the global community, particularly the need to fund education opportunities in impoverished countries, and shows them that they can make a positive impact on the world, one penny at a time. Our drive collected $2,009.64 – more than any other area school!

Our student leaders met with Greg Mortenson prior to the UB Distinguished Speaker Series lecture.

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Olive Ringo Award While you began your recent tenure at Nichols eleven years ago, we got to know you a few years before that when you filled in for a veteran teacher going on sabbatical. We were immediately struck by your ease with multiple subject areas, your intellect, your compassion, your kindness, and your quirky, spot-on sense of humor. Perhaps it was the “Maya Quest” project of that spring (who can forget the human sacrifice on the patio of Nottingham), but you left us for a couple of years to consider what teaching at Nichols was really all about. And to say that we were thrilled when you did return would be a gross understatement.

A gifted teacher, you communicate clearly and effectively, relating to students of all levels of competence. You took a geography course that had devolved to map memorizing and made it a rich cultural study. In your class discussion and writing assignments, you challenge students to be on the higher end of Bloom’s Taxonomy, empathizing with other cultures around the world (your students will never forget carrying gallons of water, as millions of people have to do in other parts of the world, to a picnic in Delaware Park). You continually push yourself and others to be better. Your curiosity, creativity and dedication to any undertaking has served you well as you have taken on the challenge of teaching outside of your field of expertise more than anyone in the school and have done so with singular success.

As an advisor (the only male teacher in the 6th grade), you are often given challenging advisees whom you gently, but firmly, guide to better habits and choices. You are an advocate for what Middle School students need, not only in the classroom and advisory, but also on a schoolwide level. You have continued to organize the extraordinary 6th grade community service project at School 54. Your unflinching support for athletic locker room supervision, particularly during hockey season, has you forever in the athletic department’s debt. Your focus is always on ways to make the school a better place to live in, to learn in, and to play in.

Gordon Gannon ’50 (left), co-trustee of the Olive R. Ringo estate, and George Kloepfer II ’68 (right), proudly present Michael Salmon with his award citation.

Another realm where you have excelled is in the field of music as founding father of the Nichols Ringing Society. Those who shared a classroom wall with you had the opportunity to hear you turn a motley crew of Middle Schoolers, Upper Schoolers and a random smattering of faculty into a happy, cohesive ensemble capable of turning out beautiful music on the hand bells. Your high standards and integrity serve as a model for colleagues and students alike.

Clearly, a Renaissance man, you are the soul of the School. For all of your efforts, to which you put your hand, heart and mind, to make Nichols the best school it can be, we award the 2010 Olive R. Ringo Award to you – Michael Salmon.

After Nichols – continued from page 27 What advice do you have for others who may want to work in your field?

Environmental Science and Environmental Health are extremely diverse fields, and there are no designated career paths as there are in other fields like medicine, education or law. Be prepared to create your own path. Take classes that interest you, along with as many science courses as possible. You can learn a lot of job skills while on the job, but you can’t learn chemistry, physics or statistics on-the-fly.

What is the most valuable lesson you learned at Nichols?

Nichols stresses the importance of clear writing, which is an essential form of communication in my field.

What is your favorite Nichols memory?

Studying out in the Quad on a sunny spring day is my favorite memory at Nichols.

What do you like to do for fun?

Camping, kayaking, hiking, traveling and listening to good music.

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Nichols School

Save the date!

Derby Day Auction Saturday, May 7, 2011

This year’s auction Co-Chairs are Jackie & Jim Ennis ’81 and Laurie & Doug Wright.

For more information or to donate an item, call 716-332-5151.

After Nichols

Duncan Sisson ’98 Bikes for a Better World

by Blake Walsh ’98 We first told you about Duncan Sisson ‘98 and his then new non-profit organization “Biking For A Better World” in our Fall 2006 issue. Duncan, CoFounder of BBW and a ski patrol rescue worker, lives in Lake Tahoe and is a graduate of Hartwick College. After riding his bike 18,000 miles from Alaska to Argentina in 2007, and stopping in Nicaragua to build a school along with way, Duncan and BBW have continued to ride for great causes. Here’s a glimpse at what Duncan has accomplished and where the trails will take him next. You can visit their website at www.bikingforabetterworld.org.

How has your life changed since completing your eight month bike trip from Alaska to Argentina in 2007/2008?

That trip was Biking For A Better World’s first project. BBW is a non-profit that I created in 2006 with my friend Jake Spero. Our goal is to use bicycle tours to raise money for our non-profit and to assist communities in need, helping improve their everyday life.

In 2007, we completely funded the construction of an Elementary School in La Bonansa, Nicaragua.

Rather than wearing me out and calming me down, that trip has had the reverse effect. I constantly look for new challenges and places to travel. I was surprised that I had an urge to travel so shortly after returning home from eight months on the road.

What were your favorite parts of the Alaska to Argentina ride?

It’s tough to say. There are so many memories worthy of inclusion! Riding through the Andes comes to mind… we got a taste in Colombia, got worked (physically and mentally), slowed down and intimidated.

Because of this we changed plans, went due west for the coast and flat terrain. Then in Lima, Peru we decided to re-enter the Andes to make our complete crossing into Bolivia.

Our route took us from sea level, on the coast of Peru, up and over one of the biggest mountain ranges in the world. It was epic on many levels.

The terrain, the roads, the climate, the culture – everything. The climbing was the toughest I had experienced in my life. Some of these passes/summits could not be reached in an entire day of pedaling. The roads were remote, steep and narrow. Up high, the air was thin. It was exhausting.

Traveling through the Andes let us experience a part of Peru that has been unaffected by modern culture. Scenery included ox dragging plows, tilling the land, while women followed tossing seeds in the fresh soil; clay hut houses; dirt roads and towns with limited electricity. What we witnessed was rugged, hard living. But the

people were kind and curious. The entire adventure was wild, raw and simple. I learned that enormous tasks can be completed. Take the risk, scare yourself and try. Feed off of those who doubt you. Do it!

What events/rides have taken place since you completed your big trek in 2008?

Upon the completion of Alaska to Argentina, we realized that we needed to continue to ride and fundraise. If we didn’t pick up where we left off, people would lose interest. My fear was that people would think that BBW was a one-time deal. We are not. In the fall of 2009, Jake Spero and I took on a new project: The Continental Divide Trail, spanning from Canada to Mexico. With this tour we chose to raise funds for a Lake Tahoe non-profit called Disabled Sports USA. We raised $5,000 to help them purchase adaptive bicycles for their summer programs.

We also are encouraging those who are interested in creating their own bicycle tours to contact us. We want to do more than just ride. We want to help others make a difference as they tour on bicycles. We also host a number of annual events in the Tahoe area (road and mountain bike rides, bike path clean-up, wine dinners, etc.).

What trips/goals are on the horizon for Biking For A Better World?

BBW is currently in the middle of a project called “Bikes to La Bonansa.” This project is a continuation of the 2007 project, “Alaska to Argentina.” In the fall of 2011, BBW will bring roughly 50 bicycles to Nicaragua and outfit each one of the young students at our school.

This program does not have a bicycle tour element paired with it, but we have a few in the works. I am currently planning another big trip: “Peak to Pyramid,” set for the spring of 2013. This ski/ mountaineering/bike expedition will take me and one teammate from the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro to Cairo, Egypt, more than 4,000 miles across Northern Africa. It will be difficult but fun!

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William Nichols Society

by Neil Farmelo A bequest to Nichols School is a gift that represents the donor’s concern for and commitment to the School’s excellence in education. The William Nichols Society cites and honors all persons who have named Nichols School in their estate plans, usually by will or trust.

Following are the names of alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends who are members of the William Nichols Society. Please note that (D) represents a deceased member.

Alumni Class of 1914 Mr. Clark T. Roberts (D) Class of 1916 Mr. Edward B. Archbald (D) Class of 1921 Mr. Harry D. Yates (D) Class of 1924 Mr. Robert L. Crane (D)

Class of 1940 Mr. James G. Hurley, (D) Class of 1941 Mr. Edwin C. Andrews Mr. John Brady Mr. John P. Halstead Mr. R. Alfred Kirchhofer (D) Mr. Richard C. Smith (D) Mr. S. Thompson Viele Mr. Murray W. Warner (D)

Class of 1926 Mr. Wilcox B. Adsit (D) Mr. Hubert L. Perry (D)

Class of 1942 Mr. Roderic B. MacDonald (D) Mr. Donald S. Rumsey (D) Mr. Edward M. Scheu, Jr. (D)

Class of 1929 Hon. Henry P. Smith III (D) Dr. Robert Warner (D)

Class of 1943 Mr. Allen Short Mr. Edward F. Walsh

Class of 1931 Mr. Matthew N. Hayes (D) Mr. George B. Kellogg (D) Mr. Julian R. Oishei (D)

Class of 1944 Mr. Fulton M. Cooke Mr. John R. Griffis Mr. E.W. Dann Stevens (D)

Class of 1932 Dr. Warren R. Montgomery, Jr. (D) Mr. Harry B. Pinkerton, Jr. (D) Mr. Philip M. Schneckenburger (D)

Class of 1945 Mr. John P. Hoffman (D) Dr. James M. Orr (D) Mr. Donald B. Scully (D)

Class of 1933 Mr. Richard R. Chellas (D) Mr. Bryant H. Prentice, Jr. (D) Class of 1936 Mr. Scott McFarland (D) Class of 1937 Mr. Karr Parker, Jr. (D) Class of 1938 Mr. Richard E. Moot Mr. Robert S. Scheu Mr. Edward C. Schlenker, Jr. (D) Class of 1939 Mr. Thomas H. Danforth Mr. Richard P. Hunt (D) 34

Nichols School

Class of 1946 Mr. Lawrence Osgood Dr. Ray G. Schiferle Class of 1947 Mr. Whitworth Ferguson, Jr. (D) Mr. Rodney W. Gartner Mr. Allan S. Lerner (D) Mr. Carlton K. Nicholson Mr. John G. Putnam, Jr. (D) Mr. Calvin G. Rand Mr. John A. Williams Mr. G. Frederick Zeller, Jr. (D) Class of 1948 Mr. Walter G. Goldstein (D) Mr. Charles S. Lauer Mr. William H. Orr Mr. Malcolm Strachan II Mr. Henry D. Waters

Class of 1949 Mr. Richard W. Cutting Mr. Robert E. Dillon Mr. William H. Donaldson Mr. Hoyt M. Long (D) Dr. J. David Schnatz Dr. Bernard D. Wakefield Mr. Reginald V. Williams, Jr. Mr. Charles L. Yeager Class of 1950 Mr. Thomas R. Flickinger Class of 1951 Mr. James M. Dillon Mr. Stephen S. Gurney Mr. Edwin M. Johnston, Jr. Mr. David W. McCain Mr. William J. Regan, Jr. Mr. Alfred W. Rossow, Jr. Mr. Roger D. Severance Mr. Richard W. Shaughnessy Mr. John H. Wood (D) Class of 1952 Mr. Harold M. Graham (D) Mr. Richard W. Miller (D) Class of 1953 Mr. Willard C. Frank, Jr. Class of 1954 Mr. Denis Doyle Mr. James H. Park Mr. Kalman Ruttenstein (D) Mr. Albert B. Wende Mr. C. Penn Wettlaufer (D) Class of 1955 Mr. Wyndham Eaton Dr. John M. Wadsworth Class of 1957 Mr. F. Peter Boer Dr. James R. Cole Mr. James W. Greene II Mr. John B. Henry Dr. Charles A. Smith II Mr. David Wharton III (D)

Class of 1958 Mr. Stuart H. Angert Dr. William F. Clayton Mr. Howard T. Saperston, Jr. Class of 1959 Mr. John W. Henrich Class of 1960 Mr. William N. Hudson, Jr. Mr. Donald W. Koch (D) Class of 1961 Mr. Richard B. Adams Mr. G. Robert Moeschler, Jr. Mr. Kenneth M. Neil Class of 1962 Mr. Robert P. Lentz III Class of 1963 Mr. Warren B. Gelman Mr. William B. Loweth Dr. L. Sandy Maisel Mr. John N. Walsh III Class of 1964 Mr. P. Jeffrey Birtch Mr. Howard L. Schweitzer Mr. Kevin M. Wyckoff Class of 1965 Mr. Richard B. Benson Class of 1966 Mr. Theodore C. Jewett II Mr. Bertram B. Parker Mr. John A. Mitchell Mr. Robert F. Rahn Class of 1969 Mr. Jerry S. Ivers Class of 1970 Mr. William G. Gisel, Jr. Mr. Edward W. Suor

Class of 1972 Mr. John Mineo Mr. Edward F. Walsh, Jr. Class of 1974 Mrs. Elizabeth Rydzynski Hulley Mr. Gregory D. Stevens Class of 1975 Mr. Neal V. Fatin III Mrs. Elizabeth Stevens Gurney Class of 1976 Mr. Brian D. Dillon Ms. Katharine Jebb Norton Mr. Stephen J. Wydysh Class of 1977 Mr. John C. Farmelo Mrs. Anne Desbecker Sofarelli Class of 1978 Mrs. Stacey Fell Milne Class of 1979 Mr. Jeffrey T. Clifford Class of 1980 Dr. R. Reed Stevens Class of 1984 Ms. Susan E. Hanifin Miss Joy C. Trotter Class of 1987 Mr. Mark H. Yellen Class of 1990 Mr. W. Scott Saperston Class of 1991 Mr. Kenneth R. Robinson Class of 1992 Capt. Elizabeth Boll-Faris Faculty and Staff Mr. Richard C. Bryan, Jr. Dr. Anne R. Clauss Mr. Neil R. Farmelo Mr. Guy M. Johnson Mr. H. Richard MacKinder (D) Mr. Millard Sessions (D) Mrs. Mary Sykes Mr. Albert Sutter (D) Mrs. Ginna Walsh

Friends Mr. David K. Anderson (D) Mrs. Marian C. Arms (D) Mr. Charles E. Balbach Mrs. Margaret C. Balbach (D) Mr. James Benson (D) Mr. Keith A. Blakeley Rev. Judith B. Bryan Mr. David N. Campbell Mrs. Gay Campbell Mr. Joseph J. Castiglia Mrs. Virginia L. Duffy (D) Mrs. Doris Farmelo Mrs. Sue Gardner Mrs. Patricia Gelman Mrs. Marion Goodyear (D) Dr. Lewis J. Greenky (D) Mr. Richard M. Hemenway (D) Mrs. Gerald B. Henry (D) Mrs. Margaret W. Henry (D) Mr. Sherlock A. Herrick, Jr. Mr. Charles R. Hoff Mrs. James G. Hurley Mr. Clinton F. Ivins, Jr. Mrs. Thomas A. Jebb Mr. N. Michael Keiser (D) Mr. Chauncey C. Kennedy Mrs. Patricia M. Kennedy Mrs. Jean Knox Mr. Seymour H. Knox III (D) Dr. Richard Lee Dr. Oscar J. Llugany Mrs. Kate Ennis Mabette (D) Mrs. Claire McGowan Mrs. Garfield L. Miller, Jr. Mrs. Elizabeth S. Mitchell Mrs. Alice L. Peek Mrs. Jane Perry (D) Mrs. Sharon A. Randaccio Mr. Wayne R. Reilly Mrs. Mary Saperston Mrs. Martha S. Scheu (D) Mrs. Carolyn Schnatz Mrs. Catherine Schweitzer Mrs. Alma C. Scully Mr. Robert L. Stone (D) Mrs. Marilyn Stradella (D) Mr. Gerald R. Strauss Mrs. Sue W. Strauss Mrs. Harlan J. Swift (D) Mr. Christopher Wadsworth Ms. Peggy Jane Wells (D)

Ramsi P. Tick 2011 Concert Series Lineup Ramsi P. Tick had a simple idea: bring world acclaimed musicians to Buffalo and create a highcaliber recital series. The series would be totally funded by its membership base with nearly 100% of the subscription price paying the artists’ fees.

Beginning with the 2009-2010 season, the Ramsi P. Tick Concert Series proudly announced its change of location and partnership with Nichols School. The concerts take place in the state of the art Glenn and Awdry Flickinger Performing Arts Center, with rave reviews for the space.

There are three concerts remaining for the year, each featuring several renowned musical artists: Tuesday, February 8, 2011 Leonidas Kavakos, violin Enrico Pace, piano 7:30 p.m.

Monday, April 18, 2011 Chanticleer, male vocal ensemble 7:30 p.m.

Monday, April 25, 2011 David Finckel, cello Wu Han, piano 7:30 p.m.

To buy subscriptions, call 716-759-4RPT (4778).

The 2010 Lucy and Sherman Maisel ’35

General Information Test At Nichols, the Upper School’s General Information Test – a tradition that began in the school’s 1911 yearbook, Verdian – is compiled from questions submitted by the Nichols faculty on an annual basis and is administered to students in grades 9-12 as a measure of general knowledge. The highest score of record is 81, earned by four-time winner George Binette ’78. The GIT is created and coordinated by English teacher, Richard Stratton. It is funded through the generosity of Lucy and Sherman J. Maisel ’35.

Questions 1. Since the early 1980s, HOSNI MUBARAK has been President of this North African country. _________________________________________ 2.

JOE BIDEN served as U.S. Senator from this state for over 30 years before being chosen as Barack Obama’s running mate.

6.

_________________________________________ 7.

8.

In what classic 20th century novel are Jordan Baker and Meyer Wolfsheim important secondary characters? _________________________________________

4.

5.

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The Mississippi River ends its course by emptying into the Gulf of Mexico at New Orleans. In what northern state does this river have its source?

Illinois Iowa Minnesota Ohio Wisconsin Which early American President commissioned MERIWETHER LEWIS and WILLIAM CLARK to explore the far west of the American continent?

John Adams John Quincy Adams Andrew Jackson Thomas Jefferson James Monroe

Nichols School

What Republican President twice defeated Democrat Adlai E. Stevenson in the elections of 1952 and 1956? _________________________________________

9.

13. Which of the planets in our solar system is closest to the sun?

Earth Jupiter Mars Mercury Saturn

What is the capital of Norway? _________________________________________

_________________________________________ 3.

Of what country is REYKJAVIK the capital?

Former Republican N.Y. Governor Thomas E. Dewey lost consecutive Presidential elections to two different Democrats – Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944 and _________ ____________ in 1948.

10. In 2007, China narrowly surpassed the United States in the production of carbon dioxide emissions. Which nation ranked third?

Canada India Japan Russia South Korea 11. How many of the 100 currently serving U.S. Senators are female?

10 12 14 17 19 12. The opening line of T.S. Eliot’s 1922 poem “The Waste Land” proclaims that “____________ is the cruelest month.”

14. In what sport did Billie Jean King gain fame?

Figure Skating Golf Soccer Swimming Tennis 15. The Zodiac sign of Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) is represented by a _______________.

Bull Crab Goat Lion Ram 16. What is the collective name for the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution of the United States? _________________________________________ 17. The classic 1980 movie “Raging Bull” starred Robert DeNiro as the boxer ___________.

Carmen Basilio Jack Dempsey Rocky Graziano Jake LaMotta 18. He spent his entire 22-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals and won seven batting titles and three Most Valuable Player Awards. Name him.

Rogers Hornsby Joe Medwick Johnny Mize Stan Musial Enos Slaughter

GIT 19. What river forms the border between the states of Indiana and Kentucky? _________________________________________ 20. North America’s highest mountain is located in Alaska. Name it. _________________________________________ 21. What world famous novel (and character) was based on the experience of an 18th century Scottish sailor named Alexander Selkirk? _________________________________________ 22. Known as the first “singing movie cowboy” he later became owner of baseball’s California Angels.

Gene Autrey Gary Cooper William S. Hart Tom Mix Roy Rogers 23. Which European country was known in ancient times as Lusitania?

Belgium Bulgaria The Netherlands Portugal Switzerland 24. Which U.S. Supreme Court Justice’s retirement left a vacancy which was filled

by President Obama’s appointment of Sonia Sotomayor?

Stephen Breyer Ruth Bader Ginsberg Antonin Scalia David Souter 25. A MUZHIK is a Russian ________________________________________.

Boot Musical Instrument Peasant Whip Wolf 26. What two island nations are separated by the Tasman Sea?

28. Kareem Abdul Jabhar scored more points over his entire career than any other player in NBA history. Who ranks second?

Larry Bird Wilt Chamberlain Michael Jordan Karl Malone Jerry West 29. What species of creature is called a “sidewinder” in the American West? _________________________________________ 30. What western state was originally called DESERET by its first white settlers?

Arizona Colorado Idaho Nevada Utah 31. Which two of these National Parks are not located in California?

King’s Canyon Sequoia Voyageurs Yosemite Zion 32. The Italian phrase OTTAVA RIMA describes a poetic stanza having how many lines? _________________________________________ 33. What human organ is affected by the disease of MYOPIA? _________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________ 39. Of what nation is RECEP ERDOGAN Prime Minister? _________________________________________ 40. In what English novel does every character visited by the local doctor (named Kenneth) die soon afterwards? _________________________________________ 41. HERA, wife or consort of Zeus, was called ____________ by the Romans.

42. With what country is the song “Waltzing Matilda” associated? _________________________________________ 43. What metal is designated by the Atomic Symbol FE? _________________________________________ 44. Name the South American Revolutionary who liberated much of the continent from Spanish rule. _________________________________________

34. The father of Odysseus in “The Odyssey” and the brother of Ophelia in “Hamlet” share the same name. What is it? _________________________________________

45. At 89, he is the oldest member of the current U.S. Supreme Court. Name him. _________________________________________

35. On what mountain did Moses receive The Ten Commandments? _________________________________________

_________________________________________ 27. “The rest is silence.” These are the appropriate last words of Shakespeare’s most talkative character. Name him.

38. Which two countries clashed in the OPIUM WAR of 1839 – 1842?

36. A HOMILY is a kind of ____________________________________.

Breakfast dish Carpet Quiz Sermon

Puzzle

46. Which of these islands is not located in the Pacific Ocean?

Mauritius New Caledonia Oahu Saipan Tonga 47. Which African nation was once known as ABYSSINIA? Chad Ethiopia Mali Niger Uganda

37. In what country was the Boer War fought? _________________________________________ Fall 2010

37

48. Who was the only world heavyweight boxing champion to retire undefeated in his professional career?

Jim Jeffries Jack Johnson Joe Louis Rocky Marciano Gene Tunney

57. Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as ___________________ when it was the capital of South Vietnam during the U.S. war in Vietnam.

49. Which of these 19th and 20th century composers completed the largest number of symphonies (15)?

Bruckner Mahler Shostakovich Sibelius Stravinsky

58. Formerly a California Congresswoman, HILDA SOLIS is now Secretary of _____________________ in President Obama’s Cabinet.

Defense Energy Housing & Urban Development Labor Transportation

50. Exaggeration for emphasis or effect in poetry is knows as ____________.

Allegory Antithesis Euphemism Hyperbole Oxymoron

59. The entertainer LIZA MINELLI is the daughter of a more famous entertainer who became a star in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939). Name her.

51. What French phrase denotes a social blunder or a false step? _________________________________________ 52. A SOBRIQUET is a kind of ___________________________.

Ballad Dessert Hangover Nickname Sword Cut 53. At 12:00 noon Eastern Standard Time in Buffalo, what time is it in ANCHORAGE, ALASKA? _________________________________________ 54. The Matterhorn is located in what European mountain chain? _________________________________________ 55. What mythical traveler encountered a sedative-ingesting race known as the “Lotos-Eaters”? _________________________________________ 56. The Caribbean island of HISPANIOLA is divided geographically between two nations, The Dominican Republic and _______.

Antigua Belize Haiti Jamaica Puerto Rico

_________________________________________ 60. JOHN McCAIN was the second Arizona Senator to run as the Republican candidate for President. Who was the first? (Hint: he lost to Lyndon Johnson in 1964). _________________________________________ 61. COSTA RICA (where many Nichols students have traveled) is bordered by ____________ on the North and by _________ on the South and East.

62. In Biology, the smallest unit of life capable of living independently is a ____________________________.

63. Which continent was explored by ROALD AMUNDSEN, ERNEST SHACKLETON AND ROBERT SCOTT? Africa Antarctica Asia Australia 64. A VALETUDINARIAN is unlikely to be _________________.

Dishonest Feeble Irritable Robust Willful

65. Two great American novellas – Melville’s “Billy Budd” and Henry James’ “The Turn of the Screw” – were turned into great operas by the English composer, _________ _________.

Benjamin Britten Edward Elgar Michael Tippett William Walton 66. “West Side Story” was the operatic masterpiece of this great American composer-conductor.

Leonard Bernstein Aaron Copland Jerome Kern Richard Rogers 67. HIPPOCRATES and GALEN were ancient Greek __________.

Admirals Musicians Physicians Poets Tyrants 68. In Greek Mythology, a three-headed __________ named CERBERUS guarded the entrance to the underworld.

69. What Turkish mountain was reputed to be the final resting place of Noah’s Ark? _________________________________________ 70. ALICIA DeLARROCHA, who died last year at age 86, was a renowned Spanish __________.

Actress Dancer Pianist Poet Singer 71. Also deceased in 2009 (at age 76), was the gifted and prolific American writer, author of the “Rabbit” sequence of novels.

Nelson Algren Norman Mailer William Styron John Updike 72. ROBERT GATES has served in both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama cabinets as Secretary of _____________.

73. The U.S. declared war on Spain in 1898 shortly after the U.S. battleship ___________________ was blown up in the harbor of Havana, Cuba.

74. What American general was defeated and slain by the SIOUX at The Battle of Little Big Horn in Montana, 1876? _________________________________________

38

Nichols School

GIT 75. Which of these terms is closest in meaning to a FEN? Brook Desert Grassland Jungle Marsh 76. The KALEVALA is the national epic of which of these northern European countries?

Denmark Finland Iceland Norway Sweden 77. Which of these cities has been awarded the 2016 summer Olympic games?

Buenos Aires Chicago Madrid Rio De Janiero Tokyo

84. RAMADAN is a holy month in which religion?

85. What ancient empire was ruled by CYRUS THE GREAT? _________________________________________ 86. What great Russian novel had as its central episode Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1812 invasion of Russia? _________________________________________ 87. Name the author of “Emma,” “Persuasian” and “Pride and Prejudice.”

78. Among the wealthiest magnates in late 19th century America were Edward Harriman, James J. Hill and Collis P. Huntington. What was the primary source of their wealth?

Coal Meat-Packing Publishing Railroads Steel

88. An URSINE person would have __________-like characteristics.

Bear Bull Deer Rodent Sheep

79. The first Jewish Supreme Court Justice was nominated by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. Name him.

Louis Brandeis Benjamin Cardozo Abe Fortas Felix Frankfurter

89. Two musical masters of the __________ are James Galway and the late JeanPierre Rampal.

Cello Flute Harp Piano Trumpet

80. Nancy Pelosi is the first woman to achieve this position of Congressional Leadership.

90. In Norse Mythology ____________ is the God of Thunder.

_________________________________________ 81. What six-letter word beginning with “P” denotes an “outcast; one despised in society.” _________________________________________ 82. Which of these words is closest in meaning to FEALTY? Bravery Constancy Courage Endurance Recklessness 83. Which of these natural phenomena characterizes a SAVANNA? Grass Hills Ice Tundra Wetlands

94. LUMBAGO is a malady most likely to afflict the ___________.

Back Head Hip Knee Neck 95. What legendary figure of English folklore “hung out” in Sherwood Forest? _________________________________________ 96. Known as the “Pathfinder,” this celebrated western explorer became the first Presidential candidate of the newlyformed Republican Party in 1856. _________________________________________

_________________________________________

91. By what name was the African country of ZIMBABWE known in the early and mid 20th century? _________________________________________ 92. A MACHINATION is a kind of __________.

Construction Exercise Plot Retreat Untruth 93. Who was JoAnn Falleta’s most recent predecessor as Musical Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra?

Semyon Bychkov Julius Rudel Michael Tilson Thomas Maximiano Valdes

97. The 1500-mile Appalachian (Hiking) Trail extends from the states of _________ in the north to ___________ in the south. _________________________________________ 98. One of Charles Dickens’ greatest novels is narrated in the first person by its central character known as PIP. Name it.

“Bleak House” “Great Expectations”’ “Hard Times” “Little Dorrit” “Our Mutual Friend” 99. Which of these nations has the largest Muslim population?

Egypt India Indonesia Iran Turkey 100. One of the most famous English writers of the 20th century was born Eric Arthur Blair. What was his pen name?

Noel Coward Graham Greene George Orwell Evelyn Waugh

To check your answers, please see page 56.

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A.

B.

Homecoming Saturday, Oct. 16 40

Nichols School

A. Joseph Stern ’11 and Alex Anas ’11 fire up the Homecoming crowd.

B. We are grateful to our many parent and alumni volunteers who helped at our Homecoming Tent!

C. Pamicka Marinello ’11 of the Girls Varsity Tennis team warms up before her match.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

D. Alumni Board members Michael Parentis ’86, Wendy Lebowitz Pressman ’83, Jennifer Jarvis Hamberger ’81 and Ellen Hassett ’84 serve up eats at the BBQ. E. Liza Walsh Keenan ’97, Haley Keenan and Sean Keenan enjoy the day.

F. Senior Vikings show their Homecoming spirit before the games begin.

G. The Boys Varsity Soccer team huddles before a big win over City Honors.

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Pliny Hayes III ’35, with sons, Roland ’72 and Mike ’67

Bud Graves ’40

Reunion 2010

by Blake S. Walsh ’98

Frits Abell ’90, Founder and Creator of BEN, the Buffalo Expat On Friday, June 4, following the 118th Commencement, Nichols Network, was back on campus celebrating his 20th Reunion. Speaking alumni gathered for Reunion 2010, which included campus tours, a “Welcome Back” program in the Glenn and Awdry Flickinger to his affection for Buffalo and a drive to keep all ex-patriots united, Performing Arts Center and a wonderful reception in the Frits certainly exemplified the spirit of Reunion and the importance of Quadrangle. The Reunion celebrations began early in the day, with keeping connected with school, city, mentors and friends. the 50th Reunion Class of 1960 meeting their Pen Pals in the Class All enjoyed being back on campus and many marveled at seeing the campus for the first time with the Class of 1963 Center for Mathematics of 2017, and went well into the weekend, with class parties and and Science, new athletic turf fields and newly landscaped grounds. activities through Saturday.

Everyone reacted to their The “Welcome Back” program visit on campus by saying that opened with Isaiah New ’10 and “Nichols has never looked Alexandra Mathews ’11, with better!” accompaniment by Upper School Thank you to the Chorus Director, Tim Socha, volunteers and all members performing a beautiful rendition of the Reunion Planning of “The Prayer,” by Carole Bayer Committees. We could not Sager and David Foster. Head have a successful Reunion of School Rick Bryan welcomed weekend without your hard the audience back to campus and work and enthusiasm. Thank provided a school update. Jane you to everyone who came Cox Hettrick ’78, incoming back to campus to celebrate.

President of the Board of The door is always open and Trustees, spoke to Nichols’ bright we will continue to work hard future and how the continued to ensure that you remain support of alumni and friends proud of your Big Green alma will allow the School to reach mater. even greater heights.

Jim ’45 & Priscilla Orr and Bob Miller ’45 42

Nichols School

Reunion

1950

A.

B.

1955

C. A. Wyatt Arthurs ’00, Lindsay Aquilina ’00 and Scott Aquilina ‘80 B. Henry Waters ’48, Ann Merrill, Maura Cohen and Joanne & Jim Biltekoff ’65 C. Jim Wadsworth ’57, Nancy Potter ’85, Kate Wadsworth ’85 and Lila Morris Hyde ’85

1960

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A.

1965

B.

C. A. Jodi Priselac de Riszner ’93 and Dick Stratton B. Jane Cox Hettrick ’78 and David Alexander ’75 C. Kristen Tripp Kelley, Jaime Ferrentino ’05 and Carlie Wopperer ’05

1970 44

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Reunion

1975

1980 Fall 2010

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1985

1990 46

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Reunion

2000

2005 Fall 2010

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Class of 1960, Meet

by Nina Barone and Jen Peresie

In 1998, Nichols initiated the Pen Pal Program between the 5th grade class and the 50th Reunion class. The purpose is to instill in each child an appreciation of what it means to be a Nichols student, and eventually, an alumnus. At the same time, it gives the 50th Reunion celebrant authentic insight into the life of a current Nichols student.

In March, the Class of 1960 alumni received letters from their Pen Pals describing life at Nichols and asking about their experiences. The students anxiously awaited the arrival of each day’s mail delivery until their Pen Pal’s response arrived.

On the Friday morning of Reunion weekend, members of the Class of 1960 had the opportunity to meet their Pen Pal at a gathering with the students and their classmates in Regan Hall.

All 50th Reunion classes feel that this Pen Pal gathering is one of the highlights of the Reunion celebration. We are glad to carry on this special tradition for many years to come!

Jack Pfalzgraf ’17, Joe Tomczak ’17, Mitch Carrow ’17 and John Richmond ’60

The following are excerpts from the letters exchanged among members of the Class of 2017 and the Class of 1960:

“Nichols today is beautiful and you will really like the Atrium and the 5th grade space. Did you hear we have a new math and science building? It’s called Center ’63. I love it here!!!!!!!!”

Jack Pfalzgraf ’17 “Our education at Nichols was FIRST RATE!!! I don’t believe I knew how well Nichols made us learn until my freshman year at college (Denison University – Granville, Ohio). Halfway through my freshman year at Denison, I realized Nichols had put me on an education level equal to Junior year at Denison!!! Amazing!!!”

Thomas M. Klepfer ’60

Al Dold ’60, Paul Brinson ’17 and Aidan Balbach ’17

48

Nichols School

Pen Pals

the Class of 2017

(l-r) Sumayyah Haq ’17, Gracie Newman ’17, Art Yates ’60, John Carney ’17, John Fitch ’17 and Robert Raiser ’60

“I am in Math Club after school on Thursdays. I love sports! I play tennis, golf, lacrosse, hockey (Nichols team) and I love to swim.

I play the violin…What sports did you do? What was your favorite subject? What were your favorite hobbies?”

Isabelle Steeves Schlehr ’17 “I also loved math and was in the Math Club for two years. I was manager of the football team, captain of the fencing squad, and was in the Drama Club. My time at Nichols was exciting and I consider myself lucky for having had the opportunity to attend.

Take advantage of all the opportunities that Nichols will afford you.

They will truly prepare you for what waits ahead and pay big dividends in the future.”

Henry Nathan ’60

“In histor y, we sp end the whole ye ar learning about m edieval Western Eu rope.

My favorite subjec t to learn about is different ancient civilizatio ns…What was yo ur favorite class? After goin g to Nichols, whe re did you go to college and what career di d you pursue?”

Parker Sanders

’17

“I was blessed to have the finest te achers at Nichols and lo ve all of the classe s…it is really true! After Nichols I went to Yale and then entered a ca reer in medicine. ” John DeMarchi ’60

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“I heard you were a member of the French Club.

Were there any other kinds of clubs then too?

Did Nichols have more than one language class when you went to school? I take Chinese as my language.”

Pearl Steinzor ’17 “Latin, French and Spanish were offered as languages when I attended Nichols. I am glad to hear you are learning Chinese. Being fluent in Chinese should be very helpful to you in future years. Last year, my wife, Frances, and I visited Hong Kong prior to traveling to Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore.”

Bill Hudson ’60 Bill Hudson ’60, Pearl Steinzor ’17 and Jayne Appelbaum ’17

e on the ut your tim d math o b a w o n ke to k ittee an “I would li , the dance comm d a u track sq er .” u rememb club, if yo ris ’17 a ian Hannah G g The Verd en readin r about the e b e v a h you mbe “I can tell One thing I reme count on only …

0 to 6 9 w 1 o ing h tand from was learn me unders Math Club . I think it helped s working, a ers eight fing later on…when I w worked with d rs n a te t lly ialis compu uter spec right up to the rea p m o c a s s e , n s I wa o 0 t 6 s e olde in the 19 some of th e have now. Back p whole rooms w k s too u n fast one uters that ay’s cell phones ca p m o c e g d u to o t y big hu a ; h n I’ve see ven do w couldn’t e ack on the changes dramatic b ven more do. I look rward to e can look fo come.” changes to ood ’60 rw Alden Ha

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Nichols School

Alden Harwood ’60, Hannah Garis ’17, Lauren Pollina ’17 and Grace Montante ’17

Pen Pals “I would love to know what Nichols was like back when you were in school. Are you still interested in the news business, because I see that you were co-editor of the ‘Nichols News’ when you were in high school.”

Will Aubrecht ’17 “I am not sure how or why I became editor of the school newspaper but probably it was the culmination of years of active participation. I started as a news photographer…

The photography stayed with me as a lifelong hobby while my newspaper career ended with high school.”

Brian Block ’60

Angelia Priest ’17, Steven G. Biltekoff ’60, Georgia Gurney ’17, Alice Munro ’17 and Kendra Jones ’17

“I have a pet starfish named Patrick and a clown fish named Nemo. In fifth grade at Nichols, we study the Middle Ages in Central Studies. I also take Latin, math, science, grammer, playmaking, and I go to art club every day.”

Alice Munro ’17 “I had tropical fish when I was younger and I know how much work they can be, especially when it is in addition to your schoolwork. I took many of the same courses as you are taking now, but there was no art club. I wish there had been as contemporary art has been one of my great interests for many years. I have been a volunteer at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery for over 30 years. I hope you are able to visit the gallery.”

Steven G. Biltekoff ’60

“I have a brother in 7th grade and a twin sister in 5th grade, both go to Nichols with me. When I was in second grade, my family took eight months off to travel the world, and we visited many different places!”

Kendra Jones ’17 “I have fraternal twin daughters – age 38. They used to fight like cats and dogs…They have always had their separate identities, which we encouraged. They are the best of friends today as I am sure you and your sister will be.”

Peter Blakeslee ’60

Henry Nathan ’60, Alexandra Jehle ’17, Isabelle Schlehr ’17 and Brian Tank ’17

Fall 2010

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Storytelling: Pervasive throughout Learning and Life

by Susan Allen, Carol Sue Stapleton, Kate Olena, Deb Howe, Kristen Kelley and Elaine Gardner In the days of cell phones, text messaging and Facebook, are people so busy flashing images that they no longer know how to tell a story? Not according to our 6th graders. Deb Howe asked her 6th grade class, “When do you tell stories?” and their answers were numerous and eclectic: at sleepovers, at holidays, at dinner time, in English class, at funerals, and on a delayed plane. They tell stories to entertain, to get a reaction, to remember, and even to get out of trouble.

Clearly, storytelling continues to be a necessary and magical human activity. This is what we hoped to hear when at the end of the 2008-2009 school year a group of faculty from the Upper and Middle Schools got together in a brainstorming session to try to initiate a grassroots school wide theme for the coming year that would incorporate several of our competencies and demonstrate the similar themes that run through the curriculum and the grades.

Storytelling was the year long theme selected, with storytelling in four cultures to be spotlighted, Latin America, Africa, Native American and Asia. This project took on two aspects: practitioners of storytelling of specific cultures were brought in and curricular initiatives were undertaken. A sample of the visits and curricular initiatives are as follows: Practitioners of Storytelling Latin American Storytelling by Carol Sue Stapleton Every culture has its stories that reveal their moral values and their way of life. We needed to select one of the numerous countries of Latin America. Our search began at El Buen Amigo, a specialty boutique where we met Santiago Masferrer, the owner, coordinator of Buffalo’s Latin American Cultural Association, and storyteller.

Santiago is from Chile where he lived his life actively helping the poor of his community as he still does today. His storytelling is non-traditional using a hands-on exercise, “Character Tower,” to teach the values of his people. Student participants from the Middle and Upper Schools collaborated to build the tallest and sturdiest structure. Their towers exemplified: goal and purpose; principles and values; foundation and center of gravity; linking and communication; patience and character. Students were also exposed to Latin ballroom dancing with expert Samantha Kenney from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She led classes for our students taking Spanish in the Middle and Upper Schools.

Students appreciated the skills needed to sway so gracefully with the Latin dance beats.

Asia Storytelling by Kate Olena In February, Mary Hirtzel visited Nichols with an authentic Japanese kamishibai set and told stories to the 6th grade, the Freshman Survey of the Arts class, the Creativity class, and the Japan and China Cultures class. Kamishibai uses 12” x 18” pictures slotted into a frame to illustrate each story. Upper School drama teacher, Kristen Kelley, said, “Because of the [small] scale of it, 52

Nichols School

the students had to really lean in and engage.” Mary held their attention using both the kamishibai stories and playing songs on the koto. The 6th grade gleaned much about Japanese culture from these children’s stories that they discussed in their geography class.

The Upper School classes asked Mary many questions following the presentation, when she revealed that she had been a little girl in Japan during WWII. Fascinated with her real-life stories, Dan Nolan invited her to come back next year to talk to his 8th grade 20th Century History class.

African Storytelling by Deb Howe In May, as 6th graders began their study of African countries, Karima Amin came to tell them stories. Students saw what a real cowtail switch looks like and learned how Karima researched language and history to make the stories true, and how she used song to enhance the telling. Karima also visited the 7th grade history classes and one 9th grade history class to talk about how stories traveled from Africa to America on the Middle Passage and became tales of a character we know as Brer Rabbit.

Native American Storytelling by Kristen Kelley In December, students explored culture through the storytelling theme with celebrated potter and sculptor, Peter B. Jones, member of the Onondaga-Seneca Nation, Beaver Clan. Middle and Upper School students learned about Iroquois pottery and the stories and traditions that lie within the art form. Peter demonstrated his pottery techniques and also helped some students to create their own pots. In addition, he shared slides of his beautiful and provocative contemporary sculptures, which are heavily influenced by his culture and environment.

Curricular Initiatives Elaine Gardner: The dance program and Creativity arts elective, as well as the Freshman Survey of the Arts class benefitted from the cross curricular storytelling work all year. The Dance Ensemble presented a Latin inspired dance piece in their fall show created by dance expert, Samantha Kenney.

Native American potter, Peter Jones, worked closely with the Creativity class. He shared his contemporary work/philosophy and his traditional pottery with these very interested students. The students had previously read about aboriginal ideas on storytelling, mythic tradition and the meaning of dreams.

The Creativity class enjoyed the Kamishaibai and asked fundamental questions about Mary’s background. The students also continued to work with Asian themes and created Chinese New Year posters in honor of the exchange and they decorated the walls at the International dinner.

Lisa Lamarca and Deb Howe: Each year in 6th grade, we teach 6th graders the art of storytelling.

They begin by reading stories from around the world that have been put down on paper by professional storytellers. Learning a story is not an exercise in memorizing words, but rather, students take the bare bones of the story and add the facial expressions, body posture, language and responses from the audience that will make it their own. This is not an easy task, so we called in the experts.

Lorna Czarnota visited the 6th grade on March 19. She told some of her favorite stories, including a version of Pandora in which her character is a ditzy blonde circa 1950s. She then talks about where she found the story, how she developed characters and made it her own. The students then told their stories to her. They willingly tried everything Lorna suggested to reshape and polish their stories.

The 6th graders took their stories to the most challenging and honest audience they will ever face, the kindergartners at School 54. Traveling from circle to circle, they listened and observed the kindergartners’ laughter, curiosity, confusion and squirminess.

Storytelling is definitely an interactive art form!

interviewed in order to include the perspective of those who work alongside the population. The Advanced Acting students conducted the interviews and documented the experience with Flip Video™ cameras. The class transcribed the interviews word for word and constructed a script using only the words found in the transcripts. Andrea Mancuso’s Photography class sat in on the interviews and took formal portraits of each person interviewed. The portraits were on display in the Glenn and Awdry Flickinger Performing Arts Center and were projected during the performances. All proceeds from the play went to Journey’s End Refugee Services.

Kate Olena and Yajie Zhang: The Asian section of our storytelling theme was wrapped around Chinese New Year. In January, the Middle School was entertained with a performance of a fable by Yajie Zhang’s 5th grade Chinese class. Although the actors delivered their lines in excellent Chinese, the story was clearly illustrated by their movement, which was choreographed by dance teacher, Elaine Gardner. The 7th grade drama class performed “Monkey, Monkey” based on the stories of the Monkey King from China. The actors read several of the stories about this popular folk hero and gained an appreciation for some of the colorful and symbolic conventions of Beijing opera in rehearsing their version of the tales. The libraries of both divisions yielded a display of Asian stories from China, Japan, Korea and Indonesia with descriptions of the unique storytelling traditions from each country.

Kristen Kelly: The Upper School Theatre program produced two works that supported the storytelling theme. The Fall Play choice was “Arabian Nights” by Mary Zimmerman. Zimmerman’s adaptation is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. The main character, Scheherezade, weaves tales that not only save her own life and the life of her sister, but also return a deeply wounded King Shahryar to Josh Ring and Andrea humanity. She teaches him to Mancuso: feel empathy for those in his Combining science and life by first encouraging him to photography, Josh and Andrea relate to fictional characters. took their respective classes on a The seventh grade cast of the play, “Monkey, Monkey,” based on the stories of field trip to the Niagara Gorge, “Arabian Nights” is a work the Monkey King from China. read by many of our freshmen asking the science students to in English classes, and a look at the rock formation and be different adaptation of “Arabian Nights” was performed by our 8th prepared to tell the geologic story of the Gorge and its formation, and asking the photography students to use their cameras to capture the graders this spring. evidence of this story as seen in the rock. The students then merged For the Upper School Spring Play, The Advanced Acting class their two disciplines to create a written and visual story of the Gorge. wrote an original play to raise awareness of the growing refugee population in Western New York. The play was created in the Caitlin Crowell: style of theatre documentarians Anna Deveare Smith (“Let Me Juniors in Caitlin’s U.S. History class were told that their research Down Easy”), Moises Kaufman (“Laramie Project”) and Eric paper this year would be based on an oral history they collected Jensen and Jessica Blank (“The Exonerated”). Thomas Tripp, Ms. from a veteran of World War II. The students researched World Kelley’s father, is an Episcopal Deacon whose primary ministry is War II and then prepared questions to ask their interviewee. The to work with the refugee population in Western New York. He is interviews were recorded and the students transcribed the audio, a Board member of Journey’s End, a refugee resettlement agency did more research on the specific details that were pertinent to on the Westside of Buffalo. Through Journey’s End, Tom was able the person they interviewed, and then wrote a paper based on the to arrange interviews with refugees from Burma, the Congo, Iraq research and interview. and Sudan. Tom and a case worker from Jericho Road also were Fall 2010

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After Nichols

Where do you live currently?

Ever since growing up in Buffalo where we migrated to the Canadian shore of Lake Erie every summer, I have lived a seasonal life. I currently split my time between: Yosemite National Park, where I run a research and education center through the summer; Berkeley, Calif., where I spend the fall, winter and spring as a Visiting Scholar at UC Berkeley; and my home, the Swall Institute, where I go intermittently to mix work with outdoor adventures and hopefully get creative inspiration from nature.

Where did you go to college?

I went to Brown University, which was an amazing experience, mostly because of the students I met. Brown seems to attract a lot of independent thinkers who want to carve out their own path in life.

How did Nichols prepare you for college and life beyond college?

When I arrived at Brown the first semester, I was terrified that they made a mistake. That I was a fake and they would soon find out.

But then I quickly learned that it wasn’t that much more difficult than the rigorous workload I had at Nichols. I saw many other students who were very bright, but clearly had not been trained in how to study effectively, how to organize their time, and how to manage a demanding and diverse workload. These were things I didn’t even realize I had learned until I was thrown into a different environment. Nichols also taught me a lot about the value of integrating athletics with academics. I continued to play soccer and lacrosse at Brown, and even while in graduate school at Oregon State University. Now I realize that my productivity and creativity in work actually depend on getting out of the office to run, hike and ski. Most of my best research ideas have come while climbing up mountains, running in the hills, or simply walking to work instead of driving. Finally, even though I am primarily a scientist now, I benefited enormously from doing art at Nichols. It was essential on many fronts – exercising and developing a different part of my brain, encouraging me to take risks, and nudging me to look at things from different perspectives. I use all of these thinking tools regularly today to tackle new problems in creative ways.

What are you up to now?

I currently wear a few different professional ‘hats.’ At the University of California, Merced, I am the Director of an Environmental Research and Education Center inside Yosemite National Park.

Since this is a brand new institute, and the first university facility inside the park in Yosemite’s history, I had the privilege of defining its vision and building something new from scratch. I also am a Research Scientist with the U.S. Geologic Survey where I 54

Nichols School

Courtesy of TED/James Duncan Davidson

Eric Berlow ’86 Takes Being a TED Fellow to New Heights

collaborate with a great team of scientists to better understand how climate change is impacting threatened species in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. In this job, I get to run around all over Yosemite to look for tadpoles of the Yosemite Toad. On the side, I’m part owner of a fun café in downtown Oakland – part of revitalizing the city with a green business that attracts young and creative people.

I’m really excited right now to forge more collaboration between academia and the private sector. My current pet project is to work with businesses who want to ‘go green’ and use ecosystem modeling to analyze energy use and carbon emissions for their entire network of supply chains and target where a small change of operations can cause big reductions in costs, energy use, and emissions.

Tell us about your involvement with TED (Technology Entertainment and Design).

TED is a global set of conferences curated by the American private non-profit Sapling Foundation, formed to disseminate “ideas worth spreading.” TED is now known worldwide for the amazing, inspiring and thought-provoking talks from the conference that they started posting online about five years ago. When I saw my first TED talks, I really wanted to go to the conference, but then I quickly realized there was a lengthy application process, and if I was selected it would cost me thousands of dollars. A few years ago, TED started the TED Fellows program to help “world-changing innovators from around the globe become part of the TED community and, with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.”

The first way they help is simply by offering you an all expense paid trip to one of the conferences. They also organize a special pre-conference Fellows workshop where you get coaching on public speaking, presentation design and networking. At the conference, they do a remarkable job of opening doors to facilitate and encourage meeting new and interesting people. After the conference, they provide to each Fellow the chance to have a personal coach for the year to help you realize your dreams.

Finally, the part that I did not anticipate was the access you get to a phenomenal network of innovative, creative, thoughtful and extremely friendly people with which I can share ideas, get advice, and even start new professional collaborations. Since the people in the TED community are really doers, you almost have to be careful whom you contact, because they will get back to you. Before you know it, you will be embarking on a new project! The group of TED Fellows was so inspiring to me that last month I co-organized with another Fellow the 1st Annual TED Fellows THINK WEIRD GO BIG workshop at my work retreat in the Sierra. We gathered to continue to help each other convert our crazy visions into big realities.

What motivated you to get involved in this line of work?

The main reason why I am where I am in my career is because I am curious. At Nichols, I always felt encouraged to follow my curiosity and think critically.

What advice do you have for others who may want to work in your field?

Don’t worry about starting in that field or specifically preparing for it! I got a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology, and now I work in the mountains on alpine meadows. I’m often an ‘un-trained’ outsider at the discussion table, and others seem to really value that I have a different perspective to offer. I personally believe the key to success in any field is to be curious about other fields and to be able to extract ideas and concepts that are transferable.

What do you like to do for fun?

For starters, my work is extremely fun, and I generally wake up every day excited about that. I’m also passionate about backcountry skiing and spend as much time as I can climbing mountains and skiing down them. I’m not that into traveling, but if I do, I love to do it by bicycle. I also love to cook – as a creative outlet, and as a way to share time with friends.

Upcoming Events Monday, Dec. 28 – Wednesday, Dec. 30 Belmont Hill Hockey Tournament Monday, Jan. 24 Chicago Area Alumni Event The Chicago Club Friday, Jan. 28 Winter Sports Night Wednesday, Feb. 9 NYC Area Young Alumni Event Class of 1988 to 2010 Location: TBD Thursday, Feb. 24 Washington, D.C. Area Alumni Event Location: Hosted at the home of Patricia Gaughan Burke ‘79 & Liam Burke Saturday, March 5 Young Artists’ Workshop Thursday, March 10 Boston Area Alumni Event TD Banknorth Garden Wednesday, April 13 New York City Area Alumni Event Location: Racquet & Tennis Club Hosted by Bill Constantine ‘62 Saturday, May 7 Derby Day Auction Friday, June 3 119th Commencement Friday, June 3 – Saturday, June 4 Reunion Weekend Wednesday, June 8 Middle School Moving Up Day

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B. With help from Otis Glover, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, and Michael J. LoCurto, Delaware District Common Council Member, students and parents plant a tree in front of campus.

A. Ian Jones ’80 (right) and his daughter, Lauren ’11, plant a tree together.

A.

C. Tom Franz ’76 passed shovels to fellow volunteers.

B.

C.

On Nov. 6, nearly 50 members of the Nichols community planted over 50 trees in the neighborhood surrounding our School. In collaboration with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, students and parents, members of the Alumni Board, faculty and staff, teamed up to make a difference in improving upon our neighborhood’s greenery. As part of the School’s Big Green Initiative for environmental consciousness and sustainability, volunteers planted a variety of trees on both sides of Amherst Street, between New Amsterdam and Colvin. For years, Nichols students, faculty and staff have volunteered for the Olmsted Parks, and it was an exciting opportunity to lead this special project.

Neighborhood Tree Planting The 2010 Lucy and Sherman Maisel ’35 General Information Test Answer Sheet 1.

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Egypt Delaware “The Great Gatsby” Minnesota Thomas Jefferson Iceland Oslo Dwight D. Eisenhower Harry Truman Russia 17 April Mercury Tennis Goat The Bill of Rights Jake LaMotta Stan Musial The Ohio River Mt. McKinley Robinson Crusoe Gene Autrey Portugal

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David Souter Peasant Australia and New Zealand Hamlet Karl Malone Rattlesnake Utah Voyageurs, Zion 8 The eye Laertes Sinai Sermon South Africa China and Great Britain (or England) Turkey “Wuthering Heights” Juno Australia Iron Simon Bolivar John Paul Stevens Mauritius Ethiopia Rocky Marciano Shostakovich

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77. Rio De Janiero 78. Railroads 79. Louis Brandeis 89. Speaker of the House of Representatives 81. Pariah 82. Constancy 83. Grass 84. Islam 85. Persian 86. Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” 87. Jane Austen 88. Bear 89. Flute 99. Thor 91. Rhodesia 92. Plot 93. Maximiano Valdes 94. Back 95. Robin Hood 96. John C. Fremont 97. Maine, Georgia 98. “Great Expectations” 99. Indonesia 100.

George Orwell

Hyperbole Faux Pas Nickname 8:00 a.m.

Alps Odysseus Haiti Saigon Labor Judy Garland Barry Goldwater Nicaragua, Panama Cell Antarctica Robust Benjamin Britten Leonard Bernstein Physicians Dog Mr. Ararat Pianist John Updike Defense Maine George Armstrong Custer Marsh Finland

In Memoriam John N. Walsh, Jr. ’39 Paul Seamans, Former Faculty Member It is with sadness that we learned about the death of Paul Seamans, who died on May 24, at his home in Corfu, N.Y., at the age of 92.

Paul became a biology teacher at Nichols in 1947, after serving in World War II and earning a bronze star. He received his degree from SUNY at Buffalo.

For the next 39 years, Paul was one of the most respected members of the Nichols faculty. In addition to teaching biology, Paul offered the first course in health and a popular elective in psychology. Paul also was the respected chair of the Student Conduct Committee for many years.

Paul retired to his home in Corfu in 1985. He was involved in community activities in Corfu and East Pembroke, the town where he had grown up. He was a member of the Pembroke Board of Education for 15 years, a Corfu Village Trustee for four years, and a member of the committee to organize Genesee Community College. He also was past President of the biology section of the Western New York State Teachers’ Association and was a longtime member of the Western New York Science Congress.

Paul’s two sons are graduates of Nichols. Doug is a member of the class of 1966 and Tom graduated in 1971.

Paul Seaman’s received the dedication of the Verdian in 1985.

The citation noted: “There is a certain kind of teacher whose influence remains with his students throughout their lives. He teaches them not only facts and ideas, but to think with a broad and open mind, to carry themselves with pride and spirit, and to be a true and caring friend. All these he teaches simply through example-by sharing with his students his integrity of character and his friendship through all their trials and triumphs. The retirement of such a teacher after 39 years of dedication to Nichols is a great loss to us all.”

Alumni

James M. Benson, Jr. ’62 – June 29, 2010 Patrick T. Butler ’94 – July 7, 2010 Herbert A. Gamler ’39 – April 27, 2010 Dwight F. Hanny ’50 – July 9, 2010 Richard F. Healy ’53 – July 27, 2010 Allen S. Lerner ’47 – Oct. 25, 2010 Sherman Maisel ’35 – Sept. 29, 2010 Welles V. Moot, Jr. ’38 – Oct. 21, 2010 James Orr ’45 – Oct. 10, 2010 Charles R. Penney ’41 – Aug. 1, 2010 Paul K. Taefi ’96 – May 27, 2010 John N. Walsh, Jr. ’39 – Sept.17, 2010 Sanford Zeller ’61 – Aug. 25, 2010

Friends

Murray Andersen – Aug. 8, 2010 – Grandfather of Noel ’13 and Elizabeth ’16 Andersen Corky Becker – Oct. 4, 2010 – Wife of Max Becker ’46; mother of Max, Jr. ’70

A tribute to his life and service to Nichols School was delivered by Jane Cox Hettrick ’78 to the Board of Trustees at their opening meeting on Sept. 23, 2010.

We lost a great friend when Jack Walsh ’39 died on Sept. 17.

He leaves a lasting legacy at Nichols, in the Western New York community and beyond – certainly he has left many fond memories and impressions with his family and friends and all of us at Nichols.

Jack was an alumnus, a loyal member of the class of 1939, former President of the Board of Trustees, former parent, grandparent and loyal fan of Nichols. He served as President of our Board from 1964 to 1969. Among the many accomplishments during his tenure, he led the charge to build the Dann Memorial Rink and Moot Hall. His term ended in 1969 coinciding with the retirement of longtime Headmaster Phil Boocock. Jack oversaw the search for Chris Wadsworth, who was only the eighth Headmaster – and just 29 years old.

Jack was a student at School 64 and Nichols School before going on to graduate from Phillips Academy and Yale University. Jack and Sally are quite possibly the best fans Nichols has ever had. They rarely missed a game even if they did not have a child or grandchild playing on the team. When Sally was named as an honorary alumna we estimated that they had been to over 2,000 different Nichols events, contests, concerts, parties, plays, reunions, dedications, and award assemblies. Few have been so loyal and supportive!

It is fitting that the Project Room in our new Class of 1963 Center for Mathematics and Science has been named in his honor by the Cummings Foundation, one of the countless agencies in our community that he served so well.

Jack and Sally recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

He leaves a lasting legacy in Sally, their children – Jack ’63, Michael ’70, Barney ’73 and Demi – and grandchildren, six of them Nichols graduates and one current student, Lucas, a junior.

Jack’s presence and his passion for Nichols will be missed, but never forgotten.

Irving Berger – July 13, 2010 – Grandfather of Seth Seegert ’98 Paul A. Cappola – Aug. 8, 2010 – Father of Zachary Cappola ’09 and Vincent Cappola ’12 John Cullen – Sept. 12, 2010 Alice L. Currie – June 17, 2010 – Grandmother of Christopher Galvin ’88, Kate Galvin Porter ’91, Grace Waters ’08 and Maddie Waters ’10 Virginia Hanley – July 8, 2010 – Grandmother of Patrick Hanley ’05 Nelson Hubbell, Jr. – Aug. 21, 2010 David T. Karzon – Aug. 26, 2010 Henry R. Keller – July 25, 2010 – Father of Eric Keller ’68 Richard J. Kieffer – Sept. 1, 2010 – Father of Daniel Kieffer ’84 Elsa Kreiner – Sept. 19, 2010 – Wife of Bud Kreiner ’39; mother of Chuck ’63 and George ’66; grandmother of Will ’93, Betsy Kreiner McCarthy ’95, Sarah ’99 and Chas ’02

Virginia R. Lane – May 21, 2010 – Mother of Stephen Lane ’76 Ronaldo A. Machado – July 24, 2010 – Father of Annette Machado ’87, Aimee Machado ’90 and Becky Machado ’91 Willis C. Rech – May 17, 2010 – Father of Mary Rech Rockwell; grandfather of Rocky ’06 and Charlie ’09 Jane Schoellkopf – Aug. 2, 2010 – Grandmother of Dean Jewett, Jr. ’99 and Alexandra Jewett McPherson ’92 A. Warren Smith, Jr. – May 15, 2010 Casey Waligora – May 14, 2010 – Grandfather of Samuel Witkowski ’17

Faculty/Staff

Paul Seamans – May 24, 2010 – Former faculty member; father of Douglas ’66 and Thomas Seamans ’71

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1953

John A. Talbott and 10 other French and American restaurant/food bloggers have launched a website, www.parisbymouth. com, which publishes snippets from their individual blogs. “John Talbott’s Paris,” http://johntalbottsparis.typepad.com/john_ talbotts_paris, features luscious photos and “best of” lists. By year’s end, John plans to host a forum on it that will answer questions and post readers’ comments.

1955

Thomas Rumsey writes, “Regards to all.

Unfortunately, I will not be attending the Reunion. Gosh that’s a long time ago! I’m still working selling paper and janitorial products and playing racquet ball. Aches and pains starting to catch up.”

Class Notes

1966

Robert Rahn has moved from The Economist to the Financial Times.

1970

Steve Bangert writes, “My wife, Peggy, and I live in the Hudson Valley. We celebrated 30 years of marriage. I am the Assistant Superintendant for business at Valley Central School district. Two of our grandchildren are still in college.”

1971

1956

Gene Richard Moss writes, “I am pleased to announce the publication of my latest book, a novel entitled ‘Inescapable Consequences.’

The book represents the first, major novel based upon behavioral science in a generation and the first ever reflecting the bio-behavioral orientation. The website is www.inescapableconsequences.com.”

1962

Governor Edward G. Rendell has named Robert L. Pratter to serve as acting Insurance Commissioner for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Robert has served as the Executive Deputy General Counsel for Litigation with the state’s Office of General Counsel since 2008. During his extensive legal career, Robert has specialized in regulatory, corporate and judicial proceedings affecting the insurance industry. He has also led complex commercial litigation and has extensive experience in regulatory matters before various commonwealth agencies. Prior to his public service, Pratter had been Senior Vice President and General Counsel for PMA Capital Corporation.

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Alumni and friends gather at the Lac Pythonga Club in Quebec, Canada: (back, l-r) Larry Desautels, Jeff Birtch ’64, Greg Desautels ’95, Sharon Kennedy ’76, Caralyn Desautels Foster ’99 (back), Lucie Kennedy Desautels N’71, Michael Kennedy, Harry Dent ’75, Gina Wettlaufer ’98; absent: Carl Yerkovich ’75, Peter Dent ’78, Ryan Arthurs ’01, Wyatt Arthurs ’00, Lindsay Arthurs ’03, David Talley, Meaghan Booth ’98, Kim Cardwell ’74, Jake Dann, George Smith ’75.

Larry Giordano has been selected for inclusion in the 2011 edition of “The Best Lawyers in America.” A shareholder based in the Knoxville offices of Lewis, King, Krieg & Waldrop, P.C., Larry’s practice focuses primarily on representing people and companies involved in business disputes and the representation of numerous Tennessee public school systems.

1972

Edward “Ted” F. Walsh, Jr. has been elected to John R. Oishei Foundation’s Board of Directors. Ted is currently the President and COO of Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc. “Ted’s long track record of volunteerism, service and leadership illustrate his commitment to our community.

His familiarity with the needs of Western New York and his superior leadership skills will be tremendous assets to our Foundation,” said Robert D. Gioia, Oishei Foundation President and former President of the Board of Trustees at Nichols.

1975

Erie County Judge Thomas P. Franczyk received the Bar Association of Erie County’s Outstanding Jurist Award. He was among members honored during the bar group’s 123rd annual dinner in the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. Franczyk, who oversees the local law student mock trial competition, was honored for his service on the bench and his devotion to enhancing law school studies. Once one of the top prosecutors in the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Franczyk, a former Buffalo City Court judge, is Founder and now Co-Director of the six-year-old Buffalo-Niagara Mock Trial competition, now the largest such competition for law school students nationwide.

1976

Eight years ago, Lee Carlson was hit by a car, suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, and spent the next several years in rehabilitation. He recently published a memoir, “Passage to Nirvana,” which chronicles his personal battle with a Traumatic Brain Injury and the long, slow climb back to normal life. Spurned by the mainstream publishing community because of the book’s subject matter, Lee formed his own publishing company and published the book himself. Lee writes, “Many of my Nichols classmates, and

other family and friends from Buffalo and Nichols, contributed financially to the publishing of the first edition in a kind of grassroots support for the writing arts.” The book’s acknowledgement section thanks Bill Morris, Sue Schapiro and Austin Fox, three of Lee’s favorite Nichols’ teachers, whom he credits with contributing to his development as a writer, and by extension, to his book. “Passage to Nirvana” is now available for purchase. Lee also visited Nichols on Dec. 3 to speak at a Morning Meeting and meet with English students.

Visit www.passagetonirvana.com for more information about the book.

1980

Lynn Azurin Accetta writes, “Our youngest daughter, Julie Lynn ’10 has been accepted to the honors program at George Washington University where she will be joining her sister, Emily Esther ’07, who will be a senior this fall.”

Scott Aquilina AIA, Project Manager for Ann Beha Architects, was part of a team engaged in a comprehensive renovation and restoration of the Diana Chapman Walsh Alumnae Hall at Wellesley College. Alumnae Hall now serves new audiences and programs, reflects the College’s commitment to its historic resources, and integrates contemporary design and new academic and community programming within the historic setting.

The accomplishment of the project is the subtlety in which many technical and programmatic initiatives were deftly inserted into the renewed historic building. This project is on track to receive LEED certification, the first such building on the Wellesley College campus.

1981

W. Michael White has started his own print brokerage company called Standing Stone Printing LLC. Handling large print and promotional projects across the country, Standing Stone provides high quality, cost efficient printing products and services to the Native American community.

The Mentholatum Co., an over-thecounter health care products company based in Orchard Park, N.Y., promoted Jennifer Jarvis Hamberger to Director of U.S. Marketing. Hamberger has been with the company for 10 years managing a variety of different brands. She now leads the company’s New Business Development efforts and manages the marketing of OXY Clinical and OXY, the company’s acne medication lines. Jennifer also is a member of the Nichols Alumni Board.

to encourage parents to take the time to play with their children. Mark says, “We do this by interviewing some of the world’s greatest sports stars about their childhoods, relationships with their parents, and how they parent their kids.”

1984

Justin Webb has completed his 12th season of the 76 University of Georgia Women’s Gymnastic Television show. The team hopes to win their 11th national title this year.

1984

Eric Berlow, ecological networks scientist, American ecologist, and entrepreneur researching networks and environmental sustainability, participated in TEDGlobal 2010, TED’s annual conference in Oxford, U.K. TED, a small nonprofit devoted to “Ideas Worth Spreading,” started out in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment and Design.

1985

Rick Zacher writes, “I thought the School might like to see that the alumni are still bringing home hardware!” Pictured is the Nichols Alumni/Legacy Health Care LLC team, left to right: Les Kuntar ’87, Tim Vanini ’87, Paul Sullivan ’88, Rick Zacher, Buffalo Sabre Darryl Shannon, Phil Noble ’88, Jim Lorentz ’99 and Bob Weston ’95 (front).

1987

Deborah J. Saltzman writes “In March in Los Angeles (where I have been living for 12 years), I was sworn in as a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Central District of California. I’m thrilled to be starting this new stage of my career.”

1988

At a party for the Class of 1985 over Reunion weekend, Joy Stieglitz Gottschalk, Judy Lansky Saffan, Mark Roberts and Ryan Gellman talk to Betsy Treadway Adachi (on laptop) via Skype.

Nanette Burstein directed “Going the Distance,” her first major budget fictional film, featuring Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Christina Applegate and Ron Livingston. The song “The Reeling”

by Passion Pit, the band of Michael Angelakos ’05, is on the music soundtrack.

1986

Mark Preisler, Sr. Coordinating Producer for Baseball and ESPN, released a book in September titled “Ready, Set, Play! Parents and Children Bonding Through Sports.”

Co-written with ESPN NFL Analyst, Mark Schlereth, the goal of the book is

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1990

Rajeev Sharma, Cory Kasimov, Nandita Shenoy and Brett Benderson catch up at a party over Reunion weekend.

Dan Williams wrote prior to Reunion 2010, “I am so sorry to be missing our Reunion again, but this time I actually have a good excuse. I’m getting married to Lindsay Millsup in Keystone, Colo.! I look forward to introducing Lindsay to the Nichols community over the upcoming years.”

1991

South Asia and Africa, Tad has many experiences with country development, including poverty, trade, gender, AIDS and other health issues, corruption, as well as Iraq/Afghanistan/Pakistan and U.S. foreign policy. Tad recently completed Hindi training and also learned French and Bengali from the U.S. Government; he learned Spanish while at Nichols. Students and faculty alike were grateful he was able to visit and share his experiences with our students.

1996

Jamie Weston and his wife, Erin, just celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary. They own and operate an optometry practice in Boca Raton, Fla. Jamie, a chemical engineer, continues to enjoy his position at Diamond Innovations as Plant Manager and Operations Leader for the company’s two Florida facilities.

1997

Kate Galvin Porter and husband, Mark, welcomed daughter Elouise “Ellie” Grace Porter. All are well!

1994

Deborah Karet married Doug Gordon in Buffalo, N.Y., on May 30, 2010.

Brennan Keating writes, “My wife and I are thrilled to announce the arrival of our daughter, Evelyn Ryan Keating. Eve was born on May 28 at 12:39 a.m., weighing 7 lbs., 11 oz. and measuring 20” long.

Everyone is doing great!”

In September, Lisa Trotter appeared on Jeopardy as a guest expert, providing an answer to contestants. She has worked for the last decade in Antarctic tourism and currently serves as the Palmer Station Winter Site Manager.

1995

Tad Brown visited Nichols in May to speak to Upper School History classes. For the past 10 years, he has worked for the Federal Government in the Department of State.

His world travels and cultural experiences have given him many insights into the global community. Primarily serving in 60

Nichols School

Chad Creelman writes, “I recently got married to Michele Rihlmann-Burke who was happy to drop her hyphenated last name and become a ‘Creelman.’ I also will be going to back to school in the fall to pursue an MBA at UNLV. Living under the Las Vegas sun is not our first choice, but we are making the most of it. Pictured is the growing Creelman family: Evan ’99, Michele, Chad ’97, and Maggie & Wayne, (Chad and Evan’s parents).”

1998

Meaghan Booth writes, “On Nov. 6, my husband, Mike, and I welcomed our daughter, Gabrielle Grace Mansfield into our family. I am currently enjoying being a stay at home mom.”

1999

Ellie Walsh Beasley and her husband, Andrew, welcomed their first child on May 18 – Grant Bass Beasley. Ellie, Andrew and Grant will moved this summer from Charlottesville, Va., where Ellie worked in Development for the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and Andrew earned his MBA at Darden. They now reside in Boston, Mass.

John Kloepfer released his first novel, “The Zombie Chasers,” illustrated by Steve Wolfhard, on June 1. The story is intended for the 8-12-year-old audience.

Although the story is set in Arizona, it draws inspiration from North Buffalo and Nichols.

John, having received a deal for three books, is currently working on the next book in the series. ALA Booklist said of the novel: “What makes this latest entry into the developing middle-grade zombie canon stand out is Kloepfer’s gleeful insistence on gore and Wolfhard’s squiggly drawings that really bring the laughs. Stick around for the next vomitous volume.” John also visited Nichols this fall to share his writing process and talk about what it takes to have a book published. He met with students in grades 5-8, as well as the 12th grade Children’s Literature and Creative Writing classes.

2000

Sarah Scarselletta graduated from UB Medical School and is currently in her 2nd year residency at Tufts/Baystate Medical Center in a combined internal medicine and pediatric residency program.

2002

party; Jillian Phallen and Alicia Dezik were in attendance. The Nichols students sang the chorus of “Green You as We Grow” at the reception!

2006 Members of the Class of 2000 and friends gathered over the summer at the wedding of Ashley Robb and Patrick Lewis. A large Nichols contingent was in attendance: front, l-r: Emily Hochreiter Barron, Eddie Marlette ’99, Perry Marlette, Melissa Hurley, Spencer Carbone, Haley DeCarlo, Ashley Robb Lewis, Patrick Lewis, Maggie Pfohl Dehler, Derek Reinhold and Lizzie Jacobs Reinhold; back, l-r: John Mineo ’72, Jonna Wopperer ’02, Tony Enstice ’99, Christina Hynes Arthurs, Dan O’Connor, Rob Drake, Josh Feine, Jim Foreman ’56, Tara DeCarlo ’02, Michael Sheets ’99, Kate Lewis ’93, Wick Hannan ’65, Emily DeCarlo ’96, Adrienne DeCarlo Ptak ’98, Wendy Sheets Mathias ’81, Jacquie Greco ’09 and Elliot Sheets ’06.

Cynthia Shin is currently in Buffalo, N.Y., in the Pediatric Neurology Residency Program after graduating from medical school in Poland.

2001

Megha Jain started Taara, a jewelry company featuring statement pieces, in 2009 in Hong Kong. Tired of the long hours at Morgan Stanley and wanting to explore her creative side, she took a leap of faith and moved to Hong Kong to pursue a different career path. Living in Hong Kong allows her to be closer to India and enables her to easily travel back and forth while working on the business. Taara is an offshoot of a small company that was set up by Megha’s aunt, Kalpana Jain, in India.

Wanting to revamp the company, design and clientele, Megha saw an opportunity and took it. Megha’s collections include rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants. She focuses on stones that not only have an interesting story, but a great healing power. She recently teamed up with Lisa Keating ’82, owner of Leelee in Williamsville, N.Y., to unveil her latest collection.

First Lt. Nicholas Arnold (far right), his commanding officer, Lt. Col. Rick Fuerst, and two crew members pose in front of their MV-22 Osprey during a visit to Buffalo on April 18. Nicholas deployed for Afghanistan in June 2010.

Dionne Fabiatos graduated from New York Law School in New York City on May 14, 2010.

2003

Lee Fabiatos has completed his first year of law school at Thomas Cooley in Lansing, Mich.

2004

Max Brown was married on May 15, 2010 in Buffalo, N.Y., to Christine Elizabeth Basil. She graduated in June from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been accepted for a Residency in Pediatrics at Kaleida Health, Women and Children’s Hospital. Max works for Garret Leather.

2005

Emily Regan’s rowing boat, the Varsity 8, won the marquee race of the day in dominating fashion for her and MSU’s third consecutive Varsity 8 Big 10 title. As an added bonus, Emily did several pieces for the Big 10 Network that aired this spring. Emily also was named to the first team All Big 10 and named a first team All American by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association, in addition to making the U23 USA Women’s National Team. She rowed in the 8+ in July and won a gold medal for her performance. The world Rowing championships took place in Brest, Belarus.

Will Gurney graduated from Vanderbilt University in May and has taken a job in the advertising industry at the ad agency, Arnold Worldwide in Boston. He started as an Assistant Account Executive working on the Panasonic account. He is currently living in the Back Bay area of Boston.

2007

Amelia Kermis has been very involved with the Cornell Forensics Society. She is an officer of the group and has debated at the Oxford Union, in Slovenia and Toronto. She presented a paper at an international Rhetoric meeting in Zurich, Switzerland. She was one of the only undergraduates who presented papers. For fun she is involved with the women’s club golf team, for which she is an officer, and the freshman orientation program.

2008

Ensign Will Olena (USNA ’09) married Jessica Smith (USNA ’10) on June 19, 2010. (l-r) Michael Kawi and Charlotte Olena ’08 were members of the wedding

The winning goal – also the only goal – of the final game of the North American Roller Hockey Championships was scored

by Geoff Abrahams. Geoff plays with the Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey at the highest level, the platinum division. The tournament, which is considered the Super Bowl of Roller Hockey, included hundreds of teams from across North America, as well as some from Europe and South America.

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61

James Avino is finishing his second year at Georgetown University and traveled to Ecuador this summer.

Rachel Kermis has been very involved with the student run Emergency Medical Services squad. She became a certified EMT last summer and is currently a crew chief in training on the Cornell squad.

She also has been student leader for the pre-med section of the Cornell freshman orientation.

2009

Adele Jackson-Gibson won an award for excellence in English composition in her freshman year at Yale University.

A book prize for excellence in English composition in the freshman year, the Winston Trowbridge Townsend award was established by Judge William K. Townsend, Yale B.A. 187l, in memory of his son, a member of the Yale Class of 1901.

2010

Jonathan Clark won the International Junior Masters at East Aurora Country Club this summer and then moved on to compete in the Buffalo District Golf Association Junior Boys Match Play Championship.

Ramsey Gayles and Andrew Toenniessen represented Nichols at the Kensington Lions Club North/South All-Star Game on July 28 before a standing room only crowd at Depew High School. Both players played key roles in the North offensive backfield. Gayles and Toenniessen are the 20th and 21st Nichols representatives in the game’s 35-year history. They join the following alumni who have participated in the game: Mike Supples ’76, John Meegan ’77, Tom Hersey ’80, Matt Martin ’80, Mike Sullivan ’80, Mark Schmidt ’81, Paul Danieu ’82, Joe Tomizzi ’83, Mike McDonnell ’85, Colin Brinson ’85, Chris Petrik ’87, Jerry Hughes ’89, Anthony Habib ’91, Jeff Tamulski ’92, Brad

Tamulski ’96, Ben Andrews ’97, Gregg Barton ’97, AJ Wright ’97, Ashish Lall ’98 and Tom Juliano ’07.

Canisius College freshman, Brianna Smith, was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week three times this year. She also earned the honor of being named Offensive Player of the Week during the season..

Rene Sobolewski took first in the 81st State Women’s Amateur Golf Championship this summer, posting a three-shot victory in the Championship.

She attends Vanderbilt University, where she is playing Division I golf.

Dear Friends, Last summer, at a Zeller Family reunion in Vermont, we talked about our wishes to thank all those who have so generously donated to the Zeller Fund for Ethics and Character. Many of Fritz’s fondest memories were of the years he spent with Nichols students, their families, the faculty and staff. So many memories – coaching on the fields, working in the office, interacting in the hallways.

We marvel at Fritz’s impact, the resulting legacy, and what is being done in his memory and we deeply appreciate all who have contributed creative ideas, time, talent and donations to the initiative in his name. Before the school year started at Nichols this fall, the senior class leaders along with team captains and club presidents attended a four-day symposium on leadership and character. The faculty had a workshop on effective advising. We understand support for these programs came from donations to the Zeller Fund. Fritz would have valued their content and would be thrilled with the School as it is today.

Our thanks to those who established the Zeller Fund and to all who have generously contributed in his memory.

Our family and Fritz were truly blessed by our many years in Buffalo and at Nichols School. We will be forever grateful.

Sincerely, The Zeller Family

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Nichols School

Faculty Profile

Julie Genco Alford ’84 What is your position at Nichols?

I teach sixth grade science and math.

How long have you been teaching at Nichols?

This is my ninth year teaching at Nichols.

Tell us about your education and professional background before Nichols.

After graduating from Skidmore College, where I studied biology and psychology, I went to the State University of New York at Buffalo; the Roswell Park division of graduate studies. I worked and studied in the Department of Clinical Immunology.

I was lucky to land my first job working at Bristol-Myers Squibb, here in Buffalo, N.Y, known as Westwood-Squibb. I worked for nine years in the Department of Biochemical Pharmacology, where we developed assays for compound screening.

We were mainly designing and studying new anti-inflammatory compounds. It was fascinating work. After leaving BMS, I stayed home for several years with my young children, Mimi ’11, Jack ’15 and Grace ’17.

Tell us about any new projects or programs you are doing this year?

This year we are going to the Penn Dixie Site in Hamburg, N.Y., to do some fossil excavating. With a little luck, we may unearth some brachipods and trilobites!

We will also be participating in their Earth Science Day activities. I am also planning a spring bike trip for our students and their families to the birthplace of Niagara Falls.

I think a deeper understanding of geology and earth science comes from direct interaction with it, so we often venture out of the classroom.

What is it like having attended Nichols as a student and teaching at the School now?

I am so pleased to be at Nichols teaching, it is like coming home. This school is a gem, and I felt honored to be a student here, and I feel honored to teach here now.

What is your favorite Nichols memory as an alumna?

Dance was my passion, and every year our dance instructor, Donna Armistead, would choreograph a fabulous ballet and cast us all. One year, I think I was in eighth or ninth grade, she choreographed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and I was Mustard Seed and danced with Mr. Kimberly! He was cast as a town’s man.

We have a lot of laughs together about that performance.

What is your favorite Nichols memory as a teacher?

Every year in sixth grade science we do a project on black boxes. I give the students a black box which they cannot open, and their task is to draw conceptual models and build physical models of what they think the interior looks like. Not being able to open the boxes is pretty frustrating for the some of the students, so I began telling them that they could come back

to my classroom when they graduate high school and I will open the box. Now, I really thought they would forget after all those years, but to my surprise and delight, the seniors have come back to open the boxes!

What do you like to do on the weekends?

I enjoy skiing with my family, both downhill and water-skiing, playing tennis, gardening, boating, cycling, reading and traveling.

This past summer, my husband and I cycled the entire Niagara Peninsula, and rode along four distinct water ways: Lake Erie, the Welland Canal, Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. It was a great adventure along several bike paths and I highly recommend it!

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In the Next Issue: The Alumni Holiday Gathering & Awards Ceremony

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