Issuu

Nichols S U M M E R 2 02 1

A Year In Nichols History Like No Other

Mission “Our aim is to train minds, bodies and hearts for the work of life, and to carry into all we do the highest ideals of character and service.” – Joseph D. Allen, 1909 (second Headmaster of Nichols School) Kate Roach ’83 P’14,’16 Chair, Board of Trustees Chris Burner Head of School Leslie Garcia P’14 Director of Advancement Joseph Ray Marketing and Communications Coordinator Class Notes Editor: Janelle Zera, Director of Alumni Engagement and Programs

Design: Kelley Rechin, Duffy Moon Design Contributors: Ramone Alexander, M.D. Jesse Baier ’05 Chris Burner Larry Desautels P’95,’99 Mary Flanigan P’21,’24 Leslie Garcia P’14 Larry Hiller P’23,’28 Zoe Jackson-Gibson ’12 Sarah Jacobson Kristen Kelley Molly Lennon Andrea Mancuso, Ph.D. P’14, ’16 Aranya Maritime, Ph.D. P’17,’25 Joseph Ray Rob Stewart P’21,’23,’25,’29 Danielle Vallas ’95 P’23,’25 Sara Wiess Janelle Zera

Photography: Andrea Mancuso, Ph.D. Chair, Arts Department Jerry Theresanathan Creative Content Coordinator All other alumni matters: alumnioffice@nicholsschool.org Published by Nichols School’s Marketing & Communications Office and Advancement Office for alumni, families and friends of the School.

Nichols SUMMER 2021

F E AT U R E S

12 Commencement 23 Going All In for All iN 26 A Year in Nichols History Like No Other 32 One Love: Giving Nichols Students Tools for Life 42 Middle School Puts Its Heart Forward D E PA R T M E N T S 4 Campus Clips

20 Athletics

6 From Mitchell Hall

22 From Nichols to the Oscars

8 Connecting our Community 10 Supporting our Students 11 Nichols Night 17 Q & A with Chris Burner 18 Arts

34 Academics 37 Lucy and Sherman Maisel ’35 General Information Test 43 In Memoriam 47 Class Notes

– means “that which is true” and is pronounced “taw alay théss.” Nichols School 1250 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14216 Telephone: 716.332.6300 • Fax: 716.875.3931 • www.nicholsschool.org Nichols is an inclusive community. Admission granted to qualified students.

CAMPUS CLIPS

2 3

4 4

Nichols School

8 1. Students volunteered with Middle School Science teacher Josh Ring and Upper School English teacher Laurie Ousley to cultivate a garden on the campus facing Colvin Avenue. 2. Middle School students work in the Library utilizing iPads and laptop computers. Technology became a centerpiece of the learning environment with students learning both in-person and virtually during the 2020-2021 school year. 3. Sports remained a focal point of life at Nichols throughout the school year. Practices and games continued at the Nichols Ice Rink.

4. The Varsity Boys Soccer team defeated Canisius 2-1 in the Monsignor Martin League Championship game to win the team’s first title since 2008. It was the second consecutive championship appearance for Nichols. The team was ranked as high as #1 in New York by MaxPreps and finished the season in the top 10. 5. In May 2020, the Nichols School Parents’ Association led the “Nichols CAN” contactless food drive to support FeedMore WNY at the height of the COVID-19 crisis. Pictured are Josh Stead-Dorval ’21 with his parents, former Parents’ Association co-presidents Samantha (middle) and Brian Stead-Dorval. 6. Students in the Middle School and Upper School adapted to numerous

changes across campus to make in-person learning possible. Masks were worn across campus and classrooms were adjusted to meet physical distancing guidelines. 7. Associate Director of College Counseling Chris Hill led an SAT preparation course in the multi-purpose room in the new Student Commons. 8. Service and Social Justice Coordinators and Upper School faculty members Caitlin Crowell and Kevin Powers led “Warehouse Wednesday” service initiatives for students to volunteer with FeedMore WNY on days off from classes. 9. Warm weather and a spacious campus allowed for many activities to meet outside, such as dance rehearsals.

Summer 2021

From Mitchell Hall

Head of School Chris Burner As the Head of School since 2019, it is a great privilege for me to lead Nichols School. As I look back on my tenure to date, I feel great pride at what we have accomplished despite the historic times we faced together. Our students, families, faculty,

Chair Kate Roach ’83 P’14,’16 Vice-Chair W. Scott Saperston ’90 P’20,’22 Vice-Chair Nelson S. Walsh ’80

staff and alumni came together like never before and the many

Secretary Kristan Carlson Andersen ’80 P’13,’16

contributions of the Nichols family will be remembered for

Treasurer John Darby P’19,’21,’23

generations to come. Throughout these unprecedented challenges, staying safe and staying open remained a high priority. With the commitment and support of the entire school community, we achieved this goal and I am grateful that Nichols continued to provide full-time, in-person learning. Synonymous with Nichols School is a call to embrace challenge and discover oneself. In my role, I believe that a critical part of educating the whole child today is preparing them for the unexpected tomorrow. This past year, this belief was put to the test. With a sense of resilience and resolve, I am inspired by how the Nichols School community answered the call to ensure the well-being of our students and school. Our students continued to learn and thrive, our faculty and staff adapted throughout the school year and our families and alumni continued their unwavering support.

2020-2021 Board of Trustees

Melissa Balbach ’83 P’22,’22 Katie Campos ’04 Lisa Corrin ’83 Gregory Desautels ’95 With so many accomplishments, this was the opportune time to reintroduce Toaxnoes, the magazine of Nichols School. The stories of Nichols in print and photos are the lifeline of the Nichols community. Going forward, you can expect to see Toaxnoes twice a calendar year and I encourage you to share your stories, memories and professional accomplishments. From the Nichols campus to your home, I hope you enjoy this edition of the magazine. Thank you for your continued commitment to Nichols. n

Brigid Doherty P’21,’23 Andrew Fors ’91 P’19,’22,’22,’25 Anthony Habib ’91 Bridget Lett P’17 Alexandra Jewett McPherson ’92 P’22,’24 Jeffrey Meyer P’09,’14,’16 Matthew D. Miller ’95 Michael F. Newman P’17,’19 Bonnie Padwa ’79 Montgomery Pooley ’80 Scott Socha P’19,’24 Alyson Spaulding P’14,’16,’18 Ashok Subramanian ’93 Cynthia Vance P’14 Theodore B.K. Walsh ’73 P’05,’07,’12

Nichols School

2020-2021 Parents’ Association Council Officers President Julie A. Gicewicz P’14,’15,’19,’21 Vice President Molly Boscarino P’23,’27 Correspondence & Records Erica West P’23,’26 Liaison to Office of Inclusivity & Community Building Lisa Jackson P18,’21 Ex-Officio Brian and Samantha Stead-Dorval P’21

Grade Representatives 5th Grade (Class of 2028) – Amat Fatimah P’28, Leah Mills P’28 6th Grade (Class of 2027) – Jennifer Bernacki-Smith, Judi Vanura-Mathur P’27,’27 7th Grade (Class of 2026) – Cheri Carter P’24,’26, Lisa Gelman-Koessler ’93 P’26 8th Grade (Class of 2025) – Carmen Fors ’92 P’19,’22,’22,’25, Delia Koeppen P’23,’25,’26

Alumni Board Jessica Baird ’92 P’21,’23 Ellie Brason ’13 Tom Caulfield ’72

9th Grade (Class of 2024) – Kirsten Maidment P’22,’24, Danessia Scott-Warren P’19,’19,’22,’24 10th Grade (Class of 2023) – Amy Bair P’19,’23, Dawn Zacher P’23 11th Grade (Class of 2022) – Cynthia Allen P’22,’22, Carolyn Coppola P’22, Julie Plata P’22,’22 12th Grade (Class of 2021) – Christine Meyo P’21, Lillie Wiley-Upshaw P’21,’21

Annmarie Cellino ’05 Chris Covelli ’05 Jodi de Riszner ’93 P’22,’25 Erin E. Hart ’03, President Zoe Jackson-Gibson ’12 Dillon Joseph ’10 Alisha Lall ’03 Jen Brinkworth Ramsey ’96 Cassie Stein ’08 Wendy Stone ’01 Joseph Trapp ’09 P’26 Sarah Draper Washington ’08 P’26, Vice President

At-Large Jessica Baird ’92 P’21,’23 Priscilla Bennett P’23 Elizabeth Coburn P’22,’23,’25 Amanda Crotty P’23 Jackie Gurney P’17,19,’21 Jeannine Higgins P’16,’21 Jamie Kelly P’23,’28,’28 Brenda Ricotta P’21,’24 Sharon Suchak P’25 Karen Taneff P’21 Anne Ward P’21,’23 Sarah Draper Washington ’08 P’26 Monica White P’23,’25 Darcy Zacher ’88 P’12,’13,’20,’22,’22

Summer 2021

Connecting Our

Community

he mission statement of Nichols School states: “Our aim is to train minds, bodies and hearts for the work of life, and to carry into all we do the highest ideals of character and service.” An integral part of Nichols school life is diversity, equity and inclusion programming. Established more than five years ago, Nichols’ Office of Inclusivity and Community Building was one of the first departments of its kind at a Western New York independent school. In collaboration with student, board and alumni committees, the office oversees initiatives that enhance connections between students, families, faculty, staff and alumni around values of inclusivity and equity. “I think about our students and the type of world that they will shape as leaders and what that means for

Nichols School

their time here and their cultivation,” said Ramone Alexander, M.D., Director of the Office of Inclusion and Community Building. “I am inspired because in committing to this work we are an even more inclusive, safe and loving school community,” he added. In preparing students for the work of life, Nichols’ current programming endeavors to sustain an enhanced school environment rooted in inclusivity and equity. One way the Office of Inclusivity and Community Building supports this goal is through mentoring programs both on and off campus. Currently, an internal program connects Upper School students with Middle School students using what Alexander calls Nichols’ “connectedness” curriculum. In addition, an alumni mentor program is in place to provide the exchange of professional and real-life perspectives between graduates and current students. n To learn more about programs, initiatives and resources provided by the Office of Inclusivity and Community Building, please contact Ramone Alexander, M.D., at ralexander@nicholsschool.org.

S O C I A L

M E D I A

Follow us on Twitter: facebook.com/nicholsschool Waiting for the weekend like Bernie (or is that Larry D?). Andy Nash Cammarata: That is Larry D for sure! Love it!! Well played, Larry and Nichols!!

@NicholsSchool – Follow us to stay in touch @NicholsUpper – Tweets from the Upper School @NicholsMiddle – Tweets from the Middle School

Bridget Lett: I love it! Bernie gets around

@NicholsVikings – Sports scores and more

Claudia O’Keefe: Well done, Nichols. Give the creator a bonus!!!

@NicholsSchoolCC – College Counseling news and info

Jack Faso: Hang it in the Louvre

Livestream Nichols Athletics – www.nicholsschool.org/athletics/ athletics-livestreams

@nicholsschool: The Kitchen Twins, Lyla and Emily Allen ’22, will lead a virtual cooking demonstration! We encourage families and alumni to cook along and send photos to alumnioffice@nicholsschool.org. @nicholsschool: Who knew art class could be so sweet? Check out the cakes made by Ms. Achatz’s sixth graders! After learning about texture and color theory, students built these 3D cakes based on a perspective drawing of a cake with a slice cut out.

Steven Hall ’21: The National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York (NFJC WNY) has named Nichols School senior Steven Hall ’21 as one of its 2021 Community Heroes Award honorees. Hall is one of two high school students among this year’s pool of 10 honorees. “I do the things I do simply because I think it’s the right thing to do and I had the ability to do so,” Hall said. “To know there are others who see and appreciate my effort means what I’m doing is having a positive effect and isn’t for nothing. It encourages me to keep this up moving forward.” #EmbraceChallengeDiscoverYourself

Summer 2021

School Counselors

Supporting Our Students Nichols School values the social and emotional well-being of each student. Two certified counselors are on campus every day. Mary Flanigan P’21,’24 is the Middle School Counselor and Wellness Director and Danielle Vallas ’95 P’23,’25 is the Upper School Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Wellness Director. Together with Georgie, Vallas’ certified therapy dog, they are a resource to s tudents both on and off campus. For more than 15 years, this department has provided classes and programming for Nichols students with a focus on work-life balance, health and nutrition and mental health. “Ensuring members of our school community have the tools they need to successfully navigate the world as it is today and to know that they are not alone are critical components of well-being,” said Vallas. “Change is not comfortable for anyone,” she added.

Nichols School

By making openness and transparency a priority throughout our school, students have the skills they need to recognize changes in themselves and others. “By removing the stigma and bringing issues of emotional well-being into our everyday dialogue, we are developing a culture of community and care,” said Vallas. “There are key connections between physical wellness, emotional strength and academic success and, at Nichols, we work with our students so that they know and understand these relationships. Our Wellness programs focus on everything from nutrition, stress relief, the importance of sleep and achieving balance,” said Flanigan. “Learning these skills and developing these habits in childhood and adolescence will serve our students for life.” n To learn more about resources provided by our school counselors, please contact Danielle Vallas at dvallas@nicholsschool.org or Mary Flanigan at mflanigan@nicholsschool.org.

Nichols School hosted its 43rd annual auction on Nichols Night featured three ways to participate. May 8, an event that goes down as the most successful Attendees enjoyed one of several small, in-home gatherings auction in school history. Nichols Night: The Party catered by Oliver’s, personally hosted a small gathering or To N All Parties was reimagined to ensure safety while joined in virtually the night of the event. The event included maximizing a spirit of community and enjoyment for Silent, Premium and Live Auctions as well as Raise the all attendees in the Buffalo area and beyond. Paddle, which all opened in advance of the evening. Co-chaired by Candace ’84 and Trustee John Darby The Live Auction was hosted by three Nichols P’19,’21,’23 and Trustee Brigid Doherty and René Jones faculty members, Jim Cammarata, Larry Desautels and P’21,’23, Nichols Night was presented by M&T Bank. Aranya Maritime, who kept the event entertaining with Previously held on their lively banter. An Derby Day, the auctioneer managed auction is Nichols’ the bidding virtually largest fundraising and the Live Auction event each year. With was broadcast live great excitement, from WBBZ’s studio. Nichols Night From their locations in surpassed the event’s Buffalo, Western New goals and exceeded all York and around North expectations. America, participants “We rethought logged in from Nichols Night in ways California, Texas and that kept the fun and beyond. excitement of this Premier packages critically important included a fly-fishing fundraising event,” said Co-chairs Trustee John and Candace ’84 Darby and Trustee Brigid Doherty and René Jones trip with Head of School Candace Darby. “The Chris Burner, personal Nichols Night Auction always includes one-of-a-kind tour and Bills game watch party at Seneca One, golfing experiences and opportunities. This year, our hope was to trip to Bandon Dunes and private dinner by Chef Darian make the auction the best ever. We have always known Bryan, the personal chef to several Buffalo Bills players. that the Nichols community is like no other and this A memorable evening for all, Nichols Night truly past year showed us again and again what makes Nichols was a party to end all parties and successfully lived up special,” she added. to its name. n

Summer 2021

CO M M E N C E M E N T

Celebrating the Class of 2021 On a the morning of June 4th on the Quad in front of Albright Hall, the members of the Nichols Class of 2021 donned their green and white robes and laurel wreaths for the 129th Commencement Ceremony of Nichols School. Addressed by Head of School Chris Burner, he commended the 90 graduates for their accomplishments and encouraged them to pursue a lifetime of learning. “Today is a milestone and a beginning of what I believe will be a lifetime of learning,” said Burner. “I believe Nichols has prepared you for lifelong academic curiosity and as you graduate today, my hope is you will constantly learn, evolve and grow,” he added. Senior Stephen Hall ’21 was selected as class speaker. Touching upon an unusual senior year and reflecting on his class that grew stronger together, Hall called his classmates to look to the promise of the future.

“As we, the Nichols School Class of 2021, embark on the next phase of our life’s journey, approaching the dawn of a new tomorrow, let us remain steadfast in our belief that we possess the will and the God-given talent to make the world all it should be,” he said. “We know that there’s a lot that’s wrong, but we must be strong, and not become bitter. And if there is a chance that humanity will profit, let’s be brave enough to embrace something new, or old, if it will make us better. Remember that we will always be together in spirit no matter what challenges we may face alone. For without us, without we, without love and harmony, without courage and dignity, what does it mean to be free?” he said. Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2021, a class that will always be synonymous with strength and optimism.

2021 Upper School Major Awards Senior Awards (VI Form) Castiglia Family Award for Community Service Anuraag Kumar ’21 The Castiglia Family Award for Community Service was established in memory of Joseph “Jerry” Castiglia for his life dedicated to charity and community service both locally and nationally. This award will be granted each year to a graduating senior male student who has devoted significant time and energy to community service and charitable organizations. Edmund Petrie Cottle, Jr. Award Steven Hall ’21 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.

Bonnie Lerner Posmantur Award Lauren Radford ’21 The Bonnie Lerner Posmantur Award recognizes, through community service, a sincere commitment to helping others as exemplified by the efforts of Bonnie in her short life. Although not necessarily an annual award, this recognition is made to honor worthy young women and encourage other students at Nichols to actively engage in community service. Williams Cup Dean Parentis ’21 According to the inscription on the cup, is presented to the student with highest scholastic standing in the graduating class who has won a varsity letter at Nichols and exemplified the spirit of Nichols athletics.

Junior Awards (V Form)

Faculty Prize Andrina Kirst ’21

Harvard Prize Book Ben Robare ’22

Awarded to that member of the graduating class who has contributed most to the school in activities other than athletics.

Presented to an outstanding member of the junior class who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.

Head of School Award Ted Chambers ’21, Abby Marzec ’21, Samantha Meyo ’21, Paige Palinski ’21, Isabella Russo ’21, Joshua Stead-Dorval ’21, Ben Upshaw ’21, Julia Yohe ’21 Presented to the student or students who have made outstanding contributions to the school and its life during the year. Joseph L. Hudson, Jr. ’49 Award Eric Rich ’21, Shea Ryan ’21 Awarded to a senior who embodies citizenship and virtue throughout his or her years at Nichols School, and emerged as an exemplary individual who has contributed to the Nichols community through his or her willingness to live with honor and without pretense or judgment. It is hoped that this award will not be given to a student who will also receive several other awards. McCarthy Prize Edward Feeney ’21, Katherine Higgins ’21 Awarded to a student who has shown outstanding growth during his or her career at Nichols.

Dudley M. Irwin, III ’45 Award Sal Deni ’22 Presented to an outstanding member of the junior class who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields. Nottingham Award Gretchen Gwitt ’22 Presented to a junior girl who, by virtue of character and leadership, has assumed prominence in her class. G. Robert Strauss, Jr. ’79 Memorial Scholarship Award Emily Allen ’22, Lyla Allen ’22 The G. Robert Strauss, Jr. ’79 Memorial Scholarship Award. Bob Strauss was a member of the graduating class of 1979. To honor his memory, this award is given to a rising senior who espouses the qualities most noteworthy in Bob – commitment to community service, academic growth and athletic participation. Williams College Book Award Yamato Takabe ’22 Presented to a junior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and intellectual leadership,

and has made a significant contribution to the extracurricular life of the school.

Sophomore Awards (IV Form) Moscov Family Award Amy Andrews ’23 The Moscov Family Award was established by former Sophomore Dean Steve Moscov. The award is presented to sophomore students who have shown significant personal growth in one or a combination of the areas of character, leadership, athletics, and academics. Yale Award Owen Block ’23, Ava Farkash ’23 Presented to that member of the sophomore class who, by scholarship performance, by participation in school activities, and by character, has assumed a position of prominence in the class.

Freshman Award (III Form) Christopher Wadsworth Award Rory Warren ’24 Presented to that member of the freshman class who, by scholastic performance, by participation in school activities and by character, has assumed a position of prominence in the class.

Class of 2021 Cum Laude Society Jung Hwan Choi ’21 Mia Cruz ’21 Carson Kania ’21 Andrina Kirst ’21 Anuraag Kumar ’21 Abby Marzec ’21 Samantha Meyo ’21 Emma Najdzionek ’21 Paige Palinski ’21 Dean Parentis ’211 Lauren Radford ’21 Joseph Ricotta ’21 Joshua Stead-Dorval ’21 Mackenzie Sucher ’21 Isabella Vukas ’21 Qiuzi Wu ’21 Julia Yohe ’21 Chenming Zhou ’21

Summer 2021

CO M M E N C E M E N T

Elle Ackerman

Jesse Adamu

Dylan Alphonse

Kolby Amici

Holly Arrison

Alexander Aubrecht

Cho Cho Aye

Julia Barnes

Lukas Benchley

Patrick Berdysiak

Nicholas Botzenhart

Theodore Chambers

Lyvia Chambers

Jung Hwan Choi

Michael Coene

Mia Cruz

Case Darby

Robert Denman

Dominic Derenda

Molly Derrigan

Chloe Desai

Gracee Donovan

Edward Feeney

Cooper Felle

Oscar Fitzpatrick

Jack Flanigan

Maureen Foley

Nicholas Gee

Anabel Gicewicz

Catherine Greeley

Paige Gross

Juliet Gurney

Kevin Haley

Steven Hall

Reilly Hamill

Katherine Higgins

Sean Hogan

Willow Hunt

Haley Jones

Jarrett Jou

Brittney Julien

Carson Kania

Ian Kellogg

Zahra Khan

Andrina Kirst

Anuraag Kumar

Gabriel Lunn

Tristan Madden

Lily Margulis

Victoria Mariano

Abby Marzec

Congratulations Class of 2021 John McDonald

Olivia McKnight

Emma Patricia Najdzionek N i c h o l s S c h o oO'Donnell l

Paige Palinski

Lydia Maynor

Class of 2021

Dean Parentis

Maggie Pfalzgraf

Andrew Phath

Samantha Meyo

Ridwhan Miah

Alexander Musielak

Hugh Purks

Lauren Radford

Grace Rauch

Gee

Gicewicz

Greeley

Gross

Gurney

Haley

Hall

Hamill

Higgins

Sean Hogan Sean Hogan

Willow Hunt Willow Hunt

Haley Jones Haley Jones

Jou Jou

Julien Julien

Carson Kania Carson Kania

Ian Kellogg Ian Kellogg

Zahra Khan Zahra Khan

Andrina Kirst Andrina Kirst

Anuraag Kumar Anuraag Kumar

Gabriel Lunn Gabriel Lunn

Tristan Madden Tristan Madden

Lily Margulis Lily Margulis

Victoria Mariano Victoria Mariano

Abby Marzec Abby Marzec

Lydia Maynor Lydia Maynor

John McDonald John McDonald

Olivia McKnight Olivia McKnight

Samantha Meyo Samantha Meyo

Ridwhan Miah Ridwhan Miah

Alexander Musielak Alexander Musielak

Emma Najdzionek Emma Najdzionek

Patricia O'Donnell Patricia O'Donnell

Paige Palinski Paige Palinski

Eric Rich Eric Rich

David Rich III David Rich III

Joseph Joseph

Aaron Stein Aaron Stein

Emma Stephen Emma Stephen

Alissa Stevens Alissa Stevens

Isabella Vukas Isabella Vukas

Class of 2021 Class of 2021

Dean Parentis Dean Parentis

Maggie Pfalzgraf Maggie Pfalzgraf

Andrew Phath Andrew Phath

Hugh Purks Hugh Purks

Lauren Radford Lauren Radford

Grace Rauch Grace Rauch

Roman Roman

Isabella Russo Isabella Russo

Shealyn Ryan Shealyn Ryan

Xinyan Shen Xinyan Shen

Noah Stabler Noah Stabler

Joshua Stead-Dorval Joshua Stead-Dorval

Michael Stewart Michael Stewart

Mackenzie Sucher Mackenzie Sucher

Alexa Suda Alexa Suda

Anthony Taneff Anthony Taneff

Michael Tuber Michael Tuber

Benjamin Upshaw Benjamin Upshaw

Landon Weber Landon Weber

Qiuzi Wu Qiuzi Wu

Siyuan Yang Siyuan Yang

Julia Yohe Julia Yohe

Chenming Zhou Chenming Zhou

M E M B E R S O F T H E N I C H O L S S C H O O L C L A S S O F 2 0 2 1 W I L L AT T E N D : M E M B E R S O F T H E N I C H O L S S C H O O L C L A S S O F 2 0 2 1 W I L L AT T E N D :

Boston College Boston Boston University College Brown University Boston University Butler BrownUniversity University Canisius College Butler University Carnegie Mellon University Canisius College Case Western Reserve University Carnegie Mellon University Colby College Reserve University Case Western Colgate University Colby College College Charleston Colgate of University Cornell University College of Charleston

Denison University Elon University Denison University Emory University Elon University Fairfield University Emory University HamiltonUniversity College Fairfield HaverfordCollege College Hamilton Hobart William Smith Colleges Haverford College Kenyon CollegeSmith Colleges Hobart William Marquette University Kenyon College Miami University, Oxford Marquette University Middlebury College Miami University, Oxford

Nazareth College New York College University Nazareth Northeastern University New York University Occidental College Northeastern University Rochester Institute Occidental College of Technology Saint Anselm College Rochester Institute of Technology Skidmore College Saint Anselm College St. Lawrence University Skidmore College SUNY AlbanyUniversity St. Lawrence SUNY SUNY Buffalo Albany SUNY Buffalo Cortland SUNY

SUNY Oswego SUNY SUNY Potsdam Oswego Syracuse University SUNY Potsdam Trinity College Syracuse University University of California Irvine Trinity College University University of of Alabama California Irvine University of of Alabama Evansville University University University of of Maine Evansville University of of Maine Mary Washington University University University of of Maryland Mary Washington University of of Maryland Miami University

University of Michigan University Hampshire University of of New Michigan University Dame University of of Notre New Hampshire University University of of Pittsburgh Notre Dame University of of Pittsburgh Rochester University University Carolina University of of South Rochester University of of South Tennessee University Carolina University University of of Vermont Tennessee University of of Vermont Virginia University Vanderbilt University University of Virginia Wake Forest University Vanderbilt University

Cornell University

Middlebury College

SUNY Cortland

University of Miami

Wake Forest University Summer 2021

CO M M E N C E M E N T

2021 Middle School Awards Nichols Middle School marked the end of the 2020-21 school year on June 2, with the Middle School Awards and Eighth Grade Recognition Ceremony. Eighth graders and their families gathered together in the Flickinger Performing Arts Center, and award-winning students in fifth, sixth and seventh grades were shown on Zoom from their advisories in the Middle School. Head of Middle School Paul Errickson welcomed families and faculty members and commended students for their achievements and their resolve throughout an unusual school year. Errickson also recognized in a special way Connie Klopp, the longtime face of the Middle School front office who retired after 46 years of service to Nichols School. Following the presentation of awards, Mary Charles ’25 and Gavin Weinstein ’25 shared remarks on behalf of the Class of 2025. Charles, a four-year Nichols Middle School student, and Weinstein, who joined Nichols this year for eighth grade, spoke to the unique challenges this year presented and how the class came together through unprecedented times, as well as the sense of community students found in the Middle School. Julia Marthia, a Middle School English teacher and advisor, was selected as the keynote faculty speaker. Marthia shared the lessons she took away from helping Middle School students navigate this school year. She also led the audience in recognizing the eighth grade students and acknowleged the lasting impact they leave on Nichols School. Congratulations Class of 2025!

The Cornelia L. Dopkins Award Oliver Ptak ’28, Ellen Fox ’27, Maia Porter ’26, Trinity Chatwood ’25 Named in honor of an extraordinary teacher, scholar, and Head of the Nichols Middle School on two different occasions, this award is given to fifth-eighth grade students who have been nominated by their peers because they have demonstrated a genuine concern for others and for Nichols School. The recipient is a person who sees what needs to be done and does it with enthusiasm and without expectation of reward, a quality Mrs. Dopkins displayed throughout her lengthy career at Nichols. The Henry D. Waters Award Sofia Sanchez Wolf ’27 This award was established to honor Henry D. Waters, who dedicated his life to his second career as a dean, advisor, English teacher supreme, Hall of Fame coach and athlete, and friend of middle school students for twenty-five years. It is awarded to fifth or sixth grade students who display the qualities Henry Waters valued most: a willingness to participate in all activities to the best of their ability; fair-mindedness; good sportsmanship; honesty; empathy; citizenship; and a positive sense of humor. The Pliny H. Hayes III Award Megha Pendyala ’26 This award was established to honor Pliny H. Hayes, III, former Head of the Nichols Middle School; a brilliant leader, counselor, classical scholar, and world traveler, Pliny was devoted to Nichols, its students, and its faculty. It is given to that seventh grade student whose commitment to and pursuit

Nichols School

of excellence in all endeavors challenges others; whose enjoyment and pleasure in new experiences and learning stimulates others, and whose character and personal integrity inspires others. The Bruce Anderson Award Giacomo Pili ’24 This award is given by his eighth grade classmates of 1973 in memory of Bruce Anderson. It is awarded to an eighth grade boy who not only displays athletic excellence and a fine sense of sportsmanship but also contributes to the general welfare of his classmates through strength of character and leadership. The Elizabeth R. Stone Award Ellery Jaworowicz ’25, Cecilia Stewart ’25 This award honors Beth Stone, who, in her 40-year career in the Nichols Physical Education and Athletic Departments, challenged both Upper and Middle School students to surpass their perceived limitations and develop a love of sports and wellness. It is given to an eighthgrade girl who not only has displayed athletic excellence and a fine sense of sportsmanship, but also, through strength of character and leadership, has contributed to the general welfare of her classmates. George J. Kloepfer ’68 II Faculty Award Mary Charles ’25, Trinity Chatwood ’25, Max Langer ’25, Lara Radovic ’25, Joey Tuber ’25, Maddie White ’25 This award is named in honor of George Kloepfer, who devoted his entire professional career of 48 years to the

Nichols Middle School. As a wise, no-nonsense advisor, teacher, and coach, he provided a model of ethics, responsibility, and accountability for his students and co-workers, earning their respect, admiration, and love. The George J. Kloepfer II ’68 Award is presented to eighth grade students who exhibit the qualities Mr. K exemplified: positive leadership, sound character, true concern for others, and a helping nature. The Robert A. Gillespie-Vincent E. Walsh Award Hana Radovic ’25 The Robert A. Gillespie-Vincent E. Walsh Academic Award was established by Allan J. Lerner, class of 1947, to honor two outstanding Nichols teachers. It is awarded to the eighth grade student(s) who has achieved the highest academic standing during his or her eighth grade year. The Charles I. Kleiser Award Sun Jae Nigalye ’25 This award was established in 1960 by the faculty to honor the memory of Charles I. Kleiser, a Nichols Junior School teacher for more than thirty years whose devotion to his craft and his students remains legendary. It is awarded to an eighth grade student who has demonstrated qualities of positive leadership, sound character, and concern for others.

Q&A with Chris Burner What has gone well at Nichols in this exceptional year? CB: Everyone has transitioned and responded extremely well to all the changes. The families and the students have all followed our requests that evolved along the way. Faculty and staff continue to help us implement protocols that include things as basic as spacing for lines at lunch and the number of students moving through the hallways to wearing a mask. There have been so many things that we have asked of people here and of our families and everyone has responded remarkably well. It’s their response, and their attention to all of the rules that has allowed us to stay on campus. What would you like share about all that the faculty and staff have done this year? CB: The faculty and staff have been so dedicated and flexible. The flexibility required to go online at a moment’s notice last March; working over the summer, flexibility with the changing rules – COVID testing for a while, now not testing. It made the difference in making sure we had a safe and successful school year. It has been an unusual time to be a student. What would you say to students? CB: We are trying to make the best out of challenging situations. I am thrilled here at Nichols that we have been in-person with high quality classes and each student should feel so fortunate to be working with the faculty in the classroom, even if they are online. As they know, especially for the seniors, some flexibility will be required when we come out of this. I hope they have learned about resilience, they have demonstrated how resilient they are and their determination to push their way through. These are characteristics that will carry them well beyond this pandemic and they demonstrated it and it will be needed in other challenges down the road.

We have had a few Zoom events. What has it been like to get to know Nichols alumni? CB: It was during my first year that we went online just as I was getting to know the alumni in person. I have done as much as I can with alumni and parents as well through Zoom. They have showed up for various events and I have appreciated that. I have heard them speak and while I have enjoyed it and though I have gotten to know some of them through these events, I can’t tell you how much I look forward to moving beyond this and being able to resume in person events. What have you learned about the culture of philanthropy at Nichols? CB: The culture of philanthropy from the very beginning and right through has been remarkable. It has allowed us to afford all of the additional expenses that COVID brought to this school, from tents, to new ventilation to cleaning and all of the other things we have to do, including additional staff. I have been so impressed and pleased that philanthropy through difficult times has continued and it has enabled us to respond effectively and to deliver our mission of educating students. It is such a testament to their commitment to the school. What do you like about living in Buffalo? CB: I was getting to know the Bills and the Sabres and I was thrilled to go through the Bills run in the playoffs. I am sorry to say that the Chiefs not only knocked out the Bills but also my Browns, so both of my teams. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get out as much as I could, but I continue to find this a remarkably welcoming and friendly community and town and I look forward to exploring and discovering all that Buffalo and Western New York have to offer. n

Summer 2021

arts

Bringing the Arts to Life Art classes tour neighborhood museums, choirs, ensembles and orchestras play in outdoor tents and dancers perform on the Quad. This year brought a myriad of unexpected opportunities to learn, express and expand artistic talents in the Nichols School Art Department. “At Nichols, the diversity of experiences for our students is incredible,” said Andrea Mancuso, Ph.D. P’14,’16, Chair of the Arts department. “The programs of the Arts department all work closely together, meaning students have even more unique opportunities to explore their interests and talents.” As a vibrant part of the Nichols student experience, programming for Performing and Visual Arts incorporates works featured at area galleries and museums as well as contributions by Nichols alumni working in the arts. In past months, some students connected with alumni working in the visual arts, film, and acting, while other students attended virtual exhibitions and explored Buffalo’s public art.

Nichols School

“It is important to me that students learn from the experiences of people who are working in all areas of the arts,” said Kristen Kelley, who teaches drama. “My classes always have been so active and, though my classroom looks different, we found many new ways to adapt and learn.” Kelley’s students continued their performances, even if scene work meant Zooming from theatre space on campus with students at home. A highlight was recording an adaptation of H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds. Visual Arts students ventured beyond the campus fence to experience art firsthand. This fall, photography and filmmaking students walked to Art Alley near Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo to explore the many murals created by locally and nationally renowned artists. They explored Parkside and

experienced the works of Jun Kaneko’s The Space Between exhibit on view on the campus of the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin House. Meanwhile, Middle and Upper School students Zoomed with a docent at the Albright-Knox’s Northland, who offered a virtual tour through the installation of Swoon’s Seven Contemplations. “We are so lucky to have such a rich local arts community,” said Mancuso. “We partner with the local galleries and regional artists as well as our alumni, which is just another way our students and programming benefit and grow.” Significantly, the Arts department prioritized connecting current students with several of the long list of accomplished Nichols alumni working in the arts. Documentary filmmaker Garret Harkawik ’04, producer Maggie Gilbride ’11 and producer and director Spencer Bacon ’16 hosted virtual discussions with students to discuss about their creative work, life experiences and artistic influences. Fulbright Scholar

Alex Fischer ’17 also joined a class virtually and shared insights about his research and impressions of the Ukrainian art scene. “The story I get from our alumni who share their experiences is that art enriches every aspect of life,” said Mancuso. “Art is always changing and whether you are a maker, a patron or a collector, it has so much to offer in one’s life.” Actress and comedian Charmagne Chi ’92 and actress, singer, writer and director Alexandra Mathews ’11 are lending their talents to work with Performance Arts students. Chi exposed students to standup comedy and Matthews walked students through how to write a sketch. Students put these lessons to work with a spring comedy production with a limited in-person live audience. “The arts are a place of refuge for students and a place where they can find their voice. More than ever, our classes feel like family where everyone is welcome and this was true this year more than ever,” said Kelley. n

Summer 2021

athletics

A Tradition of

Athletic Achievement For generations, Nichols athletes have gone on to pursue their sport in college, at the

professional level and even the Olympic Games. The positive culture of the Nichols Athletics Department, passion of the Nichols coaches and commitment of our student-athletes has earned Nichols its reputation for athletic strength and excellence. An attribute Nichols is proud of most especially is athletic opportunity for all students.

Nichols School

“We have had a lot of success,” said Rob Stewart P’21 ’23 ’25 ’29, Athletic Director at Nichols. “But the number we are most proud of is that 85 percent of students in the Upper School play at least one interscholastic sport.” Strong student interest in athletics resulted in the establishment of new teams at Nichols, including JV Girls Hockey, JV Boys Baseball, Boys and Girls Sailing and Winter and Spring Track. Currently, Nichols fields 21 teams playing nine sports in Middle School and 37 teams playing 15 sports in Upper School. “The participation in sports at Nichols deepens the sense of campus community,” said Zoe Jackson-Gibson ’12, Prospect Research and Stewardship Coordinator at Nichols and Varsity Girls Soccer Assistant Coach. Once a Nichols student-athlete herself, Jackson-Gibson brings her unique perspective to her work as a coach. “I am always so impressed by the camaraderie of the Nichols teams as well as their incredible talent and dedication. It is something that I am fortunate to be part of and am grateful to help nurture,” she said. An essential part of any successful team or athletics program is coaching. “Throughout the Athletics program, the Nichols coaching staff not only has great knowledge of their sports but they are great role models for the student. The make participation a fun and positive experience,” said Stewart.

Nichols teams saw great success on the field, on the track, on the court and on the ice this year. The Boys Varsity Soccer team won the Monsignor Martin League title and the playoff Championship. The Girls Varsity Soccer team was in the Monsignor Martin playoff Championship finals and Girls Cross-Country won the Monsignor Martin League Championship. Girls Squash team won the WNY Scholastic Squash championship for the 11th year in a row and Prep Boys Hockey made it to the State Finals. The JV and Club teams also had a lot of success. Remarkably, many Nichols student-athletes gained recognition as scholar athletes with several selected to All-Catholic teams. Seven student-athletes committed to continue their athletic careers in Division 1 college programs while several others will play Division 2 or Division 3 college sports. “Nichols creates an environment where teams compete at high levels and athletes strive for success, but it is also an environment where kids really enjoy doing it,” Stewart said. “Athletics is not separate from the educational process. It is an integral part of a Nichols education, with a focus on the life lessons of sportsmanship, teamwork and leadership,” Stewart added. n

Summer 2021

From Nichols to the Oscars

A Conversation with Nanette Burstein ’88 presented by the Mary Jane and Graham F. Smith ’48 Fund In December, esteemed documentary filmmaker and Nichols alumna Nanette Burstein ’88 joined Nichols School Graham Smith Writer’s Chair Larry Desautels for a virtual fireside chat. With Desautels sitting in front of a camera from the comfort of his school office and Burstein appearing via Zoom from her home in New York City, the two discussed her time at Nichols School, her career and many of her internationally recognized film projects. “Nichols was a great school,” Burstein told Desautels. “Some of my favorite people in the world I went to school with. It was challenging academically and formed our fragile and vulnerable young selves into really interesting and successful people,” she added. When asked when she knew she wanted to pursue a career as a documentary filmmaker, the Oscar nominee responded: “By the time I left high school, I was pretty clear that I wanted to be a documentary filmmaker.” After graduating from Nichols, she attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. A cinephile from a young age, Burstein grew up not far from North Buffalo’s North Park Theater, where she was able to experience classic movies and art films.

Nichols School

She also found a passion for news and politics. When considering becoming a journalist or a filmmaker, she saw documentary filmmaking as a way to combine both of these passions. Burstein’s career has spanned more than two decades, beginning with her Oscar-nominated documentary On the Ropes (1999), which follows the lives of three Brooklyn-based boxers and their coach. She has told the stories of several controversial figures, from Tonya Harding to John McAfee and Robert Evans. Burstein was selected to direct a profile of former First Lady, United States Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton for Hulu. Hillary (2020) was a critically acclaimed four-part series that earned Burstein an Emmy nomination. Her next project explores Margie Witt, whose lawsuit against the U.S. Military ultimately forced the end of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. This inaugural fireside event was the first in a series of personal conversations with remarkable Nichols alumni known as From Nichols. The complete talk with Burstein can be viewed on the Nichols Vimeo channel. n

Going all in for

hen Nichols School launched the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the school’s history, no one could have foreseen the challenges of the past year. Yet, adversity makes us stronger and the Nichols community continues to come together in support of All iN: The Campaign for Nichols School. This comprehensive campaign seeks to raise $35 million by the end of 2023. Thanks to the generosity of several lead donors, Nichols raised $25.4 million during the quiet phase of the campaign, which began in 2017. To date, commitments to All iN exceed $30 million. “For more than 125 years, Nichols School has been the preeminent independent school in Western New York. Our students pursue excellence in the classroom, on sports fields, in art studios and music halls. The All iN Campaign ensures that Nichols will continue to thrive and succeed for today’s students and for generations to come,” said Chair of the Board of Trustees Kate Roach ’83 P’14,’16. Kristan Carlson Andersen ’80 P’13,’16 and Nelson Walsh ’80 serve as Co-chairs of this historic initiative. “We are inspired by the generous support shown through the quiet phase of the campaign and the continued support over the past year,” said Andersen. “The Nichols community’s commitment to ensuring the future strength and success of our school is truly humbling.” When Nichols transitioned to virtual learning in March 2020, the Office of Advancement put plans for

in-person fundraising events on hold and moved All iN online. Overnight, virtual conversations and Zoom town halls replaced scheduled face-to-face meetings. “The challenges of the past year have not slowed the enthusiasm nor the momentum for All iN,” said Leslie Garcia P’14, Director of Advancement. “In fact, the pandemic has made the Nichols community even more focused and more committed to caring for the long-term needs of our students, faculty, staff and campus.” The priorities and goals of this bold campaign include attracting the best and brightest students; recruiting, retaining and supporting outstanding faculty; enhancing the campus learning environment to support innovative programs; and growing the Nichols Fund to sustain excellence. “We are ‘All iN’ with this campaign and we invite our entire community to do the same,” said Walsh. “Together, we can ensure Nichols delivers the best in education and innovation.” To date, the efforts of All iN have resulted in the completion of the Student Commons and the establishment of 16 new scholarships to benefit more than 40 students. After such remarkable success, the Campaign Steering Committee is expanding its focus to increase the Nichols Fund, grow faculty and program endowments and secure additional naming opportunities supporting the Student Commons. n For more information about the All iN campaign, please visit the campaign website at www.nicholsallin.org or contact Director of Advancement Leslie Garcia at 716.332.5163 or email lgarcia@nicholsschool.org.

Summer 2021

New Student Commons With great celebration, All iN: The Campaign for Nichols School was announced publicly at the Leadership Donor Reception. Held in the new Student Commons, the state-of-the-art meeting, dining and gathering space provided the perfect backdrop for the campaign kickoff. In announcing the campaign, Head of School Chris Burner and Trustee and former Chair of the Board Jeffrey Meyer emphasized the importance of looking to the future to ensure the success of Nichols. The Student Commons, which opened in September of 2019, was possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who gifted $2 million to the campaign. Construction crews broke ground on the $4.5 million building in the summer of 2018. Featuring a cathedral ceiling and expansive windows, the new Student Commons provides views of Peek and Strauss Truscott Fields and Duffy Courtyard leading onto the Quad. n

“This was an ambitious project that greatly adds to student life and our campus experience. While holding true to our tradition, it is another way to expand our sense of community and innovate our school.” – Trustee and Former Board Chair Jeffrey Meyer

Nichols School

NEW STUDENT COMMONS

NAMING OPPORTUNITIES NICHOLSALLIN.ORG

STUDENT COMMONS

Connecting Mitchell Hall to the Flickinger Performing Arts Center, the new Student Commons houses the iconic Rand Dining Hall, as well as a new dining area and a multi-purpose meeting room. The main entrance on the east side is preceded by the tiered, landscaped Duffy Courtyard and impressive glass foyer. The west side of the Student Commons is framed by an elevated outdoor terrace for smaller group events and overlooks the Strauss Truscott and Peek athletic fields.

DINING HALL EXPANSION

The new dining space—adjacent to the Rand Dining Hall—provides increased seating capacity, thus reducing the number of lunch periods and increasing scheduling flexibility and course options for students. This new space houses large group meetings and major events on campus.

MULTIPURPOSE/ BOARD ROOM

Our new multi-purpose meeting room provides much-needed space on campus for classes, conferences and meetings. Complete with sliding doors that can be used to section off the room, this versatile meeting space empowers school and community groups to engage in meaningful discussions undisturbed by their surroundings. The Nichols School Board of Trusteess meetings are held in this space.

VIEWING TERRACE

Framing the west side of the new Student Commons and overlooking the Strauss Truscott and Peek fields, an elevated outdoor terrace provides a unique space for smaller group gatherings and the viewing of athletic events.

ATRIUM LOBBY

This impressive glass structure serves as the main entrance to the new Student Commons and connects to the Flickinger Performing Arts Center for all school events.

$2,000,000

$1,500,000

$1,000,000

$500,000

$250,000

Summer 2021

A Year Like No Other in Nichols History

Nichols School

Summer 2021

This past year marks a chapter in the esteemed history of Nichols School unlike any other. Despite challenges that seemed to change sometimes by the day or even the hour, students, families, faculty, staff and alumni came together with resilience and determination to ensure Nichols continued to provide the highest standards of learning upon which Nichols was founded 129 years ago. “It goes without saying that this past year has been unprecedented,” said Head of School Chris Burner. “Our goal always has been to keep our Nichols community safe while delivering the excellence of a Nichols School education and experience for our students without pause,” he added. After the reality of COVID-19 reached the shore of Lake Erie, Nichols was one of the first schools in Western New York to make the independent decision to move to full remote learning on March 13, 2020. True to our school’s mission, students, faculty and staff embraced the challenge and adapted aptly to what at the time was a new way of learning. Students cleaned out their lockers and headed home with laptops and academic materials prepared for learning in a pandemic. Nichols faculty and staff delivered two weeks of distance learning before the scheduled Spring Break. The strong support of the Nichols faculty and staff was crucial in making this transition successful. Nichols closely followed all state and local mandates, including the daily press briefings of Nichols alumna Gale R. Burstein ’82, MD, MPH, FAAP, the Erie County Commissioner of Health. At that time, the expectation was that distance learning would take place for just two weeks.

Transition to Distance Learning

As the health crisis worsened across the country and in our community, it became clear that returning to campus would be untenable for the 2019-20 academic year. Nichols came together to ensure all students remained on track with their classes.

“Our goal always has been to keep our Nichols community safe while delivering the excellence of a Nichols School education and experience for our students without pause.” – Head of School Chris Burner 28

Nichols School

Adept use of technology was key to keeping students engaged. Faculty and advisors transitioned to now ubiquitous Zoom sessions and maintained close contact with each student. “Making the choice to send our children to Nichols is one of the best decisions we have ever made. The strength of this community is incredible and we could not be more grateful for the faculty and staff who work tirelessly every day for our children,” said Molly Boscarino P’23,’27. Just as instruction moved from campus to homes, Nichols faculty switched swiftly to teaching from their kitchens, basements and more. For many, it proved to be an experience like no other. In addition, staff members pivoted to virtual offices and found creative new ways to succeed. “Remaining connected during this time was so important and it was truly remarkable to see how the Nichols community came together,” said Leslie Garcia P’14, Director of Advancement. “The result was the most successful Nichols Fund ever and the creation of the NicholSAFE Fund, which was established to assist students directly impacted by the pandemic.”

Traditions Reimagined

Many year-end traditions at Nichols were reimagined. The choir performed a virtual final concert. Spring athletes celebrated seniors in a socially distant way. Faculty and staff delivered diplomas, roses and signs to the members of the Class of 2020. The poignancy of the pandemic was notable especially around the tradition of Commencement. For the first time in Nichols history, seniors graduated, on July 31, alongside only their classmates. In accordance with health and safety guidelines, seniors sat six feet apart donning their green and white gowns and traditional laurel wreaths. “Each student’s high school senior year is a milestone remembered for a lifetime. Despite limitations, each graduating senior persevered with grit and grace,” said Sarah Jacobson, Head of Upper School. While planning for Commencement through the summer, the faculty and staff worked tirelessly to ensure the safe return to school in the fall. Faculty participated in

Summer 2021

professional development to refine and improve distance learning while staff members planned for use of the entire 30-acre campus, including outdoor tents to serve as classrooms and dining spaces. Consulting with members of the Board of Trustees, current families, faculty, administrators and staff, a 13-person Reopening Committee developed the plan to return safely to on-campus learning. A 27-page document outlined protocols regarding health and safety, classrooms, sports, dining and mental health support.

unceasingly rise to the occasion with resilience and grace. Our faculty and staff offered unwavering support and commitment and our families continue to serve as partners in ensuring the success of this academic year. “I am in awe of how our students, faculty, staff and families came together during this unique moment in our history,” said Burner. “I am confident we will all come through this stronger and these times will be remembered as one of triumph and unity for our whole community.”

Our Community is Strong and Growing

As Our Community Changes, Our School Changes

Students, faculty and staff excitedly returned to campus in early September with full day, five day a week in-person learning for the Middle and Upper Schools. Nichols welcomed many new students from across Western New York and each grade was at enrollment capacity. “Nichols educates the whole child and supports each student’s intellectual, athletic and artistic growth. We also remain conscious of mental health and well-being,” said Burner A year ago, quarantines and COVID testing were unimaginable, became routine. Yet, our students

Nichols School

Thirty years ago, beloved teacher, scholar and alumnus John Millard Sessions ’62 wrote, Nichols School: A Century of Tradition and Change, 1891-1991, the official history of Nichols. His book chronicled the people and places of Nichols’ first century.

He wrote in the opening of the book: “Nichols is not monolithic…This history, then, is the history of change at Nichols School. Change is necessary for an institution to survive a hundred years. Those who work in it, those who seek its services, those who continue to support it with time, money, and imagination, must see it as responding to the needs of the larger community and as fulfilling a necessary niche in that community. As surely as that community changes, the school changes.'

These words ring true today. How remarkably Nichols has adapted and met the challenges of the past year will be etched in the history of Nichols. And, in the great tradition of our school, the heart and soul of Nichols grows stronger. n

Hertel Alley mural by Nicole Cherry Summer 2021

Giving Nichols Students Tools for Life When One Love was launched at Nichols School, it spurred conversations among students that were centered around what healthy relationships look like, warning signs of potentially unhealthy relationships and lessons learned from the life of Yeardley Love, a victim of domestic violence for whom the One Love Foundation was established. One Love, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing relationship violence through education, uses content such as films, online media and guides to inform peer-led discussions. Members of the One Love staff oversee the workshops, while students drive the conversations. Nichols was the first academic institution in Western New York to host One Love. It joins a growing list of schools, companies, nonprofit organizations, government 32

Nichols School

entities and professional sports teams across the United States that have adopted its programming in a growing effort to promote healthy relationships and reduce the cases of domestic violence. One Love’s staff visited the Nichols campus in the fall of 2018, leading workshops and discussions with faculty, staff and students. These tools and lessons are now integrated into the Nichols health and wellness programs led by Danielle Vallas ’95 P’23,’25, Upper School Licensed

Danielle Vallas ’95 uses One Love tools to discuss healthy relationships.

Mental Health Counselor and Wellness Director, and Mary Flanigan P’21,’24, Middle School Counselor and Wellness Director. “Emotional health and wellness are core to our commitment to students at Nichols. Understanding what is and is not a healthy relationship is a fundamental building block of life,” said Vallas. “We incorporate the lessons of One Love into our health and wellness programming and use material provided by the organization to facilitate discussions. Nothing is more fundamental to living a healthy life than to understand what is a healthy relationship,” she added. One Love was established in honor of Yeardley Love, a student and Division I lacrosse player at the University of Virginia, who was murdered in 2010 by her former boyfriend. Under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer Katie Hood, the organization seeks to introduce a new way to educate individuals about what “healthy” looks like in relationships and starting with teenagers is crucial. “We are the national leader in educating young people about the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships,” said Hood. “We use films and peer discussions to get people talking about an issue they have never talked about before, and in doing so, we think we are empowering a whole generation to really help each other,” she added.

One Love relies on support from individuals, companies and foundations as it works to spread its message, expand its content and impact more lives. Longtime supporters of One Love are Nichols parents and Trustee Brigid Doherty and René Jones P’21, ’23. “I got involved with One Love through Katie Hood, who is a dear friend of mine from living in New York and from business school. The issue of healthy relationships and preventing relationship abuse is a topic that I have always been passionate about,” said Doherty. Doherty, who formerly served as Executive Director of the Western New York Women’s Fund, said the statistics around the occurrence of relationship abuse are “undeniable.” Her hope is that One Love can educate and encourage conversations around healthy relationships and ultimately reduce cases of domestic violence. “I think One Love brings a new perspective to the conversation because of its emphasis on youth, its emphasis on identifying what emotionally healthy relationships look like and its emphasis on providing ways for young people to talk about these difficult topics,” Doherty added. “I am thrilled that René and I were able to support One Love and bring its message and its program to our community and to the school our daughters attend,” she added. Doherty and Jones generously sponsored the One Love workshop at Nichols. n To learn more about the important work of the One Love Foundation, please visit joinonelove.org.

Summer 2021

ACADEMICS

Igniting Robotics

Through Academics, Technology & Teamwork What started as an interest of three students and Physics teacher Larry Hiller P’23,’28 has evolved into a six team, Middle and Upper School initiative with students competing all across the United States. Now in its twelfth year, Robotics at Nichols School demonstrates experiential STEM learning at its best while remaining a shining example of how academics, technology and teamwork come together to expand the Nichols student experience. “What is unique about Robotics is the element of cooperation,” said Hiller. “We may be competing, but our teams are always ready to help others whenever the need arises,” he added. Robotics’ spirit of cooperation is seen as teammates work together, Middle School students learn from Upper School students and Nichols students even help teams from other schools. When other schools faced challenges at competitions, Nichols Robotics students jumped in and lent a helping hand. Their sense of comradery around technology also has extended into the greater Buffalo community. This past year, Robotics students worked with Journey’s End and

the Western New York Digital Equity Coalition, which provided laptops for families new to the United States. Nichols students shared their skills by teaching computer literacy and tutoring Kindergarteners through Seventh graders in math. “Our teams have given more than 2,200 volunteer hours to local organizations. They give back and learn skills that are tools for a lifetime,” said Hiller. The Robotics program brings to life what is at the core of a Nichols education. It encourages students to think creatively, problem solve, apply data and collaborate for a common goal. At Nichols, students are called to accept challenge, discover themselves and, importantly, embrace the process. “Here, our students develop exceptional knowledge and skills, but the purpose of education is not to just meet requirements,” said Head of Upper School Sarah Jacobson. “The purpose of education is to use knowledge and skills, experience them and bring knowledge and skills to the world around us,” she added. n

“Our teams have given more than 2,200 volunteer hours to local organizations. They give back and learn skills that are tools for a lifetime.” – Larry Hiller 34

Nichols School

Summer 2021

NICHOLSALLIN.ORG

Campaign Priorities & Goals FINANCIAL AID $18M

FACULTY SUPPORT + INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM & PROGRAMS $7M

NICHOLS FUND $6M

STUDENT COMMONS $4M

READY TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT? For more information on how you can help the efforts of All iN: The Campaign for Nichols School, contact Leslie S. Garcia, Director of Advancement, at 716.332.5163 or email lgarcia@nicholsschool.org.

G E N E R A L

I N F O R M AT I O N

T E ST

Lucy and Sherman Maisel ’35 General Information Test The Nichols Upper School General Information test is a tradition that began in the 1911 Verdian yearbook. It is compiled from questions submitted by Nichols faculty and is given to students in grades 9 through 12 as a measure of general knowledge. This GIT was coordinated by English teacher Dr. Andrew Sutherland, and it is funded through the generosity of Lucy and Sherman Maisel ’35. 1. V = 4/3 πr3 is the formula for calculating 3 the volume of a ______________________. 2. The male _______________________, a species of monotreme found in Australia, carries a venomous spur on its hind leg. 3. The French expression “____________________________,” literally translated “that is war,” is used by English speakers to refer to something that cannot be helped. 4. After adding a “DH,” or _____________________, like their American League counterparts for the 2020 season, the National League will once again ask their pitchers to hit the ball in 2021. 5. On April 4, 1968, Senator ____________________, while campaigning for president, delivered an extemporaneous speech to a mostly African-American audience, informing them for the first time of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. He asked his shocked listeners to “replace that violence, that stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand with compassion and love.” 6. ________________________, whose writing often reflected his experiences growing up poor and black in the city of Detroit, became Poet Laureate of the United States in 1976.

7. David Lean cast the relatively unknown actor Peter O’Toole in the title role of his 1962 epic ____________________, which would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. 8. In music, 4/4 time is so typical that it is also called “________________________.” 9. In algebra, the most commonly used variable after “x” is “_________________________.” 10. Albert Einstein devoted the last thirty years of his life to combining the fields of gravity and electromagnetism into a single, elegant theory called in physics a UFT or “______________________.” 11. Virgil wrote his important Latin epic, ____________________, during the reign of Augustus. 12. The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament may be better known by its alliterative title, _____________________. 13. The highest point in the United States, named Mt. McKinley in 1896, was renamed Mt. _______________________ by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2015, thus officially reverting back to the name local Koyukon people have been using for it for centuries.

Summer 2021

14. Shakespeare’s tragedy ________________ is set against the backdrop of a feud between the Montague and Capulet families.

24. A _________________________, the highest vocal range of all voice types, typically refers to a range from middle C to high A in choral music.

15. The Venetian artist ______________________ brought color and warm light to the starker realism of earlier Renaissance painters in works such as Venus of Urbino.

25. In Calculus, finding the ______________________ of a function means determining what value the function approaches as it gets closer to a certain point.

16. Sister Rosetta Tharpe was the first great recording artist of _____________________, a musical genre with roots in 18th century hymns and African-American Christians’ “call and response” tradition. Kirk Franklin is the most popular musician working in this genre today.

26. ___________________________ is one of the main branches of Earth Science, specifically studying the structure of the Earth, the rocks of which it is made, and the processes by which they change over time.

17. In basic trigonometry, given a right triangle, one may find the sine, cosine, or _________________________ of either of the non-90° angles. 18. In chemistry, ___________________ is called the “universal solvent.” 19. _____________________ is a region in Southeastern France featuring diverse terrain, from the Alps to the Camargue plains to the French Riviera, and elegant cities, from Arles to Marseille to Cannes. 20. In hockey, when an official folds his hands across his upper chest, he is signaling a penalty for _______________________. 21. The CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the United States national public health agency, headquartered in the city of __________________________. 22. The second inaugural address of President __________________________ includes the memorable line: “With malice toward none with charity for all with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation’s wounds.” 23. Photographers know that the ___________________ setting controls the size of the opening in a lens through which light passes to enter the camera.

Nichols School

27. Mexicans celebrate Día de los Muertos, or “_______________________,” each November 1st. 28. In crew there are two basic types of rowing: sweep rowing with one oar, and _________________________ with two. 29. _________________________ looks at individual markets within a larger economy, while macroeconomics looks at an entire economy. 30. The American philosopher ____________________ is famous for essays such as Self- Reliance, in which he wrote, “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.” 31. The brilliant choreographer ______________________ revolutionized modern dance when his masterwork, Revelations, based on blues and gospel music, premiered in 1960. 32. _____________________ occurs in music when a variety of rhythms are played together, causing an off-beat to be stressed. It is especially important, for example, in jazz and dance music. 33. Hidden Figures, a 2016 book by Margot Lee Shetterly, celebrates the contributions of female “human computers,” such as Mary Jackson and Katherine Johnson, who performed crucial work for ________________________ in the early 1960s.

G E N E R A L

34. The father of American landscape architecture, _______________________, reflected his social consciousness and commitment to egalitarianism in works such as New York City’s Central Park and the Buffalo, New York park system. 35. In computer science, the CPU, or “___________________________,” performs logic, operations, and controlling according to the instructions of the computer program. 36. Zài jiàn, which means “___________________” in Chinese, is formed from characters meaning “to see” and “again.” 37. In sailing, the term “_____________________” refers to a boat that has pointed into the wind so that it has stopped with its sails unable to generate any power. 38. Sigmund Freud suggested that __________________ processes, a complex of mental activities proceeding in a person without his awareness, might affect a person’s behavior. 39. A “loquacious” person is _____________________. 40. Dr. ___________________________, a Puerto Rican-American poet and one of the most influential of all modernists, was a pediatrician. 41. ______________________ is a lightweight cotton fabric with muted checks, stripes, or plaids, named for the city in east India where it originated. 42. Peter Gene Hernandez, better known as _____________________, was born and raised in Hawaii before moving to LA to record hit songs such as, Grenade, The Lazy Song, and That’s What I Like. 43. The mathematical constant _______________________, first calculated by Archimedes, is sometimes approximated using the fraction 22/7 for everyday calculations. 44. In mammals, the ______________________ chromosome contains the gene SRY, which triggers male development.

I N F O R M AT I O N

T E ST

45. The indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand are known as the ______________________. 46. A typical high school cross-country race is five kilometers long, or ____________ miles. 47. The current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, ____________________, was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2005. 48. _________________________ irony occurs when an outcome is different from one’s expectations, as distinct from dramatic irony, where the audience knows more than the character. 49. _____________________ won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2020, becoming the second person to win an Oscar for playing the iconic Batman villain The Joker (after Heath Ledger’s posthumous win in 2009). 50. The composer _________________________ wrote 22 operas, including The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute. 51. The Arabic numeral “13” would be written ________________________ in Roman numerals. 52. Biologists use the term _______________________, a principal taxonomic category that ranks above species and below family. 53. The Latin phrase ___________________________, literally “to sickness,” is commonly used in English as an adverb meaning “to an excessive degree,” as in a belabored or repetitive discussion. 54. Lacrosse allows ten players on the field: 3 attackers, 3 middies, 3 defenders, and one ________________. 55. _____________________, a Mexican-American Roman Catholic who practiced nonviolent protest, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, posthumously, in 1994. 56. Name the indirect object in the following sentence: “He kicked Lisa the ball.”

Summer 2021

57. Romare Bearden was an influential American artist especially noted for ___________________, the art of gluing various materials, such as paper, cloth, or wood, on to a surface to create a new image. 58. “The King of Ragtime,” __________________, wrote over 100 melodies, two ballets, and an opera before dying on April 1, 1917, in New York City, aged 48. 59. Solve the following: 55.5555 ÷ .55 = _____________. 60. In the Physics equation P = mv, “P” stands for _________________________. 61. In France, one might utter the words, “Je suis désolé,” if one wanted to say, “_____________________.” 62. ______________________ was drafted by the Buffalo Bills seventh overall in the 2018 NFL draft. 63. The ancient African region and people of _________________________ were split when colonialism ended and the modern Republic of Egypt and Republic of Sudan were established in 1953 and 1956, respectively. 64. _____________________ recited her poem The Hill We Climb on January 20, 2021, becoming the youngest presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history. 65. The England-based street artist and activist known only by the pseudonym _______________________ set a record in 2021 with the sale of his painting Game Changer for $23.1 million. 66. The modern orchestra is typically divided into four sections: woodwinds, strings, brass, and __________________. 67. Find the median average of the following data set: 12, 13, 18, 23, 25. 68. __________________ is the main constituent of natural gas; it has the chemical formula CH4. 69. In a Spanish-speaking country, one might sit down to desayuno, which means __________________.

Nichols School

70. On a standard baseball diamond, the bases measure ______________________ apart. 71. The first U.S. Congressman and then the first U.S. Senator of Japanese ancestry, ___________________ was belatedly awarded the Medal of Honor in the year 2000 for his “extraordinary heroism in action” during World War II. 72. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ___________________ was one of the first mass-produced novels in American history; its first printing sold out within ten days in 1850. 73. One of Mexico’s greatest artists, ______________________ is known primarily for her symbolic depictions of herself in paintings such as Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird (1940). 74. After witnessing a battle during the War of 1812, _______________________ wrote the lyrics eventually called The Star-Spangled Banner, America’s national anthem. 75. Solve the following: (5 + 3) ÷ (2 × 2) + 6 × 5 = ___________________. 76. In geology, the three types of rock are: igneous, sedimentary, and ____________________. 77. While the power of China’s Eastern Zhou Dynasty eroded, Sun Tzu wrote his classic of military strategy, ______________________________. 78. Tied with Sam Snead for most PGA Tour wins, _______________________ suffered a car accident in February 2021 that seriously injured his legs. 79. By far the largest importer of African slaves to the Americas, _________________________ became the last country in the Western world to abolish the enslavement of human beings, on May 13, 1888. 80. As opposed to beginning ab ovo, “from the egg” or at the chronological start, many stories begin _________________, “in the middle of things” – Homer’s Odyssey, for example.

G E N E R A L

81. In photography and film, the Rule of _____________________ suggests that one divide a composition using two vertical and two horizontal lines, placing featured elements at their intersections. 82. In music notation, “ ” indicates two beamed ________________________ notes. 83. If the perimeter of a regular heptagon is 21 meters, then the side length is ______________________. 84. In anatomy, the ________________________ system describes a network of glands where hormones are produced, stored, and released. 85. At Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, Mary and Louis Leakey discovered the earliest known human species, ___________________, “handyman” or “tool using man.” 86. In basketball, position one, the ____________________, is the team leader whose main job is to distribute the ball to teammates in order to create scoring opportunities. 87. The U.S. House of Representatives has grown from 59 members in the 1st Congress of 1789 to __________________________ members today. 88. To “capitulate” is to _______________________. 89. A _______________________ is an informal, light, sleeveless dress intended to be worn in hot weather. 90. Solve the following: 3/8 x ¼ = ________________. 91. The Sun is a G V star, also colorfully classified as a ____________________________ star.

I N F O R M AT I O N

T E ST

92. The abbreviation “etc.” stands for et cetera, or “____________________________.” 93. ____________________________, an NHL player for teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Buffalo Sabres, co-founded Canada’s largest fast-food restaurant chain in 1964. 94. One of the most densely-populated territories in the world, _______________________________ was a British possession from 1842 until its transfer to China in 1997. 95. In her 2020 acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize in Literature, _________________________ described herself and Emily Dickinson as “companions in invisibility.” 96. Glissade is a classical ballet term meaning “______________________;” it is a move usually performed to link other steps together. 97. Each of the angles in an equilateral triangle measures _____________________________. 98. At the height of his career, soccer star __________________________, named by the International Olympic Committee “Athlete of the Century,” was legally declared a Brazilian national treasure, preventing him from leaving the country to join another team. 99. On October 7, 2001, the United States and its allies launched airstrikes and then invaded ________; the ongoing war is the longest in U.S. history. 100. “It was a pleasure to burn,” is the opening line of the novel ________________________, expressing the protagonist’s enjoyment while participating in government oppression.

The answer key for the GIT can be found at www.nicholsschool.org/alumni/general-information-test

Summer 2021

Middle School Puts Its Heart Forward In early March, Mrs. Julie Alford’s ’84 P’11,’15,’17 sixth grade advisory issued a challenge for the whole Middle School community: to think about how each person’s actions and behaviors affect not only themselves, but also the Nichols community, neighbors and world. This HEART Challenge was designed to heighten awareness of the ripple effect one small act of kindness can have on others and the positive impact that can be achieved. The weeklong event encouraged students to practice a different act of kindness each day. Students celebrated by wearing superhero capes, crowns, wacky socks and decorated masks. The faculty even got in on the fun too. 42

Nichols School

This HEART challenge is just one way the Middle School brings the HEART initiative to life. HEART, started by members of the Middle School faculty three years ago, aims to nurture students and their young hearts for the work of life. Recently, to promote HEART, students cleared snowcovered cars, passed out hearts and hosted book drives, virtual meetings and self-care sessions. With HEART at the forefront of the Middle School experience, Nichols continues to live out values of sharing, service and community in hopes of driving positive change. n

I N

F O R M E R

F A C U LT Y

John Millard Sessions ’62 – July 8, 2019 A consummate scholar and devoted husband and father, John Millard Sessions ’62 lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on July 8, 2019 at the age of 75. Born in Rochester, N.Y., Sessions grew up in East Aurora and graduated from Nichols School in 1962. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Amherst College and Ph.D. in French Literature from the University of Rochester. He taught at Eisenhower College in Seneca Falls before returning to his alma mater and joining the Nichols faculty in 1974. In The Buffalo News, colleague and former student Julia Wescott reflected upon how Sessions set high standards in everything he did. “I remember him as a determined advocate of French culture at Nichols, a teacher who set a very high bar, and a colleague who worked painstakingly to make the Foreign Language Department at Nichols the very best it could be. An intellectual and teacher of the highest standards, his influence is carried on by the many students he taught,” said Wescott. Sessions taught French, European history and art history before returning to school to pursue an M.A. in History at the State University of New York at Buffalo. At Nichols, he was a champion of foreign languages and international student exchange programs, which he helped to pioneer. A thoughtful scholar and fastidious researcher, Sessions spent years archiving the history of Nichols. He then spent more than a year penning Nichols School: A Century of Tradition and Change, 1891-1991, an approximately 300-page hardcover book that chronicles the school from its inception through the 20th century. He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-three years, Ann, his sister Anne Sessions Barber, his daughters Jennifer Sessions and Catherine Kersey, his son-in-law, Christopher Kersey, grandchildren, Ryan and Elinor Kersey, and granddog Hannah.

M E M O R I A M

Henry D. Waters ’48 – January 4, 2019 Henry D. Waters ’48 was born in Buffalo, N.Y. on April 20, 1930, and grew up around the corner from Nichols School. A graduate of the Nichols Class of 1948, he was an honors student who won the Williams Cup, an award given to a student for academic and athletic success. He attended Dartmouth College where he played varsity hockey. After graduation, Waters began a successful career in business. With a decision that would benefit his family and generations of students, Waters left the corporate world and returned to Nichols, his alma mater, to teach middle school English in 1965. His 25-year career saw him teach, inspire and guide thousands of students as a teacher, soccer, baseball and hockey coach and lower school dean. In 1991, Nichols created an award in his name for fifth- and sixth-grade students to honor students who display the qualities he valued: “a willingness to participate in all activities to the best of their ability; fair-mindedness; good sportsmanship; honesty; empathy; citizenship; and a positive sense of humor.” He was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1986 and in 1995. Waters was given the William Nichols Award, honoring a faculty member who makes a lasting contribution to the school. He was inducted into the Nichols Athletic Hall of Fame as an athlete and coach in 2003. For many years, Henry and Sibyl Waters wintered in Naples, Fla., and Waters moved to Naples a few years after his wife of 46 years died in 1994. He shared his life for the past 23 years with Ann Merrick. Waters is survived by his sons Henry D. “Jay” Waters, Jr. and John, a daughter, Sibyl Taylor, two sisters, Mary “Molly” Anderson and Joan Keesling, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Summer 2021

I N

M E M O R I A M

classes. But Richard’s pride was not that shallow puffiness that often infects our profession, that benign bloat that can come from being in control of a classroom. His pride was more like that character penned by his fellow Portland native, Henry Longfellow, in The Village Blacksmith”.

Richard George Stratton – October 12, 2019 For more than 40 years, Richard George Stratton taught English at Nichols School but his contributions to Nichols and its students went well beyond his classroom. “I can still vividly remember coming to Nichols to interview in the spring of 2001 because of my experience in Dick Stratton’s classroom,” recalled Dr. Aranya Maritime, Nichols School Dean of Academics. “Dick embodied the kind of teaching I wanted to do— passionate, careful examination of the text always with an eye toward what made reading pleasurable and fun.” Born in Portland, Maine, Stratton had an affinity for reading at an early age. A member of his school swimming team that won a state championship and a top student academically, Stratton had his pick of colleges. He chose Colby College and graduated with honors. Stratton began his teaching career at Hebron Academy in Maine, and while teaching and coaching football and swimming, he earned a master’s degree from Wesleyan University. He joined the Nichols faculty in 1973, beginning a 42-year tenure during which he served twice as chair of the English Department and as president of the school’s Cum Laude Society. He became the Austin Fox endowed faculty chair when it was established in 1997. Nichols Smith Writers Chair Larry Desautels offered reflections of his longtime friend and colleague at Stratton’s memorial, saying: “Dick was a proud man, proud to have chosen his instrument—his voice—and his music—great literature—to share with a half-century of

Nichols School

His brow is wet with honest sweat, He earns whate’er he can, And looks the whole world in the face, For he owes not any man. Week in, week out, from morn till night, You can hear his bellows blow; You can hear him swing his heavy sledge, With measured beat and slow, Like a sexton ringing the village bell, When the evening sun is low. And children coming home from school Look in at the open door; They love to see the flaming forge, And hear the bellows roar, And catch the burning sparks that fly Like chaff from a threshing-floor. “Dick filled his classroom with sparks,” Desautels continued. “But unlike the sparks that fly to die on Longfellow’s smithy floor, those Stratton-sparks have burst into many a flame, in those students and colleagues and friends who had the good fortune to sit around his forge.” Maritime added, “Dick was my teacher and colleague, and in many ways he still is.” A celebration of Stratton’s life was held at Nichols. If you would like to honor Mr. Stratton, you may do so by contributing to The Richard G. Stratton Memorial Scholarship Fund. In support of All iN: The Campaign for Nichols School and to honor the great legacy of Mr. Stratton, Kathy and Ted Truscott ’79 have established the Richard G. Stratton Memorial Scholarship. For information about how to contribute, visit nicholsschool.org/give or contact Leslie S. Garcia at lgarcia@nicholsschool.org or 716.332.5163.

I N

William J. “Bill” Fitzhenry – July 24, 2020 Born and raised in South Buffalo, N.Y., William J. “Bill” Fitzhenry attended St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Colgate University and the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School. After graduating from UB, Fitzhenry joined the Air Force and was stationed in Houston, Texas and served as an officer in the Judge Advocate General Corps. When he returned to Buffalo, he established a legal practice. A star football player in high school and college, Fitzhenry began his coaching career at his alma mater, St. Joe’s, while a law student, followed by his first head coaching position at Bishop Timon, where his team tied for the Catholic League championship. He returned to St. Joe’s in 1955, before stepping away in 1960 to devote more time to his law practice. In 1964, Fitzhenry returned to the gridiron when he joined the Nichols Football program. He served as an Assistant Coach for 20 years and as Head Coach in 1975 and 1976. His teams went undefeated for three seasons and, in two seasons, Nichols only suffered one loss each year. As Athletic Director at Nichols in the mid-1970s, Fitzhenry used his legal and sports expertise to lead the school’s efforts to meet the new Title IX requirements and provide opportunities for young women student athletes. Fitzhenry retired from law and from Nichols in the mid-1980s and spent his time in Hilton Head, S.C., Denver, N.C., and Memphis, Tenn.. He and his undefeated teams were inducted into the St. Joe’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Fitzhenry’s wife, the former Jean Stegman, preceded him in death. He is survived by four sons, James, Joseph, Michael and William III, and nine grandchildren.

M E M O R I A M

A L U M N I Dr. Ronald Anthone ’42 – Jan. 10, 2020 Henry Ernest Montgomery II ’47 – Jan. 11, 2020 Stephen J. Kellogg ’81 – Jan. 12, 2020 Peter K. Terplan ’51 – Jan. 14, 2020 Roger W. Brandt, Sr. ’46 – Jan. 14, 2020 Ellen Markel ’81 – Feb. 12, 2020 Charles I. Davis ’53 – March 12, 2020 Roswell Park IV ’71 – April 8, 2020 “Bob” George Robert Ackerman ’45 – April 22, 2020 Jaron B. Bruzgul ’97 – May 1, 2020 Charles “Chuck” Pearson III ’41 – May 8, 2020 Stephen “Rennie” Spaulding III, ’55 – May 28, 2020 Raymond George “Pete” Peterson II ’70 – June 5, 2020 John “Jack” W. Buscaglia ’70 – Aug. 14, 2020 Neil G. Masters ’71 – Aug. 31, 2020 Reginald “Vic” Williams ’49 – Sept. 3, 2020 Richard G. Streich ’48 – Sept. 6, 2020 Dewitt “Dick” Clinton ’59 – Oct. 12, 2020

If you would like to honor Mr. Fitzhenry, you may do so by contributing to The William J. “Bill” Fitzhenry Memorial Scholarship Fund. In loving memory and the spirit of continuing his life’s work, friends and family of Bill Fitzhenry have established a scholarship at Nichols School in his memory. For information about how to contribute, visit nicholsschool.org/give or contact Leslie S. Garcia at lgarcia@nicholsschool.org or 716.332.5163.

Summer 2021

I N

M E M O R I A M

Harvey Benatovich ’51 – Dec. 11, 2020

F R I E N D S

David K. Donaldson ’60 – Dec. 28, 2020

Jerome “Jay” Schiller – Jan. 5, 2020. Father of Robin, Deborah ’85, Stephen ’86 and Marc ’88.

Charles Eugene Collard II ’52 – Jan. 3, 2020 William John “Jack” Magavern ’51 – Jan. 10, 2021 Charles A. “Chic” Smith II ’57 – Jan. 25, 2021 Michael De Graffenried ’77 – Feb. 6, 2021 Thomas Healy, Jr. ’46 – Feb. 25, 2021 Former Board Member and Trustee President F O R M E R F A C U LT Y A N D STA F F Henry Doubleday Waters ’48 – Jan. 4, 2019 Florence Pittaway Vodraska – June 22, 2019 John M. Sessions ’62 – July, 8, 2019 Richard G. Stratton – Oct. 12, 2019 Nam C. Ung – Feb. 10, 2020 Helen Tang Singh – April 10, 2020 William J. “Bill” Fitzhenry – July 24, 2020

Nichols School

Dr. Julian Ambrus, Sr. – Jan. 16, 2020. Father of Peter Ambrus ’69, Julian Ambrus, Jr. ’71, Steven Ambrus ’79, Katherine Ambrus Cheney ’81, and Charles Ambrus ’84 and eight grandchildren, including Christine Lillie ’96 and Sarah Lillie ’00. Kathryn R. Smith – March 21, 2020. Mother of faculty member Sandy Smith ’93 and Donald Smith ’97. Joshua A. Biltekof – March 22, 2020. Son of Darcy and Robert Biltekoff ’80. Jean Dziadaszek – Oct. 2, 2020. Mother of Gregory Allen ’02 and Daniel Dziadaszek ’04. Mary T. “Bibber” Jebb – Oct. 14, 2020. Sister of George B. Truscott ’55, mother of William T. Jebb ’74, Katharine Jebb Norton ’76 and Douglas S. Jebb ’78 . Keith Alford – Nov. 2, 2020. Father-in-law of faculty member Julie Alford ’84. Molly S. (née Scully) Cloutier – Nov. 13, 2020. Mother of Sara Potter ’68, Margaret Burke ’76, Brendan Burke, Jr., Deirdre Goodrich ’81 and grandmother of Delilah Burke ’98, Brendan Burke III ’03 and Gunnar Burke ’07.

C L A SS

N OT E S

If you would like to serve as a Class Agent, please contact the Alumni Office at 716.332.5152 or alumnioffice@nicholsschool.org.

Tom Harriman writes: “I’m still cooking and supporting the BRAIN Initiative at UC Santa Barbara. This is a campus-wide program whose goal is vision being improved by cognitive therapy for better outcomes at drastically reduced cost. Otherwise, the mental health system will implode because of the growing increase of aging in the population. The mission is to identify impaired neurons in the brain via finer resolution of fMRI and to replace them by means of nano-bio agents.”

Dave McCain writes: “Eleanor and I are still in Concord but have downsized, like most of us, and no longer need mowers, etc. We are both looking forward to our next reunion (our 70th) in 2021. Seems unbelievable, doesn’t it?”

Alan Oestreich was awarded the Singleton-Taybi Award for lifetime teaching, by the Society for Pediatric Radiology.

Stuart Angert was honored by Daemen College with their Community Excellence Award. The award recognizes a community member who serves as an exemplary leader and who defines the spirit of Daemen College. He also was honored by the UB School of Management for his impact on the community, the school and his industry. Stuart was founder and former CEO of Remarketing Services of America. He was recently named as Chairman of the Board of the Independent Health Foundation.

Darrell Scattergood writes that he and his wife, Barb, completed a 7,000-mile re-exploration of the USA West Coast, plus Arizona, in their RV. Darrell writes, “We were proving to ourselves that it is not too late in life, despite real infirmities, to enjoy such an adventure.”

54 Fred Batson writes: “I attended the dedication of the executive board room at the Dent Neurology Center in honor of classmate Dr. William R. Kinkel. A reception for the dedication ceremony was held at the Dent Center on Sheridan Drive. Bill has a long and distinguished medical career, both as a practicing physician and professor of medicine at the University at Buffalo Medical School. He was also responsible for the founding, growth and success of the Dent center.”

Robert Campbell, a longtime critic for The Boston Globe, was named a winner of the Vincent Scully Prize. Robert worked earlier in his career as an architect and taught at several colleges and universities. He was recognized for his excellence in architectural criticism at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

55 Tom Eighmy writes: “Happy to report neither conflagrations, tectonic eruptions, tsunamis, Category 5 hurricanes nor inundations here in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania.”

Barney Hamby is a talented artist, painting spontaneously in an empty studio to ideas driven by Schubert’s piano sonatas. Barney writes: “[The sonatas] have a ‘push’ that keeps the mind moving when doing something like painting. I started painting after early retirement from IBM. I also function as the de facto photographer

Summer 2021

C L A SS

N OT E S

here at Wake Robin, a community living complex in Shelburne, Vermont.”

James Sanders writes: “Sharon and I are enjoying good health, partially good memories and ‘I can’t remember.’ I love being retired. Been so since 1995. Our sons wondered why I didn’t shovel money at them growing up. I shoveled it all into a 12 percent 401(k). It pays to save. Best wishes to all. Nichols is the best school I ever went to, and I went to a few!”

Howard T. Saperston, Jr. was awarded the Brick by Brick Lifetime Achievement Award from Buffalo Business First. Honoring the best of the best in real estate, construction and development, these exclusive awards highlight the accomplishments of Western New York’s development industry. Howard, chairman of Saperston Real Estate Corp., has worked on real estate transactions for more than 54 years.

David Milch was honored with the Career Achievement Award at the 35th Annual Television Critics Association ceremony in Beverly Hills, CA.

Sandy Maisel published a book entitled Trumping Ethical Norms: Teachers, Preachers, Pollsters, and the Media Respond to Donald Trump. The book is a collection of essays edited by Sandy and his former student Hannah Dineen. The book is available on Amazon or through his publisher, Routledge.

Ken Neil reports that he and his wife, Cookie, moved to Santa Monica three years ago to help out with their young grandkids. He continues his marathon career with 2019 runs in Boston, Berlin and NYC, but 2020 was a bust and 2021 may be the same. All uncertain right now. Still, he touts the run along the Santa Monica beach path (13 miles round trip) as a great Zen-like experience. Dick Osbourne retired from a private equity firm in January 2021 after 20 years and is enjoying life with his wife, Charlene, and their five grandchildren, a new great-granddaughter, golf, exercising, traveling with friends, reading and, of course, fast cars.

Nichols School

Michael Dyett writes: “I am semiretired but continuing to travel; our family has been to over 90 countries and still going strong! I also am getting involved in helping Returned Peace Corps Volunteers as well as local arts groups. Still biking and hiking but going much slower. My best wishes to all classmates!”

Grant Hennigar represented the USA in the decathlon for ages 70 to 74 at the World Masters Track and Field Championships in Malaga, Spain. David Kiely writes: “My wife, Dr. Theresa Ricke-Kiely, has been called to the University of St. Thomas in the Twin Cities. She is the executive director of the university’s Office of Common Good, which gets students involved in nonprofits. The toughest part of leaving the University of Notre Dame was giving up season tickets to football, men’s and women’s basketball, hockey, etc. I still teach online for UND each week but have stopped consulting and lecturing. We are enjoying being in the Twin Cities area.”

Doug Seamans completed a 1,000 mile personal outdoor-only walking challenge from March 2020 to July 2020.

Tim McNamara was recognized for a second induction into the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame (WNYBHOF) in the Greatest Teams Member category. Originally inducted into the WNYBHOF in 2002, he was an outstanding leadoff hitter and center fielder. Tim remains active in his semi-retirement from full-time teaching, continuing his consulting work with math educators in Indiana and Georgia.

John Bardol relocated back to Canada. He writes: “Susie and I are enjoying life on Vancouver Island and sharing childcare with our daughter, Elle, and her husband, Dave, and our granddaughter Sadie.”

71 Larry Giordano accepted an invitation from the board of directors of the American Bar Foundation (ABF) to become a fellow of ABF. It was founded in 1952 and is a nonprofit, independent research institute based in Chicago for the empirical study of law in the United States. Selection as a fellow is intended to recognize “a lawyer whose career has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and the welfare of society.” Larry is a shareholder with the Knoxville, Tennessee law firm of Lewis, Thomason, King, Krieg & Waldrop, P.C.

Athletic Hall of Famer Tom “Te” Caulfield ran into fellow Hall of Famer Grant Hennigar ’67 at the Polar Bear 5K. This annual race takes place in Olcott, New York, hosted by the Olcott Volunteer Fire Company. Te writes: “The polar bear himself was so awed by our performance that he demanded we take a selfie.”

74 Thomas Braun, senior vice president at Bank of America, retired after a 31-year career in banking in Boston. Thomas writes: “To Nichols alums, look me up if you’re ever in the Lake Placid area or on Martha’s Vineyard.” Deborah Raines, Ph.D., associate professor in the University at Buffalo School of Nursing, has been named a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). The prestigious designation recognizes contributions by thought leaders to nursing practice, policy and education. Selection is also based on the nominee’s influence on health care policy and practice and the overall health and well-being of patients. Deborah, a clinical nurse specialist, focuses her research on parenting behaviors, pregnancy and newborn health, and nursing workforce development through innovative education.

Greg Stevens was presented with GObike’s Distinguished Community Partner Award at the organization’s third annual Solstice Soiree. Greg was recognized for his work as chairman of the Niagara River Greenway Commission. GObike Buffalo works to “create healthy, environmentally sustainable, community friendly transportation options in the City of Buffalo.”

75 Elizabeth Stevens Gurney became the first Executive Director of the First Niagara Foundation in 2011. In 2020, she also leads the KeyBank Foundation. Paul Moravec composed an oratorio about the Underground Railroad entitled Sanctuary Road: An Oratorio Based on the Writings of William Still, a Conductor for the Underground Railroad, which premiered at Carnegie Hall. A recipient of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize in Music, Paul is the composer of numerous orchestral, chamber, choral, operatic and lyric pieces. His music has earned many distinctions, including the Rome Prize Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, three awards from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Rockefeller Foundation.

Summer 2021

C L A SS

N OT E S

Fr. Jud J. Weiksnar, O.F.M. is pastor at Ss. Columba-Brigid Catholic Church in Buffalo. Jud writes: “During my junior and senior years at Nichols, I belonged to the Tutoring Committee. We would tutor students after school once a week at St. Columba School. My office is in one of the buildings where I used to tutor students over 40 years ago.”

Tim Johnston is the founder and managing partner of Sandhill Investment Management. Sandhill was featured in Barrons.com and received the coveted five-star rating from Morningstar. Chosen all-cap manager of the year by Emerging Manager Monthly, Sandhill is located in Buffalo and manages $1.4 billion in client capital. Jane Regan writes: “I’m now an associate professor of the practice at Boston University’s College of Communication where I’m teaching multimedia, local and television journalism. I would be happy to try to meet up with Nichols students or children of alumni if they are visiting and interested in journalism.”

79 James Neathery has taken on the duties of Chairman of the Board and Interim U.S. CEO of a North Korean humanitarian group called IGNIS Community.

Classmates John Starr and Tom Newman reminisced in the spring rain of Southern New England while watching John’s son Jack start at goalie for Yale in the first round of the NCAA lacrosse playoffs. Molly Stevens published a new cookbook, All About Dinner: Simple Meals, Expert Advice (W.W. Norton).

Nichols School

Jim Newman was named the new Chair of the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. The foundation is the organization that raises funds and manages all donations made to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

82 Gale Burstein, MD, MPH, FAAP, who serves as the Erie County Commissioner of Health, received the Distinguished Alumnae Award at the 2020 Nichols Commencement ceremony. During the height of the pandemic, she shared her expertise with the residents of Western New York and steadily guided our community.

Dan Lieberman writes: “I published my first book, The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity – and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race. I did a TEDx talk on the subject.” The TEDx talk is available on YouTube.

83 Jane Cudmore was promoted to regional operations coordinator, overseeing the five Western New York locations of SUNY Empire State College.

84 Joan Saab, Susan B. Anthony Professor and Chair of the Department of Art and Art History in the School of Arts & Sciences at the University of Rochester, was named Vice Provost of Academic Affairs. The position also serves on the President’s Cabinet and on the Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee. Saab, who studies and teaches American art history and visual culture, was appointed the Susan B. Anthony Professor in 2016.

84 The Class of 1984 held a minireunion/class gathering in Buffalo. Left to right are: Robin Zuydhoek Gilmartin, Jim Fitzhenry, Valerie Zingapan, Greg Castiglia, Paul Shosho, Joan Rice, John Weiksnar, Candy Kellogg Darby, Laura Zacher, Sarah Yerkovich, Ellen Hassett and John Butsch.

Democratic presidential nominee, former Secretary of State and former First Lady Hillary Clinton. Nanette recently took part in the From Nichols Series. David Kirkpatrick wrote an article for The New York Times about the race for a vaccine for Coronavirus and Oxford University’s Jenner Institute’s head start on a vaccine. His article In Race for Coronavirus Vaccine, an Oxford Group Leaps Ahead, was datelined Oxford, England and was published April 27, 2020.

91 Kevin Burke, Jr. joined Gross Shuman P.C. in June 2019, where he focuses his practice on the litigation of contract disputes, labor and employment issues, intellectual property protection, and trade secret cases.

Chris Vasquez, a Buffalo Public School teacher, won the Buffalo Sings competition. By virtue of his achievement, Chris was selected to be the singer with the Buffalo Philharmonic’s Buffalo Sings concert. Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell (pictured at right with Chris) led the concert, which featured some of the region’s top vocal ensembles.

93 Trey Borzillieri co-directed and narrated the Netflix docu-series Evil Genius. The four-part documentary series is about the murder of Brian Wells, a high-profile 2003 incident often referred to as the “collar bomb” or “pizza bomber” case. Susan Shingledecker joined the Chesapeake Conservancy’s staff as the organization’s vice president

and director of programs. Susan manages the partnership with the National Park Service and oversees Chesapeake Conservancy’s programs, which include community-based conservation initiatives throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

94 Craig MacDonald writes: “Excited to be working with Ice-America again, creating unique ice skating experiences all over the country! Would love to see some of our alums on the ice, so check us out!”

95 In addition to chairing his law firm’s Employment Law Practice Group at Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham, LLC, Matt Miller is the leader of the firm’s internal and external COVID-19 Response Team, helping businesses comply with mandates and addressing daily questions that arise as the pandemic lingers. Matt tells us that although this role has resulted in a lot of additional work, he’s as excited as anyone to see the pandemic pass us by.

96 Sameera Fazili was appointed the Deputy Director of the National Economic Council in the Administration of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

Nanette Burstein produced a Hulu documentary Hillary, in which the filmmaker spent 35 hours interviewing the former

Summer 2021

C L A SS

N OT E S

Hon. Ebony M. Robinson Scott has been appointed to be a Magistrate Judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In her most recent position, Ebony served as legal counsel to the Mayor of Washington, D.C., and previously as a civil trial attorney and prosecutor.

Brian Gatewood co-created Season 1 of Comrade Detective, a satiric police show, released through Amazon Video. Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt star as the voices of the two protagonists. Gatewood also serves as writer for the show.

a time in her life when Cystic Fibrosis wasn’t a part of it, as her best friend KC Bryan White was diagnosed with CF at age 3. KC, who lives in Cleveland, was the luncheon’s speaker and offered her thanks to everyone involved with the foundation for giving her hope, as there are many drug trials in the pipeline and more research is conducted each day. KC offered a touching tribute to Liza and their lifelong friendship. Eric Forman produced the film New Homeland which was screened in February 2021 as part of the Western New York Refugee Film Festival. The film Eric produced after New Homeland was Desert One.

Clark Banach was admitted as a doctoral candidate in the field of economics to the Freie Universität Berlin and became a graduate research fellow at the John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies. He is writing his dissertation on The Transitive Nature of Debt: A Long Run Analysis of Debt Composition and Institutional Change in the United States (1920–2020). Benjamin Siracusa Hillman was named as one of New Hampshire Union Leader’s Forty Under 40 honorees. Ben currently teaches at Phillips Exeter Academy. Jordan “Jay” Lema was named as one of Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40 honorees. Lema is CEO and owner of Lemur Studios.

97 Brad Feine works at Equitrust, a life insurance company headquartered in Chicago. He is the head of real estate investments. Brad had previously been senior vice president of commercial real estate at Bank of America in Chicago.

Owais Balti has been married to Amnah Taufique for 16-plus years and lives in Sterling, Virginia. The happy couple has four boys: Bilal (11), Yusuf (9), Dawud (7) and Ismail (5).

99 Liza Keenan was one of four local women honored at the CFsational Women of WNY luncheon for her work as a member of the WNY Cystic Fibrosis Board of Directors, along with the Major Gifts and Tee Off golf committees. Liza does not remember 52

Nichols School

Andy Snyder, a longtime theater publicist who most recently served as creative director and vice president of the theatrical PR firm DKC/O&M, has struck out on his own, launching the independent agency Thinkwell NYC. Andy specializes in written material for agencies and businesses, including press releases, ad copy, speechwriting and branding. For theatrical PR, he works exclusively with DKC/O&M and its clients, including Broadway shows Dear Evan Hansen, Hello, Dolly! and Kinky Boots as well as organizations such as the American Theater Wing.

Josh Feine was named as one of Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40 honorees. Josh currently serves as Vice President of Sports Marketing, Corporate Partnership and Business Development at New Era Cap.

LTC John “JT” Soron writes: “On Monday, March 15th, I was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, which is the same rank my father held when he was in the Army. I am currently finishing a two year assignment in the Pentagon with the Headquarters, Department of the Army, where I am the Deputy Chief of Army Legal Assistance Policy, Office of The Judge Advocate General. In that role, I am responsible for managing Army Legal Assistance Offices, similar to legal aid, across the entire US Army both within the continental United States and at overseas locations. I also assist with the drafting and implementation client services and victim rights related legislation and policy for the US Army. This summer, I will return to Fort Bragg, NC, where I will serve as a Military Law Attorney, which is like an assistance general counsel, for US Army Forces Command, one of the major Army 4-star commands that trains and organizes Army units within the United States.

00 Matt Arnold lives in Chicago and is the vice president of Nielsen Innovation.

Andrew Franz, a teacher at Hamlin Park Claude and Ouida Clapp Academy in Buffalo, received a Milken Educator Award. The Milken Awards recognize elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and specialists from around the country who are furthering excellence in education. Andrew, who helped his students perform a potato farming experiment on the International Space Station, received his award during a surprise all-school assembly. Franz, who regularly attends and presents at Western New York STEM Hub meetings, gave a presentation about the SpudLaunchers project to the 5,000 people who attended the Falcon 9 launch and spoke at the mayor’s private showing for Buffalo Public Schools of the movie Hidden Figures.

Lindsay Aquilina Levert writes: “I live with my husband in the Bahamas. We welcomed our daughter Isabelle in April 2017 and our son Ford in March 2020. We enjoy boating and watching the Bills! We always look forward to our trips back to Buffalo.

01 Wendy Stone ’01 welcomed William Robert Stone (7lbs 10oz and 21”) into the world on January 26, 2020.

Colleen Heidinger was named as one of Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40 honorees. In January of 2020, Colleen was named the President of 43North.

Summer 2021

C L A SS

N OT E S

03 Gray Schweitzer completed a one-year appointment as one of 21 inaugural members of the Federal Reserve Board’s Insurance Policy Advisory Committee (IPAC), which provides information, advice, and recommendations to the Federal Reserve Board on domestic and international insurance issues. Gray’s term ran from October 2019 – November 2020.

Shoan Yin Cheung ’05 defended her dissertation during the spring of 2020 and received her Ph.D. from Cornell University. She will move from Washington, DC, where she has been advising policy research for the past several years, to Massachusetts to join the faculty at Williams College as a Mellon Fellow in Science and Technology Studies. In 2021, she plans to be on research leave in Asia and split her time between Tokyo and Hong Kong. While she waits for travel restrictions to lift (and a vaccine), she looks forward to enjoying her new home in the Berkshires and learning more about New England. Eric Walton ’05 with brothers Ian ’06 and Evan ’09 started the Trash 2 Treasure Recycling Initiative, a joint effort of gotTRASH? and the Walton Bros. Inc. They recycle unwanted household goods and previously loved items and oversee cleanout projects for refugee programs and community organizations in need.

Billy Griffin (pictured at far right) won an Emmy for his work in Black Mirror: San Junipero, which took home the award for outstanding television movie. Chris Mueller is an AHL champion. The American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies defeated the Texas Stars by 6-1 to secure the first Calder Cup victory in franchise history. Chris, a veteran center who previously spent time in the NHL with Nashville, Dallas and the New York Rangers, was the Marlies’ second leading scorer this season.

05 Calder Epes was named one of five finalists for the 2019 Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year.

Nichols School

Emily Regan, rower and Olympic gold medalist, visited with Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham attorneys in conjunction with Fortius Management’s “Pulling Together” event, which included experiential learning and strategic planning. Fellow Nichols alumni David Pfalzgraf ’88, Matt Miller ’95, Fred Cohen ’61 and Horace Gioia ’72 joined in on the fun, along with Women’s Olympic Rowing Coach and Buffalo native Tom Terhaar and Olympic champion Caryn Davies.

Peter Marlette was named the General Manager of the Union Omaha Soccer Club, an American professional soccer team based in Omaha, Nebraska.

Dan Wiedenhaupt wrote the screenplay for Alpha, an American historical drama film that follows a young hunter who befriends an injured wolf during the Ice Age. Dan lives in Los Angeles where he continues his work as a Hollywood screenwriter. He received accolades from the Hollywood Reporter, Variety and The Buffalo News.

07 Brandon Davis was named to Billboard Magazine’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list, as one of music’s top young power players. He currently resides in Los Angeles, CA where he is the Vice President of A&R at Atlantic Records.

08 Charlotte Olena lives in Denver with her dog Percy, and works with a national voting rights’ nonprofit as a state lobbyist. She worked to bring Democrats and Republicans together pass critical voting protections for the 2020 election in Georgia, Kentucky, Arizona, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Sarah Washington was named to the National Black Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40” list for New York. Sarah is a member of Goldberg Segalla’s Business and Commercial, General Liability, and Construction practices in Buffalo. William Foster joined Halyard Capital, a New York-based private equity firm focused on creating value within companies in highgrowth sectors. Halyard specializes in growth equity, leveraged buyouts and structured equity investments. Will joins Halyard Capital from Knightstone Capital Management in Toronto, where he completed multiple acquisitions and investments across asset classes in the Canadian real estate market.

Paul Viola works for Korn Ferry, a global people and organizational advisory firm, as a senior associate in its New York City office. He brings extensive experience advising boards, CEOs and investor groups on assessing and hiring world-class leaders for organizations ranging from venture capital startups to Fortune 25 multinationals.

Emily Collins made her first professional acting appearance in Buffalo’s Irish Classical Theatre’s production of Oscar Wilde’s comedy Lady Windermere’s Fan. Emily played the part of Lady Agatha Carlisle. Greg Vanderhorst graduated cum laude from Harvard University with a major in economics and minor in computer science. Additionally, Greg was awarded the prestigious Hoopes Prize at the school’s 367th commencement ceremony for outstanding scholarly work or research.

14 Madisson Lank was offered a pilot position with Delta Air Lines in February 2020.

10 Charles Abdel-Nabi has earned his master’s degree in instructional design from the College of Education and Human Development at Georgia State University.

Sam Korotkin is a four-time Emmy-winning senior videographer with Pegula Sports & Entertainment, working mostly with the Buffalo Sabres. A graduate of the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in journalism (TV/radio), Sam previously worked as a sports anchor/ reporter/producer with WMC-TV [NBC] in Memphis and KOMU, the NBC affiliate in mid-Missouri.

Francesca Fulciniti moved to Las Vegas with her husband, Brandon Silverman, last year. She works at a local nonprofit – Opportunity Village – managing its event volunteer operations, overseeing 12,000-plus volunteers who help the organization each year. She and her husband bought a house in Summerlin and adopted a rambunctious mutt named Mona.

Caroline Hogan graduated from Williams College where she received two prestigious awards for athletics. A member of the squash and lacrosse teams, she won the Ephmanship Award, which is presented annually to one male and one female senior “who embody sportsmanship and excellence in the spirit of Williams College athletics, on and off the field.” She also received the Kate Hogan Women’s Athletic Award for her contributions to the Athletics Department.

Caroline Hogan ’14 (Williams College), Sara Rimmler ’15 (Boston College) and Grace Louise Munschauer ’14 (Hamilton College),

Summer 2021

C L A SS

N OT E S

all former captains of the Nichols girls squash team, continued to play squash at the college level. They met up at the College Squash Association Team Nationals.

Monica Manney was awarded the Tim Russert Media Career Award. The award is named in honor of Tim Russert, Buffalo native, lawyer, journalist and former moderator of NBC’s Meet The Press. The award is presented to a student with a promising future in radio, television, digital media and/or social media. After working as a multimedia journalist with Spectrum News in Syracuse, Monica is now reporting for Spectrum News 1 in Charlotte, N.C. Jason Zhou was named a Schwarzman Scholar. The award will allow him to pursue a oneyear master’s program at Tsinghua University in Beijing; he will be studying Chinese foreign policy.

Maine with a degree in Childhood Development and Family Relations and then attended a Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Jackson, S.C. She is currently stationed at Fort Drum, New York, and just redeployed on Christmas Eve after an elevenmonth tour in Afghanistan. Jenna Rich is the Marketing Manager for Voyeur: The Windows of Toulouse-Lautrec, the only live theater currently running in New York City since the shutdown of Broadway due to the pandemic, and writes a weekly theater industry newsletter for 10glo.com. Additionally, she serves as Chief of Staff for Be An #ArtsHero, a grassroots organization focused on allocating proportionate relief to the Arts & Culture sector of the American economy. Elena Ciotta has been working in the Script Department at Saturday Night Live for three seasons and is a Showrunner’s Assistant on Mulligan, an upcoming Netflix series produced by Tina Fey.

16 Max Scott, a recent Oberlin College graduate and men’s lacrosse player, was selected to receive a postgraduate scholarship from the NCAA.

17 Lorena James was featured on 3DPrint.com. Lorena created Z Spools, which provides 3D solutions for invasive species. Z Spools manufactures 3D printing filament out of zebra and quagga mussel shells, two prominent invasive species in the Great Lakes.

Lydia Gavner is currently a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. She graduated from the University of 56

Nichols School

19 Najya Fayyaz, Breanna Nelson, Sarah Rodwin and Nick Scott had their work from the Research Scholars elective class published in collaboration with scientists from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and titled Approach to Resectable N1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An Analysis of the National Cancer Database, was accepted for publication in the Journal of Surgical Research in March 2021.

Camryn Warren and Marisa Warren were the first-ever Western New York players selected to the U.S. Youth Futsal national team. The sisters traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina to play three matches.

20 Michael McClure, a piano student of Mary Handley, was awarded the LRCM (Licentiate of the Royal Conservatory of Music) degree in Piano Performance - First Class Honors with Distinction from the Royal Conservatory at the recent RCM virtual Convocation.

Visit www.nicholsschool.org/give by June 30 to contribute to the 2020-21 Nichols Fund.

1250 Amherst St. Buffalo, NY 14216

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