MAGSpring2009 by Nichols College

Volume 3 • Issue 3 • Spring 2009

NICHOLS COLLEGE M

The New Business Leaders: Entrepreneurs and Owners Under 40

NICHOLS COLLEGE M

Volume 3 • Issue 3 • Spring 2009

FROM THE PRESIDENT

COVER STORY Molding New Business Leaders

EDITOR

Susan Veshi

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FEATURES Birckhead Honored for Lifetime Achievements President’s Society Dinner 2008 ON CAMPUS Presidential Leadership Takes Center Stage Professor Tipper Awarded The Adèle Mellen Prize Good Neighbors Share Seasonal Joy Coghlin Receives 2008 Isaiah Thomas Award Sport Management Internships Assessed Curious About the World Operations Management Classes Rooted in Reality Nichols Offers Hospitality Job Placement Strong for New Grads ATHLETICS Fall Sports Recap Seniors Monte and Gervais Heat Up the Ice The Pride of the Herd ALUMNI Homecoming 2008 A View from the Hill Class Notes Catching up with Thomas Franzese ’79 Catching up with Sharron McCarthy ’87 Nichols Remembers

Correction: In the Fall 2008 edition of Nichols College Magazine, Donald F. Leonard, former faculty member, was inadvertently omitted from the Donor Honor Roll. We appreciate his service and support.

Your Success Is Our Business

CONTRIBUTORS

Thomas Cafaro, Brittney Case, Joe Cofield, Kristy Cullivan, Julie Errico, Hillary Haynes, Christine Jankowski, Dorothy Millhofer, Bill Pieczynski, Ronald Powers, Len Suprise DESIGN

Patricia Korch PRINTING

Kirkwood Printing Wilmington, MA COVER PHOTO

Dan Vaillancourt Patrick O’Connor Photography Shrewsbury, MA

NICHOLS COLLEGE PO Box 5000 123 Center Road Dudley, MA 01571-5000 508-213-1560 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., M–F www.nichols.edu Periodicals postage paid at Webster, MA, and additional mailing offices. NICHOLS COLLEGE Magazine (UPSP 390480) is published twice a year by Nichols College, Dudley, MA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Advancement Office NICHOLS COLLEGE PO Box 5000 Dudley, MA 01571-5000

Cover (center): Kim McCarthy ’92 Cover inset photos (counterclockwise): David Balducci ‘00; Jeff Johnson ‘90; Brenda Bianculli ‘90; Jason Sardilli ‘98

Message from the President

Valuable Lessons Nichols College has an impressive record of preparing students for leadership roles. The new business leaders featured in this issue of Nichols College Magazine are a strong representation of our career-focused approach, practical orientation to business education and the academic enhancement opportunities we give our students. They are also a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit we inspire in many of our students and the relevant tools, insider’s perspective and supportive environment we provide to draw out and nurture their interests and ideas. Today, these new entrepreneurs and proprietors stand proudly among the one in ten of our graduates who become presidents, CEOs or business owners. Whether our students find their niche in business ownership or corporate America, they are meticulously prepared to succeed. Our outcomes bear this out. Even in this economic downturn, we continue to post robust employment rates – 95 percent for the class of 2008 earning an average starting salary of nearly $40,000. Our ten-year average of 95 percent is a reflection of our students’ ability to compete effectively and to satisfy employers’ needs. During these uncertain times, we remain especially committed to our focus of developing tomorrow’s business leaders. Our visionary PDS (Professional Development Seminar) program is designed to build job-seeking skills and confidence to complement a comprehensive business education. We continue to pursue specializations that tap into the changing needs of the market, such as sport management, criminal

justice management and the newly approved hospitality management. And we are building for the future with a new master plan that will transform the campus. We are cautiously optimistic as we move forward, in the knowledge that Nichols is a niche school with a business focus that is in demand. Plus, we are good at what we do. Our new leaders cite the value of their Nichols education – the instruction, faculty interactions and leadership opportunities. But Nichols also remains a good value for the dollar. In an economy where return on investment is dismal, our outcomes prove our brand of education works.

Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D.

Spring 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Molding New Business Leaders Stories by Julie Errico

rom the first time David Balducci ’00 walked into one of Professor Rick Hilliard’s management classes, he knew he wanted to own a business. “Professor Hilliard inspired me by talking about the successes of his businesses, how he approached them and the individual projects he was involved in. I knew this is what I wanted to do as well.” Balducci’s perspective is not unique, says Professor Art Duhaime. “Each semester we see interested students already working on promoting their companies and developing their products and services, and the number of students doing this seems to remain constant.” In fact, 10 percent of Nichols graduates become CEOs or business owners, a number that has remained constant in good times and in lean years, says Duhaime. “Starting their own business will always be an option for those who enjoy the excitement of running the show and making their own decisions.” The influence of their professors and the real-world business experience they offer are just some of the reasons that so many Nichols alumni are inspired to become business owners. ”Our approach to developing entrepreneurs is multifaceted,” explains Duhaime. “Many of our professors come from a business background and have started our own businesses. We know what it takes to run a successful business. As a result, we are able to provide the relevant tools, resources and guidance for our students.” Such was the case for new business owner Kim McCarthy ’92. “Professor

David Balducci ’00

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David Balducci ’00: He’s lovin’ it While McDonald’s food and uniforms have changed through the years, one thing has not. David Balducci still loves Big Macs. It’s a good thing. Balducci has been working for the restaurant chain since he was 16 years old. During his years at Nichols, he juggled living on campus and carrying a full course load, specializing in management information systems, while working as an area supervisor for four McDonald’s restaurants. All of his hard work has paid off. Since then, Balducci has quickly moved up the ranks of the corporation. Currently president of McDonald’s Sellia Corp., Balducci, along with four other family members, owns 13 restaurants in the local Worcester and Central Massachusetts area. As president, Balducci works on increasing sales, building community relationships and overseeing the day-to-day operation. This involves constant interaction with managers, supervisors, and McDonald’s corporate staff to constantly fine-tune the operation and brainstorm ideas to build sales in the restaurants. Owning and operating 13 restaurants has its advantages, says Balducci. “There’s a sense of satisfaction you get when you work for yourself while at the same time knowing that you are building a legacy to pass on to your children.” An additional benefit, he adds, is the direct control he has over what happens within the company. “I am the person who is directly responsible for the final result. There’s no bailout process for us. Whatever the outcome, I get a sense of pride when we succeed and am humbled if we fail.” While Balducci may not eat a Big Mac every day, he does eat daily at one of his restaurants. Fortunately for him, McDonald’s now offers a much wider variety of foods than when he first started working there nearly 13 years ago.

Brenda Bianculli ’90: It all adds up Since she was 17 years old, working with numbers has been a part of Brenda Bianculli’s life. During her years at Nichols, she worked in various accounting departments to pay her tuition. By the time she reached her senior year, she was working at a local accounting firm to get experience for one of the Big 8 auditing firms. However, after working on some audits for the firm, she began to question her choice of specializations, asking, “What have I done? I majored for four years in accounting and I don’t enjoy auditing work.” Fortunately for her, she discovered she loved working on taxes. After working as a CPA for several years, earning a master’s degree in taxation and becoming firm manager, Bianculli decided she wanted to pursue going out on her own and opened her own CPA business in 1997. Currently servicing 350 to 400 business and individual clients, the business focuses on helping small-to mid-sized businesses and their owners with a variety of business, tax, accounting, and operational issues. Although her goal for the year is to continue to add new clients, Bianculli doesn’t want to lose the personal touch. “For me, it’s about being able to offer every client, whether large or small, the same quality of service,” she says. “I try to treat every client as if he is my most important client.” Owning her own business provides her with flexibility and gives her the control over how she works and lives. However, owning her own business has pitfalls as well, she says. One is that she is always thinking about work even after hours and on the weekends.“The business is constantly on my mind. And, if a job doesn’t get finished, I have to figure out how to get it done.”

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New Business Leaders continued from page 2

Larry Downs was instrumental in giving me that entrepreneurial perspective,” she says. “He not only taught me the tangible aspects of how to write my own proposals and market my own business, but he gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my goals.”

ichols students are practically oriented, much like Nichols programs, so their expectations reflect this, says Duhaime. “We teach them how to get started and where they can go for support once they leave our campus. We also encourage them to keep in touch, so that many of us continue to provide support to them as alumni,” he adds. “Nichols classes not only gave me the background I needed to pass the CPA exam and do the accounting and tax work that I do, they gave me the skills to run a business,” says Brenda Bianculli ’90. “My accounting professors were always talking about real-life scenarios. It wasn’t just textbook information.” In addition to the support of faculty, the Nichols curriculum provides a concentrated focus on business and entrepreneurial business ventures as well. While students can take Entrepreneurial Management as a course, professors also bring the issue to the forefront of many of their other classes and continue to work with students outside of class on their special projects of interest. Having relevant course work and small classes along with the opportunity to interact with professors in an intimate setting has helped him become a more diverse business partner, says Jason Sardilli ’98. “Whether I am dealing with customers, employees, organizational issues or the current business environment, no matter what adversity I am faced with as a business owner, I am able to deal with it because of the preparation that Nichols gave me. It has helped mold me into the person and type of business owner I am today.” continued on page 6 u

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Jason Sardilli ’98: A fresh perspective Jason Sardilli was a senior at Nichols when he and his brother met to ask themselves, “What do we want to do with our lives?” At that point, they knew that they both wanted to work in Sardilli Produce, the family business. However, recognizing the challenges that some family businesses face, they knew they needed to consider their individual roles within the company as well as how to make it work for their family. They decided that Jason would learn the operations side of the business and his brother, Devin, would take over as sales manager, and together they would try to grow the company. The company’s primary business is providing fresh produce and dairy items to independent restaurants, chain restaurants, colleges, and hospitals. Sardilli started working in the family business full time, two days after graduating from Nichols. “I remember when I came into my first day of work. It was very exciting to start working with my family to try to make it into something that we knew could be successful,” he says. And successful they are. The brothers have built the company into a flourishing business which employs 52 people and services 300 customers throughout all of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York’s Westchester County. As director of purchasing, Sardilli controls the quality of the produce coming into the facility along with selecting farmers that grow the highest quality produce. “I am basically like a stock trader,” he explains. “Every day the commodities are changing based on weather and supply. It’s strictly supply and demand economics. I buy products from all over the world. When you sit down and look at how food gets from the farm to the plate and the path it takes to get there, it is pretty interesting.”

Jeff Johnson ’90: Soaring

Kim McCarthy ’92: On the move Kim McCarthy started her business, Generations on the Move, as a result of personal experience and feedback from family and friends. “Every time I talked with people, they told me how stressed out they were about having to move their parent or loved one either to a smaller home, assisted living, or their own [children’s] home. About five years ago, I was in the same situation with my father. So I decided to start looking for some way of helping people during this trying time.” Officially opened for business since January 2008, the company’s services range from helping clients and their families sort through and coordinate the contents of their home to helping them set up their new residence. In order to promote her new business, McCarthy spends quite a bit of time marketing and networking with healthcare providers and organizations such as the local Chamber of Commerce and other professional organizations. In addition to helping others, McCarthy says she enjoys the flexibility of owning her own business. “I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for about 10 years and wanted a business that allowed me to make my own schedule. I like being able to determine the direction of my business while still having time for my family.” Finding a need in the marketplace and trying to meet that need has been the key to McCarthy’s success. “The biggest response from my business has been from adult children in the ‘sandwich’ generation who are looking for assistance due to lack of free time, distance between them and their parents and commitments to their own family,“ she says. “I am the link that allows them to be with their parents on an emotional level while I take care of the physical needs. It is very satisfying for me to know that I can help my clients in a practical way.”

Growing from a one-person cleaning business to one with 180 employees who maintain 75 buildings from Worcester to Boston, Eagle Cleaning has experienced tremendous growth since Jeff Johnson founded the company in 2000. “It was scary at first, but also very exciting,” he says.“In the first few months I did the cleaning myself while working full time trying to build my business.” By the end of year, he had hired 30 employees and began focusing on improving the company and creating a niche which would set it apart from the competition. The cleaning business appealed to him for several reasons: the industry had tremendous growth potential and was recession resistant. Johnson also recognized the opportunity to build a stable workforce within the company. In the commercial cleaning business approximately 85 percent of employees are part time creating turnover issues and ultimately poor performance, says Johnson. As a result, the company decided that the majority of its staff would be full time, receiving higher wages than the industry average and full benefits including health insurance, vacations, bonus incentives, educational reimbursement and profit sharing. “We have been working hard every day to find ways to keep our employees satisfied and buildings cleaned at the highest level possible,” adds Johnson. Starting his own company and building it from the ground up has been a satisfying experience, says Johnson. “The benefits of owning a business are that there is no ceiling of opportunity for growth and income potential. The key is to hire good management and train them well. I am very passionate about my company and love the daily challenge to make my company better today than it was yesterday.” The approach has worked well. In 2008, Eagle Cleaning generated more than $4 million in sales and Johnson’s goal for 2009 is to reach $5 million.

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New Business Leaders

On Campus

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Meet other young alumni business owners….

Birckhead Honored for Lifetime Achievements

Dylan E. Bond ‘93 Bond Financial Services, Longmeadow, MA Focuses on helping people at or near retirement grow, protect, and preserve their assets for themselves and future generations.

William P. Daly ‘94 Dunkin Donuts/Daly/Kenney Group, LLC, New Bedford, MA Dunkin Donuts/AlphaRock LLC, Sarasota, FL Owns and operates two networks of Dunkin Donut shops in New Bedford and the Fairhaven, Massachusetts, area and a network of stores in the Sarasota, Florida, area.

Brian E. Fish ‘96 Oh Yeah Comfy Inc., Gorham, ME Designs and markets high-end casual furniture that is hand-crafted in Maine and sold throughout the world.

Michael W. Frisbie ’90 Hunter Development Co. LLC, East Longmeadow, MA Provides end-to-end development and construction services to petroleum companies throughout the northeast United States.

Robbie P. Munce ’99 MBA ’01 Munce Superior Oil, Gorham, NH BRC Fireplace Technologies LLC Munce's Real Estate Ventures LLC Distributes a full line of petroleum products, covering all of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and parts of Massachusetts, and employs over 200 from convenience store cashiers to hazardous materials transport drivers.

Stephen Buchalter ‘90 Enterprise Cleaning Corp., Worcester, MA Provides commercial contract cleaning for more than 185 facilities throughout New England. Are you a Young Alumni Business Owner (YABO)? If so, join others by adding your name and contact information at www.nichols.edu/yabo.

Nichols College Magazine

With a distinguished banker for a father and a gifted musician and artist for a mother, Oliver W. Birckhead Jr. was destined to be a Renaissance Man. His own career in banking spanned five decades and during that time, he lent his practical business sense, his no-nonsense attitude, his wide-ranging talents and his indomitable spirit to any number of causes from business development to human services to the arts to education. He has been recognized by the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Governors, the Urban League, the State of Israel, Children's Hospital, and by President Gerald Ford for leadership in the National Alliance of Businessmen. And on October 17, 2008, Birckhead ’42 H’07 added another honor to his impressive cache: the President’s Medal for Distinguished Leadership. Recognizing a lifetime of achievement in corporate sector leadership, the award is the latest accolade from Nichols which has also honored Birckhead with the Outstanding Alumnus Award, the honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree and induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame. "Tonight, the President's Medal goes to one whose reputation for sustained success, innovation, and leadership in his industry are without peer," said President Debra M. Townsley, PhD, as she presented the award at the annual President’s Society Dinner. Citing admiration and great affection for Nichols’ own, Townsley recounted the life of Birckhead, one of Nichols’ most distinguished and deserving graduates. Brooklyn-born and Westchester-bred, Birckhead entered the banking business in 1937 with the Peoples National Bank and Trust Co. He served as assistant national bank examiner in the second district of New York and at Chemical Bank before joining the Central Trust Company in Cincinnati. In 1968, Birckhead was a founder of the Central Bancorporation and served as its CEO until his retirement. During his tenure, total assets of Central Bancorporation surged from $500 million to more than $5.5 billion, making it the largest bank in Cincinnati at the time of his retirement. The company merged with

Spring 2009

Trustee Jane Birckhead, Oliver Birckhead, President Debra Townsley

PNC Bank in 1988, resulting in a $43 billion regional banking company. Birckhead was vice chairman and director of PNC Bank until he retired from the board. A real estate developer throughout his career, Birckhead led the development of the Central Trust Center, now PNC Bank Center, and the landmark Chemed Center. A founding member of the Cincinnati Business Committee, he also led the financing for the Cincinnati Coliseum, raising some $14 million. This was among the landmark business projects in Birckhead's career, and it brought to Cincinnati Paul Brown's Cincinnati Bengals in the mid-60s. Birckhead is fond of referring to others as “great Americans,” but his colleagues and fellow volunteers will attest that he is the great American. He served in the United States Air Corps from 1942 to 1946. As an accomplished pianist and painter, Birckhead has made significant contributions to the arts, serving as vice president and trustee of the Cincinnati Art Museum for 15 years. His passion for helping others led to stints on the boards of the Salvation Army, the Cincinnati Council on World Affairs, Boys’ Club, the Cincinnati Association of the Blind, and the Children’s Dental Care Foundation. A graduate of the Trinity Pawling School, where he became treasurer, trustee and a founding member of the school's Investment Committee, Birckhead served on the original Board of Advisors at Nichols and currently shares his expertise as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees’ Finance Committee. Birckhead makes his home in Cincinnati with his wife, Jane (a Nichols College trustee since 2007), and has two sons, Oliver III and Randall, who also attended Nichols College. He’s also made a home at Nichols which is immensely proud of his lifetime achievements and the contributions he’s made to his profession, his community and his alma mater. Even when he concludes his visits with his signature “Birckhead’s outta here,” we know he’ll always be back.

On Campus

President’sSociet y Dinner2008

Henri David Jr. ’64, Jerry Fels ’66, Bob Dorsey ’73, Marty Power ’78

Michael Jones ’69, 2008 President’s Society Chair, with wife, Karen

The annual President's Society Dinner on Friday, October 17, 2008, had a fantastic turnout and was a wonderful evening with alumni, friends, parents, students, faculty and staff. This year marked the presentation of the second President's Medal for Distinguished Business Leadership to Oliver W. Birckhead Jr. '42 H '07, retired chairman and CEO of Central Bancorporation, Central Trust Company in Cincinnati (see page 6). Your support has allowed our president, faculty and administrative leaders to concentrate on what Nichols does best – transformation and growth. With your President's Society membership, we invite you to celebrate with us at the next President's Society Dinner on Friday, October 18, 2009. Become a new member or renew your membership in the President's Society and help us to sustain our remarkable success.

Trustees Bob Miller, Mary DeFeudis

Ryan and Michelle Fasold ’03, 2008 Nichols Fund Chairs, with Dean Brian McCoy

Spring 2009 Nichols College Magazine

On Campus

Presidential Leadership Takes Center Stage

n January 20th Nichols students crammed into Daniels Auditorium to watch CNN's coverage of the swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States. Business students expressed both hope and uncertainty as they reflected on their own commitment to sacrifice for change. During the long season of 2008 presidential politics, as candidates squared off on the economy, Iraq and taxes, Nichols students became informed players through a variety of campus activities.

Just-in-Time Course In the fall, Professors Mary Trottier and Paul Lambert offered a three-credit course, Hey Mr. (Madam) President: Choosing Someone Who Can Do It Right. Students examined the problems unique to each president's administration and looked critically at the values, beliefs and issues that matter to Americans.

Campus-wide The eighth annual Cross Campus Critical Issues (CCCI) Program focused on presidential leaders. Its first speaker, Professor Hans Despain, reviewed the economic policies of both John McCain and Barack Obama and told students that they "need to wake up politically." Another CCCI speaker, Scott Ritter, a former marine and UN weapons inspector to Iraq Student David McLean from 1991 to 1998, is all smiles. stated that American presidential politics is a "silly season” because candidates skirt issues that so desperately need leadership and engagement.

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The culmination of the CCCI Program was an Election Night Bash in Daniels Auditorium where students listened to debates on Massachusetts propositions as they watched state returns.

Presidential Polls Just prior to the election, students had an opportunity to participate in a 2008 Nichols Presidential Poll. Professor Lambert analyzed the results and announced, "As Nichols goes, so goes the nation," with Obama handily defeating McCain by a vote of 51 to 29 percent. Begun by History Professor Edward Warren in 1976, the poll offers insight into how the Nichols community feels about key issues. In addition, Psychology Professor Arthur McGovern compiled a new study on how CEOs of Fortune 1000 companies and Nichols students rank, in order of importance, 10 leadership traits valued in the next president of the United States. While both CEOs and students agree that “honesty and integrity” are #1, there was quite a difference in the rest of the responses. The corporate leaders rank “being decisive" as #2 and "moral character" as #3. Our business students chose "ability to communicate well" as #2 and "intelligence" as #3. "One key to modern-day leadership seems being sensitive to how America's collective psychology and social context shape its leadership needs," says McGovern. "The historical election of a black president demonstrates a profound shift from a bureaucratic leadership model to a more interactive, collaborative one."

A Look at Lincoln On November 10th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island Frank J. Williams spoke on "Lincoln and Leadership." Williams, a scholar who has amassed a private Lincoln collection which ranks among our nation's largest and finest, stated: "Leadership requires that you stay the course even when you have to stand alone. It requires a commitment to mission even

Professor Mary Trottier, who chaired the Nichols Election Night Bash, looks as surprised as President-elect Barack Obama when presented with personal and professional obstacles. "On February 12, 2009, our nation will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth," said Williams. "Do you think he [Lincoln] ever imagined there would be an African-American president elected by the United States?"

Professor Tipper Awarded The Adèle Mellen Prize

The Wales-based Edwin Mellen Press recently published Dr. Karen Tipper’s Jane Wilde’s Letter to Lotten von Kraemer, 1857-1885, the first of a multi-volume series. Lady Wilde, Oscar Wilde’s loving mother, was a fiery poet and Irish patriot. The book was awarded The Adèle Mellen Prize for its distinguished contribution to scholarship.

On Campus

Good Neighbors Share Seasonal Joy Left: President Debra Townsley and the Boys & Girls Club

Below: Tim Smith, MaryLynn Skarzenski, Jack Caufield

Nichols does a yeoman’s job with seasonal traditions that have become an anchor of support to our neighbors in surrounding communities. It starts in October when 100 children from the Webster-Dudley Boys & Girls Club trick-or-treat across campus. The event was organized by the Arts and Entertainment Club and included pictures in front of Conrad Hall with President Debra Townsley and a Halloween party in the Bison’s Den. Another staple is our Tickets for Tots Program, a popular way for students to donate a holiday toy to a child in need in lieu of paying the fine on a parking ticket. Says Jack Caufield, director of Public Safety, “We consider a ticket paid-in-full for each unwrapped, non-violent toy donated with a value of $10.00.” The Nichols Student-Athlete Advisory Council supplemented the Tickets for Tots drive this season by collecting bags and bags of toys dropped off to the Public Safety Office during finals week by student-athletes Tim Smith and MaryLynn Skarzenski. The last tradition of giving before New Year’s is our faculty and staff donation of food stuffs during the annual Christmas party organized by Human Resources Director Rick Woods. Donna Farrow, director of the Webster-Dudley Food Pantry which received all of our toys, cash contributions and foodstuffs, sent a note of thanks to the College: “We are able to help our neighbors in crisis because you care.”

COGHLIN RECEIVES 2008 ISAIAH THOMAS AWARD Trustee James W. Coghlin Sr. ’67 has been named the 2008 recipient of the Isaiah Thomas Award by the Telegram & Gazette and honored at an awards program in Mechanics Hall on February 26th. The Isaiah Thomas Award, presented since 1950, is given to a person in Central Massachusetts who has made an outstanding contribution to society. "Jim Coghlin exemplifies the essence of a Nichols College alumnus – a strong business foundation, a drive for excellence and a steadfast commitment to the betterment of community. As well, he is a dedicated and valued Nichols trustee, and we are deeply appreciative of all he has done to strengthen this college," said President Debra M. Townsley. "He well-deserves this wonderful honor."

President Debra Townsley, Donna Farrow, Rick Woods

Spring 2009 Nichols College Magazine

On Campus

Within the sport management discipline, internship portfolios provide a valuable assessment tool that can highlight a range of student skills as well as link theory with practice.

Sport Management Internships Assessed

n increased number of business graduates are entering the sport industry which has experienced dynamic growth. To ensure a competitive edge, Nichols sport management majors are required to complete both a sport management internship and an internship portfolio. As part of this focus, Nichols Sport Management Chair Colleen Colles recently coauthored "Outcome Assessment: The Internship Portfolio" with Jo Williams from the University of Southern Maine, which appeared in the Fall 2008 issue of Academic Exchange Quarterly. The purpose of the study was to develop a framework for assessing learning outcomes using 15 student portfolios submitted by Nichols juniors and seniors who completed internships of at least 400 hours. The study found that portfolios did show that students had learned broad-based skills and curriculum content within the practically oriented framework of the internships. Within the sport management discipline, internship portfolios provide a valuable assessment tool that can highlight a range of student skills as well as link theory with practice. Large sporting venues look at these portfolios to determine which entry-level sport managers understand the complexities of the business world and can develop strategies for success. Junior Melissa Mansfield thrived in her recent internship and believes her portfolio developed from the experience will be a key to her success in landing an entry-level position. “While here on campus, I kept in touch with my former high school hockey coach, and he was instrumental in getting me an interview with the New York Islanders’ internship coordinator at their corporate headquarters in Plainview, N.Y. She told me that she gave me the internship position because she thought I presented myself well.” Mansfield worked 40 hours a week from May 19 to August 14 as an intern in customer service and ticket sales. She feels it was the chance of a lifetime because it gave her an

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Spring 2009

opportunity to network. Her responsibilities included sending out mailers to season ticket holders, making phone calls to set up interviews, cold calling businesses for event sponsorship opportunities, and participating in the Prospect Camp at Ice Works in Syosset. She particularly loved playing goalie during staff ice time at the Nassau Coliseum.

“For my internship project,” says Mansfield, “I researched which of 74 promotional events were the most successful and found out that the mini camps targeting 6-12-year-old kids were the most successful in promoting the team and increasing ticket sales. The Islanders appreciated this feedback.” Right now, Mansfield is taking a sport finance class and a coaching class, enjoying both. “I loved my internship” she says, “and hope to eventually land a position with the New York Islanders working with community youth promoting ice hockey.”

Melissa Mansfield shows off her portfolio in front of Davis Hall.

On Campus

Curious About the World Nichols College continues to find ways to grow diversity on campus and promote student-run clubs which share unique backgrounds and perspectives. Last fall Hardik Kohli ’09 from New Delhi, India, started the International Student Association on campus. “ISA demonstrates that our students want to expose each other to their own diverse experiences,” says Associate Dean of Business Libba Moore. “Today’s business education isn’t world-class if it doesn’t include exposure to a diverse world.” “ISA adds a new level of richness and depth to the Nichols College learning experience,” adds Club Advisor Susan Wayman, who feels the club complements Nichols’ dual degree program with European University, the Fischer Institute’s affiliation with Regent’s College in London, our International Business Program, and academic enhancement programs such as student business trips to locations as far away as Beijing. “We hope that ISA helps Nichols students see themselves as global citizens,” says ISA President Samantha Grenier,“as well as expand their cultural sensitivity in an increasingly cross-cultural business environment.”

(L to R) ISA President Samantha Grenier, Ji-Young Kim, Secretary Alicia Abrams, Nick Bessette, Lindsey McKellick, Hardik Kohli, Vice President Jessica Lundberg, Matt McManus, Danny Tamayo, Lindsey Johnson

Operations Management Classes Rooted in Reality Some trace the beginnings of operations management to Adam’s Smith’s division of labor in his 1776 book The Wealth of Nations and Eli Whitney’s effort to solve operation management issues in 1798. But it wasn’t until the

late 1950s when business scholars took a very serious look at the importance of viewing production operations as systems. Each semester Management Chair Art Duhaime asks his students to roll up their

sleeves and review business operations in the real world. Students work in teams to analyze operations in local businesses, from manufacturers of saws, gaskets, and glass containers, to a dairy farm and boutique hotel. Presentations are filled with textbook concepts such as supplier relationship management, inventory management, benchmarking, outsourcing, just-in-time production, and third-party logistics. “To develop business leaders who can drive organizational performance, we need to supplement classroom learning with field work on issues facing managers today,” says Duhaime. “It keeps us practically focused, and we end up with great discussions about each company reviewed.” Professor Art Duhaime (center) with a few of his Operations Management students

Spring 2009 Nichols College Magazine

On Campus

Job Placement Remains Strong for New Grads Despite a tight job market, 95 percent of Nichols Class of 2008 found employment within six months of graduation with an average starting salary of $40,000. "Our 10-year average job placement history of 95 percent demonstrates the great value of a Nichols education," states President Debra M. Townsley. "As a private business college, we are committed to providing professional and career preparation and its ability to realize a return on educational investment to our students and their parents. With the tough economic times ahead, I am very proud of our steadfast focus on preparing graduates to enter careers critical to American society – as leaders in providing solutions."

Nichols Offers Hospitality Nichols graduates will soon have the opportunity to shine in another industry, as the College’s Board of Trustees recently approved a new business specialization, hospitality management. The hospitality field offers opportunities in a number of venues: hotels, restaurants, casinos, convention centers, theme parks, cruise lines and travel and tourism. The US Department of Labor projects jobs in the industry to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. What’s more, people with a college degree in hotel or hospitality management are expected to have the best opportunities at upscale and luxury hotels. “There is a need for graduates in this field and an interest on the part of our students,” says Alan Reinhardt, PhD, vice president of academic affairs. “Also, revenues at these sites continue to rise despite downturns that may occur in the greater economy.” The hospitality management specialization at Nichols will require knowledge and understanding of a variety of business disciplines including management, marketing, accounting, finance and strategy. Among the proposed courses are introduction to the hospitality industry, resort and conference management, facility operations, human resources, and issues in the industry. The specialization would also require an internship. Over the next year, the College will recruit a chair to develop the program with the hopes of introducing the new specialization in the 2010-2111 academic year.

Nichols College Magazine

Spring 2009

The Sprouting of Copper Beech II

Construction crews working on Copper Beech II were eager to install the building’s roof before the onslaught of winter. Nichols’ newest residence facility is scheduled to open for the fall semester.

Athletics

Fall Sports Recap Football (2-8, 0-7 NEFC Boyd) The Bison struggled this season, but saw seven players earn post-season honors. Junior Lawrence Scott (Oxford, Mass.) led the NEFC and ranked eighth in the nation in kick-returns, Lawrence Scott was named an ECAC DIII New England All-Star, earned NEFC FirstTeam and All-Worcester Area Second Team honors. Senior linebacker Josh Harris (Northbridge, Mass.) was named NEFC and AllWorcester Area First Team while junior defensive lineman Bill Hassett (Oxford, Mass.) earned All-Worcester Area First Team and NEFC Second Team honors. Junior running back Anthony Pillari (Lumberton, N.J.) was named to the NEFC First Team and the All-Worcester Area Second Team. Junior offensive lineman Brandt Genga (Middletown, R.I.) was named to both the NEFC and All-Worcester Area Second Teams. Senior running back Robert Morris (Melbourne, Fla.) earned Second Team All-Worcester Area honors, and Chris Healy senior safety David McLean (San Antonio, Texas) was named to the NEFC Second Team.

Golf The Bison had another tremendous season, winning top team honors in seven of 11 events, and taking home the Division III title at the NEIGA Championship. The Bison placed fourth overall among all three divisions – the best finish ever at the championship. Junior Pat Pio (Somers, Conn.) placed in a five-way tie for eighth place on the individual leader board and senior Chris Healy (Charlton, Mass.) finished tied for 15th as both took home All-New England honors. Nichols finished second at the TCCC Championship, paced by Pio, Healy and junior Shawn Santos (Agawam, Mass.), who finished second, third and fourth respectively.

Men’s Soccer (11-10-1, 6-6-1 TCCC) The Bison won seven of its last 10 games and made their first-ever TCCC Championship and ECAC Tournament appearances. The seventh seed in the TCCC tournament, the Bison upset second-seeded Roger Williams, 1-0, in the opening round and third-seeded Curry in the semifinals, 2-1, before losing 3-1 loss to top-seeded Western New England College in the title game. In the ECAC New England Championship Tournament, the Bison fell to Eastern Connecticut State, 5-0. The team was extremely young – Nichols was led in scoring by a trio of first-year players in David Johnson (Canterbury, Conn.), Brian Sanz (Framingham, Mass.), and Mark Capitanio (Mansfield, Mass.)

Field Hockey (9-10, 5-3 TCCC) The team held home field advantage for the TCCC playoffs, but was edged by sixth-seeded Salve Regina, 2-1, in penalty strokes in the quarterfinals. The Bison clinched the third seed in the tournament with a 4-1 win at Western New England College in the regular-season finale, snapping a four-game skid. Sophomore Eileen Clinton (Londonderry, N.H.) paced the offense with 22 points on eight goals and six assists, while Sarah Bailey (Athol, Mass.) added eight goals and three assists for 19 points. Senior back Brittney Case (Cambridge, N.Y.) anchored the defense and also picked up five goals and an assist. Junior goalkeeper MaryKate Bednarz (Springfield, Mass.) posted the third-best goals against average in the league at 1.83. Case and senior midfielder Jackie Dwyer (Enfield, Conn.) earned First Team All-TCCC accolades, while Bednarz and Clinton were awarded Second Team honors from the league. Case also earned Longstreth/NFHCA Division III New England East All-Region Second Team accolades.

Men's Soccer Team makes it to the TCCC Finals

25 points on 10 goals and five assists, ranking in the league’s top 10 in goals. All-TCCC Second Team honoree Kaila Gray (Pembroke, N.H.) recorded eight goals and a pair of assists. The Bison outscored opponents 51-25 on the season, and set a program record for goals in a game in an 11-2 win over Becker on Sept. 25, part of a four-game win streak during which Nichols posted three shutouts and outscored opponents 27-2.

Women’s Tennis (10-6, 6-4 TCCC) The team set a program record for wins in a season, and Head Coach Paul Brower became the winningest head coach in program history, wrapping up the season with 32 career victories. The Bison claimed home court and the fourth seed in the TCCC tournament, but were ousted in the first round by fifth-seeded Roger Williams, 5-4. Four players earned All-TCCC honors, including career singles record holder Jessica Porter (Melrose, Mass.), who wrapped up her career with 43 singles wins, and junior Molly McGuire (East Sandwich, Mass.), both of whom earned First Team singles accolades. Porter picked up First Team honors at doubles with first-year player Chelsey Miller (Salem, Conn.) Miller also earned a spot on the Honorable Mention squad at singles. Junior Maria Balabanova (Moscow, Russia) was awarded Honorable Mention in singles, and in doubles with McGuire.

Women’s Soccer (10-8-1, 6-6-1 TCCC)

Kaila Gray

The Bison returned to the TCCC playoffs after a three-year hiatus, but fell to top-seeded Endicott, 1-0, in the quarterfinals. First-year midfielder Chelsea Shaughnessy (Halifax, Mass.) totaled

Nichols College is a member of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC), The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC), New England Football Conference Boyd Division (NEFC) and the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association (NEIGA).

Spring 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Athletics

Seniors Monte and Gervais Heat Up the Ice Few college hockey players score 100 points in their careers. Far fewer college hockey teams have two 100-point scorers on a team at one time. But at Nichols College, the men’s hockey team has both, in senior forwards Anthony Monte and Ryan Gervais. The pair, both from the Chicago suburb of Northlake, Ill., knew of each other growing up. “We met playing baseball when we were really young. Then, there was a big gap,” explains Monte. “Then we played against each other in youth hockey. So we knew of each other, but I guess our official meeting came in juniors.” The high-scoring duo became friends when they played for the Chicago Force of the Central States Hockey League. Monte and Gervais, both in their third year as assistant captains, were recruited to come to Nichols together, and while the opportunity to build a hockey program was indeed a draw for both, the College offered much more. Gervais liked the business curriculum and campus layout, while Monte enjoyed the small class size. “By us, a lot of people go to Northern Illinois University,” says Monte.”My sister and a couple of my best friends went there. When I went to visit and sat in on some of the classes, there were about 500 people, and nobody asked questions.” In four years skating for Head Coach Lou Izzi, Monte and Gervais have led a renaissance in the Nichols College men’s hockey program, which hadn’t finished over .500 in 28 seasons prior to the arrival of their recruiting class. Their start at Nichols was strikingly similar to that in Chicago. The Bison finished 18-7 in their rookie campaign – a marked turnaround from a 4-17-2 record the season before – and returned to the playoffs after an 11-year absence. “We did pretty well our first season [in Chicago], which was the first year the team was in existence,” Gervais relates. “It was kind of the same feeling as our first year here – building a program. We bonded as a team and felt like a family right off the bat, just like our freshman year here. It was easy to become friends right away.” The wins kept coming for the Bison. The next season they returned to the postseason,

Nichols College Magazine

Spring 2009

suffering a lopsided loss to Curry College in the quarterfinals, much like the season before when they dropped a four-goal game to UMass Dartmouth. In 2007-08, however, Nichols made its mark, winning a program-record 20 games, led by Monte’s league-leading 51 points. The Bison returned to the playoffs, this time winning their quarterfinal and semifinal games before facing off with UMass Dartmouth in the program’s first-ever ECAC Northeast championship game. Gervais put up an impressive 41 points on the year, and netted the gameTop: Anthony Monte Right: Ryan Gervais winning goal against Becker College in the opening round of the playoffs. The Bison, however, saw their season come to an end with 16.9 seconds left in that championship game when UMass Dartmouth broke a 3-3 tie to win its third-straight ECAC Northeast tournament title. It seems like the line mates would feel a real sense of accomplishment for all that they’ve done in their time on the ice at Nichols. But Monte indicates that while personal accomplishments, like being second on the school’s all-time points chart, are nice, the team’s achievements lie still ahead. “It’s a good step in the right direction to accomplishment,” he comments. “The championship game last year was a big dent in our college hockey lives. For basically two-thirds of the game we outplayed the other team, and I think we deserved to win. The regular season is still going on. We know we can win games, we know we’re going to win games. It’s just when

it gets down to it, I think for everybody, especially on last year’s team, accomplishment is going to come after the third period of the [championship] game.” With the toughest part of the Bison’s schedule coming up – they close out the regular season with eight-straight league games, with five on the road – they know that this is when it “gets down to it.” “We knew coming in it would be a challenge. We had that in our personality, like ‘Let’s do this, we want to take it on,’” says Monte of when he and Gervais joined the Bison back in the fall of 2005. With four other seniors – goaltender Keith Fink, and defensemen Jeff Bieber and Glen Cacaro along with captain Cole Ruwe – as part of the leadership core, the team is a tightknit group, ready to take on the next step. “The same guys that sit next to each other in the locker room aren’t the same guys that sit next to each other on the bus or at the dinner table,” comments Monte. “I think we’re all pretty good friends, some better than others, but I guess just as seniors we share a little bit more – we’ve seen each other every day for the past four years.” “I think we’re pretty tight, too,” adds Gervais. “We’ve been here since the beginning, since the first day and four years later we’re still here. I think if any of us left, it’d be different.” But what is that next step? In unison, the pair answers simply, “Championship.” And after that? “If we win the conference then we get the NCAA bid and we’ll take it one game at a time,” says Monte. “But tasting defeat last year is in the back of our minds.” In the back of fans’ minds is how Anthony Monte and Ryan Gervais helped turn around the Nichols men’s hockey program to bring it not just steps ahead, but strides.

At press time, the Bison were ranked 14th in the USCHO.com Division III poll and posted a 20-3 record, which tied the program record for wins in a season.

Athletics

The Pride of The Herd

1,000 Points

BISON Pride, a program designed to encourage good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and fans of Nichols College athletics, was officially adopted as the Nichols College athletics sportsmanship program code on April 11, 2008. In August, plaques, posters and banners displaying BISON Pride were posted throughout the athletic center, including offices, locker rooms and competition sites, as well as around campus, extending the program to the entire campus community. Athletic teams display the BISON Pride motto on their practice gear, and the code is present at athletic events – both on game programs and in cheers heard from the crowd. At the bottom of every BISON Pride poster and plaque is a quote from Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” The sportsmanship program code, unveiled by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee at the annual networking dinner states, “All as one (Student-athletes, Coaches, Faculty, Staff, and Fans) we unite through NICHOLS COLLEGE athletics, to represent our community by:

Business – Applying ourselves to all matters in and out of the classroom; I nspire – Encouraging teammates and opponents in a positive manner; Strive – Making steady efforts toward a common goal; Opportunity – Creating advantages for others through benevolent acts; and Neighboring – Benefiting and accepting individuals within our campus and surrounding community.” The BISON Pride initiative has led to the creation of The Herd, a fan support group which held its first rally on December 8th to encourage members to cheer in a positive manner. The rally featured a lip-synching contest won decidedly by the men’s lacrosse team, and opened with an address from Director of Athletics Charlie Robert, who talked about fan sportsmanship behavior. For the Nichols College community, where “Your Success is Our Business,” the BISON Pride initiative shows that good sportsmanship, both on and off the court, is business as usual.

The men’s lacrosse team took the trophy for the lip-syncing contest sponsored by BISON Pride at the The Herd’s first rally in December. Members of the Nichols Herd must abide by these ABCs: (A) No alcohol or illegal substances at games; (B) Make sure your behavior is positive as you cheer on your team and (C) Be respectful of the other team.

Senior point guard MaryLynn Skarzenski (Woodbridge, N.J.) became the 11th player in Nichols women’s basketball history to score 1,000 career points on Nov. 22, as part of a 16point night against Worcester State in the consolation game of the 28th annual Worcester City Tournament hosted by WPI. Skarzenski, who reached the milestone by sinking a pair of free throws at the 16:51 mark of the second half, added seven steals and four assists on the day to lead the Bison to an 81-61 victory over the Lancers. She came into the 2008-09 season holding the program records for assists (489) and steals (309) and needed just 36 points to hit 1,000 at the start of the year.

Spring 2009 Nichols College Magazine

ckey Ice Ho i Alumn

President Townsley with Bob Green ’48 and wife Rose, and Larry Student ’48 and wife Barbara u

Lee McNelly ’69 with wife Nancy

Homecoming Weekend 2008 saw

he festivities began on Friday with a golf tournament for ice hockey alumni, at Dudley Hill Golf Club. Later that night, the Alumni Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner in Daniels Auditorium featured Stephen A. Davis ’80 who was awarded the Alumni Achievement Award and Henri M. David Jr. ’64 who was awarded the Ken Thompson Service Award. During the evening Rita A. Gatzke, a Nichols employee, was recognized with the posthumous awarding of honorary alumna; and Ryan Ankstitus ’01, Kevin Latraverse ’79, Chris McWade ’81, Julie (O’Brien) Barker ’00, and Brian St. Peter ’03 were inducted into the Nichols College Athletic Hall of Fame. Also on Friday night, celebrating their 5th reunion, the Class of ’03 met for dinner at Sakura Tokyo in Worcester, Mass.

Ken Thompson Award winner Henri M. David Jr ’64 with wife Elizabeth and President Townsley

The following morning, President Debra Townsley welcomed alumni at the President’s Breakfast where she shared the latest Nichols news. Tours were available on the beautiful fall day as alumni were able to see not only the entire campus, but the new suite-style residence facility, Copper Beech I. There were also plenty of sporting events for alumni to enjoy as women’s tennis, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, and football were all in action. Later that night, the Class of ’48 celebrated their 60th reunion with a dinner at The Publick House in Sturbridge, Mass.

3 f ’8 o ss Cla

Family of senior defensive back Terrence Mayrose ’09

Nichols College Magazine

Spring 2009

Kathryn Mitchell ’06 reuniting with a friend

Mark your calendar for Homecoming 2009!

New Alu mni

Homecoming weekend 2009 will be held on Friday, September 25th and Saturday, September 26th. We will be celebrating reunions for classes that end in “4” or “9.” If you are a member of a reunion class and wish to help, please contact us at alumnioffice@nichols.edu or toll free at 866-622-4766.

a record number of alumni return to the Hill! u

Paul Newman MBA ’01 and family

u u

Baseball alumni showing Bison Pride

Tailgating with the Class of ’03

’03 f o s Clas

New Athletic Hall of Fame member Kevin Latraverse ’79 and family Spring 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Nichols College is the best business college value in New England... The best business college value in New England offering: n

A career-focused business education

Accessible and mentoring faculty and staff

Friendly, welcoming environment

Affordablility through grants and scholarships

Competitive advantages for success upon graduation

As business professionals, we all know the importance of word of mouth marketing. We now call on you, our Nichols College alumni, to start spreading the word on our behalf. Your own professional and personal accomplishments demonstrate how your Nichols career-focused education prepared you to succeed in the real world. As a Nichols graduate, you can now provide the one-on-one attention and encouragement that can make a difference.

1 in 10 of our graduates becomes a CEO, corporate president or business owner

If you know of a student in your area considering Nichols, share your experiences on the quality of the campus and community environment, your interaction with our experienced and accessible faculty members, the camaraderie of the athletic teams or the clubs you may have joined, and, in general, the opportunities you had to learn, lead, participate and play.

95% of our 2008 graduates were employed in work related to their majors within 6 months of graduation, earning an average salary of $40,000

We ask that you help us recruit the next generation of Nichols College graduates. We cannot over emphasize how powerful and positive an impact you can have on prospective students and their families.

Nichols College strives to develop tomorrow’s leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business education.

Spread the word! Call 800-479-3379 or email admissions@nichols.edu, to request more information. If you would like us to make contact with a student that you believe would be a good match for Nichols, let us know by going to www.nichols.edu/alumnifriends and clicking on the “Refer-A-Student” link. Your Success Is Our Business

Nichols College Magazine

Spring 2009

Alumni

A View from the Hill By Kristy Cullivan’00 MBA ’02 Director of Alumni Relations

Connect to your classmates online Facebook – www.facebook.com

If you are one of the record number of alumni who were able to make it back to the Hill this fall for Homecoming, then I’m sure you witnessed the contagious excitement and energy around campus. I was thrilled to reconnect with former classmates and meet new members of the Nichols family. The highlight of the day for me was witnessing how much fun the members of class reunion years were having, many of whom had not seen each other since graduation. Yet, reunions do not have to happen on only one weekend per year. In fact, reunion plans are currently underway for forestry alumni, hockey alumni, lacrosse alumni, members of the Nichols Fire Department, the Rugby Club, the women’s soccer and softball teams, and members of classes ending in a “4” or a “9.” The class reunions will take place during Homecoming 2009 on September 25 and 26 while the volunteers planning the affinity reunions mentioned above have chosen dates/times of year that work best for their participants. For example, lacrosse alumni will meet for the second year in a row at Gillette Stadium to attend the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships and a dinner reception on campus, while softball alumni plan to meet up for a home game in the spring. The success of class reunions and affinity reunions depend heavily upon the efforts of the alumni volunteers who organize them. I’d like to recognize the volunteers who helped make Homecoming 2008 such a fun weekend for their former classmates and/or teammates: Diane Bellerose ’88, Susan (Lundie) Demel ’83, Michael Donehey ’83, Jessica Fiore ’03, Robert Green ’48, Jennifer Mackin Gustafson ’98, John Harrison ’68, David Rice ’80, and Alvah Rock ’63. If you’d like to plan a class reunion or a gathering with former teammates or club members please let me know. I am always happy to help. As always, I am open to all ideas and/or questions; feel free to share them with me. This is our alma mater, and each member of our alumni body can make a positive difference for Nichols. I look forward to another successful year of alumni receptions, reunions and gatherings. I can be reached toll free at 866-622-4766 or via email at kristy.cullivan@nichols.edu.

To join Facebook, follow the instructions provided on the Facebook website. Once registered, you can join the Nichols alumni group by typing “Nichols Bison” in the search box on the top right-hand side of the page. “Nichols Bison” will appear as the first result in your search with the NC Logo as the profile picture. Click “Add as Friend” to join the group. Once we receive your request we will confirm your membership.

LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com To join LinkedIn, follow the instructions on the LinkedIn website. Once registered, you can join the Nichols group by clicking “Groups” on the left-hand side menu. On the next page you will see a search box on the right-hand side; type “Nichols College” and the Nichols group will appear first on your search results. You will see “Kristy Cullivan” listed as the owner of the group and you should click “Join the Group.” Once we receive your request we will confirm your membership.

MySpace – www.myspace.com To join MySpace, click the “Sign Up” tab on the right side of the MySpace website. Once you have an account, you can type “Nichols Bison” into the search bar at the top of the page. Before you hit “Search,” you should click the drop down menu that says, “Web” and then click on “People.” “Nichols Bison” will be the first result on your search page, with Conrad Hall as the profile picture. Click “Add to Friends” to join the group. Once we receive your request we will confirm your membership.

Spring 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Alumni / Class Notes

Please send your news directly to your class scribe. If you do not have a class scribe, news may be forwarded to classnotes@nichols.edu. Digital images are preferred, but please do not crop them! The higher the resolution the better – 300 dpi (dots per inch) is best. Digital images may be sent directly to the Alumni Relations Office – classnotes@nichols.edu. Prints may be sent to: Nichols College, Alumni Relations Office, P.O. Box 5000, Dudley, MA 01571.

1940

Class Scribe Richard McLellan

3436 Button Bush Dr. Zellwood, FL 32798-9620 407-886-5539 MnDMcl@aol.com

1948

Class Scribe Stanley Finn

70 Franklin St. Northampton, MA 01060-2039 413-586-0886

1949 Robert C. Luse shares that he and his wife are entering their eighteenth year of operating a bed and breakfast business located in the beautiful historic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Class Scribe Robert Risk 309 Conestoga Rd. Wayne, PA 19087-4009 610-688-8242

1950

F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e … I can gladly report that I have heard from the following classmates in the past six months and they are all doing well: Charlie Foote, Dick Kosse, Al Hanlon, Allan Dunn, Bob Bacon, Charlie Bernard, Whip Crossman, Alden Ingraham, Bill Sprague, Harry Rogers, Walt Peters, Fred Levitan, Dave Graham, Bill Swett, Tom

Nichols College Magazine

Spring 2009

Hyland, Jeronimo Esteve-Abril, Homer Jones, Guy Dyer, Bob Hill, and Bill Lawson. Class Scribe Tom Bartsch 30 Archers Mead Williamsburg, VA 23185-6582 757- 221-8199

1951

F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e … Hope you all had a pleasant 2008! I did hear from a few, but wish I had heard from more of you with even a short note or email. Ed Dana retired a number of years ago, settling down at The Landings in Savannah, GA. He is enjoying the area very much. I received a note from Dorothy Lott informing me that Bob passed away earlier in the year. Ralph Bates was a great source of information. He lives in Manchester, MA, and is enjoying his retirement years. He recently made a very generous contribution to the Jimmy Fund in Boston. He told me that Steve Miller is retired and living in Centerville, MA. He also filled me in on Jack Talbot who lives in Chicago as well as Sarasota, FL. He spent many years with Xerox and Ralph says he enjoys a good cigar. Bill Roberts retired from Crum & Forster as underwriting manager in 1995. Married 53 years, he has two daughters, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He enjoys retirement in the North Georgia Mountains and bi-yearly trips to the beach. As for me, I retired in 1993. Peg and I moved from Rye, NY, to Williamsburg, VA, to a community called Kingsmill, where the LPGA has their tournament every year. I am enjoying golf, tennis and courses at the College of William and Mary. We recently took a trip to the Black Sea with stops in Istanbul, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, and south to Israel, Cyprus and Egypt. That is about it for now, but please drop me a line for the next issue of Nichols College Magazine.

1952

Class Scribe Roger Parker

HC 67 Box 6 Nogal, NM 88341-9700 505-354-0539 sunsetmesa@zianet.com

1954

Class Scribe William Gallagher

7122 Oak Fairway Tulsa, OK 74132 c1895@aol.com F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e … I recently received a wonderful note from Bob Benowitz who shared a thank-you note to the Class of 1954 from Ryan Edwards, the first recipient of our $2,500 scholarship. I would like to share the student’s note: “Thank you for your generous support of students at Nichols College. As a recipient of the Class of 1954 Scholarship, I feel very fortunate to have been selected. I am currently a junior at Nichols College and I am majoring in economics and marketing with a minor in sport management. This scholarship will be very helpful to me in continuing my education. I thank you again for your generosity.” Ryan is a bright student at Nichols and is active in the Legal Studies Club, treasurer of the Student Government Association, and someday wants to become a CEO of a Fortune 500 company. We are the first class to offer such a scholarship at Nichols College. I ask at this time for my class members to continue to support our alumni fund and build it up to $50,000 so that we can double our scholarship to $5,000 and eventually help it reach a point to pay for most of the student’s tuition. (Remember to specify “Class of 1954 Scholarship” on your gift.) And class members, do your best to make our 55th class reunion in September 2009. I would also like to share that I just celebrated my 48th wedding anniversary on November 25, 2008.

Alumni / Class Notes

1955

John Katori was inducted into the Bartlett High School Sports Hall of Fame. A 1949 graduate of Bartlett, Katori played football, basketball and John Katori baseball, and was awarded the American Legion Good Citizen Award in 1949. According to the Hall of Fame Committee, “John Katori seems to have changed each community in which he has been a member. His dedication and commitment to the local, educational, and athletic communities are unparalleled.” Katori is also professor emeritus at Nichols, where he taught and coached for more than 40 years.

1956

Class Scribe Arthur Fries

225 Via San Remo Lido Isle Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511 949-673-7190 friesart@hotmail.com

1957

Class Scribe Kent Tarrant

45 Valley View Dr. P.O. Box 496 Hampden, MA 01036-0496 413-566-5130 kent@samnet.net

1958

Harold P. Jurgens reports that he is alive and well at 70 and living in Cairo, NY. He has two children and two grandchildren and enjoys retirement by traveling across the US in his motor home. He sends his regards to the Class of 1958 and hopes everyone is doing well.

1962

Class Scribe Charlie Howe

May-September 383 North 3rd St. Surf City, NJ 08008-4926 Charles_howe@webtv.net October- April 17468 Cornflower Lane Punta Gorda, FL 33955 941-575-8150 F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e … I’ll start off with an administrative note. You may be wondering why your emails got bounced back from me. Well, a rainstorm wiped out my browser and we are in the process of buying a new lap top. In the meantime the “tele” still works and US Postal is still delivering no matter where we may be. Kate and I had a busy summer on Long Beach Island. Aside from a pacemaker replacement, knee surgery, and a recurring bout with gout, the old “whale” is on the move and looking forward to a winter of sailboat racing in southwest Florida. For all of you diehard Yankees, Mets, and Red Sox fans, there is always 2009. GO PHILLIES! If your winter plans call for a visit to SW Florida, please call or stop by and visit. In late February we usually have an alumni gathering in Sarasota and Naples, which has always been a great time. A note to my friend Bruce Haslun and the class of ’63: Sorry we missed your reunion. Kate and I are hoping to get back to the Hill this year. What a great tribute to Dave Lombard ’65 in the last issue of Nichols College Magazine. From us to you: Thank you for all that you and Susan have done for Nichols, and the great example you have set. It’s an honor to have known you. To my classmates, hoping that you and yours are in good health and enjoying a full life. Till next time… Don’t forget your donation to the Nichols Fund. Thank you Ale [Peterson], Dick [Makin], and George [Withington] for your President’s Circle gifts to Nichols.

Class Scribe Bruce I. Haslun 16 Gilder Point Ct. Simpsonville, SC 29681 hashardt@charter.net

1963

Charles R. “Pete” Smith recently completed a 160-page book titled A Postcard History of Marion, Massachusetts, time span 1900-1950, published by the Sippican Historical and Preservation Society and Spinner Publications Inc. Class Scribe Warren Bender 3604 Kingsley Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC 29588-7714 843-215-1277 wbender@sc.rr.com

1964

F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e … Talk about bad timing. One week after my scribe notes were due for the previous edition of Nichols College Magazine, I had contact with some of the Goodell Hall gang and not enough time to submit. Here is the latest on my “REDS” stool mates. Barry “Gordo” Gordon spent 20 years with Champion Int. Paper in sales and management. He worked in Ohio, Chicago, St. Louis, and Dallas. For the past 13 years he has owned a small retail operation selling kites, banners, wind socks, and the like in the St. Louis area. Easing away from it to travel more, he and his wife, Susan, visit kids and families in St. Louis, San Antonia, and Jacksonville, FL. Harvey “Earl” Sykes is presently an accounting executive with BG Balmer & Co., which is a division of Univest Insurance. He and his wife, Gloria, are coming up on their 30th anniversary and have a 28-year-old daughter. He is looking to retire in the next couple of years after 40 years in commercial insurance. Carl “Gillis” Gilbert (my “roomie”) has been retired from Bristol Meyers since 2001 and is really enjoying the retirement scene. He works part time at a golf course, enjoying the luxury of u

Spring 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Alumni / Class Notes

Thomas Franzese’75, center, with Nichols’ marketing students at his office in New York

C a t c h i n g U p Wi t h Thomas Franzese ’75 Allendale, New Jersey Tom Franzese is a director at Lazard Asset Management, a company that specializes in financial advisory and asset management, operating in 41 cities across 24 countries. Just his past December, Franzese hosted a group of Nichols marketing students at his office in New York City’s Rockefeller Center, where he discussed the marketing industry, possible career paths, and his Nichols experience. My Nichols education helped me… tremendously. I graduated with a BSA in accounting, but also took many other courses in finance and marketing. These additional courses gave me the confidence to move from an accounting career to a marketing client servicing career on Wall Street. For the last 22 years, I have been working with institutional clients and prospective clients at Lazard Asset Management in New York City. There were tough times, but my football experience at Nichols gave me a “work hard never quit” winning attitude which helped in my successes. My advice to students is: Besides the obvious advice to work hard and be all you can be, do not settle in a career or position you are not comfortable with. Remember, if you enjoy what you do, you will excel at it. My classmates would be surprised to learn…that I have a wife, Lauren, of 17 years, a son TJ, (16), and a daughter, Samantha (12). TJ is a junior at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey where he was the starting slot back on the nationally ranked state champion (three years in a row) football team. He also plays baseball for Don Bosco which will start the year as one of the top 10 high school programs in the country. Samantha is an outstanding basketball and volleyball player. She also dances and is the apple of my eye.

Nichols College Magazine

Spring 2009

having free golf. He also volunteers his time to AARP during tax season. He and his wife, Betsy, are lucky to have most of their family close to them so they get to see the grandkids that range from 3 months to 7 years. Carl, like me, was blessed to beat prostate cancer in 2004. Bob “Gas” Gascoyne enlisted in the army right after graduation under the College Option Program. Then he attended the Infantry Officers Candidate School as a sergeant, was commissioned as a second lieutenant, and completed airborne training. He then returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Marion, all some 42 years ago. In the service he was decorated many times including the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and two Bronze Stars. He received an honorable discharge as a first lieutenant. His working career began in operations and, after working for several known companies (Abbot Labs, 3M, Cooper Labs), he retired as the division vice president of logistics for the Konica-Minolta Co. Bob and Marion lived in Wayne, NJ, for 40 years and have two daughters and four grandchildren. They have moved to Ft. Myers, FL, and spend time visiting family in Maine and Texas. Lila and I had the pleasure of meeting up with the Gascoynes, Gilbert, Mike McCarthy, and Lew Gelman ’65 and his wife, Carol, for dinner in New Jersey in September when I was on the way back from New York for my 50th high school reunion. All my “Nicky Mates” looked great and the evening was most enjoyable. We are all hoping to make the 45th next year on the Hill. Curtis F. Stiles is chairman of the Adirondack Park Agency. He worked for Xerox Corp. for over 30 years serving as president and general manager for US Operations for Xerox Business Services, VP of US Customer Operations, and as VP for Worldwide Document Services. When he retired in 1996 he started Saranac Software Inc., where he served as president and CEO. Stiles lives on Upper Saranac Lake in Franklin County with his wife, Susan. Donald G. March says that he is enjoying retirement and was recently awarded emeritus membership in the

Alumni / Class Notes

National Association of Electrical Distributors, an award given for his years of service to the industry.

1968

Class Scribe Frank Cianflone

c/o Maxiglide Box 415 Stow, MA 01775 978-897-2317 f.cianflone-maxiglide@charter.net

Mark Sarkisian Jr. was elected to the Board of Governors at the Pleasant Valley Country Club and is on the Board of Directors for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.

1978

Class Scribe William Fraser

12915 Letando Ln. Cypress, TX 77429-3554 281-376-5922 wifra@wci78.com

Class Scribe Robert Kuppenheimer 4627 Tremont Ln. Corona Del Mar, CA 92625-3130 bob.kuppenheimer@nuveen.com

1969

David Weyant and his wife, Judy, enjoyed a relaxing vacation in Aruba in 2007.

1970 Willi J. Benoit writes that his son, Will, was married on Jan. 26, 2008, to a “beautiful and smart young woman from Phoenix.” Will is a 2003 graduate from Emerson College and his wife is a 2007 graduate from the University of Arizona. They reside in Somerville, MA.

1983

Class Scribe Michael Donehey

508-376-5469 (phone) 509 376-5043 (fax) mdonehey@live.com F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e … Hello all! For those of you who were unaware, the Class of 1983 had a 25year reunion this past homecoming. I made the trip up and had a great time with the classmates and friends that attended. First, Sue Lundie [Demel] deserves kudos for taking the reins and coordinating the event from afar – Texas. Thanks Sue! Also we should thank our Alumni Director Kristy Cullivan’00 MBA’02 who made sure everyone was enjoying the day. My vehicle was chosen as the home base and, after the engineering feat of placing the banner, we were in business. Beers, burgers and a few cigars were on the menu. Stopping by were classmates

1972

Class Scribe John P. Donahue

10 Corsham Dr. Medford, NJ 08055-8434 609-654-4809

1986

Class Scribe Susan Zimonis

18930 Misty Lake Rd. Jupiter, FL 33458 561-707-8781

jaeger@ajaeger.com Class Scribe Craig Edwards

susanzimonis@bellsouth.net F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e …

P.O. Box 244 East Walpole, MA 02032 339-364-1810 craigredwards@yahoo.com

1985

john.donahue@us.hamburgsud.com

Class Scribe Donald Jaeger 8 Lord Joes Lndg. Northport, NY 11768-1571

1976

Deb Carpenter [Goldberg], Fran Tarpey, Sean and Michaela Clancy, Gene Ferrari, Todd Zeidenberg, Paul Gaffney, Dan and Pam Murphy, fellow yard dog Tim Morrell. Also stopping by for an adult beverage were Jim Brennan ’84 and Jessica Mustone ’82. The weather was great, and the campus looked wonderful. As always these events seem to fly by too fast and, although we did not want to leave, we were finally kicked home by Nichols security. By the way, in the haste of leaving, someone left their cooler which I have (sorry, beer is gone). I’d highly encourage you to try and make a homecoming soon; it really is a good time. The last edition of Nichols College Magazine listed all class donations in the annual report. Nice to see the Class of 1983 was the top class in dollars raised – by far. Our percentage of contributors was small, but thanks to the efforts of Donna and Randy Becker, Ed Dixon, Tom Baker, Ted Dumas and the rest of our supporters, we topped out at #1! Let’s see if we can stay #1 in 2009. Finally, please make note that I have had a change of email address and it is listed above. Have a safe and healthy New Year.

Class of ’83 at Homecoming 2008

Douglas Lojko writes that he and his wife, Debbie, have three children, Erika (17), Dan (14) and Nicholas (10). He has u

Spring 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Alumni / Class Notes

worked for Allstate Insurance for 21 years as a sales manager in charge of new agent recruiting and training for all of New England, with lots of traveling. (Doug says he likes the idea of the Bahamas over Maine.) He also reports that his daughter is in the process of applying to colleges and, yes, Nichols is one of her choices. “I was blown away when I went back on campus....so much has changed,” he says. Maureen “Moe” (Gilbert) Shields writes that she settled up north in “freezing cold” New Hampshire. She and John have been married 20 years (“yikes”) and have two kids, Erin (14) and Jack (11). Moe stopped working after she had Jack and has enjoyed life as a “domestic engineer.” She also says she keeps in touch with the girls of Merrill through email and get-togethers about once a year. Paul “Wigs” Wigglesworth has been married to Darlene for 19 years and they have a daughter, Brittany (15), and a son, Jack (12). After Nichols, Paul worked at Coopers & Lybrand for 10 years. He met Darlene while working there. (“She was a client and I broke the independence rules and asked her out on a date,” he says.). Paul was a controller for a few years and, in 2000, he started Career Moves, LLC (www.careermovesllc.com), which is a recruiting firm specializing in accounting and finance positions. He also shares that when he left Nichols, he rented a house with EJ Landry, Dave Bedard and Dick Anderson. “Interesting times,” he comments, “especially the time we had a big party and Donny Allison (the Llama) drove from R.I. to attend. I better not start with the stories.....” Brian Zippin writes that he worked for the Monarch Life Insurance Co., but after a year realized that selling life insurance was not in his future. He worked for a small family-owned company in the sale of low voltage products, such as burglar alarms, home theatre, etc., to builders and consumers. The company was sold in 1992. Brian moved to Moscow in 1994 to work with his brother-in-law who started a real

Nichols College Magazine

Spring 2009

C a t c h i n g U p Wi t h Sharron McCarthy ‘87 Bedford, New Hampshire

Sharron McCarthy is the president of McLean Communications Inc. located in Manchester, N.H. In that role, she serves as publisher of numerous periodicals including New Hampshire Magazine, New Hampshire Business Review, Parenting NH Magazine, and New Hampshire Home Magazine. She is also currently working on a publication targeted toward “baby boomers.” Originally from Sturbridge, Mass., McCarthy graduated from Nichols with a BSA in marketing. She has been in the publishing business for 24 years while holding sales and marketing management positions, and presently resides in Bedford, N.H., with her family. My Nichols education helped me… set the pace for practical business situations, especially courses in management, accounting, advertising and even psychology. The small classroom environment, attention from professors, and the real-life case studies were outstanding. My internship at a local advertising agency introduced me to media sales and served as my springboard into publishing. I was primarily a commuter to Nichols, and the balancing act required while working nights prepared me well for the rigors of selling advertising and eventually running a company. My advice to current students: Have a good time at school, but don't forget why you're there. There is something to learn in every course you take, even the ones you don't like. Having the ability to converse about many topics is often what gets you ahead and makes positive impressions. Seek out a mentor, that one professor who aligns with your own sensibilities, and really tap into what he/she has to offer. Don't shy away from the tough stuff; ask for help when you need it. Do an internship even if it is unpaid! This is one of the best things you can do to have a leg up in an interview situation.

My classmates would be surprised to learn: My life hasn't evolved in a traditional fashion. I commuted to Nichols (except for one semester) and paid my own tuition. I got married young, lived in California, traveled the world, moved many times, and have been able to work my way up in a profession that I love, allowing me to create a work environment that has resulted in the launch of several successful publications. Life throws some curveballs; I had to have open heart surgery in 2003 to correct a congenital heart defect – something I never expected to endure. In 2005 we had our first child, Lana Jade, and I am now expecting our second baby in July. We'll be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary with a 3 month old and a 3 1/2 year old and are thrilled!

Alumni / Class Notes

estate company there. He lived there for about five years until his first child was born. In 2001 he purchased a small business in East Granby, CT, that sells residential appliances to builders, remodelers and some retail. Brian has three children, ages 11, 8, and 1. He says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;All in all, life is good and I am fortunate.â&#x20AC;?

1988

Class Scribe Diane Bellerose

90 Lebanon St. Southbridge, MA 01550-1332 508-764-6077 spongedicat@aol.com

1991

Class Scribe Donna Small

4905 Bay Harvest Ct. Clemmons, NC 27012-8245 336-712-1053 (home) 336-692-5157 (cell)

alivk@comcast.net Denis Dillon MBA was named a director at McLane Law Firm, the largest full-service law firm in New Hampshire. He has been with McLane since Denis Dillon 2003, handling all aspects of federal and state taxation including income, estate and gift. He also advises clients on sophisticated tax, business, succession and estate planning. In addition to his MBA, he received a BA from Assumption in 1981, a JD from WNEC in 1992 and an LLM from Boston University in 1999.

Tax Manager Greenberg, Roseblatt, Kull & Bitsoli, PC 508-791-0901 jlareau@grkb.com Class Scribe Danielle (Troiano) Sprague

Kenneth R. Snell was promoted to vice president/portfolio manager at US Trust/Bank of America in the Private Wealth Management Division in Boston.

1994

1992

thedwoman@yahoo.com

553 Grafton St. Shrewsbury, MA 01545 508-845-6604

1995

Class Scribe Chris Saengvanich

40 Chestnut St. Apt. 2 Melrose, MA 02176 cpsaeng@yahoo.com

Class Scribe Allison Kierce

1804 Shawan Ln. York, PA 17402 717-757-3949

Class Scribe John J. Lareau

dsmall9242000@yahoo.com

Diane Bellerose, CPCU, is engaged to Christopher Golas. She is a personal lines insurance underwriter at Travelers of Massachusetts, and he is employed at the Office of Information Technology at UMass Amherst. A September 2009 wedding is planned.

1989

1993

The Ehlers: Pamela, Samantha Riley and Michael

Michael Ehlers and his wife, Pamela, announced the birth of Samantha Riley on Apr.18, 2008, weighing 8 lbs., 5oz., and measuring 20.5 inches long. The growing family resides in Ipswich, MA. Samantha was baptized on Oct. 4, accompanied by godfather Clifford Whynott Jr. Cliff and Donna (Cross) Whynott recently hosted a Class of 1992 reunion at their home in Ipswich, with fellow alumni Karl and Julie (Alarie) Doane; Pete Soper and his wife, Tammy; and Michael Ehlers and his wife, Pamela.

Jennifer (Richardson) and Gerren Kopcinski announced the birth of their third child, Grace, born Apr.10, 2008. She joins big brother, Gerren Reid (7), and big sister, Abigail (4). The family resides in Dracut, MA. Grace Kopcinski

1996

Class Scribe Gary Watson

25 Lakeside Ave. Webster, MA 01570 508-943-5504 gmwatsonsr@yahoo.com

Spring 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Alumni / Class Notes

Class Scribe Colleen (Reilly) Saengvanich

Class Scribe David Twiss

1997

2001

40 Chestnut St. Apt. 2 Melrose, MA 02176

978-979-7658 (cell)

cbreilly97@yahoo.com

2002

1998

david.twiss@comcast.net

Class Scribe Emily (Seiferman) Alves

Millie.176@hotmail.com

1999

Class Scribe Tony Volpone

Class Scribe Princess Tucker

Revenue Examiner CT DRS 860-961-2734 (cell) 860-848-1471 (fax) ptucker4057@sbcglobal.net

avolpone@hotmail.com Melissa Turner MBA ’08 and Michael McGuirk were married on Sept. 19, 2008, at St. John’s Parish in Hopkinton, MA. Nichols graduates in attendance included Lisa LaBranche and her fiancé, Jimmy, as well as Jeff Haffty ’98 and his wife, Sarah. Following a honeymoon in the Caribbean, the McGuirks returned home to Hopkinton.

2003

Class Scribe Kim (Serino) Krumsiek

serinokj@hotmail.com

2004

Class Scribe Erin Chenette

87 Tory Fort Ln. Worcester, MA 01602 781-939-1723

2005

Angela Rousseau’05 and husband Steven Chaves

Class Scribe Ashley Stockbridge ashley.stockbridge@gmail.com

2007

Christopher Montgomery joined Barnum Financial Group as a financial services representative working in their Wethersfield, CT, office.

Class Scribe Michelle Brown

slmz018@yahoo.com Angela Rousseau married Steven Chaves on Aug. 30, 2008. She currently works at Meditech as an applications specialist, and he is a software engineer at Raytheon. The couple resides in Clinton, MA. Sarah Aquafresca was the maid of honor and Jason Monteiro ’06 was also part of the wedding ceremony. Melissa Turner and husband Michael McGuirk

2000

2006

emello84@hotmail.com

Class Scribe Andrea Sacco

Christopher J. Melendez has been promoted to senior accountant with Greenberg, Rosenblatt, Kull & Bitsoli, PC, one of the largest independent accounting firms in Worcester. He has been with the firm since he graduated.

andrea-sacco@comcast.net

Nichols College Magazine

Class Scribe Erica Mello

Spring 2009

Christopher Montgomery

Class Scribe Kristin Spinner KMSpinner@gmail.com

2008

Nichols Remembers

Orencio L. Garcia ’38 of Hialeah, FL,

Robert M. Lott Sr. ’51 of Levittown, PA,

died Apr. 8, 2008. His son, Oscar, reports that his father had very fond memories of his time at Nichols.

died Jan. 19, 2008. He worked for 30 years as a data processor at US Steel Fairless Works and, upon retiring, served as a courier for several businesses. A US Coast Guard, he was a veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; two daughters, Beverly and husband, Richard, and Leslie; son, Robert Jr. and wife, Regina; four grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and a sister, Millicent. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter.

Robert W. Johnston ’38 of Sarasota, FL, died Dec. 5, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Noni (he was preceded in death by his first wife, Nona); sons, Paul and Thomas; a daughter, Judith; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. James A. Falconer Jr. ’41 of Dennis, MA, died Oct. 12, 2008. He served aboard a sub chaser in the US Navy during World War II as a radioman, First Class, in the South Pacific. He moved to Cape Cod following his retirement from the food industry and enjoyed gardening and golf. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Patricia; a sister, Barbara; three children, James, Haidee, and Susan; five grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas. Ralph L. Deutsch Jr. ’50 of Asheboro, NC, died Nov.15, 2008. He began his career in the family-owned furniture manufacturing company in Ramseur and established Randolph Furniture Distributors and his own sales agency after the sale of the family business. Honored with several awards for achievement in his industry, he was an active member of the Virginia-Carolinas Home Furnishings Association for more than 30 years. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara, and a sister, Audrey. Survivors include his wife, Jeanette; sons, Michael and wife, Sharon, Robert and wife, Anne; stepdaughter, Lisa and husband, Lucas; four grandchildren; and a brother, Peter Deutsch ’55. Robert S. Floyd Jr. ’50 of Winthrop, MA, died Jan. 29, 2008. He was the proprietor of Ritz Restaurant in Revere, and a US Navy Korean War veteran. He was a member of the Beachmont VFW, Kiwanis Club and Orioles Club. Survivors include his wife, Mary; children, Katherine Camacho and husband, Paul, Patricia, Robert III, Thomas, John and wife, Roberta, Daniel, Mary M. LaMarra, Eileen, Elizabeth Casey and husband, John; and 14 grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Michael.

Ronald M. Lancaster ’60 of El Paso, TX,

died Aug. 11, 2008. He served in the US Navy, Air Force and Army, from which he retired. For several years he worked as an insurance adjuster in the Bangor area and earned a license as a chiropractor. Living in Mexico, he became active in farming, retailing and restaurant businesses. He is survived by his wife, Manuella; daughter, Lisa; sister, Beverly; a granddaughter; and great-grandson. Joseph T. Maurello ’63 of Shrewsbury, MA, died Dec. 30, 2008. He was the president of Jo-Ton Inc., which operated as the Slack Shack stores, for over 20 years. He was also sales manager for Seaboard Folding Box Co. in Fitchburg. Survivors include his wife, Arlene; a son, Anthony and wife, Jennifer; two daughters, Jennifer and Marcie; three grandchildren; two sisters, Patricia and Marjorie and husband, Francis. He was predeceased by a sister, Roberta. Hebert H. “Bart” Pease ’64 of New

Britain, CT, died Aug. 25, 2008. He worked for the State Department of Health and, upon retirement, launched a career as a successful poet and author, producing many books of poetry. In addition to his mother, his survivors include a son, Thomas and wife, Joanne; and two brothers and their wives, Colin and Pamela, and Sam and Sarah. Stephen L. Sala ’69 of Fort Myers, FL, died Oct. 1, 2008. He owned many businesses in Connecticut and Florida and, for the past 14 years, served as a single copy carrier for The News-Press. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Yvonne and Cathleen; three grandchildren; and a brother, David.

Stuart Andrew Loveridge ’80 of Paris

Hill, CT, died Oct. 25, 2008. He was a business owner and an avid golfer who enjoyed traveling and boating. Predeceased by his wife, Anne, he is survived by his parents; and three sisters, Tracey, Elinor and Margot. John M. Bartlett Jr. MBA ’91 formerly of

North Falmouth, MA, died Dec. 24, 2008. He served in the US Navy in the South Pacific during World War II, retiring from the Naval Reserve as captain in 1980. He worked at Morgan Construction Co. and as a town selectman. He was predeceased by his wife, Genevieve; and leaves two sons, James and wife, Janet, and Joel and wife, Wendy; a daughter, Lisa; two grandchildren; and a brother, Robert and wife, Elva. Robert R. Riopel ’94 of Charlton, MA,

died Dec. 28, 2008. He was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War and worked as a chef at the Atrium Restaurant in Worcester for several years. Previously, he was a manager at White Tower Restaurants in New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York. He is survived by seven siblings, Warren, Walter, Paul, Barbara, Joanne, Suzan, and Carol; and his longtime friend, Claire. He was predeceased by two brothers, Nelson and Douglas. Dr. George P. Winston, professor at

Nichols College, of Grafton, VT, died Dec. 3, 2008. He taught English for 25 years and served as chair of the newly formed English Department and later of the Division of Humanities. During this period, he also authored a book on John Fiske, post-Civil War American philosopher and historian. On his retirement from Nichols in 1985, the graduating class dedicated their yearbook to him, calling him a “man who has set his goals high and has not settled for anything less than accomplishment.” He was also asked to give the Commencement address, becoming one of only two members of the teaching faculty ever to give this address. Winston served in the US Army Air Force during World War II. He and his wife, Jean, were accomplished artists whose paintings and landscapes can be found in many Dudley homes. He is survived by his wife.

Spring 2009 Nichols College Magazine

arianne Gruskin, widow of Matt Gruskin ’54, didn’t attend Nichols College but remains a steadfast supporter of the Nichols mission because of its role in Matt’s life. Matt, who passed away unexpectedly in June 2005, was just a “boy from Brooklyn” when President Col. James Lawson Conrad and Basketball Coach Hal Chalmers took him under their wings. (The Colonel’s influence was so strong that the Gruskins named their second son, James Lawson.) Marianne is proud of how Nichols helped shape Matt’s life and propelled him to personal and professional success. The College had remained intertwined with Matt throughout his life, long after he graduated, especially through his sustained friendships with classmates here and abroad.

Those close relationships Matt formed on the Hill inspired Marianne to surprise Matt and his classmates on the occasion of their 50th Class Reunion with a scholarship in their honor. Also, a plaque inscribed with the classmates' names was placed in Alumni Hall. “Marianne has treated Nichols as if it was her alma mater,” says Bob Benowitz ’54, a long-time friend of the Gruskins. “We are fortunate to have her involvement.”

“I established the Class of 1954 Scholarship because of Matt’s wonderful experiences with the students, professors and staff of Nichols.” Through her assistance, the scholarship became permanently endowed last year and was awarded to a deserving student this fall. The scholarship remains a proud achievement for the Class of 1954, and Marianne hopes classmates, spouses, and children will continue their support of this important effort.

Ryan Edwards ’10, the first recipient of the Class of 1954 Endowed Scholarship, hails from Waterbury, Conn., and is majoring in economics and marketing with a minor in sport management. He is vice president of the Legal Studies Club and treasurer of the Student Government Association. His favorite part of Nichols has been the interaction with the professors, and he hopes to use his Nichols education to become a CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

Nichols College Magazine

Spring 2009

“I feel very fortunate to have been selected as a recipient of the Class of 1954 Scholarship. This [scholarship] will be very helpful to me in continuing my education.”

For more information on how to contribute to or create a named endowed fund, contact Joe Cofield, Vice President for Advancement, at 508-213-2428 or joe.cofield@nichols.edu.

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

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alumnioffice@nichols.edu

It’s time to tee up for the Annual Alumni Golf Tournament, July 18, 2009, at the Dudley Hill Golf Club. Registration forms are available on the web. It fills up fast, so set your team now. Or join as a single and we’ll find a team for you. Don’t miss out on this great event! Also, mark your calendars for the Alumni/Seniors Wine and Cheese Reception, April 29, 2009, at 5 p.m. in the Lombard Dining Hall. Call 866-622-4766 for details.

P.O. Box 5000 Dudley, MA 01571-5000 Your Success Is Our Business

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