Toaxnoes Spring & Summer 2010

FIRST CHIN E S E E X C H A N G E

ALUMNI EVENTS

FACULTY, STAFF & VOLUNTEER AWARDS

ALUMNAE IN FRANCE

S p ri n g / S u m m e r 2 010

Campus Clips A.

B.

C.

D.

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A. Elliot Johnston ’10 poses in front of his series of photographs featuring Buffalo’s architecture, which are now hanging in Rick Bryan’s office.

B. At the opening of the Class of 1963 Center for Math and Science, Rick Bryan announced that the new lecture hall has been named in honor of William G. Gisel, Jr. ’70 (right).

C. On Friday, Feb. 12, Ms. Zhang’s 5th grade Chinese I class and Dr. Rockwell’s Upper School “China and Japan” elective class took a field trip to Toronto; students visited an exhibition about China at the Royal Ontario Museum.

D. Kelly Matecki, mother of Paige ’10, shaves the head of Andrew MacKinnon ’10 during the Bald for Bucks fundraiser in the Boocock Reading Room.

Students, faculty and staff raised $4,300 for Roswell Park Cancer Institute!

E. The following members of the Class of 2010 are now Class Agents: Amber Ball ’10, Sean Griffin ’10, Tess Williams ’10, Siobhan Hanley ’10, Isaiah New ’10, Bridgid Danahy ’10, Kelsey Ryan ’10, Caroline Russ ’10, Jake Stark ’10, Ed Spangenthal ’10 and Jake Cappuccino ’10 (Not pictured: Steve Kellogg ’10 and Anna Montesano ’10).

E

Editor’s Note Nichols is a community, near and far. There’s the community you will find physically in Buffalo, on campus and in homes around Western New York. Then there’s what lies beyond. It might be an accident – you’re in the airport and strike up a conversation with a stranger, who asks where you went to high school. When you say “Nichols,” he reels off a list of names including two of your friends. Or you’re in need of a contact in the city where you just moved, so you get a name from a former teacher, which transforms into a friendship or a job opportunity. Buffalonians joke about there being less than six degrees of separation in our area. If you throw Nichols into the equation, you can happily make a connection in just one or two degrees.

E-mail and Facebook help us keep in touch and make it easy to stay close with those outside of the area. Following the January earthquake in Haiti, we posted about what our community was doing on our Facebook page. Within seconds, alumni were commenting on the post. Minutes later, I was on the phone with Sarah Moloney Baldwin ’98 arranging for her to speak with students about her experiences in Haiti. At a special Morning Meeting, she shared stories and photos illustrating the life-changing experiences she had on a service trip.

Earlier this year, I learned that several recent graduates took their college studies abroad – one was Julia Butcher ’07, who remains friends with her Nichols exchange student to this day. Thanks to an e-mail forwarded to me, I learned that Carolyn Gioia ’01 was studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Her blog propelled me into the kitchen with her, sweating over guinea fowl pie and trying not to burn my hand on a hot pot!

Most recently, we welcomed back hundreds of alumni for Commencement and Reunion.

Michael Angelakos ’05, lead singer of the famed band, Passion Pit, was our Commencement speaker. At the Reunion program in the Flickinger Performing Arts Center that evening, 20th Reunion alumnus, Frits Abell ’90, spoke about his experiences with The Buffalo Expat Network. Alumni from around our community and the global community came together to celebrate in the Quad. Meeting people – and learning how their journey took them from Nichols to elsewhere, and then back to Nichols – is one way to appreciate how close, yet far-reaching our community is.

Staff

S p ri n g / S u m m e r 2 010 Editor Nina Barone nbarone@nicholsschool.org Contributors Richard C. Bryan Sarah Gelman Carney ’92 Nina Barone Julia Butcher ’07 Neil Farmelo Holly Fewkes Carolyn Gioia ’01 Elizabeth Stevens Gurney ’75 Michelle Ho ‘10 Annette Kellogg Connie Klinck Klopp N’73 Bridget Lutz Ronald S. Montesano Greg Plumb ’96 Jill C. Robins Thomas Unger ‘10 Yajie Zhang Designer Kelley Rechin, Duffy Moon Design Photographers Nina Barone Richard C. Bryan Elizabeth Stevens Gurney ’75 J. Matthew Kianka Wm. F. “Kim” Kimberly ’47 Andrea Mancuso Tom Maynor ’81

Keep in touch, Front Cover: We hope you enjoy this new aerial shot of our campus at the corner of Colvin and Amherst!

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 • 716-875-8212 • www.nicholsschool.org

Corrections & Clarifi cations In last issue’s article, “Endowment Funds Enable Professional Development for Faculty & Staff,” the graduate degree of Sandy Smith Cunningham ’93 should have stated M.S. in Engineering Science (Environmental) from SUNY at Buffalo. We apologize for the error.

Contents Head of School Report ................................................................................ 5 Our First Chinese Exchange ...................................................................... 6 Sports Focus – Boys Varsity Basketball 2010 ............................................ 10 Fall 2009 Athletics Recap ........................................................................ 12 Winter 2009-2010 Recap ............................................................................. 14

Please support

nicholsfuture.org “ Nichols shaped my entire life and helped me understand that the world is a large, complex and fascinating place. The teachers were the greatest influence.

Sutter, Stratton, Clash, Schapiro, Truscott, Kimberly and many more taught lifetime lessons on a daily basis. I am eternally grateful to these masters and to Nichols School.”

Ted Truscott ’79

Celebrating Earth Day 2010 ....................................................................... 16 Departures & Arrivals ............................................................................... 17 After Nichols – Lynn Ewart-Paine, Ph.D. ’81 ............................................ 20 William S. Wright ’34 Award and Mitchell Award Recipients ..................... 21 The 90th Annual Meeting & Alumni Holiday Gathering ............................ 22 William S. Wright Award: Sarah Gelman Carney ’92 ................................ 24 Kew Raiser Lecture ................................................................................. 24 Prince Lecture .......................................................................................... 24 A Fitting Legacy: the C. Taylor Kew, Jr. ’82 Gallery ...................................25 Colby Art Fund Exhibits Embrace Nichols ................................................ 25 Alumna Blog: Study Abroad at Université Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV) – Julia Butcher ’07 ............................................... 26 Alumna Blog: Culinary Training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris – Carolyn Gioia ’01 ...................................................................... 28 Students Create Hope, One Bead at a Time ............................................ 30 Alumni Event – Belmont Hill ..................................................................... 31 Alumni Event – Boston ............................................................................ 32 Alumni Event – Florida East Coast ........................................................... 34 Alumni Event – Florida West Coast ......................................................... 35 Alumni Event – San Francisco ..................................................................... 36 Alumni Event – Santa Monica ..................................................................... 37 2010 Derby Day Auction .......................................................................... 38 After Nichols – Charlie Seilheimer ’59 ...................................................... 39 In Memoriam ........................................................................................... 41 Class Notes ............................................................................................. 43 Faculty Profile – Tim Schwartz .................................................................. 51

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Nichols School

by Richard C. Bryan

“Wow.” That is usually the first reaction when visitors come on the Nichols campus, or when alumni are viewing an aerial photograph of the 30 acres of the School (the one we used as our cover). Of course, the E.B. Green designed buildings that make up the Quadrangle have always been impressive and elegant. But as visiting students and parents see the Flickinger Performing Arts Center or the exciting Middle School spaces in Regan and Donaldson Halls, there is an acknowledgement that few schools in the country, and certainly in Western New York, have similar facilities.

As we enter the 21st century, reaching beyond our successes is our greatest challenge. Nichols is already a great place, but we need to stretch, and be exceptional.

We need to re-imagine Nichols and reimagine the possibilities to be a national model for educating young people to succeed and make a difference in the global community of the 21st century.

With the purchase of the United Church Home property, we added six adjacent acres of land to the western border of the campus. The Board of Trustees’ unanimous decision to purchase this tract in 2004 was the catalyst for Nichols School to re-imagine the future. Years of planning produced a campus master plan and an ongoing strategic plan that has provided a vision of school with an urban campus of the highest caliber that is a locally preeminent and a nationally recognized educational institution, committed to producing young men and women of distinction, who will strive to accomplish something special in their lives.

Head of School Report The nicholsfuture.org campaign has allowed this vision to flourish in the first decade of the 21st century. The Strauss Truscott and Peek artificial turf athletic fields have enhanced our rich athletic traditions in football, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse. They have become a great place for all students to be outside regardless of the weather, and our fields have become a coveted area to rent among community groups. The new roadways and parking areas, completed in the summer of 2008, have made the campus safer, improved parking, and added 12% more green space to the campus. Additions to the endowment have allowed greater diversity in the student body though the Harbourton Scholars Program and the Grace McKendry Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Graham W. Smith ’48 Fund in English has become our third endowed faculty chair and has brought funds for guest poets and writers to visit our campus.

The recent initiative to honor G. Frederick “Fritz” Zeller ’47 will provide character and leadership training to our students through enhancing our advisory program and summer leadership workshop.

The centerpiece of our campaign is the Class of 1963 Center for Math and Science, which opened on time and on budget in early January. Already a favorite spot for students, the building houses seven science lab/classrooms and eight math classrooms. Each room has SMART board™ technology and ample natural light. The first floor houses several study areas, a math and science library, our Information Technology Department, and the William G. Gisel, Jr. ’70 Lecture Hall. This state-of-the art 45-seat space serves many important functions, from being used by Middle and Upper School students in the study of statistics, to having a live discussion with students in Haiti, to demonstrating a project in physics. It is a sustainable building in many respects.

Students enjoy the Richard C. Bryan Green Roof on the second floor, the ecopond in the front of the building, and the minimal use of energy.

Hundreds of Nichols alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends and foundations have made an investment in the future of Nichols School through this campaign.

Now it is your turn. Take just a few minutes to view the DVD in this magazine, see how we have re-imagined the future at Amherst and Colvin, and give what you can.

Your contribution will ensure that we do not need to borrow in this tight economy; your support will help keep tuition costs lower in the future; your help will make you part of this very special group of people who have worked tirelessly during the past six years for the future of Nichols School.

We have all benefited from the gifts of others in the past who believed in the mission, core values and vision of Nichols School. Now it is our time to ensure the future for students of great promise – the future alumni of Nichols School.

Please join us by sending your gift today.

We encourage you to call or e-mail us if you would like more information. You can also visit www.nicholsfuture.org to learn more about the important projects that make up this campaign.

Spring/Summer 2010

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Our First Chinese

by Yajie Zhang Each year, Nichols welcomes many cultural exchange students to our campus and into our homes. This year, the number of exchange brothers and sisters was even larger than usual, with our French, Costa Rican and Chinese visitors here at once. Most notably, it was first time we had Chinese exchange students on campus, and we were thrilled to have them. Our first exchange group from China consisted of 21 students and two teachers from a school affiliated with the Central University of Science and Technology (HUST), located in Wuhan.

Nichols students, teachers and parents opened our arms and homes to the Chinese guests. On March 27, 11 students and two teachers from Nichols flew to Wuhan to experience our first exchange in China. Students participating were Julia Accetta

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Nichols School

’10, Ryan Goodnough ’11, Michelle Ho ’10, Stephen Kellogg ’10, Kristina Lutz ’10, Krystyna Nowakowski ’10, Caroline Russ ’10, Amanda Schoene ’10, Jordan Sternberg ’10, Thomas Unger ’10 and Christian Young ’10. Jody Kuhns, Upper School math teacher, and I acted as chaperones. We stayed in HUST Middle School for two weeks, attending classes, staying until 9:20 p.m. every night in school with host students, and having excursions to the world famous Three Gorge.

On behalf of Nichols, and as the Chinese Exchange Director of the School, I signed an agreement for a long term exchange with HUST Middle School on the last day we were in Wuhan. Then, we toured Beijing for the last few days in China before coming back to Buffalo. Please read more from our students’ perspectives regarding this exciting exchange trip.

Exchange

Bei Hai Park, Beijing

Spring/Summer 2010

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A.

B.

21 Days, 13 Nichols Travelers, 1 Giant Adventure in China

by Michelle Ho ’10 When we embarked on our journey on March 27, 2010, no one really knew what to expect. As we gathered in the airport at five in the morning, I took out our itinerary and glanced at our scheduled activities. I saw the phrase “School with Host Students until 9:30 p.m.” far too many times for my liking. There was no way we were going to enjoy going to school for longer than the seven hours we were used to, right? Wrong. We were pleasantly (and sometimes not so pleasantly surprised) by everything China had to offer. From toilets that are mere holes in the ground to formal welcoming ceremonies, everything was moving too fast to be absorbed. The moment we set foot in the Middle School affiliated with Huazhong University of Science & Technology, we experienced many of the cultural differences.

Ms. Kuhns had to make a short speech looking down upon over 2,700 students. Even though from above we all looked like little specks, our American group was easily distinguished. Not only because of the occasional tuft of blonde hair, but because our line formation was not as disciplined as our Chinese peers. After a welcoming speech by their Headmaster, we were led to a room where we would soon find many uses for. We learned to treat that room as our safe haven when swarmed by eager Chinese students and when we could no longer take sitting in on a class we could not comprehend. The 13 of us achieved celebrity status in no time. It may or may have not gone to our heads at some point.

Walking through the open hallways of their newly constructed school, we grew to appreciate Nichols for how much intellectual and physical freedom it gives us. We quickly learned that being in school for a billion hours was not that bad after a while because one starts losing their sense of time. It all just becomes a giant blur of non-stop learning. This seemed to work for our host students. They were determined to succeed, but they never ceased to be friendly and accommodating even when they were swamped with endless 8

Nichols School

work. I would not be that cheerful if I was at school with the same people for so many hours. Unlike Nichols, where we take a different science each year, these sophomores were taking biology, physics and chemistry simultaneously. I cannot even keep topics inside one science straight, let alone trying to understand three.

Living with our students really did teach us a lot about a different culture and even more about ourselves. Pushing beyond our comfort zones was not something we are that used to. Since only t out of the 11 Nichols students could actually speak Chinese, thinking up ways to explain something with simple words and gestures became a new skill to be learned. We established that even if the hole in the ground that is your so-called toilet seemed scary, there wasn’t much you could do about it, just “practice makes perfect.” We learned to stop questioning what a mysterious food was and just enjoy it. Everyone would come in the next day and share their dining experiences. Dumplings for breakfast, turtle stir-fry, pickled tree fungus, etc. It was definitely an exciting and unusual adventure for everyone’s palette.

Three weeks felt like three trimesters in China. Thirteen members of the Nichols community bonded on so many levels, that being back feels slightly strange. Actually having to pay attention in class feels foreign, and not going home for a mid day nap is hard to get used to. I think I speak for our whole group and myself when I say this was a trip none of us will ever forget. So many memories were created, friendships formed and eye-opening experiences lived through, that made this exchange one of the most valuable things I have done at Nichols during my eight years here. I strongly suggest if you like adventure, unique food, non-stop attention and enlightenment, you really should take a spring break, travel about 30 hours half way across the world and experience something impossible to forget.

C.

Chinese Exchange D.

A. Mo Mountain, Wuhan B. The Chinese exchange group visits Gui Yuan Temple.

C. Krystyna Nowakowski ’10 at the Great Wall of China

E.

D. Steve Kellogg ’10, Michelle Ho ’10, Thomas Unger ’10, Caroline Russ ’10 and Julia Accetta ’10 enjoy hot pot at a Beijing restaurant.

E. The group visits Yi Chang Foreign Language School on the way to Three Gorge.

A Day in the Life

by Tommy Unger ’10 At lunch time, we were excused for an hour and a half. Freedom From my first jet lagged bike ride to school I knew every day in and I rode our bikes back to the apartment where we enjoyed a Wuhan, China, would be an adventure. Every morning, I passed homemade lunch. After lunch, it was time for a quick nap before huge crowds of people commuting to school and work. It seemed leaving for school again. The students would have to go back to like every one of them was staring at me. It was seven a.m., and classes until dinner. During this time, we would pile into a bus and Freedom – Li Jin Yang – and I were weaving between motorcyclists, visit some of the most beautiful and significant parts of Wuhan: the pedestrians and taxies on our 30-year-old bikes. We arrived at Yellow Crane Tower, the Hubei Provincial Museum, the Guiyan the middle and high schools attached to HUST University. The Buddhist Temple with 500 school is brand new this Lohan statues, the Yangtze River year and has about 3,000 Bridge, and East Lake were some in attendance. At Nichols, of the spots we visited. almost everyone takes a We made it back to the school car to school. We see only in time to meet our exchange about three bikes parked in students for dinner. The break the entrance to Albright. for dinner is shorter than the one At HUST, there were about of lunch, so we all ate together 2,500 bikes wrapped neatly at the same restaurant. After a around almost all of the family style dinner, we would sprawling campus. do some of our own homework We attended many classes while the Chinese students went at the high school. Our back for yet more classes. We did exchange students began not leave the campus of HUST the school day around until 10 at night. After getting 7:30 in what we might call The group sings “America, the Beautiful” at HUST Middle School’s celebration of home, they still had to start their “homeroom.” They turned moving to their new campus. homework! in their homework, and As we rode home among thousands of students, I could not help their teacher gave the class of about 35 a short lecture. Then the but think of what it would be like to live like this every day. When day began. The students stayed in the same room until lunch with Americans say “I didn’t have time,” what they usually mean is “I teachers cycling through. Physics, biology, math, chemistry, English, didn’t feel like it.” When Chinese students say “I didn’t have time” Chinese, politics and history were covered each day. The periods what they mean is “I was at school for 12 hours today! I hardly have of the day were designated by the playing of strange music through time to sleep!” very loud speakers.

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Sports Focus

Boys Varsity Basketball 2010 Class A Federation State Champions

by Greg Plumb ’96 points and the tournament MVP award. Nichols was now the 2010 Manhattan Cup Champions.

Our second goal was to become Class A Catholic School Champions. Standing in our way was the Long Island Catholic representative, St. Mary’s, in the semifinals. Despite the fouls being 16-4 against us at one point, we were still able to come away victorious, 67-49. Connor Vandegriff ’10 owned the boards and finished with 14 points. The finals returned to Buffalo where we faced the New York City Catholic Champion Archbishop Stepinac. This battle ended up being the closest game of the playoff run, as we came away with a harrowing 66-62 victory. Point guard Andy MacKinnon ’10 iced the game with two free throws in the waning seconds. We could now call ourselves the 2010 Class A New York State Catholic Champions. Our next stop was Glens Falls for the Federation Final Four.

Longtime power and the winner of four state championships in the school’s history, Long Island Lutheran The Nichols Boys Varsity was our first test. Regan and Wier Basketball team traveled over 4,500 would not be denied, scoring 59 of the miles, hitting places such as Trenton, teams 85 points. The final was 85-66, Cleveland, Albany, Syracuse, and even Nichols. A Syracuse suburban school, a Christmas day departure to Myrtle Jamesville-Dewitt, had won two of the Beach, S.C. Eating Christmas dinner previous three Class A State titles and at Hungry Howie’s Pizzeria with 13 was appearing in their fourth in a row teenagers and my two assistants, Jim against the Nichols Vikings. Nichols MacKinnon and Jim Mohler, instead had never played in a Class A State of my wife of six days (I was married Championship before, but it would on Dec. 19), was not my idea of a not disappoint. The end of the third ‘honeymoon.’ The schedule we tackled quarter had Nichols in the lead 49-43. was one of the most challenging in Little did we know that Jamesvillerecent Western New York history. We Andy MacKinnon ’10, Ron Canestro ’10 and Will Regan ’10 accept Dewitt would not score again as played two schools ranked in the top the plaque recognizing their team as the MMHSAA Manhattan Cup Nichols played a near flawless fourth 25 nationally and another ranked in Champions. quarter to win the final, 65-43. Regan the top 50 before the season was over. was named tournament MVP, while Canestro and Wier were named The terms ‘school vacation’ or a ‘day off’ didn’t apply to us. ‘Fall to the all-tournament team.

Break,’ ‘Winter Break’ and even ‘Presidents Day Weekend’ were nonI will miss this group of young men more than they know. Of course, existent. We had one goal in mind – the state championship. We knew the state championship run makes it memorable, but the experiences before the season even began the amount of work and dedication we we all shared in hotels, busses, etc., make it truly unique to our group would need to get to where we wanted. of guys. Things like putt-putt tourneys, the penguin call, frostbite, After going 17-7 in the regular season, our first goal was to lost keys, hold ’em, Osmand’s first swim, Noonan’s first plane ride, overcome a feisty Timon team in the Manhattan Cup Playoffs. We Changs, synergy, the wrath of Mike, Mohler’s grits, TNT, Jordan v. Oz, had lost to Timon during the regular season. Ron Canestro ’10 had mohawks, and a long list of other things that only have meaning to us. broken his finger before that loss and was anxious to get another I find it an impossible task to verbalize the emotions we felt when crack at them. Although losing Canestro hurt us short term, it the final buzzer sounded. How do you describe to someone who wasn’t provided invaluable experience for Evan Grenda ’10 and Dieter a part of that team the pride you feel in completing that journey?

Clauss ’10 who both contributed at key moments during the playoffs.

How do you describe looking at each other and knowing you just We took care of business, beating them 76-50, with standout Stan accomplished something that very few have ever accomplished and Wier ’12 scoring 13 of his 21 points in the second half. Canisius, who that so many strive for every year? You can’t. That is unless you have a had beaten us in the 2009 Manhattan Cup Final, was up next. After banner of your own hanging from the rafters. scoring only 13 points in the first quarter, we rolled past them 73-50.

University of Virginia bound senior, Will Regan ’10, finished with 22 The first conversation the Nichols Boys Varsity Basketball team had in early November on the first day of winter practice was about our goals for the season. We unanimously agreed that putting a banner in the rafters was one of our goals. We wanted our banner to be next to the great players and coaches who had come before us. The players on the team wondered, “How good are we really? Can we be on the same level as the Nichols’ greats before us?”

There is not a roster of names that goes with each banner to tell visitors who was on what team. There isn’t even a trophy case in the gymnasium with pictures. In fact, unless you have a stack of yearbooks to page through, you’d have a difficult time finding out much of anything about each championship squad. Yet, the boys wanted to be among them. They forever wanted to be associated with the greats like Laettner, Johnson, the Torgalskis, Conrad, Comerford, Meegan and others.

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Fall 2009 Athletics Recap Boys Cross Country (3-2) Boys Cross Country finished 3-2 in regular season meets and attended four invitational meets. The team finished 4th in three of the invitational meets, including the Officials Tournament, Clarence Invitational & the All-Catholic Meet. MVPs were Austin Corbett ’11 and Nicholas Shea ’12. Ed Spangenthal ’10 received the Coaches Award and Colin Gartz ’12 was the Most Improved Runner.

Girls Cross Country 7-5 (4-2 Monsignor Martin League) Girls Cross Country enjoyed a successful season finishing 3rd in the Monsignor Martin League. They also competed in four invitational meets throughout the season, including Clarence, Alden, McQuaid and West Seneca. Paige Peltan ’11 was named 1st team AllCatholic and was the Team MVP. Paige also represented Nichols at the Federation Meet in November. Tricia Daly ’13 and Nyrie Soukiazian ’12 were named Most Improved Runners and Grace Munro ’10 received the Coaches Award.

Varsity Field Hockey (12-2) Varsity Field Hockey enjoyed an extremely successful season, finishing with a 12-2 record and 1st overall in the CISAA league.

The team suffered a heartbreaking loss in the CISAA semi-final game in overtime against Appleby College. The team then traveled to New York City for the NYSAIS Tournament and defeated Holy Child in the Quarter Final game 4-1. They then lost the semifinals to Riverdale Country School by a score of 1-0 at the final buzzer. Julia Accetta ’10 and Jill Tokarczyk ’10 were named to the NFHCA High School Field Hockey Academic Squad. Katie Flaschner ’10 and Shannon Martin ’11 were named 1st team AllWNY and Marissa Faso ’11 and Jill Tokarczyk ’10 were named 2nd team All-WNY. Most Valuable Player was Katie Flaschner ’10.

Coaches Awards went to Marissa Faso ’11 and Jill Tokarczyk ’10.

Most Improved Players were Emily Janiga ’12 and Maddie Waters ’10. The five seniors will be missed and the team is grateful for your contributions to Nichols Field Hockey.

Varsity Football 3-6 (0-3 Monsignor Martin League) Varsity Football competed proudly in each game this year and wins against Charles Finney, Perry Central and Mynderse Academy highlighted a season that showed great progress for the program. The team averaged 20 points per game and suffered four heartbreaking losses that were decided by one touchdown or less. Many players received local accolades for their play in the Monsignor Martin League. Offensive lineman, Ari Goldfarb ’10, was nominated for the Trench Trophy, the area’s award for the best lineman. Ari Goldfarb ’10 and cornerback, Jake Cappuccino ’10, were named Academic All-WNY. Ramsey Gayles ’10 was named the MML Offensive Player of the Year and 1st team All-Catholic offense. Matt Benedict ’11 was named MML Defensive Player of

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Nichols School

by Holly Fewkes

the Year and 1st team All-Catholic defense. Conner Vandegriff ’10 and Andrew Toenniessen ’10 were also named 1st team AllCatholic defense. Brian Franz ’11 was named 2nd team All-Catholic offense; Conor Leary ’11 and Brandon Kaczmarz were named 2nd team All-Catholic defense. Ramsey Gayles ’10 finished his Nichols career with 2,246 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns; he was the team’s Offensive MVP and was named Honorable Mention AllWNY. Matt Benedict ’11 was named the team’s Defensive MVP for his 95 solo tackles and 27 assists. Andrew Toenniessen ’10 received the Coaches Award and Brendan Karet ’11 was the Most Improved Player. The nine seniors will be missed next year.

Boys Golf (12-3) (10-2 Monsignor Martin League) Boys Golf enjoyed a great season! The team finished 2nd in the Monsignor Martin League regular season. They finished 2nd in the All-Catholic Championship and four of their six players qualified for the state tournament in May. Jon Clark, Dean Arthur, James Grachos and Charlie Stein ’11 will all represent Nichols this spring.

Jon Clark ’10 shot a 74 at Harvest Hill during the All-Catholics which was Nichols’ lowest individual round in the All-Catholic tournament since joining the MML. Andrew Stein ’10 received coaches All-Catholic recognition. Team Coaches Awards went to Jon Clark ’10 and Andrew Poturalski ’12 and the Most Improved Golfers were Jeremy Castiglia ’12 and James Grachos ’13. Captains Jon Clark ’10 and Andrew Stein ’10 will be missed next year!

Boys Varsity Soccer (7-8-3) Boys Varsity Soccer started off the season winning the Lockport Tournament with victories over Starpoint and St. Francis. Chris Walter ’11 was named Tournament MVP. All-Tournament team members included Christian Ying ’11, Evan Luke ’11 and Larkin Brinkworth ’10. The team had a decisive 4-1 win over St. Mary’s of Lancaster in the MML quarter finals and ended the season with a loss to Canisius in the semi-finals. The team had many players recognized on the Monsignor Martin League All-Catholic Team.

Christian Ying ’11, Chris Walter ’11 and Larkin Brinkworth ’10 were all named to 1st team. Elliot Johnston ’10, James Randaccio ’11 and Evan Luke ’11 were 2nd team members; Jake Stark ’10 and Pat Thompson ’11 received Honorable Mention. Team MVP and Offensive MVP was Chris Walter ’11. Defensive MVP was Christian Ying ’11. Larkin Brinkworth ’10 and Elliot Johnston ’10 received Coaches Awards. Jake Herskind ’10 and Jake Stark ’10 were named Most Improved Players. Thanks to the eight seniors for their contributions to Nichols soccer!

Girls Varsity Soccer (18-4) Girls Varsity Soccer enjoyed another outstanding season! The team was Monsignor Martin League regular season and playoff champions and competed in the Catholic State semi-finals for the third year in a row! They had a 5-1 victory over Mt. St. Mary’s in the MML Finals and battled the elements in a 3-2 loss against Rockville Center in the state semi-finals. Due to the team’s success there were many players who received local and area accolades. Bri Smith ’10 was the standout and her list is impressive: 1st team All-WNY, 2nd team All-State C Schools, Metro Player of the Year, Monsignor Martin League Most Valuable Player, 1st team All-Catholic in MML and Team Most Valuable Player. Bri finished her Nichols career with 132 goals and she broke the single season assist record this fall with 32. Catherine Williams ’12 finished the season with 22 goals and 13 assists and was named 2nd team All-WNY, 1st team All-Catholic, All-Metro Team and Team Most Valuable Player. Zoe Jackson-Gibson ’12 was named 1st team All-WNY, 3rd team AllState C Schools and 1st team All-Catholic. Maya Jackson-Gibson ’11 was named 2nd team All-WNY and 1st team All-Catholic.

Bethany Novak ’10 was named 2nd team All-Catholic and received the Fritz Zeller Award for her contributions to Nichols Girls Soccer.

Haley Welch ’11 was named 1st team All-Catholic and a received a Coaches Award. Kelsey Ryan ’10 also received a Coaches Award and Helena Galvin ’12 was named Most Improved Player. The seven seniors will be missed and the team wishes them best of luck in the future.

Varsity Volleyball (4-9 Monsignor Martin League) The Varsity Volleyball team had a season characterized by growth as they returned only one varsity player from last year’s roster. They grew tremendously, both individually and as a unit, with their understanding and execution of the game. The team battled a tough Monsignor Martin League schedule this year coming away with four key victories – two over Niagara Catholic and two over Cardinal O’Hara. Siobhan Hanley ’10 was named 1st team All-Catholic Division 2 and Bridget Smith ’10 was named 2nd team All-Catholic Division 2. Siobhan Hanley ’10 also was named team MVP. Jenna Holevinski ’12 received the Coaches Award and Caroline Fenn ’12 was named Most Improved Player. The team will greatly miss the eight seniors and wish Aliena Aubrecht ’10, Ashley Ayers ’10, Amber Ball ’10, Claire Buscemi ’10, Siobhan Hanley ’10, Kristina Lutz ’10, Caroline Russ ’10 and Bridget Smith ’10 the best of luck.

Girls Tennis (8-4) Girls Tennis had a successful season. After graduating six starters from last year’s team, they finished 8-4 in 2009. The team had particularly satisfying wins over Williamsville North and Williamsville South and an early season loss to Hamburg was avenged later in the fall with a 5-0 win. 1st Singles Taylor Cole ’12 finished with a 9-3 record.

Pamicka Marinello ’11 had a strong season at 2nd Singles, putting up a solid 8-3 record. Madeleine Schlehr ’13 was the anchor at 3rd Singles and posted a 7-4 record. At 1st Doubles, Devin Friedlander ’10 and Nicolette Winder ’11 posted a 7-5 record and the 2nd Doubles Team of Kayla Brannen ’13 and Sydney Muggia ’12 finished 8-1.

Pamicka Marinello ’11 was named Team MVP. Devin Friedlander ’10 received the Coaches Award and Sydney Muggia ’12 was named Most Improved Player. The team thanks Libby Cook ’10 and Devin Friedlander ’10 for their contributions and looks forward to returning the rest of the team.

Remembering Don Waterman and Waterman Field With our recent construction and campus renovation Waterman field is now the site of the Class of 1963 Center for Math and Science and our new parking lot.

To honor the legacy of Don Waterman, former Nichols Athletic Director and coach, for which Waterman Field was named, we hung a plaque in the entrance of the Scully Athletic Center. The plaque pays tribute to Don and the field that saw us through so many years of play at Nichols.

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Winter 2009-2010 Recap Boys Varsity Basketball (24-7) Boys Varsity Basketball achieved every team goal this season! From Manhattan Cup Champions, Catholic State Champions and finally NY State Class A Federation Champions, the team won their final eight games and accomplished every milestone they could have this season! The team defeated Canisius in the Manhattan Cup Finals, Archbishop Stepinac for the Catholic Title and Jamesville-Dewitt for the Federation Title. Jamesville-Dewitt was undefeated and Nichols had lost to them earlier in the season. Nichols dominated this game, with a 65-43 victory. Ron Canestro ’10 and Stan Wier ’12 were named to the Class A All-Tournament Team and Will Regan ’10 was the Class A Tournament MVP. Regan also was named to the All-State Team as Player of the Year, while Ron Canestro was named to 4th team and Stan Weir to 5th team.

Regan’s other accolades include The Buffalo News Player of the Year, Monsignor Martin League Player of the Year, All-Manhattan Cup Tournament Team and 2nd all-time leading scorer in Nichols history with 2,008 points. Andrew MacKinnon ’10 and Stan Wier ’12 were named All-Manhattan Cup Tournament Team and Wier and Ron Canestro ’10 were named 2nd Team All-Catholic. Coach Greg Plumb was named BCANY Class A Coach of the Year for his efforts throughout the season. The team represented Nichols well in various tournaments this season, including Beach Ball Classic, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; McDonalds Tournament, Erie, Pa.; and Coaches for Cancer in Albany, N.Y. Most Valuable Players of the team were Will Regan ’10 and Stan Wier ’12. Coaches Awards went to Conner Vandegriff ’10 and Ron Canestro ’10; Andy MacKinnon ’10 and Dieter Clauss ’10 were named Most Improved Players. The seven seniors will be greatly missed. Their contributions toward the past four seasons have been enormous. Best of luck in the future!

Girls Varsity Basketball (20-7) Girls Varsity Basketball had a very successful season finishing with a record of 20-7. They were MML Regular Season League Champions which earned them Class AA status to represent the league in New York City. There, they lost in the quarter finals to a tough Bishop Ford team. They represented Nichols well at both the Mercy HS Tournament in Rochester and the Lockport Tournament. The team lost to Sacred Heart in the Monsignor Martin League final, which was the fourth time the two teams played each other during the season. Sloane Walton ’11 was named 1st Team All-Catholic while Brianna Smith ’10 was named 2nd team All-Catholic. MVPs of the team were Smith and Walton. Most Improved Player was Siobhan Hanley ’10. Thank you to the four seniors for your contributions over the years. You will be missed!

Boys Prep Hockey (24-11-3) Prep Hockey had a turn-around season! The team represented Nichols extremely well at the Berkshire Showcase (2-0), the Lawrenceville Tournament (2-1), the Nichols/Belmont-Hill Tournament (2-2) and the Northwood Tournament (2-1). Other key victories included a 3-2 win over local rival U18 Buffalo Regals and two wins in a row in the CISAA Semi-Finals over Appleby.

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by Holly Fewkes

After three hard fought games in the CISAA finals, the team came up short to St. Andrew’s College. MVP was Andrew Poturalski ’12.

Coaches Award went to Andrew Stein ’10; Most Improved Player was Thomas Mediak ’12. The team thanks the three seniors for their contributions over the years.

Boys Federated Hockey (2-17-1) The Fed Hockey team battled tough opponents every game.

They had well fought victories over Lockport and Lew-Port. The Federated Hockey Association named Dean Arthur ’13 and Brad Bourne ’12 Honorable Mention Small School Division IV AllStars. Team MVP was Bo Gurney ’10. The Coaches Award went to Dean Arthur ’13; Most Improved Player was Lucas Buscemi ’12.

Girls Varsity Hockey (27-5-1) The Girls Hockey team finished another outstanding season with a record of 27-5-1! They won the NAPHA League & Tournament with an undefeated 16-0 season. The team was 8-2 in the CISAA where they finished first in the regular season, and then lost a heartbreaking Game 3 of the CISAA Finals in overtime to Appleby College. The girls also represented Nichols well at the Deerfield Tournament in December. Most Valuable Players were Hannah Epstein ’10 and Bridget Smith ’10. Coaches Award went to Jill Tokarczyk ’10 and Most Improved Player was Maddie Elia ’13. The five seniors are thanked for their contributions over the years!

Boys Squash (22-10) Boys Squash had a great season winning the Buffalo High School championship for the second year in a row, with a 6-1 victory over Canisius High School! Joining the CISAA for the first time, the team placed 4th in this highly competitive league, not far behind very talented teams from St. Andrew’s College, Crescent School and Trinity College School. Individually, Michael Che ’11 finished 2nd in the CISAA #1 individual draw, Larkin Brinkworth ’10 finished #1 in the CISAA #2 draw and Elliot Johnston ’10 finished tied for #1 in the CISAA #3 draw. The team represented Nichols well at the Buffalo Tennis & Squash Club Invitational, the Buffalo City Juniors and The Ward Riley at the Genesee Valley Club in Rochester. Despite going 0-3 in the B Division, the team also played extremely competitive squash at the U.S. High School Team Championships at Yale University. Most Valuable Player was Michael Che ’11. Coaches Awards went to Larkin Brinkworth ’10 and Elliott Johnson ’10; Greg Vanderhorst ’13 was Most Improved Player. Senior Captains Larkin Brinkworth and Elliot Johnston will be missed.

Girls Squash (18-5) Girls Squash had a very successful season, finishing with a record of 18-5. The team lost to Buffalo Seminary 4-3 in the Buffalo High School finals; however, found redemption with a 4-3 victory over Buffalo Seminary during the last match of the season at the U.S. High School Team Championships in Connecticut. The team represented Nichols well at the Buffalo Tennis & Squash Club Invitational and the Buffalo City Juniors. In addition, the team

The 2010 Nichols Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Class On Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, we will honor each inductee at a very special ceremony in Flickinger Performing Arts Center, followed by a cocktail and dinner celebration.

Please save the date and join us!

Thomas E. Caulfield ’72

Lauren E. Gioia ’94

Elizabeth Morris Hyde ’85

Paula Fronckowiak Krupa ’82

Frank J. Sacheli

Joseph J. Tomizzi ’83

David M. Weber ’86

Jeffrey S. Weber ’86

Richard F. Oleksiak, Jr. ’66

H. Ward Wettlaufer ’54

Jonathan R. Wright ’66

Congratulations to these athletes who have been selected for induction into the 2010 Nichols Athletic Hall of Fame!

played extremely competitive squash at the U.S. High School Team Championships at Yale University, going 1-2 in the B Division.

Buffalo High School “All Stars” were Cokie Hasiotis ’10, Pamicka Marinello ’11, Julia Ligouri ’12 and Cat Williams ’12. MVP of the team was Pamicka Marinello ’11. Coaches Awards went to Julia Ligouri ’12 and Cat Williams ’12; Devin Friedlander ’10 was Most Improved Player. Thank you to the five seniors for their contributions over the years.

Wrestling 2-9 (2-4 MML) The wrestling team showed improvement throughout the season and placed 4th at the Monsignor Martin League Tournament. Jake Herskind ’10 was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the MML Tournament at the 171 pound weight class. Seven team members qualified for the Catholic State Tournament and placed 5th at the tournament in New York City. The qualifiers were: Jake Herskind ’10, Jake Stark ’10, Peter Loree ’10, Brendan Karet ’11, Brian Franz ’11, Gerald Cathcart ’11 and Eric Larson ’10. Jake Herskind ’10 was named team MVP, Jake Stark ’10 received the Coaches Award and Brendan Karet ’11 was named Most Improved Wrestler. The team thanks the seven seniors for their contributions over the years!

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Celebrating Earth Day 2010 Many students and faculty members rode their bikes or walked to School on Earth Day.

N

ichols commemorated Earth Day on April 22 with a variety of activities and events, beginning with how members of our community arrived on campus that day.

Students, faculty and staff pledged to use an alternative, eco-friendly means of transportation – many carpooled, biked, walked or took the Metro bus or rail.

During an all-School assembly, our 6th grade students spoke about the rain barrel painting competition they participated in this spring, held in conjunction with Earth Day 2010.

Our guest speaker was Ed Cassano, Senior Director of Conservation Outreach at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Through a partnership with Delaware North Companies, Ed, who oversees the aquarium’s sustainable seafood initiatives involving major buyers, chefs and individual consumers, visited our campus to address the students and faculty. He explored the topic of sustainable fishing, from explaining that several species are 16

Nichols School

to reducing our carbon footprint by joining being depleted in our oceans to how we as the Green Schools Alliance. Driven by the consumers can help by making responsible concept that schools can change the world, choices, and told intriguing stories about the mission of the his encounters with GSA is to galvanize marine animals. schools’ individual acts Also at this of green into collective assembly, Dillon action to shape our Joseph ’10 was named shared future through the 2010 recipient education, leadership of the Jacobs Award and the exchange for Environmental of sustainable Sustainability. solutions. A nonEstablished on April profit organization 22, 2008, in honor of “created by schools a gift from Delaware for schools,” the North Companies GSA is working with and the Jacobs family, and through pre-K the Jacobs Award to grade 12 schools for Environmental worldwide to set and Sustainability honors a meet greening goals, student who embodies Dillon Joseph ’10 was named the 2010 recipient of the Jacobs Award for raise environmental environmental Environmental Sustainability. awareness, and stewardship and the empower students, as well as faculty and ideals set forth by our Big Green Initiative. staff.

This award is presented annually on Earth Day to a senior at Nichols.

Nichols also pledged our commitment

Departures & Appointments Our Thanks to William G. Gisel, Jr. ’70 Welcoming Jane When Bill Gisel ’70 assumed the presidency of the Nichols School Board of Trustees from Ted Walsh ’72 in the summer of 2006, there were many unrealized plans for the School. The United Church Home property had been secured, but the impending Capital Campaign, campus renovation, and future strategic direction of the School were yet to been fully defined.

Bill has provided the vision, determination and leadership that partnered the Board with the School’s administration in many ways over the last four years. Here are the highlights: the nicholsfuture.org Capital Campaign has raised over $22 million; development of a campus master facilities plan; the construction of the new athletic fields, the safer roadway and parking areas, and the exciting sustainable Class of 1963 Center for Math and Science; energy renovations in Mitchell and Albright Halls; a new governance meeting structure for the Board, as well as updated bylaws; new initiatives in marketing and communications; strategic planning and financial planning; curricular innovations based on the 21st Century Core Competencies; and a new initiative focused on developing character and leadership in

memory of Fritz Zeller ’47, known as the Zeller Fund for Ethics and Character.

Few independent schools in the nation can claim such a breathtaking number of accomplishments during this period of economic downturn. For his leadership during this era, which has had a direct impact on the education of present and future Nichols students, Bill was awarded a Centennial Medal of Service to Nichols School. The ceremony took place at a gathering of former members of the Board on May 6 in the Rand Dining Room. Bill becomes the fifteenth recipient of a Centennial Medal since they were first awarded at the Centennial Convocation in September 1991.

We are extremely grateful to Bill for his unwavering leadership and service, and know that he will continue to be an important part of Nichols for many years to come!

Cox Hettrick ’78

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jane Cox Hettrick ‘78 as the new President of the Board of Trustees. A graduate of Georgetown University, Jane attended the Georgetown University Law Center before returning to Buffalo to get married and graduate from SUNY at Buffalo Law School. As a lawyer, she worked for the City of Buffalo, Corporation Counsel’s Office and the firm, Cox Barrell.

At Nichols, Jane has been a member of the Board of Trustees for the past four years and has served as Secretary for three years. She has been a leader of the nicholsfuture.org Capital Campaign and chaired the Major Gifts Division, making her an instrumental part of the campaign’s success to date. She also has served as a Class Agent and a member of the Alumni Board. She has worked on the Headmaster’s Society, the Derby Day Gift Gathering parties, the Big Green Athletic Dinner, and acted as a member of the Parents’ Council.

Jane currently serves as Secretary of the Board at The Buffalo Zoo and as a member of the Georgetown Alumni Admissions Program. She is a past President of the Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund and a former member of the Boards of Nardin Academy, Buffalo Bisons Hockey, Young Audiences of Western New York and the Buffalo General Hospital Junior Group.

She resides in Buffalo with her husband, John ’73, and four children, Emily ’07, Laura ’09, John ’13 and Bobby ’16.

John R. Munro, Jr. Appointed Headmaster at Fairfield Country Day School John R. Munro, Jr., Assistant Head and Director of Middle School at Nichols, has been appointed the new Headmaster at Fairfield Country Day School. While we will miss John greatly, he is embarking on a wonderful new chapter, which takes him back to where he began his teaching career.

Fairfield Country Day School is a K-9 school for boys in Fairfield, Conn., with an enrollment of 272. From 1988-1994, John taught and coached at FCDS. Following that, he worked at Park Tudor School in Indianapolis, Ind., as Director of Admissions.

In 1997, John came to Nichols and served

for five years as the Director of Admissions.

For the past eight years, he has been Head of the Middle School, and most recently assumed the duties of being Assistant Head and Director of Middle School.

John’s leadership helped guide Nichols through the consolidation of our two campuses and shaped the Middle School as we know it. He helped make our School the one strong community it is today.

John created the Middle School House system, and strengthened the advisory program and the arts offerings in the Middle School. He is adept at keeping up with

trends of NAIS peer schools, always willing to learn and eager to try new programs.

Because of this, John helped develop many customs we love in the Middle School. Furthermore, he was instrumental in the hiring of Athletic Director, Rob Stewart, and helped shape athletic program advancements in recent years.

We will miss John, his wife, Beth, and their three daughters – Grace ’10, Isabelle “Izzy” ’13 and Alice ’17. Please join us in wishing them all the best!

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Welcoming Paul Errickson

Head of Middle School We are pleased to announce that Paul Errickson will become the next Head of Middle School at Nichols. Paul brings experience, innovation and talent to our School. Those qualities, and many other factors, made Paul our unanimous choice to succeed John Munro.

Since 2005, Paul has been at North Yarmouth Academy in Maine, as the Head of Middle School. Previously, he was the Director of the Middle School at The Good Hope School in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Paul earned a Master of Education in Secondary Education from the University of New Hampshire and is seeking a Master of Education in Independent School Leadership from Columbia University.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation from the University of New Hampshire.

For the past five years as Head of Middle School at NYA, Paul also has been teaching biology, coaching soccer and skiing, leading faculty committees, and guiding student programs. Over the past two years, Paul worked closely with the Upper School Head and all Department Heads to conduct a comprehensive curriculum review and character education process in order to plan for the school’s future. He serves as Chair of the Character Education Committee, which is charged with developing and implementing the school’s code of ethics. In addition, he has been working to develop a new 5th grade program at the school, to expand the school from its present 6-12 configuration.

In Paul’s personal statement, he said: “Throughout my 10 years of teaching and leading in schools, I have always focused on students and learning, with an understanding that there is more to teaching than texts or standards. I have tried to provide for my students and my faculty meaningful experiences that allow them to grow, learn and flourish… true learning happens when students are challenged, yet supported, and teachers are willing to push themselves. I went into teaching to learn, to share, to become inspired and finally, to make a difference.

I have discovered that administration provides the same opportunities, and independent schools connect me even 18

Nichols School

Paul Errickson, his wife, Lolly, and their two children join the Nichols community this summer.

more closely with my school community.”

Paul becomes only the 8th Head of the Middle School in the 118-year history of Nichols School. Please join us in welcoming Paul, his wife, Lolly, and his two daughters to our School community.

Welcoming Leslie Garcia

Director of Development It is with pleasure that we announce our new Director of Development, Leslie Garcia, who will work with Elizabeth Stevens Gurney ’75 and assume the duties of Sarah Gelman Carney ’92 who departs as our Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Fund. She has been the Director of Advancement at Buffalo Prep for the past five years. Leslie was responsible for generating all operational revenue through major gifts, corporate and individual annual giving, grants and special events. She also served as financial officer responsible for budget development for the organization, as well as board and volunteer recruitment and management, marketing and public relations. Prior to Buffalo Prep, she served as Director of Institutional Advancement at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart.

Leslie lives in Snyder with her husband and two daughters.

Along with managing the Annual Fund, Leslie will manage the day to day operations of the Development Office.

Among her first priorities will be to assist in the reorganization of the department, including recruiting two staff members, as Bridget Lutz, Auction Coordinator, is graduating along with her daughter, Kristina ’10, and Stephanie Angelakos, who kindly and capably filled in for Gyda Higgins as Director of Parent Relations, is graduating with her son Matt ’10. Bridget has done a superb job coordinating our Derby Day Auction for the past five years and we will miss her dearly. Stephanie has been one of our most valuable volunteers for many years and we are so grateful to her for stepping in to assist us with our Parent Relations at a most difficult time.

Jill Robins, who has been coordinating both events and the management of the database for the past two years, will assume the responsibilities of Auction Coordinator as she becomes the Director of Special Events.

Support our students and all their talents!

Spirited athletes

Tech savvy journalists Eager learners

Talented dancers

Make your gift by June 30 to be a part of the 2009-2010 Annual Fund.

We need your participation! Gifts small and large support the people and programs at Nichols.

Make a gift and you’ll be a part of keeping our School strong.

Please send Nichols your tax-deductible gift today. Give online at www.nicholsschool.org or call 716.332.5151.

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After Nichols

Lynn Ewart-Paine, Ph.D. ’81

by Ronald S. Montesano Where do you live currently?

I live in Barrington, Rhode Island.

Where did you go to college?

I went to Brown University for an engineering degree. As an undergraduate, I got a part-time job working in the lab of a professor in the Materials Science group supporting one of his research grants. I really enjoyed the work and his research group, so I applied for and was accepted into the graduate program. I earned a Ph.D. in Materials Science.

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

As I went through the engineering program at Brown I discovered that I was well prepared in math and science. I also learned to write at Nichols; I value that skill everyday.

The teachers at Nichols were tremendous.

They challenged us with demanding work and high expectations, but they made learning enjoyable. I learned not only how to study, but how to work hard and take satisfaction in it.

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

I am married with two children, a junior and a freshman in high school. Our family does a lot of sailing, and we vacation “off the grid” every summer on land we own on an island with no utilities in Georgian Bay, Ontario. It is wonderfully peaceful and relaxing time compared to the rest of our busy lives.

I work for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Newport, R.I. Until two years ago, I was actively engaged in research science improving the performance of acoustic transduction materials for naval SONAR transducers.

I have also worked in line management. As a first line supervisor, I set the scientific direction of my team and guided their multidisciplinary research programs, which included polymer coatings and fiber optic sensors. Later, as a second line supervisor, I managed 50 engineers and programs totaling $26 million. The work ranged from scientific research to in-service fleet engineering in support of a range of products from transducers for torpedo homing to submarine hull arrays. I also served for several years as the Sensors and Sonar Systems Department’s first Chief Scientist.

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More recently, I served as NUWC’s first Deputy Chief Technology Officer. I worked with senior leadership to ensure that the command’s strategic direction, technical vision, and Science & Technology efforts were properly aligned with its mission and that of the larger Navy.

This past August, I took a staff position overseeing the S&T of the Undersea Warfare Combat Systems Department. I am in the process of growing our S&T in numerous technical areas including information technology, human-systems integration and virtual worlds.

We understand you were named a 2009 Woman of the Year by the Rhode Island Commission on Women. What was it like to receive that honor?

I was the Rhode Island Woman of the Year for Science and Technology. I had no idea that NUWC had nominated me. So, when the Commission called to tell me I had been chosen I was completely surprised. I owe the honor to the unstinting support of my husband, my colleagues at NUWC and NUWC’s supportive work environment.

The Commission honored the women with an Awards Dinner at which we all gave speeches.

The Governor, state legislators, members of the judiciary and many others attended; it was quite an honor.

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

I always found the Nichols guidance office to be a great asset. I found information there about a summer program to introduce high school students to different types of engineering. I attended the program between junior and senior year and that launched me down my current path.

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

I would encourage them to pursue engineering; it is a great career field. And, an engineering degree opens the door to many career options beyond engineering from business consulting to patent law.

What is your favorite Nichols memory?

My favorite memories are of my friends and sitting out with them on warm sunny days on the grass in the front Quad.

Awards

Chic Smith ’57, the 2010 William S. Wright ’34 Award recipient, and Rick Bryan at this year’s Florida East Coast alumni event

Parent, Barb Regan, the 2010 Mitchell Award recipient

William S. Wright ’34 Award and Mitchell Award Recipients

by Sarah Gelman Carney ’92

O

n May 27, Nichols recognized two individuals for their exceptional service to the School. The William S. Wright ’34 Award and the Mitchell Award were presented to Charles A. “Chic” Smith II ’57 and Barbara Regan, respectively.

Our 2010 William S. Wright ’34 Award recipient, Charles A. “Chic” Smith II ’57, is among our most successful volunteers – those who dedicate their time and energy by writing personal notes to their classmates or friends, making phone calls and writing e-mails. They also are enthusiastic workers, fans and friends who make a commitment to establishing and maintaining a relationship between Nichols School and its community. Chic Smith embodies this notion.

His friend and classmate, George Morris ’57 said of him, “Chic works tirelessly as our Class Agent, helping to keep us connected and helping to raise much needed operating dollars for our alma mater through the Annual Fund. As a loyal and generous member of the Headmaster’s Society, Chic has always credited his success to Nichols and has spent the 53 years since his graduation touting Nichols and actively, actually a better word would be ‘furiously,’ raising money for the School. Any classmates who have attempted to say ‘no’ to Chic know exactly what I’m talking about. Chic was a key member of the team that broke the record for contributions for a 50th Reunion Class. The $124,000 record still stands.”

Chic Smith often speaks of the importance of “pay back” to that which was responsible for one’s success. Cheers to Chic, who puts his money and incredible effort where his mouth is!

The Mitchell Award, established in 2000, was named in honor of Jock Mitchell ’66. The award is presented to that individual or individuals whose volunteer efforts have made the School stronger and whose commitment to the mission of Nichols School is outstanding.

Barb Regan, another of our great fans and friends, fits this description so well. Her voice reverberates on so many levels within the Nichols School community. Over her many years here as a mother of four Nichols alumni, she has lent her booming support to our Parents’ Council, Derby Day Auction Set Up Committee and Big Green Athletic Dinner. She has been at our concerts, our art shows, our plays and at all of our athletic games. It is her consummate cheering, her insistence on School spirit, and her enthusiasm to teach and perform traditions and cheers, which has set Barb apart, made her a unique and welcome leader in our community.

We recognize Barb for organizing and staffing the Homecoming BBQ, for sewing, for building, for baking, for driving, for decorating, for serving on cleanup crews, and so much more. In addition to all of this, you and your husband, Larry, have been members of our Headmaster’s Society and served as dedicated Headmaster’s Society volunteers. You also support our Annual Fund consistently and generously.

First and foremost, we thank you for your children, Kelly ’05, Emily ’06, Jim ’08 and Will ’10, and we thank you for being the outstanding volunteer you are!

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The 90th Annual Meeting & Alumni Holiday Gathering Alumni and friends gathered to celebrate the 90th Annual Meeting & Alumni Holiday Gathering on Dec. 23, 2009. We honored Susan Schapiro as our Honorary Alumna, presented by David Comerford ’73; Jane Cox Hettrick ’78 as our Distinguished Alumna, presented by Lise Buyer ’78; and Frederick G. Pierce II ’73 as our Distinguished Alumnus, presented by his son, Rick Pierce ’07.

Following a ceremony in the Glenn & Awdry Flickinger Performing Arts Center to recognize this year’s award recipients, we gathered for a reception in the Rand Dining Room. Alumni also had the chance to tour the Class of 1963 Center for Math and Science.

Susan Schapiro Honorary Alumna You hold a unique place in the evolution of Nichols School.

As the first female faculty member, you were expected to prove yourself worthy of inclusion in a male bastion. You endured the daily scrutiny of venerable teachers and you were kept out of the faculty photos and the commencement faculty lineup. You were allowed to assist in coaching the tennis team. Gracefully and persistently, you raised questions about the aims of education and methods of learning that helped us accept and profit from change. As professional evaluator, you developed instruments to measure the impact of the Nichols experience on the “nontraditional students” of the 60s and 70s: South Buffalonians, African Americans and girls. Your findings revealed that many of these students felt insecure at Nichols, while gaining the tools of classroom success and leadership training that had been the hallmark of a Nichols education.

These conclusions led you to plant the seeds of what has become the effective dean and advisory system, commitment to community service, and character education in the Nichols of today. Your new department of Philosophy, Religion and Social Relations provided courses

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in which students were encouraged to dig deeper into their reading and to analyze their responses, becoming affective as well as effective learners.

But Nichols could not keep you forever. You had much to contribute to higher education from the “Bully Pulpit” of the President’s Office of the University at Buffalo. As his special counsel, you saw to it that courses about how to learn were added to undergraduate requirements, and you taught the faculty how to teach them. Your efforts were rewarded with national recognition for your methods of teaching. Your legacy is alive and well at Nichols and in many of the finest universities. In retirement, you surmount increasing physical challenges. You offered popular courses through adult education programs and have written two children’s books. You continue to question and advise all who seek your counsel.

You worked persistently to achieve equal opportunities for women students in the early years of co-education, insisting on co-heads of student activities, equal facilities and equal time on the athletic fields. It is a great pleasure to name you, Susan Schapiro, an Honorary Alumna of Nichols School.

Awards Jane Cox Hettrick ’78 Distinguished Alumna You are one of our most enthusiastic supporters at Nichols School.

You are a loyal fan and a considerate friend. You passionately involve yourself in Nichols, although quietly and with no want for attention, your “serving and protecting” begins at home. In the love of your family, you have your own personal Nichols network: your husband, John ’73, and your four children, Emily ’07, Laura ’09, John ’13 and Bobby ’16. Lucky for us, you nurture and care for Nichols as if we are a member of your family.

You are an all-time great volunteer; we are grateful for your wide-ranging contributions since your graduation. You have stayed connected to Nichols and you have made this connection a priority for you and your family. From 2003 to 2006, you passionately and devotedly served our Alumni Association as a member of the Alumni Board. Your near perfect attendance at meetings and alumni events, your hard work as a Class Agent for the great class of 1978, and your generosity and leadership in the Headmaster’s Society Division of the Annual Fund, demonstrate the myriad of ways you continue to give back.

Since 2006, you have provided vital leadership and service as a

Frederick G. Pierce II ’73 Distinguished Alumnus You graduated as a member of the Class of 1973, and fortunately for Nichols, you have consistently offered us the same admirable qualities that we first witnessed while you were a student here. A college recommendation rated you “strong” and “enthusiastic” in areas of warmth of personality, leadership, self-confidence, sense of humor, respect accorded by classmates and respect accorded by faculty – and these characteristics define who and what make you such a terrific friend to this School. Your special ability to value your Nichols friendships has established you as one of the most reliable and kind friends we have.

It is with ease that you establish and maintain effective and long lasting relationships. Your exceptional knack for relating to others has been so important in the roles you have played as a leader on our Alumni Board and our Board of Trustees. It is your authentic interest in people that sets you apart. During your School days here, it was said in a report card comment, “He is affectionately known by everyone as a person genuinely concerned about helping when and where it is needed. He plans his work well and accomplishes an extraordinary amount. Ted is an

member of the Board of Trustees. You have served on the Strategic Planning Committee, the Development Committee and the Marketing-Communications Committee, and act as Chair of the Governance Committee. From your background as an attorney, we are thankful that you are always willing to lend your legal expertise, such as when you proficiently rewrote our bylaws.

You are leading us at a critical time in Nichols history. You helped us embark on a monumental Capital Campaign, nicholsfuture.org. You served as Chair of the Major Gifts Committee, working for countless hours strategizing and stewarding support for the growth of our endowment, our new Peek and Strauss Truscott athletic fields, and the new traffic patterns and roadways, which safely keep traffic and parking on our perimeter.

Perhaps most importantly, you helped lead the effort to fund the new sustainable Class of 1963 Center for Math and Science. We are fortunate that you treat your Nichols tasks as a top priority and have been present at pivotal times and involved with “turning point” decisions.

Your Headmaster, Christopher Wadsworth, said about you, “What Jane chooses to do, she does well.” Thirty years later, this statement remains true. In recognition of your extraordinary contributions to Nichols, it is a great pleasure to name you, Jane Cox Hettrick ’78, a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.

outgoing person, both as a student and an individual.”

As a student here, you were involved in the Charities Committee, the Dance Committee, Freshman Orientation, the Verdian, and played football, tennis and squash. And in your own self assessment then, you continually spoke of people as your passion, meeting new people and viewing different lifestyles. Today, as a Nichols parent and critical member of our Board of Trustees, you have led us again as Chair of the Endowment Committee, as well as being a member of the Marketing-Communications, Planning and Finance Committees.

You also are a member of the Headmaster’s Society. Your overall contributions to Nichols over the past decade have been instrumental to garnering support from alumni and friends, growing our endowment, upgrading and transforming our beautiful campus and perhaps the most treasured of your contributions has been that of your children, Rick ’07, Caroline ’09 and David ’11. We are thankful to you and your wife, Lisa, for sharing them with us.

Stated in your final progress report on June 13, 1973 is the following: “Ted is a pleasant fellow to have about Nichols.” We are fortunate to say the same proudly and often. In recognition of your extraordinary contributions to Nichols, it is a great pleasure to name you, Frederick G. Pierce II ’73, a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.

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William S. Wright Award: Sarah Gelman Carney ’92 At the 90th Annual Meeting & Alumni Holiday Gathering on Dec. 23, 2009, Hugh M. Russ III ’78 presented the William S. Wright ’34 Award to Sarah Gelman Carney ’92, outgoing Director of Alumni Relations & the Annual Fund.

He said, “In the penultimate scene of my favorite movie – not my favorite Christmas movie – my favorite movie – ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’ Clarence, who is George Bailey’s guardian angel, delivers the punch line: ‘Strange, isn’t it? Each man touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he? You’ve been given a great gift, George. A chance to see what the world would be like without you.

You see, George, you’ve really had a wonderful life. Don’t you see what the world would be like without you?’

George Bailey realizes that, in fact, he is a success, because he has positively impacted the lives of so many people around him. Sarah Carney is our George Bailey.

She has positively influenced so many of us – students, faculty, staff, alumni. To many of us, Sarah Carney is Nichols… Sarah has given all of us a wonderful life.”

Sarah started at Nichols 11 years ago, serving as Director of Alumni Relations in the Development Office. She later assumed the important duties of the Annual Fund when Joyce Angert retired. Her enthusiasm and energy is contagious to all those who work with her and around her.

During her time at Nichols, Sarah has further developed alumni programming and worked closely with the Alumni Board and the Alumni Association.

Sarah has diligently raised much needed dollars for the Annual Fund and worked tirelessly with the School’s dedicated teams of Annual Fund and Headmaster’s Society volunteers. She has served the School with her energy and enthusiasm and built many wonderful relationships. We greatly appreciate her devoted service over the past 10 years!

Thank you, Sarah, for your unwavering support of Nichols and your zealous dedication to our School – your School! For all your passionate work, Nichols is grateful.

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Nichols School

Kew Raiser Lecture

“An Eye on the White House” Diana Walker, Photojournalist

On Monday, April 12, Nichols welcomed photojournalist, Diana Walker, for the 2010 Kew Raiser Lecture. The Kew Raiser Lecture was established in memory of C. Taylor Kew ’58 and C. Victor Raiser ’58. Having served as one of Time’s White House photographers during the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations, Walker shared insight about covering the Presidents and their families. Walker, a contract photographer for Time magazine since 1979, also covered the campaigns of Jimmy Carter, Al Gore, George H.W. Bush, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton.

“THE BIGGER PICTURE: 30 Years of Portraits,” is her second National Geographic book. “PUBLIC & PRIVATE: Twenty Years Photographing the Presidency,” published in 2002, chronicles Walker’s own collection of White House and Washington photographs, taken mostly on assignment for Time magazine. On the afternoon of April 12, Walker met with Upper School arts faculty member, Andrea Mancuso, and her Photography students, sharing her photographs and experiences with many intrigued students.

Friends and family also attended a reception prior to the lecture. Everyone enjoyed Walker’s wonderful photographs and fascinating stories.

Prince Lecture

“Understanding Natural Hazards to Reduce their Disasters”

Dr. Michael Sheridan, SUNY at Buffalo Distinguished Professor of Geology On Monday, May 10, Nichols hosted Dr. Michael Sheridan, a SUNY at Buffalo Distinguished Professor and founding Director of the UB Center for GeoHazards Studies, for the 2010 Prince Lecture.

The lectureship was established by Sidney Warren Prince, Jr. ’47 in memory of his parents.

His talk, “Understanding Natural Hazards to Reduce their Disasters,” covered several natural hazards, with an emphasis on those associated with volcanoes. The most recent disasters that have been in the news, including earthquakes, tsunami and mudslides, also were discussed.

Dr. Sheridan also met with students and attended classes on May 12.

Dr. Sheridan has published more than 150 peer-reviewed papers in a broad range of journals, including Science, Nature, Journal of Geophysical Research, Computers in Geoscience, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, and Natural Hazards. His work focuses on topics related to explosive volcanism, including authorship several hazard maps of dangerous volcanoes. His more recent research applies computer models to assess volcanic hazards related to ground-hugging geophysical mass flows, such as rock avalanches, debris flows and pyroclastic flows.

Arts

Colby Art Fund Exhibits Embrace Nichols

Margaret Kew, Alan Kew ’63, Julia Kew, Diana Kew McIntosh and Richard McIntosh stand in front of the new C. Taylor Kew, Jr. ‘82 Gallery.

A Fitting Legacy: the C. Taylor Kew, Jr. ’82 Gallery On April 12, in conjunction with the Kew Raiser Lecture, members of the Nichols community gathered to dedicate the C. Taylor Kew, Jr. ’82 Gallery space. With the 2010 installation of the C. Taylor Kew, Jr. ’82 Gallery, Taylor’s family, classmates and friends have helped Taylor’s wonderful legacy live on at Nichols. It is fitting that the space, which will be a permanent memorial to Taylor, will exhibit some of our very best student photography.

The class of 1982 has shown tremendous enthusiasm and support for the Taylor Kew Memorial Project. Friends and classmates, Jake Vogelsang ’82, Lisa Regan Anderson ’82 and Hunter Bahr ’82, led the effort to raise funds to make the gallery a reality. At the event, Jake Vogelsang ’82 spoke to honor Taylor and remember his passions in life.

Jake said: “I am honored to be standing here today, representing my class, to dedicate this wonderful memorial…Artistic expression – whether through photography, drama, music, dance, creative writing – helps young people learn about themselves and their surroundings in ways more formal education cannot. Today, as a parent, I am seeing firsthand in my two daughters how encouraging their creative artistic expression has become essential in their development into confident young adults, helping to lay a foundation for them to become lifelong learners. Taylor understood this truth, and he applied his artistic talents toward his successful, and all too brief, career. So let us celebrate Taylor’s life and his love of photography by celebrating the non-conformist, the artist, the colorful character that lives within each of us. Let this gallery be a place where they can shine forever.”

Each year, the Nichols Gallery in the Glenn and Awdry Flickinger Performing Arts Center features multiple art exhibits. The artist’s work remains in the space, which can be found in the lobby of the Flickinger Performing Arts Center, for a few months before rotating to the next artist. This past spring, we were pleased to host two wonderful exhibits with special ties to Nichols.

In the early part of spring, Nichols exhibited a show titled, “MICROCOSMIC ARCHIVE: A History of Nichols,” a new body of work by well-known regional artist, educator and curator Gerald Mead. It consisted of a series of 50 small-scale collages that chronicle the 118-year history of Nichols School. The source material for the eloquent collages was duplicate material in the School’s archives and pieces contributed by faculty, staff, students and alumni for use in the project. Materials included yearbooks, School publications, development brochures, event tickets and programs, school forms, student projects, photographs, filmstrips, awards and certificates, discarded library material, and other various artifacts and mementos.

Each collage – contained within an antiquated aluminum slide mount salvaged from the School’s photography studio – was meticulously created to include fragments of material from disparate eras of the School’s existence. The miniature works represent multiple aspects of the School and reference its architecture, traditions, iconic images, academics, sports and other extracurricular activities.

To complete the 2009-2010 school year, the gallery displayed a fun and unique exhibit called, “Too much life, too little art; To much life! To little art!” The series of works, as clever as its name, was a collaborative effort of Larry Desautels, poet and English faculty member at Nichols, and Leslie Zemsky, painter, President of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Nichols parent.

When Larry and Leslie first got the idea to do this show, they had little idea of what they would be “showing.” Paintings about poems, poems about paintings - or something nicely alliterative like that was the genesis.

Eventually, though, they became intrigued with The Fragment not as a piece of some other thing, but as a stand-alone “thing.” Of course they both already knew that a sketch on a pad or a painting on a canvas, or a note on a coaster or a poem on a page, is only a piece of something bigger in size or time. For most artists know that they can only hope to capture an image or a moment at a time.

Filmmakers are more ambitious, perhaps, but they are pretty content with the fragment - the idea, the image, the impulse - unambitious and unhurried to become anything but a fragment.

Some of these written frags are on the brink of standing alone, but some matured, put on weight, declared themselves “poems.”

Most of these painted frags were intended to stand alone - a picture IS worth a thousand words, some say - while others got social and joined together for some bigger cause.The art exhibitions are sponsored by the Colby Art Fund. For additional information, contact 716-332-5151.

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Study Abroad at Université Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV) – Julia Butcher ’07 Study abroad. We all know what it means, what it entails. I cannot really say that I foresaw myself writing this piece on a bed in a maid’s room in the 7th arrondissement in Paris with my windows wide open to a view of the top half of the Tour Eiffel and enjoying some sprite street trumpet music from a guy across the street. All that and a glass of chilled vin blanc which goes swimmingly with my, you guessed it, tortilla chips.

I have changed a lot in my time here so far and am not afraid to admit that I still have a weakness for chips. Yes, most, if not all, college students think of one thing when the words ‘study abroad’ comes to mind: party time. In many ways this is absolutely true. However, in our defense, nights out meeting people from all over the world in all brands of nightlife wandering the streets until the sweet early hours of the day teaches you a great deal about yourself.

You learn to let go, open up, think clearly, think in the moment, relish the weird things, delight in the annoyances, and apply all that language you’ve spent the past 12 years of your life learning. In doing so, we all come to terms with cultural differences and those amusing social nuances that you only learn when arguing with a French university student. Making mistakes plays an enormous role in the study abroad experience as, in my opinion, the greatest learning tool. Being corrected or just plain told that you are wrong is a great way to learn and becomes easier once you accept the fact that you are not and cannot expect to be perfect.

I have spent more than seven consecutive months in France now and have come to the point where I am now evaluating how I have changed, grown, loved, hated, learned, forgot, progressed, even regressed. It amazes me that my academic year is almost over.

Two guys, clearly students, just playing some simple, smooth and surprisingly good jazz music on the Pont Saint-Louis just behind Notre Dame.

It was a beautiful day and needless to say I could not resist taking my sweet time crossing that bridge.

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Alumna Blog

(l-r) Me, Clementine Maillot and Alix de Jean. Alix was my first exchange student. This photo was taken of the three of us in Le Havre on my 21st birthday at a bar on the beach in Sainte-Adresse.

Un chocolat chaud à l’ancienne, or an old-school hot chocolate I had at a café, which was easily the best hot chocolate I’ve had in my life. I’m proud to say it took me a full hour to drink it.

Having spent a good amount of time in France over a number of 4. It is socially acceptable to be all manners of straightforward, even years, I felt relatively comfortable when I arrived back in the fall. My harsh, in conversation among friends and in class (something first three major transitions I would have to say involved dealing with I was admittedly intimidated by at first and have now warmly the overly and painfully bureaucratic French university registration and welcomed into my life). class system, city life in general, including everything between how to 5. Speaking of classes, it is socially acceptable to be late to class cross the street without getting plowed by a bus to metro etiquette, and (teachers are pretty flexible about this since large portions of the adjusting to my six flights of narrow steep stairs from hell. metro system and RATP are frequently on strike).

I opted to live by myself and can say it has 6. Speaking of strikes, it is absolutely been more than worth it. Paris is expensive socially acceptable to go on strike and stand beyond reason in just about everyway it up for your right to protest (a very true “Take advantage of your can be, both a positive and negative in my I have found as evidenced by the exchange and study abroad stereotype book. For one, I’ve learned how to cook for 20 or more manifestations I have watched options. Not many kids myself because it is very cheap and highly from my apartment window). entertaining, mostly because my kitchen have these opportunities and 7. It is socially acceptable to stare and appliances are limited to hot plates and a watch, which has become a beloved you would be surprised how people toaster oven and a fuse box that blows out pastime of mine and is a national pastime of many doors open in easily. Among the negatives is that I am France. now extremely conscious about how I spend The list goes on and joyously so. your world when you make my money and will never ever miss the To all of the current Nichols students, friends abroad.” abounding opportunities of happy hours, I have this to say: take advantage of your pub quizzes, free food and free concerts. All exchange and study abroad options. Not these considered, I will not truly understand how I have changed many kids have these opportunities and you would be surprised how until I return to Denver, something I seriously look forward to in many doors open in your world when you make friends abroad. I large part because of the ease and joy of American university life. hosted my first exchange student, Alix, in 8th grade, and am proud During my time here, I have a running list of what is and is not to say that I attended her 21st birthday party at her house in Le socially acceptable in Paris, and I would like to share some of my Havre last month. I’ve known her, her family and her friends for favorites. over seven years. They are not simply girls I hosted once upon a 1. It is not socially acceptable to eat and walk at the same time, time. They are good friends. It all started because of these exchange something I continue to grapple with on a daily basis (excuse me programs. If you take these opportunities seriously, you will never for buying a delicious pain au chocolat and wolfing it down before regret it. I thank Nichols for that sincerely.

I get back to my apartment because it is just too good to wait).

2. It is socially acceptable to cut people in line (during rush hour in To read more of Julia’s adventures, visit her blog at the grocery store it will be the closest you get to mortal combat). http://juliabutcher.tumblr.com.

3. It is not socially acceptable to talk loudly on the metro or any public places for that matter (this upsets the Parisian chi, I guess, which bewilders me considering their opinionated personalitites and penchant for arguing).

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Culinary Training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris – Carolyn Gioia ’01 Since 2005, Carolyn has been living in San Francisco working for a number of luxury magazines. When the economy began to have an impact on the publishing industry, she took a leap of faith and follow a life-long passion for food and cooking. At first, she considered culinary school in London, but she wanted to walk the halls where so many famous chefs learned the classics, so she chose Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. In order to keep in touch with friends and family, she started a daily blog to chronicle her adventures. The following are excerpts from her blog.

Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010 – I Cooked Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010 – Recent Peter Cottontail…

Findings/Orientation Day Disclaimer: The following blog post The room itself was very promises to be extremely graphic, ordinary but had croissants, please skip this one if you happen to jus d’orange, tea and café for be squeamish. us. We then met the head of the school…We introduced We had to make rabbit yesterday ourselves, and I wrote down with sauteed potatoes. Chef Stril the different countries where showed us in demo (at 8 a.m.) people were from: Israel, Japan, how to butcher them, but it Thailand, Brazil, Columbia, didn’t really prepare me for what Taiwan, China, Italy, Canada, I was about to see.

Greece, United Arab Emirates, First of all, they have their UK, France and the U.S. heads (without ears, but WITH WHOA! Talk about a melting eyes) and most of the major pot of people. Most people spoke internal organs. Intestines and a little English and I foresee things were removed, but we language being an issue for were left with heart, lungs, liver, several. There are others who kidneys. We first had to remove speak five languages and I found the head – Chef Stril told us it was myself feeling jealous. I definitely better to use the cleaver and lop it can understand much of the off in one foul chop. The cleaver French which is going to be is really heavy. Once it’s in the air helpful, but speaking is another it’s pretty tough to stop it, so aim is issue… really important. I always remove Then we had a tour of the my left hand from the meat…just school. It’s very small and for in case… being such a renowned place, the Tourte de Pintade – a very difficult guinea fowl pie...success!

I had a really hard time with equipment seemed antiquated. I this…When you order a chicken, had to remind myself that it’s not duck, rabbit, etc., it comes to you cooked and looking nothing like about the equipment, but the technique I will be learning. Pictures its original form. Here it takes a lot of work to get it into the 10 on the wall of all the famous alumni are so much fun to look at! pieces that we needed. I had to really focus on not gagging audibly.

(Lots of Julia Child.) The prep kitchens are scary and I saw the Chef Clergue (Mr. Bean) noticed that I was struggling and asked biggest vat of bubbling veal stock just boiling away when we got a me twice if I was ok… tour of that. We also met some of the chefs who were having lunch We then had to remove the kidneys and liver – mine was FULL in the sous sol (basement)… of liver! We had to cook that so those were saved, but the heart and lungs were tossed. Once everything was cleaned, chopped and dusted in flour we browned them on the stove, and then put shallot and garlic and wine in there and tossed them in the oven.

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Alumna Blog

Inside the Julia Child Practice Kitchen

Duck, “before” – all our animals come with their feet on them (sometimes even heads)!

I began working on my potatoes which were really hard to do – perfect 2 mm round slices is challenging! We also had to remove much of the starch from them, which was tedious rinsing. Once my rabbit came out of the oven, I forgot my handy hand saver (Le Creuset rubber cover for hot handles) and I grabbed the handle. I never cut myself, but I can’t seem to manage to not BURN myself.

OUCH. I kept right on working and the Chef saw what happened.

I was slicing my potatoes and was really fine – it was nothing like the finger burns before, but Chef came over without me noticing and bandaged me up – what a guy!

All in all, Chef liked my dish. Meat was cooked perfectly, potatoes cooked perfectly and seasoned properly and my sauce was a thing of beauty. The only comments he had were that I plated my rabbit upside down…I also didn’t cook the organs enough. We were told to leave them pink, and mine browned so quickly, I didn’t want to overcook them. I was pleased, but I handed all my rabbit off to the dishwasher (who loves me). She was excited to have it, which made me feel better not wasting. I just couldn’t bring it home and eat it…

Thursday, March 25, 2010 – My Own Little Ceremony!

Having missed the real graduation ceremony to travel to San Francisco, I went in to the academic office to receive my diploma yesterday…I have to admit, I was pretty sad to have received it from Céline in the office rather than hearing my name called and taking pictures with the Chefs. Nevertheless, I went to my first demo class of intermediate (guinea fowl, fish stew and an apple tart) and really looked at my certificate. When I first decided to take this journey, I was hoping to not flunk out and just make it through basic. Now, I’m already plotting how I can improve for intermediate. I never in a million years thought that this is what I’d be doing right now, that I’d be living a dream of mine in Paris and meeting the friends that already have and will continue to change my life.

The final product – Salmis de Canard en Cabouillade (roast duck with Roman style gnocchi).

I have proudly displayed the diploma and our class picture with distinction and prominence in the house – where it should remain to remind me just what I have done. I hope to look at it when I have a bad day and think to myself that I overcame what I thought impossible at the beginning and was able to do well!

Let me rewind a bit here…March 17 and the days preceding were quite stressful. I tried to remain calm and have a sense of humor through it all, but there were times when I was so scared I could barely speak. A group of us practiced at Laura’s house one day…

We had been tipped off that our dishes were going to be brill (a flat fish) and the roast duck, but we couldn’t rest on that. I memorized every step in every recipe. When we were there – a sudden calm came over me. People were freaking out and for some reason, I felt ready. Chef Caals was our proctor and knowing that he would give us the grades on organization, our skill (turning two artichokes), technique and generally overseeing us in the kitchen, made me nervous. He’s SUCH a clean freak that I really wanted to blow him away. I thought of the organization and the technique as gimme points. We could control everything about those two aspects of our exam, so it was imperative to really knock those out of the park. I chose the brill dish, so I just went right to work.

Pretty soon into the dish, Lara cut her thumb, badly. I didn’t think anything of it initially, but when she came back with a glove on her hand that was filling with blood, I knew it was bad. I told her that of all the Chefs at school, Caals would freak about the blood, so she went down and had it properly taken care of. She was gone for 30 minutes of our final. At first I thought to myself, keep going Carolyn and get yours done. But when she still wasn’t back, I knew she’d be in trouble if I didn’t help. I cored her tomatoes, put on a pot of boiling water for her to peel the tomatoes, skimmed her stock, chopped her mushrooms and made her a bouquet garni.

She came back and was right on par time wise with me…We talked

Continued on page 40.

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Students Create Hope, One Bead at a Time

by Nina Barone Hope. It’s a small word filled with enormous meaning. It evokes feelings of anticipation and expectation, perhaps best personified by the optimism and confidence of a child.

In this case, hope comes to life in two Nichols students making a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

Almost two years ago, Madeleine Welchoff ’16 started Beads Create Hope.

She was inspired to start a non-profit organization to raise funds to donate to cancer research after experiencing the death of her friend’s father. Madeleine, who has acted as the organization’s Founder and Creative Director since age nine, said her mom helped her get the idea to use beading because it became a hobby of hers around that time.

Madeleine and her older brother, Andrew Welchoff ’14, Director of Marketing and Web Development and Business Manager, credit their mother, Tracy Narins Welchoff ’83, with much of their success.

“If we didn’t have our mom, I don’t know where Beads Create Hope would stand,” said Andrew Welchoff ’14. “Our mom is just so helpful.”

“I can tell you where it would stand.

Nowhere!” Madeleine continued passionately. “She drives us everywhere.

She beads with me. She probably does just as much as I do. Every time I bead, she asks if she can help and she’s excited to do it with me.”

Beads Create Hope sells beaded jewelry at various locations around Western New York, with all proceeds from Beads Create Hope donated to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The organization recently reached its goal of donating $10,000 before 2010 to pediatric cancer research. The astounding amount was raised in under two years, and it is clear from talking to Madeleine and Andrew that they are genuinely surprised by the magnitude of success they have achieved.

Beads Create Hope’s homemade jewelry and hand crafted beaded pieces are made 30

Nichols School

Madeline Welchoff ’16, Tracy Narins Welchoff ’83 and Andy Welchoff ’14 sell Beads Create Hope products at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

exclusively by volunteer bead artisans, many of Madeleine’s friends and family members. Designed in many colors and styles, beaded fashions start at just $1.00.

Products include necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets and custom jewelry. In addition, they offer key chains, lanyards, bookmarks, eyeglass holders, zipper pulls, ornaments and more.

“Buying our beads makes customers feels good because it gives them the spectacular feeling of conquering cancer while getting beautiful jewelry,” said Madeleine.

Andrew, who designed the organization’s web site, said his father helped him use the tools needed to build the web site.

Madeleine also expressed gratitude to her elementary school principal, who taught her how to use Excel and helped get Beads Create Hope off to a strong start.

“I’ve really got to thank all our wonderful

customers for their support,” said Andrew.

“They’ve helped create Breads Create Hope too. I’m really proud of what we accomplished. I hope more kids do charity work for the good of the community.”

These compassionate students possess a combination of youthful exuberance and professionalism that is humbling.

They articulated that their main focus right now is finishing the school year and appreciating what they’ve accomplished.

Throughout the summer, Madeleine plans to do more beading and continue to build her technique.

“I learned that if you try, you can reach your goal,” said Madeleine. “I tried and I got what we wanted to raise in two years. I think trying is the most important part!”

If you would like to learn more about Beads Create Hope, visit www. beadscreatehope.com.

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Alumni Event Belmont Hill School

A. Barney Walsh ’73, Ted Strachan ’81 and David Strachan ’85 B. Chris & Jack Writer and their grandchildren, Clarke and Grey Gettleman C. Sarah Gelman Carney ’92, Charles Tracy ’67 and Charlotte Tracy D. David Strachan ’85 and Al Rossow ’51 E. Jay Smith ’74 and his son, Alan Smith

On Dec. 29, 2010, Nichols alumni and friends cheered Nichols to a 2-1 victory over hometown hockey rival, St. Francis. A reception was held in Belmont Hill School’s “Wadsworth Room,” named in honor of our former Headmaster and friend, Christopher Wadsworth.

F. Ian Hoffman ’94 and Dennis McCarthy ’52

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Alumni Event Boston Jan. 21, 2010 Hosted by Charlie ’67 & Don Tracy ’68

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A. Bonnie Padwa ’79, Steve Robins ’79 and Peter Ambrus ’69 B. Brian Dillon ’76, Amy Marlette DiSanto ’78 and Debbie Genco Powell ’76 C. The whole Boston 2010 group D. Chris Kennedy ’77, Peter Amershadian and Steve Nesbitt ’74 E. Dan Rapalje ’67 and Charles Tracy ’67

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F. Peter Gates ‘73 and Dean Jewett ‘99 G. Jeff Brooker ’96 and Jeff Harvey ’96 H. Mercedes Carota ’05, Kaitlin Kramer ’05 and Adam Goldfarb ’05 I. Jim Duryea ’77 and Chip Mann ’52 J. Scott Butsch ’89 and Lisa Corrin ’83 K. Skip Comstock ’65 and Austin Hoyt ’55

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Alumni Event Florida East Coast March 8, 2010 Hosted by Ellen & Peter Boer ’57

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E.

A. Denis Doyle ’54 and Ellen Boer B. Kathryn Dye Gresh ’95 and Heather Dye ’92 C. FW Pearce ’80 and Ellen Boer D. Laura Moss, Elaine Mendelow and Gene Moss ’56 E. Peter Boer ’57 and Mary Jane Smith

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Alumni Event Florida West Coast March 9 Hosted by Michael & Karen Burgess Chiantella ’89

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A. Betty Anthone, Roland Anthone ’42, Gerry Clauss, Sidney Anthone ’42 and Ruth Palanker B. Joanne & Neil Ehrenreich ’51 C. Bob Battel ’56, Paul Noller ’73, Bonnie and Bill Bissett ’65 D. Dick Fleischman ’59 showing off a Nichols knapsack E. Donna Noller and Mary Martin F. David Howard ’43 G. Karen Burgess Chiantella ’89 & Michael Chiantella, Eileen & Noel Chiantella, Cate Chiantella Stern ’01 & Jordan Stern H. LeeAnn Fronckowiak ’85 and Paula Fronckowiak ’82

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Alumni Event San Francisco Feb. 25, 2010 Hosted by Ryan Arthurs ’01

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A. George Minowanda ’79 and Rick Bryan B. Jeremy Baird ’98 & Lisa Baird C. Jeremy Baird ’98, Rich May ’92 and Joe Bach D. Host, Ryan Arthurs ’01, Rich May ’92 and Kate Schapiro ’76 E. Martin Terplan ’47, Jack Wendler ’56 and Elizabeth Terplan F. Rick Herrick ’79 and Mike Daley ’84

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vents

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Upcoming Events Tuesday, Aug. 31 Freshman Orientation

Wednesday, Sept. 1 Opening Day of the 119th Nichols School Year Friday, Sept. 3 Senior Retreat

Alumni Event Santa Monica

Monday, Sept. 6 Labor Day, School Closed

Thursday, Sept. 16 Middle School Parents’ Go-to-School Night

Feb. 23, 2010 The Buffalo Club

Tuesday, Sept. 21 Upper School Parents’ Go-to-School Night Friday, Sept. 24 Class of 1963 Center for Math and Science Building Dedication Monday, Oct. 11 Columbus Day, School Closed

Please support

nicholsfuture.org

Friday, Oct. 15 Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony and Dinner

“ Every capital improvement in our history

Saturday, Oct. 16 Homecoming

has been funded by the generosity of our

Sunday, Oct. 17 Admissions Open House

community. I have seen the benefits of a

Saturday, Oct. 30 Young Scientists’ Workshop

Nichols education and am confident that our

Thursday, Nov. 11 Veterans’ Day, Professional Day, No Classes

investment has paid impressive dividends for

Saturday, Nov. 13 Young Writers’ Workshop

our own family and will continue to do so for

Thursday, Nov. 18 – Tuesday, Nov. 23 Upper School Exams

generations of Nichols students to come.”

Tuesday, Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Vacation begins at end of school day

Thursday, Dec. 9 – Friday, Dec. 10 Middle & Upper School Parent/Teacher Conferences

Joseph J. Castiglia, Campaign Chair, Trustee ’85-’89 & ’97-’03, President ’87-’89, Nichols Parent ’84, ’86,

Friday, Dec. 17 Winter Vacation begins at end of school day

Nichols Grandparent ’12, ’15

Please visit our School calendar on www.nicholsschool.org for more detailed information.

Spring/Summer 2010

37

2010 Derby Day Auction

The show floor of the silent auction buzzes with bidders.

and successful event, filled with countless special touches.

The 2010 Derby Day Auction, “Put on Your Silks and Kick up At the event, guests tried their luck in the new horseshoe pits and Some Dirt,” was a resounding success! A huge thank you goes out placed bids on a variety of artwork, vacation packages, sporting goods, to our Auction Co-Chairs, Jackie Beecher and Monica Jones. jewelry and more priceless items. In addition, the Kentucky Derby played Their commitment, creativity and enthusiasm made for an live, during the event! Dance students posed as jockey mannequins; live incredibly fun evening. jazz music was provided by the Nichols Jazz Ensemble, conducted by Tim Derby Day Auction 2010 got an excellent start right out of the Schwartz; and music from the Upper School Chorus, conducted by Tim gates, thanks to our two outstanding Gift Gathering Parties in Socha, serenaded guests during February, hosted by Deborah dinner.

Russell & Peter Jones ’74 and Our auctioneer, Cash Jennifer & Bill McNamara in Cunningham, once again helped their beautiful homes. Many to make our Live Auction a thanks to them for putting smashing success. This year, he together two lovely events! ended our evening with “Raise We would like to extend the Paddle for the Arts,” raising our sincere thanks to all the funds for new Arts facilities and parent leaders and volunteers, equipment. especially our Committee Nichols’ Chef, Mark Shaffer, Chairs: Lenny & Patti Deni; served another fantastic meal and Maureen Tomczak and Sheila outstanding dessert. Thank you Kowalski; Ned Franz ’91; Kathy to Mark and his always attentive Gates and Tricia Welch; Beth Derby Day Auction Co-Chairs, Monica Jones (far left) and Jackie Beecher (far staff.

Munro; Jim & Patty Fennie; right), catch up with Lisa Sauer and Aranya Maritime.

A huge thank you goes out to Katherine Vanderhorst and M&T Bank, our premium sponsor. We are extremely grateful for your Kristan Carlson Andersen ’80; Darcy Donaldson Zacher ’88 and continuing support!

Cynthia Ciminelli; Laurie Wright and Nancy Stevens; Wendy Finally, we would like to thank all of you who attended our Auction.

Schutte, Nancy Tetro, Sasha Yerkovich and Laura Reindl; Barbara Your generosity and support are truly appreciated. We hope you had a Regan and Michelle Rosenberg Parentis ’86; Kevin & Joanne Ryan. wonderful evening and will come back to enjoy next year’s event.

Without your help, Derby Day would not have been such a wonderful 38

Nichols School

After Nichols

Charlie Seilheimer ’59

by Sarah Gelman Carney ’92 Where do you live currently?

Mary Lou and I live at Mount Sharon Farm, a property of approximately 600 acres near Orange, Va. We are located a short distance from Montpelier, the lifelong home of James Madison, America’s fourth President and principal author of the U. S. Constitution.

Where did you go to college?

I am a graduate of Middlebury College with a B.A. in 1963, and of the George Washington Law School with a J.D. in 1966.

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

Nichols taught me a pride in learning through rigorous academics which prepared me well for the academic demands at Middlebury. Once one has a firm foundation in the basics and realizes that success is usually achieved by applying oneself in a single minded way to the task at hand, the remaining ingredient is to choose a career that interests one to the point where applying oneself with devotion for long hours is exhilarating rather than “work.”

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

I am married to Mary Lou Seilheimer (Sweet Briar College, 1963) and have two children, Charles III of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Anne Prentice of Geneva, Switzerland, and four grandchildren.

Although trained in the law, I almost immediately began a career in finance and real estate, eventually founding and becoming President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. – long recognized as the world’s largest marketer of luxury residential, estate and farm properties. I retired from that position over 20 years ago to devote myself to a variety of causes and pursuits that interested me. Among these are national, state and local boards devoted to historic preservation, land conservation, the fine and decorative arts, education and medicine. My life’s work solidly reflects a strong and meaningful connection to my roots and I am thrilled for Buffalo that the National Trust for Historic Preservation has chosen Buffalo to host its national conference in 2011.

In the past 30 years, I have served on more than 20 such boards but, as an example, I will cite my current service in the area of medicine. I serve on the Board of the University of Virginia Cancer Center and as a co-chairman of a leadership group raising

funds to promote clinical trials for a technology which in the near future, I believe, will be the preferred treatment for many cancer, circulatory problems and stroke. This technology is called MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound, which is not a cure but a non-surgical treatment for destroying tumors, dissolving blood clots, and for precise delivery of drugs. I have also been active in the sport of steeplechasing, officiating at several race meets, and having served on the boards of the National Steeplechase Association and the National Steeplechase Foundation.

Did anything from your time at Nichols inspire your career path? What motivated you to get involved in this line of work?

“Giving back” to one’s community or fellow man is perhaps more personally satisfying than success in business.

However, it is important to realize, as a practical matter, that financial success allows one the time and treasure to follow one’s true interests. It might be a “real push” to say that Nichols and Buffalo provided the inspiration for a real estate career, let alone my other interests. However, it is certainly true that Buffalo, through the time of my Nichols graduation, could hold its own with any city in America on manufacturing, transportation, technical innovation, the arts, architecture, and particularly, in city planning through its extensive system of parks and tree-lined parkways. Unquestionably, these influences – with my Nichols training – gave me not only the vision to seek, but the ability to grasp the opportunities that have come my way.

What is your favorite Nichols memory?

Although I cannot cite any particular instance, my memories of Nichols are basically fond ones and I was particularly inspired by Nichols’ teachers Millard Sessions, who instilled a love of history and Austin Fox, who not only taught me the love of the English language through reading and writing, but with whom I also shared a passion for Buffalo’s fine architecture and its history.

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

If you surmise that my life is enjoyable you would be right, but do not think for a minute that life “on the farm” is only gazing across Continued on page 40.

Spring/Summer 2010

39

AreYou Missing Out? Your classmates, friends and teachers are making new Nichols connections. If you are not a part of the online conversation, check it out:

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Join the Nichols School Alumni Network.

After Nichols – Charlie Seilheimer ’59

Continued from page 39

the gorgeous rolling countryside of the Piedmont to the Blue Ridge Mountains while sipping Mint Juleps. Mount Sharon represents the culmination of many of Mary Lou’s and my interests. It is a working cattle farm with a feed lot operation, and the house has been called by architectural historians “one of America’s great Georgian revival country houses.” Our lifelong interest in collecting has lead to assembling a fine collection of American antiques, paintings, silver and export porcelain, all of which we have been pleased to share with interested groups. However, the creation of which I am most proud is the large and varied garden which we have created over the past 12 years at Mount Sharon. A magazine recently called it “one of the most beautiful private landscapes on the East Coast” which means that in order to live up to that reputation, I better stop writing and continue weeding and pruning so that the garden is ready to receive the anticipated 3,000 visitors expected for the start of Virginia Garden Week on April 17.

What else would you like to share with us?

In conclusion, when I returned to my 50th Reunion to see the additions on the Nichols campus, I also experienced a personal highlight which was the 50th Reunion’s tour of Buffalo’s tremendous cache of architecture and art, given by author and Buffalo Renaissance man, Mark Goldman.

It dawned on me last June that my passion for and appreciation for beautiful art, architecture and landscapes could be dated back to my days at Nichols and in Buffalo, New York.

40

Nichols School

Culinary Training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris – Carolyn Gioia ’01 Continued from page 29 each other through steps and it felt like it was just her and me in the kitchen. All of a sudden, it was time to plate and we were SCRAMBLING to finish on time. Our sauces weren’t reduced enough, and I knew my presentation wasn’t going to be great…but when push came to shove, Lara and I both were finished…Caals had told us that we all had received great organization grades, so I knew we were ok. We presented our dishes to the jury of Chefs and went down. Sweaty, tired and emotionally exhausted, we went to clean out our lockers. I just started crying. Not sure if it was because I was happy, I wished I had done better or that I was just proud of myself, but I sat on the floor of the locker room surrounded by all my stuff and cried. After pulling myself together, Lauren and I went to have a celebratory lunch. We sat outside in the 6th and had a bottle of wine and a great lunch. I called Dad for him to make the phone tree calls to say that I had finished and that I knew I had passed.

I’m happy to report that we all passed with flying colors. In fact, our own Lauren was #2 in our class!!!!

Thursday, April 1, 2010 – French Sounds The French are known for many things, but one thing I’ve now discovered are their unique sounds. The Chefs during demo and practical make the silliest noises that I’ve only heard since being here. When you’re demonstrating how to cut something, they use the word ‘tac.’ It’s commonly used in succession while making several cuts ‘tac tac tac.’ When removing the wishbone of a bird, you run your knife down either side of the bone and at the end you need to make a sharp movement to make sure the ends are cut – that’s a ‘CLACK.’ Chef Lesourd is the king of the CLACK (pronounced somewhere between clock and clack) There’s also the recent discovery of Chef Clergue who says ‘hupp’ when lifting something heavy, or just generally moving around the kitchen…

We had 8:30 demo and Caals was in good shape today. He was on top of his game and ripped through the recipes. The entrée was fantastic, so I came right home and tried to re-create it. I failed at my first attempt at homemade mayo and had to eat crow and walk to Franprix to buy Hellmann’s, but the chicken salad was fantastic.

I poached the chicken in veal stock instead of chicken stock and it tasted great, the chiffonade of my greens was beautiful and my julienne of apples were works of art, but I can’t get past that my mayonnaise was a failure! Oh well, better luck next time? A Bientot!

To read more of Carolyn’s adventures, visit her blog at http://cgioialcb2010.blogspot.com.

In Memoriam Edward M. Scheu, Jr. ’42 E.W. Dann Stevens ’44 Edward M. Scheu, Jr. ’42 passed away on May 3, 2010, following a courageous fight with Alzheimer’s disease. After graduating from Nichols, he attended Dartmouth College and served in World War II as part of the U.S. Navy. Following the war, Ed returned to Dartmouth to complete his academic degree and achieve further athletic excellence – becoming the first freshmen ever to earn a varsity letter. After earning a bachelor’s degree, Ed completed a master’s of business administration at the Amos Tuck School of Business and served as the coach of an undefeated Dartmouth freshman soccer team. He continued his graduate studies in an advanced business degree program at the University of Pittsburgh.

In 1949, Ed married Molly Grosvenor Potter and together they raised three children, Edward G., R. Nichols and Jenny Potter Scheu.

Ed’s career started with product development, sales, marketing, purchasing and management with Scott Paper Company. He later became President of Diamond Match Co.; Vice President of Development at Thomas J. Lipton, Inc.; and President of Good Humor Corporation. In addition, Ed had a love of flying. This passion helped lead him to acquire and evolve Atkins & Merrill, Inc. of Marlborough, Mass., a leading manufacturer of technology and products for military and commercial aircraft. Ed moved his business to Lebanon, N.H., in 1974, consolidating operations and technical product lines into Luminescent Systems, Inc. Ed also was active in many regional civic groups and non-profit organizations, including serving as a volunteer for Dartmouth. He acted as an advisor to young entrepreneurs and, in his later years, supported commercial startup ventures in the Upper Valley and the greater New England region. A dog lover, Ed enjoyed training dogs and supported the Upper Valley Humane Society. His enthusiasm also extended to his church, the outdoors and boats. He is survived by a loving family, including his wife, Molly, their three children and five grandchildren. Ed will leave a lasting legacy at Nichols, as he generously named the School as a remainder beneficiary of his charitable remainder trust.

Should You Convert Your IRA to a ROTH? The ability to convert a traditional IRA to a ROTH IRA has always had income restrictions that have just been removed; persons may now convert regardless of their income level.

ROTH IRAs offer many advantages over traditional IRAs, particularly in estate planning. However, conversion to a ROTH IRA has serious tax implications that must be carefully and expertly considered. Under certain circumstances, combining a conversion to a ROTH IRA with charitable giving could present possibilities for advantageous tax planning.

Nichols School is open to discussions and the exploration of ideas with any donors or donor advisors, who are considering or who may wish to consider, a ROTH IRA conversion. Contact Neil R. Farmelo, Director of Planned Giving, at 716-332-5151 or e-mail nfarmelo@nicholsschool.org.

It is with great sadness that we report the death of our longtime friend, E.W. Dann Stevens ’44. He passed away on Thursday, April 29, with his family by his side.

Dann was a distinguished member of the Class of 1944, having been President of his Senior Class and a Class Officer for several years before that. An Honors student and talented athlete, he played football, hockey and track. He was Editor of “Nichols News,” Chairman of the Charities Committee, a member of the Student Council and Dance Committees, and served on the Verdian Board.

In 1944, he was awarded the Edmund Petrie Cottle, Jr. Award, one of the highest honors for a senior, awarded to that member of the graduating class whose scholarship, achievement, leadership and influence based on character has been of greatest value to the School.

A longtime Buffalo attorney, Dann earned his A.B. from Harvard University in 1948, and went on to Cornell University for law school, where he graduated in 1951.

A loyal participant in School life since graduation, Dann served on the 1968 Headmaster Search Committee and was responsible for the candidacy of Christopher Wadsworth. He was the President of the Board of Trustees from 1969-1974. He served on the Board for 21 years, from 1955 to 1976. Dann’s four children, Greg ’74, Elizabeth Stevens Gurney ’75, Molly ’77 and Reed ’80, all attended Nichols.

In 1979, Dann was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award. A pioneer for coeducation at Nichols, his citation stated: “Your affable personality and leadership made possible the merger of Nichols and Nottingham Academy, which thrust Nichols into an exciting new direction…Your affection, enthusiasm and commitment have rubbed off on many and are also evidenced by your wife, Mary, and your four children.” Fittingly, the citation closes by thanking Dann for his “unparalleled record of contributions to the School” and “unselfish love.”

In 1990, Nichols established the E.W. Dann Stevens ’44 Award in his honor, for the Most Improved Dollars Raised by a Reunion Class for the Annual Fund. Dann was devoted to building planned giving at Nichols. As a sign of his commitment, he was one of the first participants of the School’s pooled income fund.

In addition to his unwavering support of Nichols, he has loyally and passionately served as Chairman Emeritus for the Food Bank of WNY. He also was a former President of the Board for Goodwill Industries of WNY and Chairman Emeritus of the Josephine Goodyear Foundation as well. He was the recipient of many professional and philanthropic awards, including the New York State Bar Association Root-Stimson Award, the Erie County United Way “One Person Award,” the Ralph Loew Humanitarian Award and the Frank C. Harding Award from Goodwill Industries of WNY.

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In Memoriam Alumni

Donald W. Bunis ’58 – March 10, 2010 Harold M. Graham ’52 – Oct. 22, 2009 Amanda Gresens ’93 – Apr. 18, 2010 Donald Hershey ’45 – Jan. 17, 2010 E. Harvey Holzworth, Jr. ’42 – Feb. 8, 2010 James E. Metzloff ’42 – Dec. 12, 2009 Richard F. Miller ’47 – April 9, 2010 Thomas L. Mitchell ’44 – April 9, 2010 John G. Orr ’50 – Nov. 15, 2009 Louis B. Reich ’39 – Mar. 24, 2010 Laurence S. Reineman ’57 – Nov. 30, 2009 Edward M. Scheu, Jr. ’42 – May 3, 2010 Howard Simon ’49 – Nov. 16, 2009 E.W. Dann Stevens ’44 – April 29, 2010 Richard G. Trefts ’49 – April 10, 2009 Todd Trefts ’51 – Oct. 5, 2009 Mark H. Yellen ’87 – May 11, 2010

Friends

Robert J. Bradley – Jan. 22, 2010 – father of Gregory Bradley ’77, Steven Bradley ’79, Jeffrey Bradley ’80, Kathleen Bradley Donohue ’82 and Douglas Bradley ’83 Charles J. Clauss – Dec. 28, 2009 – father of Christian Clauss ’78, Ann Scott Clauss N’73 and John Clauss ’82; grandfather of Dieter Clauss ’10

Jane Cordes – Dec. 5, 2009 – grandmother of Andrew Constantine ’00, Elizabeth Constantine ’93 and Jane Constantine Keuleman ’91 Patty Cotsen – Feb. 12, 2010 – mother of Brenda Cotsen ’79, Adam Cotsen ’81 , Sarah Cotsen ’82, Mimi Cotsen Saker ’82 and Ted Cotsen ’90 Mark F. Deacon – Jan. 17, 2010 – father of Daniel C. Deacon ’07

Nancy Dann Reed – Jan. 21, 2010 – wife of Carl N. Reed ’44; mother of Carl N. Reed ’67 and Jeffrey Reed ’72 Nancy T. Shepard – Jan. 4, 2010 – grandmother of Blake Walsh ’98 and Kyle Walsh ’95 Robert H. Silverberg – Nov. 16, 2009 – grandfather of Adam Goldfarb ’05 and Ari Goldfarb ’10

David Desautels – Mar. 3, 2010 – brother of Larry Desautels

Dean C. Stathacos – Dec. 30, 2009 – father of Alexandra Stathacos Crowe ’76 and Charles Stathacos ’70

Rosanna Heckl – Dec. 30, 2009 – mother of Rachel Heckl ’00

Elaine K. Wick – Dec. 6, 2009 – mother of Paul Wick ’81 and Ed Wick ’74

Anne R. Hudson – Dec. 27, 2009 – wife of J. Gilbert Hudson ’52 Rev. Warren W. Lane – Dec. 16, 2009 – father of Stephen Lane ’76 Edwin G. Levy – Jan. 15, 2010 – father of Patricia Levy Glick ’85 and Stephen Levy ’84 Patricia Patterson – Feb. 6, 2010 – wife of Dr. Robert J. Patterson; mother of Brian ‘68, Bruce ‘70, David ‘72 and John Jane Pearce – Mar. 16, 2010 – mother of Frederick W. Pearce ’80

Faculty/Staff

Gyda M. Higgins – Nov. 30, 2009 – Director of Parent Relations Millard Sessions – Jan. 6, 2010 – former history faculty member; father of John M. Sessions ’62; grandfather of Catherine Millard Kersey ’95 and Jennifer Elson Sessions ’92 G. Peter Shiras – Feb. 9, 2010 – former English faculty member

Remembering Millard Sessions

by Richard C. Bryan

It is with sadness that we learned of the death of Millard Sessions. Mr. Sessions taught history in the Upper School at Nichols from 1947 to 1972, and for many of those years he was the History Chair.

Mr. Sessions was a graduate of the University of Rochester. Upon graduation, he taught in an international school in the Philippines and then in India. Following World War II, he went to Harvard and earned his master’s degree in History. He then came directly to Nichols.

Most of his work was in the teaching in U.S. History, but he also taught European and Asian History.

One of his colleagues at Nichols, Norm Pedersen, said this of Mr. Sessions: “In 15 years of close association with Milliard Sessions I have come to respect and admire greatly the man and the teacher. Those qualities of character and personality which reveal him as an outstanding individual – compassion, often hidden behind surface roughness, honesty towards self and others, sharp wit and awareness, added to an unusual depth of scholarship – have combined to produce a first rate teacher.”

After leaving Nichols, Mr. Sessions went to teach at the Berkshire School for a few years before retiring. He lived in Hanover, New Hampshire, and died in January under Hospice care. He was 93 years old.

Mr. Sessions’ son, John ’62 was a graduate of Nichols and taught in our History and Foreign Language Departments. His wife, Ann, taught mathematics at Nichols for many years, serving as the Math Chair. Both John and Ann have retired from teaching. Their children, Jennifer ’92 and Catherine ’95, both graduated from Nichols.

Headmaster Chris Wadsworth noted that Milliard Sessions was always considered one of our most brilliant teachers. On behalf of the Nichols community, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Sessions family.

42

Nichols School

Former Faculty & Staff

Class Notes

1949

1953

Charles Larkin III writes, “After 58 years, I’m turning in my gun belt and retiring.”

1955

David R. Hershey, Sr. writes, “I’ve retired from IDSI Products of Georgia, Inc. My best to all of Nichols, my very best to the class of ’49.”

Edward Weisbeck writes, “Son, David ’98 was married to Katie on Oct. 10, 2009 in Memphis, Tenn. New step-son, Tanner, joins the family as well.”

1950 Lois Wright celebrated her 90th birthday and achieved dual citizenship in 2009. She is pictured here with her son, Jonathan ’66.

Frank Brunner, former Upper School science faculty member, and his wife, Beth, welcomed Aurora Jane Brunner to the family on March 1, 2009.

1929

Robert North, Jr., writes, “Come March 1, 2010, I’ll become 100 years old! Have a sweetheart, too. We have a lot of fun reading aloud. Now it’s Lake Wobegon Days with lots of laughter.”

Norman Wilson writes, “I am still working as a psychiatrist with a special interest in working with post-traumatic stress disorder patients. I have a wonderful 2-year-old grandson and a granddaughter on the way.”

Alfred Ryan writes, “I will be unable to attend our Reunion this year as our youngest son will be married in June in Australia. My wife, Liz, was born in Denmark and came here from Australia by way of Hong Kong.”

1957

1951

1959

Kirke Rockwood writes, “Everything is going well. This year only two inches of snow since Dec. 1.”

1943

1952

John Thomas writes, “Last June a group of Florida lawyers were recognized for their membership in the Florida Bar, including yours truly. I would not mention this, except for my recognition of all that my Nichols experience aided me in the journey.”

Robert Gorski writes, “I am looking forward to celebrating my mom’s 95th birthday on Jan. 15. My son, Timothy, is in Thailand filming elephant sanctuaries.

He completed his first film, ‘At the Edge of the World,’ about the abuse of whales in Antarctica.”

Lewis McCauley writes, “We moved into a patio home at Fox Run in October. We’ll still spend summers in Canada and plan to drive the motor home to Amelia Island in March.”

David McCain and wife, Eleanor, continue to travel between Concord and North Georgia. Their two daughters live nearby in Concord. They have two granddaughters in college, one attends Clarkson and the other attends University of San Francisco; their third granddaughter attends Derryfield School in Manchester. He writes: “Looking forward to the next Reunion!”

1942

David Loughborough writes, “Nichols is lucky to have a guy like Jim Herlan ’53 who has done so much to keep in touch with all.”

Alan E. Oestreich writes, “I retired in order to move to Berlin, Germany, but plans fell through, so it’s back to pediatrics in Cincinnati a few days a month.”

Daniel Kraft writes, “I enjoyed the 50th Reunion! We were glad to be there. Both the school and classmates looked great!”

Henry May writes, “New grandson, Henry Harris May, was born to Peter and Porter May in Cambridge, Mass., on Aug. 29, 2009. I greatly enjoyed our 50th Reunion in June. It was a well organized enjoyable weekend, and I was pleased to see my fellow classmates in good shape.”

W.P. Vance Luedeke writes, “It’s been interesting this fall and early winter. Love the place I live, next to the Naval Air Station. It’s on the water and the Blue Angels fly directly over me.”

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1961

The NFJC of WNY honored Dr. L. Nelson Hopkins III with a special award for his achievements and contributions for the advancement of the NFJC’s objectives and mission. Individuals are awarded this citation based in part to their devotion to the spirit of human relations. Nick spoke to the Class of 2010 at Nichols for the Senior Workshop on Friday, May 14.

Kevin Lewis writes, “I published a book (for general readers as well as for academics), ‘Lonesome: The Spiritual Meanings of American Solitude’ on a great American theme. Hoping it may prove a conversation starter.”

1962

On Nov. 6, 2009, former Nichols Trustee and Distinguished Alumnus, Bill Constantine, was honored at the 75th Annual Alumni Award of Merit Gala for serving as one of The University of Pennsylvania’s most committed volunteer leaders: His citation read: “It has been said that Bill Constantine is as familiar a figure on campus as Ben on the Bench – and as ubiquitous a presence as the many representations of our Founder. This is fitting, since he epitomizes Franklin’s vision of an ideal alumnus – possessed with both the ability and the inclination to do good. During the past 40 years, he has metaphorically donned the tri-cornered hat for the School of Arts and Sciences, Penn Athletics, and Alumni Relations, where he is widely-admired as one of Penn’s all-time great volunteers. At SAS, he has served as an Overseer for more than seven years, in addition to being a member of the Athletics Overseers for more than a decade. Having been President of the Penn Football Board and a member of Basketball-at-Large, he has never once dropped the ball. In 2004, he was named Penn Football Champions Club Man of the Year. Wherever Penn athletes gather to perform and compete, Bill Constantine is there to cheer them on.”

44

Nichols School

1963

A group of alumni from the Colby College Class of 1978 have honored Sandy Maisel by establishing the Sandy Maisel Student Research and Internship Fund with the College’s Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs as Civic Engagement, which Sandy continues to lead as founding Director.

The endowed fund, which Sandy’s former students began with gifts totally $200,000, will eventually have an endowment of $500,000, the income from which will be used to fund student research projects and internships (many abroad) that otherwise would not have been possible. One such mention led to an e-mail from Tom Harriman ’64, who saw Sandy quoted in an article in California and promptly sent off an e-mail. There are many ways in which old Nichols friends get back in touch with each other.

On March 10, renowned wellness expert, Dr. Michael Roizen, the best-selling author of “RealAge: Are You as Young as You Can Be?” presented his lecture, “RealAge and You: The Cleveland Clinic Experience on Controlling Your Genes and What it Means for You” at the Buffalo City Forum and buffet luncheon.

1965

Richard Hinkley writes, “Reading the last School magazine, I both teared up and laughed. My fond memories of Nichols included Mr. Zeller. Hearing he passed on caused tears. I know some of my classmates thought of me as a hick. Well, my note reminded me I haven’t changed. I am still that hick from the sticks.”

1966

Congratulations to Jonathan Wright and Virginia Padio, on their marriage.

The couple married in Antigua on Dec. 31.

Jonathan’s son, Colin, is in the Class of 2016.

1967

Rabbi Brett Goldstein and wife, Helen, will be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary this spring and invite any and all classmates to visit in sunny Palm Beach.

Dan Rapalje writes, “My daughter and I attended Mr. Zeller’s funeral in late May. What a man! We were all so lucky to have been touched by him. I had a nice talk with Karl Spangenberg ’65, a fellow East Auroran.”

1968

Ken Cohn received the Dean Conley Award on March 25, 2009 from the American College of Healthcare Executives for the best article appearing in a healthcare management publication, “The Tectonic Plates are Shifting: Cultural Change vs. Mural Dyslexia.”

1971

Clinton Brown writes, “I’m back in Washington to learn Hindi after serving tours in the U.S. Embassies in Bangladesh, Kenya and Cameroon. I can speak from firsthand experience about diplomacy, foreign policy, specific regions or issues (Africa, including Sudan, AIDS, terrorism, human rights, business and commercial affairs), living and working in French, etc.

As of now, I don’t have specific plans to be in Buffalo, but will likely be back up a few times before we leave for our next post in India next year.”

1975

Dorothy Foigelman-Holland writes, “I enjoy rehabilitating Nichols alumni of all ages. The stories of pranks and faculty always bring a smile to my face. I get the impression the School was different before females were admitted. Ken-Ton Physical Therapy appreciates all the Nichols community support.”

1976

recently held the title of Vice President of Interactive and oversaw the Register’s websites, which doubled in traffic and audience in the past two years. At the Union-Tribune, he will be Vice President and Editor.

Michael Reynolds writes, “I have established a marketing consulting firm, Mike Reynolds Marketing Resources and I am the Sales Manager for DKM Signs of Buffalo.”

1980

FW Pearce writes, “I have moved to south Florida and have written a gelato cookbook to be published in May 2010. Dolphin country unfortunately!”

Peter Graves and Rabbi John Linder Graham Sears and his daughter visited Center ’63 in April. Emilie and Graham welcomed Arlie Lyra Sears on Sept. 30, 2009. Graham writes, “We are converting a West Seneca warehouse, so we have studio and living spaces under one roof. Emilie is an art teacher in Kenmore and I have been a sculptor for the last 25 years.”

Paul D. Trimper writes, “Life is great in Watertown, N.Y. Three grandchildren and their parents are within minutes and are visitors most every day. Visits to Buffalo are always fun and bring back great memories, but raising family in Watertown and summers on shore of Lake Ontario are tough to beat.”

1974

Thompson Herrick writes, “Our son, Ian, is a freshman at Dartmouth and the family is very proud!”

1977

Matthew Mitchell writes, “I helped organize a benefit hockey game with the Boston Bruins legends on Jan. 22, 2010 in Kingston, Mass. The game was to benefit the Evan Henry Foundation for Autism.

My son, Matt, Jr., who is autistic, dropped the puck at the opening ceremony. We raised $18,000 for the charity.”

1981 Rick Halpern; former Buffalo Sabre, Eddie Shack; and Harley Spiller

1978

The San Diego Union-Tribune named Jeff Light as its top Editor, having chosen him as an experienced journalist from The Orange County Register who is known for pushing newspapers toward online innovation. Light has been a journalist for 28 years and worked at the Register and its parent company, Freedom Communications, since 1993. He most

The Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society named Joan M. Bukowski as its first female Board President. Joan is the first woman to hold the position in the organization’s 147 year history. She is an assistant professor of business management at Erie Community College. A member of the Historical Society’s Board since December 2005, she also is active with the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Burchfield Penney Art Center and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s 21st Century Fund.

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45

Christopher Maloney is the Headmaster of Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School.

He writes that he is using the tricks of the trade learned under Alger, Fitzhenry and McCarthy for the next generation. Viva Cristo Rey! Stephen Sanders writes, “Parker, our son, has recently entered the 5th grade and marks the third generation of Sanders to attend Nichols. He is loving the School!”

1983

Sarah Baird is living in Connecticut with husband, Ben and three kids Xan, Eva and Na. She is studying for a Master’s in Humanitarian Service Administration and is a community activist, grant writer, squash player and carpool maven.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo presented its 2009 Young Leadership Award to Wendy Lebowitz Pressman. Wendy was recognized for her volunteer efforts with the Dr. Milton and Ruth H. Kahn Young Leadership Award. She also is pleased to announce that her daughter, Anna, will join Nichols to attend the Upper School in September 2010.

Christian Tiftickjian writes, “Things are going well. We just joined Westminster Church in Buffalo. Fellow classmate, Claire Schen ’83 welcomed us to the church, as did many other Nichols alumni.”

1985

Dr. Jill J. Kanski Bruno is living in Washington, D.C., and has an orthodontic practice in Chevy Chase, Md. Piper McCalmon Madland returned to Houston, Texas, after several wonderful years in New York City. She writes: “My husband, Chris, was an employee of Lehman Brothers so we are very thankful that he has found a great job in his industry (power trading) here in Houston, where my parents and siblings all live. I am an at-home mom to Sabina (12) and Noel (9).

I am in the beginning stages of starting a jewelry business which I hope to show you all at Reunion this summer. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years!”

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1986

William Sanford writes, “Now teaching AP Physics at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in Virginia and coaching JV girls’ volleyball.”

1987

Ronald W.K. Leong writes, “I recently joined ATSI, Inc., a Buffalo, N.Y.-based multidiscipline Engineering firm, as Chief Operating Officer to help guide the company’s continued growth. I am responsible for managing the existing client base for company offices in Buffalo, Chicago and Pittsburgh, as well as leading business development efforts, including articulation and execution of a diversification strategy that encompasses new products, services and a new market segments. My wife, Julie, and children, Caitlyn (12), Brendan (8) and Dylan (2), and I continue to reside in East Amherst.”

On Jan. 19, 2010, Accuity, the leading worldwide provider of payment routing data, announced the appointment of Hugh M. Jones IV as Chief Executive Officer of Accuity and NRS, the nation’s leader in compliance and registration products and services for Investment Advisers, Broker-Dealers, Investment Companies and Insurance institutions. Hugh and his family reside in Chicago.

Tim Vanini, Ph.D. started a business based in Buffalo, N.Y. New Dimensions Turf (www.ndturf.com) is a research and consulting company specializing in turfgrass management for the homeowner and professional turfgrass manager. Tim writes: “The website will provide you management tips, news about the turfgrass industry and a list of our services. Stop by!”

1989

Craig Feinberg writes, “Life is good, living and working in Northern New Jersey.

Married with a three year old daughter and two dogs.”

1990

Frits Abell ’90, Liz Fox Keogh ’90, Rachel Moog-Lage ’89, Gordon Brott ’92, Lauren Gioia ’94, Ben Sorgi ’08, Laura Kirkpatrick ’90, Arthur Hayes ’04, Dinesh Maneyapanda ’90, and others have banded together and formed the Buffalo Expat Network. BEN’s mission is to serve as a networking vehicle for Buffalo expats located around the world, while channeling the group’s passion into opportunity for Buffalo. BEN’s premier Buffalo Revisit(ed) Weekend kicked off on April 30. Visit BEN at www.buffaloexpatnetwork.com or on Facebook.

Jason Heferle writes, “Ruby Ingalls Heferle was born Jan. 26, 2010. She joins Sofia (5), Jackson (3) and Lily (2) to complete our family. My wife, Kim, is doing well and we’re going through baby boot camp all over again. We live around the corner from Nichols and I’m looking forward to attending our 20th Reunion this year!”

Michael Nisengard writes, “I am living in Buffalo, working with the law firm Jaeckle, Fleischmann & Mugel as an attorney. I have two children, Hannah and Jonah. My wife, Sharon, and I are looking forward to the 20th Reunion.”

Nandita Shenoy writes, “After participating in the La Mama playwrights Retreat in Umbria, Italy, I returned to New York and a production of my play ‘By Popular Demand.’ Other plays have had readings around the city, and I continue to act and direct as well.”

1991

Wendy Radatti Evans writes, “Living in beautiful Bend, Ore., with lots of family.

My husband, Danny and Aspen (3), mom and dad Radatti and brother, Dan Radatti ’87, with his wife and five children!”

Congratulations to Nicole and Nicholas Tzetzo who welcomed Blake T. Tzetzo on March 20, 2010.

1992

Jessica Baird Alphonse and husband, Navroze, welcomed Mason to the family on Feb. 11. Mason joins big sisters Dylan, Eden and, Cameron Jane (CJ).

Adam Henrich writes, “I finally have my Federal Firearms License. My gun shop, in the village of Eden, will be open by April 15. It will be a retail gun store with a full service gunsmithing shop. Additionally, my family’s all natural grass fed Scottish Highland cattle herd has grown to 16 animals.”

Jeff Tamulski and Jackie Brunetto Tamulski are proud to announce the birth of their second son, Broden “Brody” James, born on Dec. 1, 2009. He is joined by big brother, Jason (5), and sister, Julia (3).

Jackie writes: “Jeff and I are thrilled to be married for almost 13 years, while living in Tampa with our now three children.”

1993

Trey Borzillieri writes, “Episodes of Extreme Peril, the TV show I worked on last year, began airing on March 4 on The Discovery Channel…each episode consists of four or five segments showcasing unbelievable survivor stories and video footage. Each story touches on the scientific elements that made survival possible. Future episodes will include a few segments that I am most proud of: Oakland Hills Fire 1991, Minnesota Bridge Collapse, Wing Walker Rescue, Snowmobile Avalanche, Base Jumper on Wire and Sucked In Lake.”

1994

Peter Brown recently defended his Ph.D. thesis in Fish and Wildlife Biology at Montana State University in Bozeman, Mont. His research involved reintroducing Grayling, a native species, to the streams of Montana. The research involved removing non-native trout species in an environmentally safe and scientifically reproducible manner.

1995

Jessica Burgasser Hapeman and husband, Scott, welcomed identical twin boys to their family. Tyler Thomas and Chase Alan were born on Oct. 21, 2009.

Monique Goodwin and husband, Brian, welcomed Brady William Goodwin to the family on Oct. 26, 2009. He weighed 9 pounds, and measured 20 and 3/4 inches long. They currently live in Summit, N.J. Aaleya Koreishi’s twins, Noora and Nylah, pose in their pumpkin Halloween costumes.

Becky Crane Mercatoris and her husband, Jake, welcomed daughter, Claire Olivia, into their family on Nov. 10, 2009. Claire was born on Sunday, Nov. 8 in Pittsburgh.

Her adoption was arranged through the Pittsburgh Children’s Home. Becky left her position with the Pittsburgh YWCA upon her acceptance into a Master’s program at Pitt. Those plans are on hold temporarily.

Jake is employed in the IT division of PNC Bank in their Internet security department.

Dr. Gareth M.C. Lema and Dr. Penelope Chun were married at Chateau des Charmes in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Sept. 19, 2009.

In attendance were Jordan Lema ’99, Marc Chouchani ’95, Andrew Babcock ’95, Tad Brown ’95, Daniel Malin ’95, Dr. Michael Adragna ’97 and Niels Bergsland ’99.

Billy and Larkyn Kayser Mungovan welcomed Grady Steele Mungovan on Jan. 21. All are doing great!

Spring/Summer 2010

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1996

Brian Gatewood and wife, Courtney, welcomed Theodore Hammer Gatewood to their family on Nov. 21, 2009. All are doing great!

Ashley Dayer has returned to New York and to school. She is pursuing her Ph.D. at Cornell University in the Department of Natural Resources. She studies the human dimensions of bird and habitat conservation on private lands in New York State. She continues to be active in bird conservation nationally and internationally through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Wende Mollenberg Stevenson and husband, Robert Trevor ’94, welcomed twins, Ella and Van, to the family on March 16, 2010. They join big sister, Holly.

1998 Greg Plumb married Cassandra Espinoza on Dec. 19. The couple resides in Hamburg, N.Y. Greg is a Middle School science teacher at Nichols and his wife, Cassie, works for UNYTS as a Med-Tech for donor compatibility. Nichols friends pictured (l-r, top-bottom): Sandy Smith Cunningham ’93, Dennis Brinkworth ’79, Reed Harlow, Tom Maynor ’81, Ian Kaminski ’96, Catherine Plumb Day ’01, Ben Andrews ’97, Andrew Brooker ’00, Kevin Kaminski ’00, Greg Plumb ’96, Cassandra Espinoza Plumb, Chris Plumb ’93, Jeff Brooker ’96, Josh Gibbons ’96, Don Gibbons ’67, Bambi Horton and Kim Kimberly ’47.

1997

Nicholas Amigone IV and wife, Laura, welcomed Nicholas Paul Amigone V to the family on Sept. 11, 2009. Nick continues to work at Matlin Patterson Global Advisors, LLC, a NYC private equity firm.

Eric Penfold writes, “My wife, Lana, and I have two wonderful daughters.”

Adrienne DeCarlo Ptak and husband, Chuck, welcomed baby, Oliver William Ptak to the family on March 1, 2010. The family is doing great!

1999

Catherine Crandall-Worley writes, “I just got married and am loving living in Boston! It was great to see classmates at our 10th Reunion this summer.”

Jordy Griffin ’94, Blair Griffin Kirwin ’99 and Ramey Griffin Caulkins ’92 at the wedding of Blair and Stuart Kirwin on April 10 in Gulf Stream, Fla. Harlow Elizabeth Crane, daughter of Dan Crane and his wife, Josselyn, made her appearance on April 9. Parents, grandparents and baby are doing well.

In the picture, Dan is holding his niece, Claire, adopted by his sister Becky ’94 and her husband, Jake, last November.

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Nichols School

Evans Mitchell was married to John Geisler on Dec. 31, 2009 in Buffalo. They are living in Buffalo were John is getting his master’s degree in architecture at SUNY at Buffalo and Evans is establishing her own interior design business, Evans Interiors.

2000

Andrew Constantine writes, “Just bought a house with my wife, Cara, in Falls Church, Va., outside of Washington, D.C. I am working for Dell Services as a Multimedia Specialist and as a contractor for the Federal Government. Still playing lots of hockey and visiting home to Buffalo frequently.”

2001

Mitchell Buck is currently a coastal engineer in Woods Hole, Mass.

2002

Melissa Bundt writes, “I graduated from law school this past May and studied all summer long for the Bar Exam…I still haven’t gotten any results yet as to whether or not I passed so hopefully more on that later. Currently I am back in Buffalo and working at a Chiropractic Office in Williamsville as a physician’s assistant/ office manager.”

Julia Drury was elected in to the Dartmouth Hall of Fame for squash in May 2009. She is currently a student at Cornell Vet School.

Nomiki Konst is currently Executive Director and Founder of Alliance Hollywood, a nonprofit lobbyist group that organizes the entertainment industry. She lobbies on behalf of the industry for social issues that have received little attention or reform, due to corporate special interest groups. She also writes for several political publications and blogs.

Jacquelyn O’Mara is living in Boston, Mass., and working at the aquarium. In the summer she works as a naturalist on the aquarium whale watch boat tours.

Anna-Laura Rinckens (exchange student) is living in Berlin, Germany and attending the University for Law.

2003

Marc Amigone moved back to Buffalo in February and is employed at IMMCO Diagnostics. He still enjoys the game of squash and continues to play in local tournaments.

Falynn Koch writes, “I’m going to grad school at SCAD Atlanta.”

2004

Lauralynn Drury is currently a business consultant in New York City with Alvarez and Marsal.

Neal Koch writes, “I’m living the dream!

Getting my graphic novel published.”

2005

Matt Felser led a trip to Costa Rica this summer for Overland after graduating from Williams. He spent a month in Eastern Europe in the fall and is now working at Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe.

An alternative spring break trip for Framingham State College students was organized last fall by Adam Goldfarb, a Massachusetts Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA member currently in a one-year placement at Framingham State as a community service leader. The group worked at a Habitat for Humanity site in Washington, D.C.

Shannon Scarselletta writes, “Graduated from Cornell University in May ’09 with a BA in Philosophy and Law and Society.

Work in D.C. at IBMAS a strategy and charge consultants in the public sector since February 2010.”

SUNY at Buffalo men’s soccer goalkeeper, Bobby Shuttleworth, has decided to forgo his senior year season and has signed with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer – the highest level of professional soccer in the United States.

At a ceremony for graduating seniors over Graduation Weekend, Claire Franczyk received the University of Richmond English Department’s Margaret Owen Finck Award for Creative Writing for her short story, “Today is Wednesday.” In addition to a monetary award, Claire’s story was published in “The Messenger.”

Elizabeth Vogel writes, “After semesters in New Hampshire, Connecticut, Scotland and a bit of traveling, I am back in Buffalo where I am pursuing my degree is Media Studies. I plan to continue my education and work toward a career in sign language.”

Kyle Winnick writes, “I am now living in New York City and working at the law firm of Paul, Weiss, and rooming with fellow Nichols graduates, Chris Winter ’05 and Jon Brummer ’05.”

2006

Ashley Tibollo has received the Milton Plesur Award for her outstanding work in the field of history. This year she also received a scholarship award from the Gender Institute. She is the first undergraduate to ever receive this award (normally reserved for Grad and Ph.D. candidates). She also was inducted in the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society.

The University of Richmond announced that Natalie Franczyk earned membership in The Phi Beta Kappa Society. Natalie received her key during an initiation ceremony on March 26, 2010. Her invitation to membership in Phi Beta Kappa is a reflection of her outstanding achievement and high potential. Each year, only 1% of arts and science graduates nationwide earn membership into what is thought to be the nation’s oldest academic honor society, whose initials symbolize its motto, “Love of learning is the guide of life.”

Natalie graduated magna cum laude.

Trinity College men’s soccer junior midfielder, Peter Marlette, was named to the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) All-Conference First Team, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Division III All-New England West Regional First Team, and the NSCAA Division III AllAmerican Second Team.

Daniel Collins was nominated for the Student Leadership Award for the 20092010 school year. This award is given to 10 undergraduate students who best exemplify the spirit of Notre Dame in social, recreational, residential, service and religious activities that promote the welfare of the University and extended communities. Selection of the recipients of these awards is based on outstanding service on or off campus through participation in voluntary, selected and/ or elected co-curricular activities with an emphasis on quality of participation.

Spring/Summer 2010

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2009

Barney Walsh ’73 and son, Lucas ’12, visited Notre Dame in the fall and saw Dan Collins ’06, the Leprechaun mascot of Notre Dame. Dan was admitted early decision to Notre Dame Law School. He will begin there in the fall.

2007

Anna Whistler writes, “I am currently a junior at Smith College in Northampton, Mass. I am a Music major and Exercise and Sports minor. This past summer, I was a recipient of the Susan Rose Internship in Music, which allowed me to study at the Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Eastman School of Music. I recently won the Smith College Concerto Competition and will be performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the College Orchestra this coming spring.”

The University of Geneva hosted, for the first time during the summer semester, seven seniors from the Department of Physics at Boston University, including Max Yellen.

They are taking intensive French courses to acquire the bases necessary to follow the course of electrodynamics and quantum mechanics.

The UNIGE allows for them to participate actively in a research project at CERN.

A recent Thespians, Eh? production of “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” featured performances and production work by several Nichols alumni and students: Joshua Oakley ’07, Sean Pegado ’07, Andy Pfohman ’07, Nora Williams ’07, Max Yellen ’07, Elisa Peebles ’08, Matt Franz ’09, Brian Griffith ’09, Max Ruotsi ’09, Jules Stephan ’09, Nick Williams ’09, Eric Larson ’10, Alexandra Mathews ’11, Tess Williams ’09 and Paloma D’Auria ’14.

2008

Dal V. Ackerman IV is currently attending Northwestern University.

Please support

nicholsfuture.org “ I believe that a world-class middle and high school education is the most valuable asset a person can have. More than any common factor, the education, values and relationships that the Class of 1963 obtained at Nichols School, serves as the foundation for the great success our class achieved.

The new building greatly benefits Nichols, and in turn, Western New York students, educators and researchers who use it. The Class of ‘63 is pleased to support this campaign, and is confident that this building will be a fitting legacy to our class.”

Clay W. Hamlin III ‘63

50

Nichols School

Faculty Profile

Tim Schwartz What is your position at Nichols?

I have taught Freshman music, Sophomore Guitar/Keyboard, Music Theory, Jazz History and I am the Music Director for both the Nichols Orchestra and Jazz Band.

How long have you been teaching at Nichols?

33 years.

What was your path leading to Nichols like?

I grew up in Clarence and attended their school. They were noted for having one of the finer music programs in the country. I was able to play with a number of outstanding performers such as Doc Seversen, Clark Terry and Lionel Hampton. I also studied French horn with Lowell Shaw from the Buffalo Philharmonic. My college years were at Houghton College where I received a B.M. in Music Performance.

What extra-curricular activities are you involved in the School?

I have coached tennis for over 25 years and the team has won over 300 matches in that time.

What is the best part of your job?

I love music and every day I get up and come to work to do exactly what I find the most rewarding. Early in my married life, we lived in an upstairs apartment from a gruff and crusty old landlord who drove a bakery truck for a living for 30 years. He told me once that he felt like he had wasted his whole life at that job.

I feel so blessed to be doing something so worthwhile and fulfilling.

What is your favorite Nichols memory?

This question is a little like asking a parent to name their favorite child. However, one of the more significant memories was the building of the Flickinger Performing Arts Center and the impact that it has had on the community life of our School.

Concerts used to be held either in the gym, Boocock Reading Room and even the Rand Dining Room. We would have to clear all the Kittinger tables out to make room for seating. Assemblies were in the gym as well, with students sitting all around on the bleachers. It was a very “make do” kind of existence. With the new building, we are able to do such a wide array of performances and offer the students a richer education in the arts.

I was also pleased to be able to start the music program in the Middle School. We used to occupy a portion of the third floor of the Nottingham mansion. I also started the Nichols Jazz Band.

What else are you involved in outside of Nichols?

I have worn many other hats along with my work at Nichols. I recently retired after 40 years of working in and finally owning our family painting business. I learned early in my life what it is to work hard. I would put in many 12 hour days on the paint job.

One of the great opportunities I have had is to be an active professional musician in Western New York. I have also been a freelance horn player for many years, playing with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, Columbus Symphony, Chautauqua Symphony, National Ballet of Canada, Joffery Ballet, as well as over 30 national musical productions, such as “The Lion King,” “The Producers” and “Wicked.” I have also played with many pop and rock performers such as Natalie Cole, Mel Torme, Barry White, Andy Williams, Barry Manilow, Vince Gill, Rod Stewart and the groups Yes, The Moody Blues and Mannheim Steamroller. I was delighted to have played on the stage of Carnegie Hall on two occasions.

I also have a private teaching studio where I work with many of the area’s horn students. A number of my students are now professional horn players around the country.

I am very active at my church and have served as Chairman of the Trustee and Deacon Boards over the years. I am presently the Director of the Adult Choir.

What do you like to do on the weekends?

Besides candlelight dinners and long walks on the beach, and when not performing, I like boating, waterskiing, hiking and jeep trail riding in Colorado, biking, visiting my grandson, and playing tennis.

1250 Amherst St. Buffalo, NY 14216

In the Next Issue: The 118th Commencement & Reunion 2010

Please support

nicholsfuture.org “Delaware North Companies and Nichols School are committed to environmental consciousness. Nichols will use this new eco-friendly academic building to educate future leaders of the Western New York community. We are pleased to support this project because it aligns with our company’s dedication to improving this community and the world.”

Jeremy Jacobs Jr. ’81, Trustee,

Executive Vice President of Delaware North Companies

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Buffalo, NY Permit No. 3658