MAGSummer2009 by Nichols College

Volume 4 • Issue 1 • Summer 2009

NICHOLS COLLEGE M

Graduation 2009:

Lessons for Success

NICHOLS COLLEGE M

Volume 4 • Issue 1 • Summer 2009

FROM THE PRESIDENT

COVER STORY Lessons from the Stoop, the Road and the Board Room

EDITOR

Susan Veshi

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Your Success Is Our Business

FEATURES Now What? Career Services Bolsters Students to Battle a Bleak Job Outlook Stronger Bones 1999–2009 A Decade of Professional Development ON CAMPUS Great Managers are Talent Agents 20 Years of Creativity The Economics of Aging “A to B” Business Program Takes Off Olympian Tonie Campbell Shows Business Mettle Managing Innovation and Change Standing Room Only Accounting Students Take Stock of Bonds on Class Trip ATHLETICS Spring Sports Recap Nichols Celebrates Academics and Athletics Spring Awards Ceremony 2009 ECAC Northeast Champions ALUMNI 2009 Homecoming Schedule 2009 Homecoming Reservation Form Class Notes Catching up with Richard Clinton ’54 Catching up with John White’71 MBA’79 Nichols Remembers

CONTRIBUTORS

Thomas Cafaro, Brittney Case, Kristy Cullivan, Julie Errico, Hillary Haynes, Christine Jankowski, Dorothy Millhofer, Bill Pieczynski, Ronald Powers, Dawn Sherman, 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: Ashlee Givins ’09 Senior Class President

Message from the President

A Degree of Difference Commencement is my favorite time of year. As I shake the hands of graduates crossing the platform to collect their diplomas, I share in the joy that comes from accomplishment and the anticipation of what is truly the first day of the rest of their lives. Each year, I relive the exhilaration and hope of our new graduates, and it never gets old. But amid the speeches, fare-thee-wells and pageantry that is Commencement, the significance of the event should not be overlooked. These eager, cap-and-gownclad young (and older) adults have assembled for their recognition of achievement, their reward for hard work, the well-deserved prize for their endurance: a college degree. They are joining the ranks of those who have distinguished themselves through higher education. Now, in today’s economy, it’s natural to question whether a college degree is worth it. Tuition costs are rising, and paying for college requires a greater longterm financial commitment. Funding sources are becoming more limited and post-graduation prospects more competitive. The Class of 2009 faces a continuing rise in unemployment rates and a drop in the hiring of college graduates. Even though I am confident that Nichols has prepared them to compete and to succeed in business and in life, the stark realities of the current marketplace are daunting to job seekers. Recent studies confirm that, despite a challenging economy, a college degree is still a wise investment. On the tangible side, a degree translates into earning power and opportunity. According to U.S. News & World Report, a college degree is worth about $300,000 in today's dollars. College graduates who earn advanced degrees can reap an even bigger return.

On average, the holder of a bachelor's degree earns about $51,000 a year, and those who pursue MBAs, law degrees, or other professional degrees can earn about $100,000 a year. In addition, college graduates are more likely to get jobs with health insurance. And, studies show, they are more likely to find and keep jobs—the unemployment rate for college graduates was just 2.2 percent last year, half the unemployment level of high school graduates. A college degree produces intangible benefits as well. Studies suggest that college graduates are healthier, contribute more to their communities, and raise kids who are better prepared academically. I always tell our graduates they have earned a college degree for life; it cannot be taken away or lost. The current economic picture will brighten. As our Commencement speaker, Robert T. DeMartini, CEO of New Balance, told the graduating class, “Today’s economic conditions are in no way a reflection of what the future holds for you.” Armed with a Nichols degree, our graduates have taken the first vital step toward that future and have secured a lifetime of opportunity.

Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D.

Summer 2009 Nichols College Magazine

essons from the Stoop, the Road and the Board Room

“I know my classmates agree that the faculty at Nichols was, and remains, unbelievable in providing us the skills we need to take our place in this difficult economy. To them, on behalf of the Class of 2009, we say thank you for preparing us to meet and overcome the challenges that await us. We are better people, because of you, and we will make you proud.” ~ Ashlee Givins, Senior Class President

Nichols College Magazine

Spring 2009 Summer 2009

With their coursework behind them, the members of the Nichols College Class of 2009 gathered for a few more parting lessons to help them contemplate what’s ahead. Against a soundtrack of raindrops tapping on the cavernous tent, the annual Commencement ceremony, held May 9, was filled with reflections, advice, and inspiring and cautionary tales that showed that wisdom can be gleaned from any experience. Senior Class President Ashlee M. Givins, for instance, spoke of watching life unfold from her familiar perch on the Olsen Hall “stoop,” which she discovered in her sophomore year. “I could see the highs and lows of my classmates, whether it was athletic wins or losses, nailing an exam or being bewildered by what the teachers were asking them, the happiness of a new relationship or the devastation of being dumped. All of it—there—from my vantage point of the stoop,” Givins related. She reveled in the joy and drama of this “ultimate reality show,” and came to realize the power and grace of the Nichols family and its influence on shaping her own life. Valedictorian Christopher J. Derderian,

Careers are not sprints; they’re marathons. Take it from me, I run an athletic shoe company. ~ Robert DeMartini CEO, New Balance Inc.

who earned a 3.96 GPA in his specialization of accounting, likened his four years at Nichols to a 12-hour road trip he took to a rock music festival in Columbus, Ohio. Journeying through the vineyards of upstate New York, along the Cana-

“There were good times, and bad. Days you’ll always remember and days you try so hard to forget. The road was long and tedious, but some of life’s best moments happened along the way.” ~ Christopher Derderian Valedictorian

dian border and shores of Lake Erie, Derderian experienced both wonder and frustration and found that the concert was “the perfect ending to a long hard ride.” “This is that moment,” he said. “The years of building and traveling have brought us all here, to that one short moment in life’s journey. We made it, Class of 2009, today is our rock show.” Borrowing a line from the fantasy movie, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Derderian also challenged his fellow graduates, “Life’s an occasion, rise to it.” Featured speaker Robert T. DeMartini rose to the day’s occasion by offering graduates advice and observations based on his experiences in corporate America—currently as CEO of New Balance Inc.—which he boiled down to the ten “Nichols Class of 2009 Lessons for Success” (see page 4). He also imparted a much-needed message of hope in this sagging economy: “See if this sounds familiar—an unemployment rate of 9 percent, record bank failures, and Chrysler on the verge

of collapse. That was 1983, the year I left San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in finance. The country was still reeling from the recession of 1981 to 1982, which was considered the most serious since the Great Depression….What I hope this tells you is that today’s economic conditions are in no way a reflection of what the future holds for you.” For his distinguished business leadership, DeMartini was awarded the honorary Doctor of Science in Business Administration. Honorary degrees were also awarded to Henri M. David Jr. ’64, a member of the Nichols Board of Trustees for 20 years, and John B. Dirlam, trustee emeritus, and president of the J.I. Morris Company. Nichols President Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., conferred more than 280 master’s, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees, including the first graduates of the Master of Organizational Leadership. Then, with diplomas in hand and tassels set squarely on the left, the Class of 2009 filed out in sunshine.

Nichols trustee, Constantine Alexander, reads the citation for Henri M. David Jr.’64; John B. Dirlam adjusts his doctoral hood.

Summer 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Nichols Class of 2009 Lessons for Success Excerpted from the Commencement 2009 address by Robert T. DeMartini, CEO, New Balance Inc.

Your most important learning starts tomorrow. The most sucessful people with the most exciting careers are insatiably curious. Don’t accept “No” at face value. “No” is simply a desperate plea for more information. There is always another approach or frame of reference to consider when pursuing the right results. Look for challenges that leave you feeling a little uncomfortable. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. It’s important to keep in mind that opportunity comes with failure—and with success. Have the courage to embrace both. Careers are not sprints; they’re marathons. Look for opportunities to showcase your skills, your desire to make a difference and your aptitude to learn. Have a plan. Having a plan will focus your efforts and give you a lens to make important decisions. Success depends on good communication skills. Not the abbreviated language of text messages, but concise, clearly written prose that conveys critical thinking and analysis. Doing good is just as important as doing well. New Balance makes the finest athletic shoes and apparel with the highest standards and ethics. We believe in conducting our business in a manner that is both profitable and socially responsible. In our interconnected, global economy, relationships matter. In this golden age of social networking, you have countless communications tools to help you maintain relationships at any level. At least once a year, try an activity that is new, challenging, and perhaps even scary. I’ve learned that pushing myself into uncomfortable places gives me a better sense of what I am capable of achieving—in business and in life. Keep alive the spirit and drive that brought you to this moment. Nurture it. Grow it. Believe in yourself and be your biggest advocate! 4

Nichols College Magazine

Summer 2009

Now What?

Career Services Bolsters Students to Battle a Bleak Job Outlook By Julie Errico

n today’s struggling economy, college graduates need to be increasingly more resourceful in their job search. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies expect to cut college graduates’ hiring by 22 percent from 2008. Sixty-seven percent of employers reported that they had changed their hiring plans as a result of the economy; among those, nearly all (91 percent) had decreased their planned number of college hires. Fortunately, Nichols College Career Services is helping current students and alumni deal with the realities of a changing job outlook through a variety of expanded and diversified services. Among those new services is its increased involvement in the use of social networking sites, e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, to promote its services and reach out to current students and recent graduates. Career Services’ presence on these sites encourages students to move beyond traditional job search methods. With the length of a job search increasing from two to three months to five to six months, students have to be more “out-of-the-box” job seekers, says Heather Maietta, director of Career Services. “For recent college graduates, 2004 to 2007 was a ‘sellers’ market in which they could all but dictate the terms of the competition. Those days are gone. The growth rate in college hiring was already slowing before the collapse of Wall Street,” she adds. “Students who seek out our support are finding that it is much more difficult in this economy. Not that it’s impossible. There are jobs out there,” says Maietta. She adds that on-campus recruiting has decreased significantly across the board. “Since companies don’t have the positions or the funds to do a lot of on-campus recruiting, they are looking to get ‘more bang for their buck.’ So they are just choosing to go to career fairs, and then to do more virtual recruiting via Facebook, online, or video conferencing,” she explains. Reflecting this change in recruiting requires students to utilize a variety of job search methods, including online, major search engines, informational interviews with established professionals, reviewing ads in

local newspapers and visiting links to specific company sites. Getting help from Career Services to do this along with interview preparation and resume writing provides much-needed support for graduating seniors. Brittney Case, who is graduating with a specialization in marketing, says, “I started my job search early, but once I ran out of options I contacted Career Services for more ideas, and they were extremely helpful. They not only helped me to set up my interview, but also helped me to prepare and calmed my nerves on that day.” Case will also be able to take advantage of other relatively new services designed to assist new and upcoming graduates for the job search. Beginning with the Class of 2008, Career Services created a new alumni coaching pipeline. This consisted of aggressively reaching out and marketing services to new graduates who reported not having found employment at the time of graduation. “We conducted targeted coaching to this group of new alumni so that they were able to take advantage of the continued support of our office long after their graduation. This year we plan to do the same outreach,”says Maietta. Graduates and alumni also have a new resource to help them in their job search. The Job Club gives alumni the opportunity to meet with fellow graduates via virtual means, email, phone, teleconferencing, or in-house to discuss available resources and the challenges of job hunting. “This service will be an important tool for job seekers,” says Maietta. “Anyone can join in to share experiences and networking opportunities, and perhaps be motivated and encouraged after learning about others’ experiences.” Whether it is utilizing social networking sites, offering a job club, conducting a career fair, or scheduling on-campus interviewing, Career Services provides critical services to Nichols’ students and alumni. As a senior sport management student, Paul Salisbury, states, “All of the people in Career Services have been a huge help in making sure that I have the best chance possible of getting a job. You can’t ask for more than that.”

Summer 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Top: Proposed link addition (in orange) connecting Academy Hall with Conant Hall. Bottom: Proposed classroom wings and courtyard in front of Davis Hall

Nichols College Magazine

Summer 2009

hen you attend a school “where everybody knows your name,” chance encounters between students and faculty are a way of life. Casual conversations on the campus green and impromptu discourses in the Lombard Dining Hall contribute to the aura of the Nichols brand: a dynamic career-focused education in a supportive and mentoring environment. Shaping the campus to enhance those interactions, advance the mission and accommodate growth in enrollment is important to Nichols. To that end, the Board of Trustees recently approved a Campus Master Plan for the next 10 to 15 years that will continue to heighten the charm of the New England village and give a new face and greater functionality to the areas central to campus activity. Lucky for Nichols, it has “good bones,” says Jonathan Austin, planner and architect, referring to its enviable structure of three distinct campuses: residential, academic and student life. “Not many colleges have this degree of clarity.” Over the past 10 years, the growth in residential construction and renovation addressed a critical need and generated a new-found vitality on campus. And with the opening in Fall 2008 of the apartment-style Copper Beech I and the projected opening of Copper Beech II this fall, Nichols can turn its attention to rejuvenating the campus core—buildings and open spaces that comprise academics and student life.

The Campus Master Plan identifies several projects. One explores ways to renovate Academy Hall and to create a greater physical connectivity among the academic arenas of Academy, Conant and the Library to maximize teaching space and promote more synergy for the users of these facilities. Another looks at the opportunities for adding two new classroom buildings to flank Davis Hall using the current Admissions building. Nichols is also undertaking a transformation of the college green this summer, thanks to funding from the Fred Harris Daniels Foundation, by installing irrigation, new walkways and quaint amenities. A centerpiece of the plan is the creation of the Campus Center formed by joining Alumni and Lombard halls with a three-story building in front. The center will house program space, offices, and student services, such as the Dining Hall, bookstore and post office, and essentially connect the academic and residential campuses. Its refreshing and vibrant features, such as a glass façade, will “capture and radiate the life of this campus crossroads,” according to Austin. “Nichols has many classic qualities also found in better known campuses,” Austin says. “Its basic structure, venerable buildings and distinctive landscapes all make for a memorable place. The challenge now is to remedy its weaknesses and elevate its qualities for new generations of Nichols students.”

Plan view showing proposed additions to Alumni Hall and Lombard Hall creating a new Campus Center; below, a rendering of the new center

1999–2009 A Decade of

Professional Development

By Dawn Sherman

When Debra Townsley, Ph.D., came to Nichols College as dean of academic affairs in 1997, she envisioned a student body prepared for success. She spearheaded a curriculum review process which included the goal of creating courses to teach professional and career skills to our students. A year later, when Dr. Townsley became Nichols president, that vision became a reality, and the Professional Development Seminar (PDS) Program is now entering its tenth year. PDS was developed by an ad hoc committee from Academic Affairs and Students Services led by Dean Alan Reinhardt, Ph.D., in 1999. Committee members were guided by the idea of helping students find success with their careers. In the first year, the committee designed the overall program and sophomore-year course and, in the following year, created the junior- and senior-year courses. The Class of 2002 was the first class to go through the program in its entirety, taking the sophomoreyear course in the spring of 2000, Junior PDS in the spring of 2001, and Senior PDS in the fall of 2001. At the same time, the First-year Seminar, which had been part of the Nichols curriculum since 1985, was incorporated into the PDS Program to form a comprehensive four-year program. To date, more than 1,000 Nichols graduates have completed the program, and many have attested to its usefulness. “Mock interviews, job searching, and the programs that were offered senior year were most helpful,” reports Allison Bennett ’02. “I didn’t realize how crucial PDS really was until my first real career interview,” shares Sarah Petruzzelli ’08. “Every question the interviewer asked was right out of the mock interview section! I felt overly prepared and confident. I got a second interview since the first one went so well.” The success of Nichols alumni since 2002 is evidenced by an average job placement rate of 94 percent. Furthermore, recruiters frequently comment on the professionalism and preparedness of our students.

Nichols College Magazine

Summer 2009

Over the past 10 years, Nichols has been asked to share the concept of this unique program with directors and deans from colleges and universities across the country. Invariably, they want to know, “How did you ever get this program started?” and “How did you get your administration to ‘buy into’ this incredible program?” Since at Nichols the impetus for the program came from the top, our answer is always simple: “Hire a president with a vision!”

On Campus

Great Managers are Talent Agents

20 Years of Creativity WINDFALL, Nichols literary magazine, celebrated 20 years of publication with a special anniversary edition. The book was launched April 23 with a party in the Bison’s Den hosted by Co-editors Amanda Judycki and Sara Jette, and featuring Professor Wayne-Daniel Berard, WINDFALL’s “founding father.”

The Economics of Aging Robert Nault with Professor Richard Hilliard Robert R. Nault ’79 returned to the Hill this spring for the first time since graduating from Nichols College 30 years ago. The CEO of Greatland Corporation, a national supplier of products for the tax and accounting, mortgage and banking industries, was invited by the Management Club to discuss “The Four Keys of Great Managers.” “Great managers treat each employee differently, according to his/her unique talents and needs,” said Nault. He summarized the four keys of great managers: select the talent, set expectations for exceptional behavior, focus on talent strengths and manage around the weaknesses, and find the right fit. “Casting is everything” he said. “Nault’s approach of presenting management studies from the Gallup Organization and then applying Gallup recommendations to his own company was truly engaging and inspiring,” says Libba Moore, associate dean of business. “It demonstrated that management theories and studies learned in class are actually used by executives in the real world! And more than that, he demonstrated how important it is to be a thoughtful manager of people.” Nault is the first member of his Southbridge-based family to graduate from college, and present in the audience were his proud parents, Robert and Alice Nault, as well as his niece, Ashley Nault ‘10, who introduced her uncle to fellow Management Club members.

Jessica Belanger ’09 and Economics Program Chair Louise Nordstrom presented findings on American aging from an economic perspective at the 2009 Colleges of Worcester Consortium Research Showcase, March 26. Their research, "The Economics of an Aging Society: Public Policy Decisions," proposes that public policy must support healthcare reform, social security solvency, budgetary discipline, and incentives for people to work longer. Belanger, who graduated with a double concentration in economics and finance in May, conducted the research as part of an independent study on healthcare economics with Professor Nordstrom. She is currently pursuing a Nichols MBA while working in the Claims Department at Commerce Insurance.

Professor Louise Nordstrom with Jessica Belanger ’09

“A to B” Business Program Takes Off

Pho Huynh and Davida Muldrow at the QCC library

Davida Muldrow and Pho Huynh made a pact to earn a BSBA—no matter what! And they will be the first to graduate from the “A to B” Business Program, a transfer partnership between Quinsigamond Community College and Nichols College which allowed them to take business courses at QCC in their third year at the same per-credit cost as their first two years. As they enter their final year, Nichols College business courses are being taught by Nichols professors in a traditional setting at QCC, at Nichols locations in Worcester County, or online. Muldrow and Huynh expect their investment of time, money and effort to pay off with more employment options, better marketability and more interesting work. Most importantly, the program allows them to reach the goal they have always coveted, the satisfaction of earning a bachelor’s degree from a private college.

Summer 2009 Nichols College Magazine

On Campus

Olympian Tonie Campbell Shows Business Mettle

Managing Innovation and Change

On April 1, three-time track & field Olympian Tonie Campbell gave a historical overview of the games with “An Olympic Odyssey: From Boycotts to Batons” to Nichols students, faculty and staff in Davis Hall.

Fischer Institute Director Len Harmon, Tonie Campbell, and student Paul Mawaka Campbell told the audience that one of his favorite movies is Educating Rita because his education, like Rita’s, has opened up a whole new world for him. At age 48, he’s enrolled in Nichols MBA Program with a concentration in sport management. “I hope that the program will help me land an executive position in the sports industry, and I'm ready to get down to business.”

The Private Prep School Group: Keith Lyons, Jenna Conti, Timothy Mann, Melissa Bianchi, with Professor Trottier Each year, Professor Mary Trottier challenges students in her Management of Innovation and Change course to think outside and inside the box. The course focuses on the strategies and tactics for conceiving, developing, initiating and managing innovation and change within an established corporate structure. Students are unleashed into the Nichols community to discover ways of improving the College through best practices. Faculty and staff evaluate group research and student presentations, which this year included recruitment initiatives to attract more private high school students, strategies to make Nichols more affordable in hard economic times, a campus-based residential room-cleaning service, a marketing student internship to provide services to local businesses and start-ups, a campus-based resume preparation service for individuals from the community, a new specialization in healthcare administration, and the redesign of the business curriculum to add more flexibility. And for the first time, one group focused off-campus and made a proposal to implement single-stream recycling in local area schools. Professor Trottier says that she is very proud that student recommendations are taken seriously by the administration, with some even implemented from past presentations.

Standing Room Only It was standing room only in the packed Daniels Auditorium on April 8 as family and friends cheered on students at the third annual Nichols College Dance Company performance directed by Professor Jacqueline Head. Featured dance soloists included Ashley Adams and Jacky Brown, as well as Jesse Davis who performed two original raps. Professor Head is surrounded by “Lose Control” dancers

Nichols College Magazine

Summer 2009

On Campus

Accounting Students Take Stock of Bonds on Club Trip

Students get comfortable in a PricewaterhouseCoopers meeting room.

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In one day, our students had the opportunity to meet with at least ten accounting professionals whose daily activities ranged from

financial statement preparation to conference calls with the White House.” Professor Marcia Behrens

hen asked what she felt was the most important outcome of the Accounting Club’s trip to Boston on April 24, Club President Jillian Coyle ‘09 emphasized that the accounting majors bonded. “First- through fourth-year students attended hoping to more fully understand the full spectrum of career possibilities.” Students discussed governmental accounting at the Office of the Comptroller of the Commonwealth, where accountants and auditors ensure that income and spending are appropriate and legal. The office analyzes and publishes a budget, and each Nichols student received a copy of the “very thick” Comprehensive Annual Fiscal Report. Afterwards, students toured the Massachusetts State House, including Governor Deval Patrick’s office, and ran into Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray, cousin of student Mark Sovchuk, who shared some personal highlights. At PricewaterhouseCoopers, the world’s largest professional services firm with 2008 aggregated worldwide revenues of $28 billion and 146,000 employees in 150 countries, students had lunch with Partner Chris Cox ‘92, who discussed his personal experiences at the firm, followed by recruitment and associate panel discussions. Students asked Cox some tough questions, such as what it was like as a first-year associate, what career ladders existed, and how his Nichols experience helped prepare him for his career in a large accounting firm. “Jillian did an amazing job organizing this trip,” says Club Advisor and Accounting Program Chair John A. Armstrong, who, along with Professor Marcia Behrens ’78 MBA ’89, accompanied the 19 students. “The Club has already visited small and medium-sized accounting firms in Worcester, and it was wonderful to have them experience PwC, one of the Big Four auditors.”

“We had a great time and are enthused about the opportunities available in both governmental and public accounting. We now have a better appreciation of the role accountants play as advisors in tough economic times,” comments Coyle, who also noted that students had enjoyed dinner at Cheers Faneuil Hall, saw the Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse and the next day took a Duck Tour of Boston before returning, exhausted, to the Hill. “In one day, our students had the opportunity to meet with at least ten accounting professionals whose daily activities ranged from financial statement preparation to conference calls with the White House,” says Behrens. “No matter how much they learn about careers in accounting from textbooks or from their professors, the trip gave them the opportunity to see for themselves the different paths that they might explore.”

Accounting Club members at the State House

Summer 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Athletics

Spring Sports Recap Men’s Tennis (12-8; 5-4 TCCC) The men’s tennis team made its second-straight appearance in the TCCC postseason and wrapped up the spring with the best finish since 2001 and one win shy of the program record 13 set in that season. The Bison were a young squad with six first-year Steve Carella players and garnered five All-TCCC selections. First-year player Steve Carella (Rocky Hill, Conn.) earned a spot on the Second Team at singles, and was named to the Honorable Mention Team at doubles with Oliver McNutt (East Lyme, Conn.). The pair shattered the Nichols College record for doubles wins in a season, finishing at 16-2. Sophomore Jack Baker (Cheshire, Conn.) and first-year players Dan Saucier (Newington, Conn.) and Eliot Wuhrmann (Fontainbleau, France) picked up accolades on the Honorable Mention Team at singles.

Golf The men’s golf team added a successful spring season to its record-setting fall with a five-tournament spring schedule that featured four runner-up finishes and a first-place finish at the Western New England College Invitational on April 16. Juniors Pat Pio (Somers, Conn.) and Shawn Santos Shawn Santos (Agawam, Mass.) led the Bison. Pio twice took home silver medalist honors. Santos paced the Bison at the Worcester State Invitational with a third-place finish, and joined Pio as team leader with a fifth-place finish at the UMass-Dartmouth Invitational after rallying from 18th place after the first day of play. At WNEC, sophomore Dan Cafasso (Prospect, Conn.) fired a career-best two-over 74 to tie for third place.

Nichols College Magazine

Softball (17-24; 13-12 TCCC)

Men’s Lacrosse (4-10; 1-8 TCCC)

The softball team earned the seventh seed in the TCCC Tournament, making its fourthstraight appearance in the conference playoffs. The Bison Lauren Lombardo upset sixthseeded University of New England on the road in a play-in game, and then fell to #3 Curry College in extra innings in the opener of the double-elimination tournament. Nichols knocked off #4 Roger Williams in extra innings in an elimination round game before falling to #5 Salve Regina later that day to end the Bison’s championship bid. Nichols was led by All-TCCC Second Team selections Lauren Lombardo (Wolcott, Conn.), a junior catcher who hit .297 with a team-high 33 hits and five home runs, and Ashley Robidoux (Milford, Mass.), a sophomore outfielder who batted .312 and drove in a team-high 20 runs. Sophomore pitcher Lindsay Hassett (Oxford, Mass.) broke her own single-season strikeout record, fanning 124 in 120.2 innings this season. She posted an 11-7 record with a 2.44 ERA.

The men’s lacrosse team opened the season with a pair of big wins, including the largest victory in 41 years with a 22-0 win over Anna Maria College on March 12. Nichols dropped the next five-straight but rallied with a 22-5 home win over Daniel Webster on April 9. After a pair of losses, the Bison dealt Mitchell an 18-0 loss and then faced nationally ranked WNEC at Vendetti Field where the Bison played a strong game, holding close until the third quarter in Brian Gattie a 19-6 loss. The big wins led the Bison to a record-setting 151 goals on the year. Sophomore Brian Donnelly (Weymouth, Mass.) led Nichols with 46 points on the season. Sophomore Ryan Pacific (Danbury, Conn.) notched 40 points on 18 goals and 22 assists, while classmate Brian Gattie (Plainfield, Krista-Jean Forand N.H.) added 20 goals and 18 assists for 38 points.

Baseball (17-20; 11-11 TCCC)

The women’s lacrosse team featured a lineup of almost all freshmen and sophomores, and was led by TCCC Rookie of the Year KristaJean Forand (Plymouth, Mass.), who scored 36 goals and added 10 assists for a team-high 46 points. Nichols opened the season with an 11-9 win over Lasell, and then strung together a pair of mid-season wins against Daniel Webster (17-6) and Anna Maria (14-4) back at Vendetti Field. Emily Yourie (Ellington, Conn.) was the team’s second-leading scorer with 13 points on 10 goals and three assists, while Rachel Storey (Cumberland, Maine) had a balanced six goals and six helpers. In net, Mary Michaud (Agawam, Mass.) started every game, making 157 saves on the year. Nichols’ captain Jessica Porter (Melrose, Mass.) ended her four-year career second in the record books in points (96) and goals (86).

The baseball team got back into the TCCC playoffs this season with an 11-11 conference record. The Bison were led by junior pitcher Tim Smith (Plainfield, Conn.), who was named to the All-TCCC Honorable Mention team, posted a perfect 6-0 record on the season in nine appearances and boasted the league’s lowest ERA at 2.00. Sophomore Austin Martin (Cranston, R.I.) led the Bison bats with a .370 batting average, driving Tim Smith in a team-high 25 runs on 40 hits. Sophomore Zac Johnson (Wakefield, R.I.) had a solid season starting all 35 games in which he played with a .357 batting average and a team-high 46 hits.

Summer 2009

Women’s Lacrosse (3-10, 0-9 TCCC)

Athletics

Nichols Celebrates Academics and Athletics

Nichols College inducted 18 juniors and seniors into the newest local chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society, as part of National Student-Athlete Day on April 15. The student-athletes were selected based on outstanding scholarship (a minimum 3.4 grade point average), earned athletic letter, and excellent character and citizenship. Nichols became the ninth local chapter in Massachusetts to honor members, and joins fellow The Commonwealth Coast Conference members Eastern Nazarene and Western New England College as institutions sponsoring local chapters. Also as part of National Student-Athlete Day, the College recognized 131 student-athletes for their excellence in academics and athletics. The students honored at the special ceremony have maintained a cumulative grade point average of over 3.0 and are members of at least one of the Bison’s 15 varsity programs. Athletic Director Charlie Robert, keynote speaker, discussed the incredible achievements of student-athletes during the year, citing the fact that 43 percent of them were being recognized at the ceremony. Robert added that 64 student-athletes had received honors from various conferences, ranging from The Commonwealth Coast Conference Women’s Basketball Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year to six All-New England Football Conference and All-Worcester Area honorees. National Student-Athlete Day has been an annual event since 1987. It is America’s day to celebrate outstanding student-athletes who have achieved excellence in academics and athletics while having made significant contribution to the community. It is also a time to recognize those parents, teachers, coaches and school systems which make it possible for young people to find the balance between academics and athletics.

At the Senior Athlete Reception on the evening of May 4, coaches, faculty, staff, alumni and graduating seniors got together in an informal setting “one last time.” Coaches spoke briefly about their graduating student-athletes and awarded blankets to seniors who had participated for all four years of their tenure. Highlights of the night included a video slideshow, great food, and great conversation.

Spring Awards Ceremony At the Spring Awards Ceremony on April 26, the Athletic Department recognized 11 student-athletes and a four-year student equipment manager for their achievements. The ceremony’s highlights included the Hal Chalmers Memorial Athletic Award for Dedication and Sportsmanship going to MaryLynn Skarzenski ’09 (Woodbridge, N.J.) of the women’s basketball team. Skarzenski was a four-time All-TCCC First Team honoree and the 2009 TCCC Player, Defensive Player and Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year. Keith Fink ’09 (Easton, Md.) of the men’s ice hockey team was the recipient of the Major Charles M. Hopkins Award for Study, Sports and Spirit. Fink, a four-year starter for the Bison, holds the Nichols career saves record with 2,170. He backstopped the Bison to national prominence and demonstrated class and leadership. Basketball player Jeff Lindgren ’09 (Sturbridge, Mass.) was given the Dan Cardin Memorial Award for Integrity and Leadership. The captain of the team, Lindgren had a breakout year, doubling his point total and led the team both on and off the court throughout the season.

2009 ECAC Northeast Champions Nichols set the program record for wins in a season with 25, and also claimed its first ECAC Northeast regular-season and championship titles. The Bison defeated Wentworth, 4-3, on March 7 to earn the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championship when they fell to Hobart College in the first round. The men’s hockey team is the second team in Nichols Athletics’ history to make an NCAA Tournament appearance; the 2002 women’s soccer team also advanced to the NCAA Championship first round.

Summer 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Nichols College Homecoming

2009

We hope you will come back to reminisce with classmates, fellow alumni, faculty, staff, and family for a fall fest on the Hill. We have something for everyone from alumni events to family activities to athletic events.

www.nichols.edu/alumnifriends

Sept. 25 & 26

Friday, September 25th

Class Reunion Receptions

1:00 pm 6:00 pm

All alumni with class years ending in a “4” or “9” are invited to a reunion reception at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center on Saturday, September 26. Time, cost and details can be found on the Nichols College website. Additionally, the classes listed below are having individual reunion gatherings. If you do not see your class listed, that means we have not heard from you– please contact Alumni Relations soon to begin planning!

7:30 pm

2nd Annual Golf Outing for hockey alumni Annual Alumni Awards Ceremony / Hall of Fame Induction (Auditorium) Women’s Soccer vs Salve Regina University (Vendetti Field)

Saturday, September 26th 9:15 am

Breakfast with the President (Lombard Dining Hall) Join President Debra M. Townsley as she recognizes the Class of 1959 for its 50th Class Reunion. We will also be recognizing the alumnus/a that traveled the farthest and Class Agents or Class Scribes that are in attendance. 10:00 am Reunion class photos (Lombard Dining Hall) Please be prompt as photos will be done from older reunions to more recent graduates. 10:00 am Registration begins (Vendetti Field) Check in, enter the free raffles and see the “Who’s Here” bulletin of alumni in attendance. 10:30 am Campus Tour (leaving from Alumni Hall) 11:00 am Field Hockey vs Western New England College (Vendetti Field) 11:00 am Family Fun (Vendetti Field) Children of all ages can partake in hands-on activities and games. 12:00 pm Sodexho – Concession Stand (Registration Tent) Menu includes an assortment of lunch choices, snacks and beverages. 12:00 pm Campus Tour (leaving from the Athletic Center) 12:00 pm Women’s Soccer vs Salve Regina University (Soccer Field) 12:30 pm Tailgating opens in Lot M. Have a picture ID available. Please note, open flames and glass bottles are not permitted. In accordance with our NCAA agreement, consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus must take place at least 100 ft from athletic activities and tailgating shall begin and end no more than thirty minutes prior to and post athletic competitions. 1:00 pm Football vs MIT (Vendetti Field) ~4:00 pm Tailgating in Lot M closes one-half hour post football game 7:00 pm “4’s & 9’s” Reunion Celebration (Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center) DJ, dancing, appetizers * All events are tentative

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Summer 2009

Class of 1959 – 50th Reunion – We are seeking volunteers to plan a 50th reunion reception. Please contact Kristy Cullivan at 508-213-2218 or kristy.cullivan@nichols.edu if you are interested in attending or helping to plan your 50th reunion. Class of 1964 – 45th Reunion – John “Whitey” Hinchcliffe is seeking classmates to help plan a reunion gathering. If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact him at terry@ams-colorado.com. Class of 1969 – 40th Reunion – Dan Stewart is planning a wonderful weekend of events including a hosted night at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center, a tented reception prior to the football game on September 26, dinner following the game for classmates and family members and more. If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact him at dstewart@kiosk.com or 303-661-1641. Class of 1974 – 35th Reunion – Bill Collins is planning an alumni gathering for September 26. Please contact him for details or to assist at WHC77@aol.com. Class of 1984 – 25th Reunion – Robert Hoey, Bonnie (Cumming) Perron, and Rose (Cumings) Mamakos are hoping for a great turnout and are busy planning. Please contact them via email at roberthoey@roberthoey.com, bonnie.perron@middlesexbank.com, or mamcraz@comcast.net. Class of 1989 – 20th Reunion – Lisa & Tom Devine are seeking class volunteers to plan a memorable 20th. If you’d like to share ideas or help out, contact them at devinetl@charter.net. Class of 1999 – 10th Reunion – Holly & Robbie Munce & Michael Lyons are making plans for a fun 10th. Contact them for details via email at hollymfrench@yahoo.com, RMunce@munces.com, or LyonsM@techhigh.us. Class of 2004 – 5th Reunion – Kate Robert is seeking classmates to help plan a fun reunion get together. If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact her at smile72282@aol.com.

HOTEL INFORMATION Reunion attendees are encouraged to stay at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center. Mention Nichols College when you call to make a reservation for a special discount. For other area hotels contact Alumni Relations at 866-622-4766. Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center 16 Optical Drive, Southbridge, MA 508-765-8000

Show your Bison pride by wearing green, black, and white to Homecoming!

Event Registration Name: __________________________________________________ Class Yr:____ Nickname (for nametag):_____________________ Phone:___________________________ Email Address (for confirmation): ____________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ______________________________

Family members and guests (additional names can be written on a separate piece of paper): Name: _______________________________________________ Name: __________________________________________________

Tear along perforations to remove this form

Name: _______________________________________________ Name: __________________________________________________

Alumni Awards Ceremony / Hall of Fame Induction, Friday, September 25th 6:00 PM Cocktail reception (Eaton Foyer), 7:00 PM Dinner (Daniels Auditorium) Alumni/Guests ($40)

# Attending:

_______

Cost:

$_________

Children under 10 yrs. ($20)

# Attending:

_______

Cost:

$_________

1959 Alumnus ($25)

# Attending:

_______

Cost:

$_________

President’s Breakfast, Saturday, September 26th 9:15 AM (Ingraham Room, Lombard Dining Hall) Space is limited (no charge)

# Attending:

_______

“4’s & 9’s” Reunion Celebration, Saturday, September 26th 7:00 PM (Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center) DJ, dancing, light hors d'oeuvres Alumni/Guests ($25)

# Attending:

TOTAL ATTENDING:

_______

Cost:

TOTAL COST:

$_________

$________

All payments are non-refundable after September 15, 2009.

PAYMENT INFORMATION  Check Amount: $ _________ (payable to Nichols College with “Homecoming” in the memo)  Credit Card #: ______________________________________________ Exp. Date: ________  American Express  Discover  MasterCard

Registration form and applicable fees must be received by September 1, 2009.

 Visa

For questions, call Alumni Relations at 866-622-4766 or email alumnioffice@nichols.edu

Name on Card: _________________________________________________________________ Signature: _____________________________________________________________________

Summer 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. Class Scribe Richard McLellan 3436 Button Bush Dr. Zellwood, FL 32798-9620 407-886-5539 MnDMcl@aol.com F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e …

1940

Those eight members of the Class of 1940 still around are fast approaching the age of 90 (or are already there). So, their current activity is pretty much the same today as it was probably five years ago. Anyway, here is information on 50 percent of those known to still be around. Ed Carlson, Ed.D., recently celebrated his 90th year. He served Mt. Ida College (which used to be an all-girl school in our day, but is now co-ed and a four-year school) for some 60 years. In addition, he and his brother founded Flagler College in Florida and it, too, is doing well with some 36 new buildings. Ed spends his time in Medfield, MA, and Ocala, FL. At our 60th reunion he gave a fine presentation regarding his experience at Nichols and his great appreciation for James L. Conrad. George McKisson divides his time between residences in Toledo and Northern Michigan where he, in spite of using a cane, still plays nine holes of golf and rides around in his pontoon boat. George has fond memories of good friends at Nichols and the good times we all experienced at the Tavern in Webster. He sends his best to all. Epworth Moulton moved to St. Pete, FL, two years ago and is not missing the cold winters of Maine at all. He is in great shape and manages to

Nichols College Magazine

work out five times a week at pool aerobics and three days in the exercise room. Ep writes that he enjoyed the basketball opportunity and professors at Nichols as well as being a member of Beta Cella Rata. Ep writes that his two years at Nichols were very helpful in his successful business career in the wholesale meat field and in managing his own supermarket in a small town in NH. I am attempting to “clear the plate” somewhat but just returned as a volunteer mentor at the local elementary school. I am also involved with Habitat, the Chamber and a local charitable organization known as the Red Caps. I remember well the great times we had at Nichols—the sports, the hurricane in 1938, Connie Conrad, Hal Chalmers driving the college bus (on occasion) and the guys living in the “Cella.” Following a career in life insurance, I moved to Zellwood—a large area that is small in population—just some 25 miles north of Orlando. Class Scribe Stanley Finn 70 Franklin St. Northampton, MA 01060-2039 413-586-0886

1948

Class Scribe Robert Risk 309 Conestoga Rd. Wayne, PA 19087-4009 610-688-8242 F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e …

1950

Walt Peters, our mayor of the class, couldn’t get a job after graduation. Like many of us who had the same problem, he was waiting to get drafted for the Korean War. He served two years in the army and then went into the insurance business for ten years. He then went into the restaurant business in Ocean City, MD, for 24 years before retiring at age 56. Walt is married to Joanne, and it will be 56 years this May. They have two daughters and three grandchildren. Walt always tells me one of the most fortunate things he ever did was go to Nichols College. He just loves it and all of his classmates. He thinks President Townsley walks on air and is one of the

Summer 2009

Class of 1950 friends: from left, Alden Ingraham, Bill Sprague, Al Hanlon and Bob Risk

best things to ever happen to Nichols. In the last two months I have had great talks with Homer Jones, who spends six months in Florida and six months in Massachusetts, as well as Skip Sutton, who spends half his time in Florida and the other half in New Hampshire and is recovering very nicely. Fred Levitan spends three months in Florida and nine months in Baltimore, MD. I also play telephone tag with Bob Bacon, who is doing fine and lives in New Bern, NC. In April I had lunch with three old friends from our class in Treasure Island, FL: Alden Ingraham, Bill Sprague, and Al Hanlon. Class Scribe Tom Bartsch 303 Archers Mead Williamsburg, VA 23185-6582 F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e …

1951

Here we are coming up to our 58th reunion. I have heard from a few of you and wish more would contact me. As usual, Ralph Bates is a wealth of information. He is well, but he had to remind me of our visits to Snakey Pete's and borrowing the car of Dan Berman ’52 so he could go out on a date. He said Jack Talbot broke his ankle and is in the hospital. He spends six months in Florida and six months in Chicago. Jack and Stu Smith went on to the University of New Hampshire. I talked with Tina, Jack Flagg's daughter. Jack is in an assisted living home in New Hampshire.

Alumni / Class Notes

Ed Dana's wife, Janet, told me Ed died in January after a fall. Bruce Forbush spends half the year in Boca Raton, FL, and the other half in upstate New York. He enjoys tennis and deep sea fishing. Wes Armstrong says he is well. He remarried nine years ago. He has five children and three grandchildren and enjoys gardening. Bob Butler, in West Hartford, CT, is retired and is well after having had a heart attack. He was into pilot training and was associated with Pratt & Whitney. He and his wife have three boys and two grandchildren. Ed Balmer is retired in Bedford, NH, and still working at consulting. He has two children. Ed was president of the Rotary Club and enjoys fishing. Bob Gunther is recovering from renal therapy in Farmington, NJ. He has two children and six grandchildren. As for yours truly, Peggy and I like living here in Williamsburg, VA. We enjoy many activities of which traveling is one. We have visited about 42 countries. Please drop me a line at home or on email, so I can include it in the next Nichols College Magazine.

1952

Class Scribe Roger Parker

HC 67 Box 6 Nogal, NM 88341-9700 575-354-0539 sunsetmesa@windstream.net

F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e … Bob Marotta sends his greetings to his fellow classmates. Terry Canon, his fiancé during his Nichols days, became his wife three months after his Nichols graduation. Their 56-year marriage has blessed them with three daughters as well as six grandchildren. The grandchildren (four boys and two girls) range in age from 12 to 25. With the eldest contemplating marriage, he and Terry look forward to the possibility of becoming great grandparents! Frank Duffy advises that his second novel, Ian, El Guero, a MexicanAmerican adventure tale, is in print. Visit

www.eloquentbooks.com/IanElGuero for more information. We wish your book lots of success, Frank.

Frank Duffy

Class Scribe William Gallagher 7122 Oak Fairway Tulsa, OK 74132 c1895@aol.com

1954

Marianne Gruskin (Matt Gruskin’s widow) wishes to thank the Class of ’54 for its continued support of the class scholarship. She would like to remind you that when you are on the Hill for your 55th Class Reunion come look at all the names of your classmates on a plaque dedicated to you on the occasion of your 50th Class Reunion. Class Scribe Arthur Fries 225 Via San Remo Lido Isle Newport Beach, CA 92663-5511 949-673-7190 friesart@hotmail.com

1956

Auken, Fred Chase, Bob McFarland and Phil McNiff. We also had a good showing and a fun evening at a dinner get-together in Southbridge the day before homecoming this year and plan a repeat this fall….It’s just for our class so keep an eye out for more details. I also heard from Art Hatfield ’58 who brought me up to date on the past 48+ years. Art is living in Lake George, NY, and is actively skiing out West and in the East. The scholarship effort is yielding some very good results, and we are attempting to enlist other classes of the ’50s to join with us. If you haven’t made a gift this year we encourage your support. Please be sure we have your email address. Send it to me; I will get back to you with other email contacts for our class. Also try to include an update on what you are up to so it can be included in the next edition of the Nichols College Magazine. Please keep in touch.

1959

A m e s s a g e f ro m Charlie Howe…

Class Scribe Kent Tarrant 45 Valley View Dr. P.O. Box 496 Hampden, MA 01036-0496 413-566-5130 kent100@charter.net F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e …

1957

Your class scholarship committee has been meeting regularly at the Publick House and had a special invitation from George Butler to a luncheon at the Worcester Club. Attending these meetings are Don Claprood, Art Rizy, Dave Fleming, George Butler and me. We have heard recently from Denny Cronin, Andy Fisher, Grayson Brown, Marty Leach, Buzz Gabbett, Dave Hawley, Allen Scherer, Bucky Jorgenson, Richard Beck, Charles Van

Don’t miss your 50th Reunion at Homecoming Weekend, September 25-26. Join us Friday night at the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center (formally A/O). Reserve a room early for the weekend at 508-765-8000. Call me at 609-494-5450 and let me know if you will be there. Kate and I ran into Bob Gould this winter at the Sarasota alumni gathering. He is hoping to make the trip north. I just went through the Class of ’59 list. Of the more than 135 listed, I counted only 10 classmates that I’ve either seen or talked to in 50 years. Surprise me! Write or give me a call. And let history either record (or forget) that a new member of the class can lay claim to instigating and participating in the infamous “Becker Panty Raid.” Note: I’m still looking for someone to step forward and be the class scribe. Be well. Stay healthy and enjoy what years we have remaining. u

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Alumni / Class Notes

Class Scribe Charlie Howe May-September 383 North 3rd St. Surf City, NJ 08008-4926 609-494-5450

1962

C a t c h i n g U p Wi t h

October- April 17468 Cornflower Ln. Punta Gorda, FL 33955 941-575-81507 F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e …

Richard Clinton ’54 Naples, Florida

Hopefully by the time you read this, I will be up and running on my new laptop (a hand-me-down from my youngest son Douglas) and ready to again communicate with the outside world. Kate and I have enjoyed another wonderful year in Florida. Things have been a bit dry, but you can’t beat the sunny, warm winters. Should you be tiring of the cold up north try a few months in southwest Florida. You may want to call Hugo Pagliccia ’63, who I’m sure could steer you in the right direction. Pricing is quite reasonable these days. Speaking of Hugo, we missed getting together this winter with the Naples group. Kate and I had a commitment to do some sailboat racing the day of the gathering and couldn’t make it. We were able to drive up to Sarasota the next evening and joined that group for a wonderful evening. This enabled us the opportunity to touch base and spend time with John ’55 and Barbara Katori. We were hoping to get to the east coast of Florida this winter, but some health issues with our mothers kept us close to home. I did talk to Pete Whitney, Hugo and John Turro over the winter, and all are well. Hugo, John, and I are planning a visit to the Hill for homecoming. Would you believe that Hugo’s grandson is a freshman at Nichols? If anyone else is available September 25-26 we will be staying at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center (Formally A/O), 508-765-8000. I had a nice conversation with Dave Lombard ’65, and look forward to seeing him and Susan at homecoming.

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Summer 2009

After graduating in 1954, Richard Clinton began a 33-year career in banking, mostly in the field of property appraisals. Following banking, he helped start an appraisal business in Hartford, Conn. He was also the first senior vice president in charge of real estate investments for Society for Savings. Though he has never taken an art class, Clinton has been a sculptor for 25 years, achieving many accolades. Even before his retirement from the banking industry, he has been taking about 100 hours of his time to create each piece. Clinton has even spent time working with a professional sculptor from Toronto. When he finishes a piece, rather than selling it for profit, he gives it to his children, grandchildren, friends, or charitable association. Recently, one of his pieces raised $26,000 in an auction for the American Cancer Society. My Nichols education helped me… in my banking career. The skills I acquired from Nichols helped me with my business background, especially when helping to start a real estate appraisal company. My advice to current students: Get as broad a background in the business world as you can. Once you get this education, look to achieve a specialization in certain areas with advanced degrees through continuing education. My classmates would be surprised to learn… that I am an award-winning sculptor. Since I began sculpting, I have entered numerous juried art shows in Connecticut and Naples, Fla., and have won awards at many of them for my work.

Alumni / Class Notes

Art Tozzi ’63 called in April hoping that we would be able to stop by on our way up 95, but unfortunately we will be flying this year. With all of the people on the East Coast between New Jersey and Florida, it sure would be a nice two weeks to bump along the way and visit everyone. Maybe next year. Wishing you all well. Keep in touch. Class Scribe Bruce I. Haslun 16 Gilder Point Ct. Simpsonville, SC 29681 hashardt@charter.net

1963

Class Scribe Warren Bender 3604 Kingsley Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC 29588-7714 843-492-6727 wbender@sc.rr.com F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e …

1964

I had a nice visit from John ’55 and Barbara Katori in April. They stopped by Myrtle Beach on their way home to Massachusetts from Venus, FL. We had a mini reunion at lunch one day, which included Bruce Siegal, John, me, and Art Tozzi ’63. Toz came from Wilson, NC, to meet us, which was real nice considering he drove 3 1/2 hours each way. It’s been 46 years since I saw him last, and once the stories and laughs started I realized just how good a time we had on the Hill, even with the studying. Toz had 20 years flying for the Marines, and I believe he said more than 15 years with Westinghouse defense department in Washington. Bruce is still enjoying retirement, and now helps out his wife (Connie) part time with her successful lighting business. John looks great and still has a massive recollection of those he taught and what they are up to now. My shoulder surgery is a thing of the past, and I'm back at my part-time job at the campground. Hope all have a great summer. "And the Beat Goes On"

1965

1971

Richard “Rick” Blankley, who retired in February 2008, writes that retirement has allowed him time to play golf three or four times per week during the season. He is also involved with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which educates children of Marines with an emphasis on fallen or wounded Marines and Naval Corpsmen. After graduation, Blankley entered the Air Force and spent one year in Thailand and Vietnam. “I left many friends that didn’t make it back, which has left a lasting, lifelong impression,” he says. “The Foundation has allowed me the opportunity to not only give back but to feel good.…” Blankley adds, “Other than that, the only thing I do with retirement is nothing. And when I get tired of that, I take a nap!” Class Scribe Frank Cianflone c/o Maxiglide 333 Stow Rd. Harvard, MA 01451 978-897-2317 frank@maxiglide.com

1968

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

Class Scribe Donald Jaeger 8 Lord Joes Lndg. Northport, NY 11768-1571 jaeger@ajaeger.com

1972 1976

Class Scribe Craig Edwards

P.O. Box 244 East Walpole, MA 02032 339-364-1810 F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e …

Maxiglide Products Inc., of Stow, MA, is owned and operated by Frank Cianflone and Marty Meyers ’67. The company is happy to announce that after many years of R&D, they have developed a new technology, Maxiglide OGR (Organic Growth Repellent), offering a safe, effective boat bottom paint that contains no biocides, pesticides or heavy metals. Maxiglide has designed this innovative new paint in partnership with the EPA as part of its Design for the Environment Program. Maxiglide is also involved with several coastal states with environmental organizations to encourage the use of environmentally safe marine paints for the recreational boat market.

1969

Classmates and their spouses enjoy an evening out. Standing, from left, Paul Gauvin ’72, John Maffeo ’75; Sitting, from left, Peter Sennott ’71, David Hale ’75.

Upon receiving an email of the passing of one of our classmates, Donny Leonard, it got me thinking about some of the uses for social networking sites. Like many of us, after 33 years, I still remember those of you I have not been in touch with as 22 and invincible. Donny was one of the best athletes I had the pleasure of playing with and watching. Many dream of being a three-sport star, but Donny got to do that. My thoughts of condolence go out to his family and co-workers. Recently, I had the chance to meet two of our classmates whom I hadn't seen in 33 years. It is interesting to see how, in different worlds, our life paths are so similar. Using LinkedIn and Facebook gives us the chance to reflect on the past, plan for the future and be ready for the present. Come and join the Nichols community; try Nichols College Class of ’76 on Facebook. Michael Ferreira writes: In December, I became a victim of the sagging u

Summer 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Alumni / Class Notes

economy. I have spent the past 32 years in the insurance industry working for large organizations (greater than 10,000 employees) and developed some great experience and knowledge. Given my longevity, I had “friends” in the business but I had not developed relationships. As part of my initiative to re-energize my career, I began to use the power of social networking for business professionals. LinkedIn helped me to re-connect with former classmates; continue relationships with former colleagues; and develop new relationships for future business opportunities. Class Scribe William Fraser 12915 Letando Ln. Cypress, TX 77429-3554 281-376-5922 wifra@wci78.com

C a t c h i n g U p Wi t h John White ‘71 MBA ‘79 Webster, Massachusetts

1978

John White is the senior vice president of commercial lending for NUVO Bank and Trust Co. Founded in 2008, NUVO focuses on building strong relationships and customized financial solutions, as well as serving as a “community bank.” A 40-year veteran of the banking industry, White has worked in banks not only in Massachusetts, but also in North and South Carolina. He currently serves on the Nichols College Board of Advisors.

1981 James F. Paulhus has been named president and chief executive officer of UniBank. Paulhus, a Nichols College James F. Paulhus trustee, has been UniBank’s executive vice president for three years and brings to his new role nearly three decades of bank management and financial services experience. He currently resides in Auburn, MA, with his wife, Bonnie, and daughters, Nicole and Jaclyn. Class Scribe Michael Donehey 508-376-5469 (phone) 509 376-5043 (fax) mdonehey@live.com

1983 1984

Lou Testa wrote to inform us of the death of his wife, Kelly. He invites those who want to know more about her or to share thoughts to visit www.caringbridge.com and type kellytesta.

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Summer 2009

Earning a BBA in 1971 and an MBA in 1979, White isn’t the only one in his family with Nichols ties. Following in their father’s footsteps, White’s three daughters, Melissa ’92, Shannon ’99 MBA ’02, and Jennifer ’06 all received degrees from Nichols. What’s more, both Melissa and Shannon are married to fellow Bison, Paul Latour ’92 MBA ’98 and George Spitz ’98 respectively. My Nichols education helped me… achieve longevity in the banking industry. In addition to opening up doors for me, my ability to succeed in my field for such a long time is a direct result of my Nichols bachelor’s and MBA degrees. Where sometimes people rely on good luck or fortune to survive in their field, a solid Nichols education is what took me to where I am. My advice to current students: Since your college career is the first time you are truly on your own, there is time to have fun, but you must remember to prepare your life after college, whether it is entering the work force or continuing your education. Also, when entering the work force, don’t be afraid to change your path. I was in the retail side of banking, but following the completion of my MBA I decided to switch over to the commercial side. You will certainly face challenges in your career, but remember to remain flexible in both your personal and business relationships. My classmates would be surprised to learn: Well, after 40 years in the banking industry I’m not sure what my classmates would be “surprised” about. On a serious note, one thing I can think of is that when I began my career, it was the most important part of my life. But after I settled down, family became the most important part of my life, with work second.

Alumni / Class Notes

Class Scribe John P. Donahue 10 Corsham Dr. Medford, NJ 08055-8434 609-654-4809 john.donahue@us.hamburgsud.com

1985

Class Scribe Susan Zimonis 18930 Misty Lake Rd. Jupiter, FL 33458 561-707-8781 susanzimonis@bellsouth.net F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e …

1986

Thanks to all of my classmates who’ve checked back in. It’s nice to open my email and see notes from my former classmates. Here is everything I’ve found out so far about where we’ve all ended up—with my subtle commentary of course. I couldn’t fit you all in to the column so stay tuned for the next issue of Nichols College Magazine. Dick Anderson sent me an update which, frankly, wins the award for the most diverse I’ve received so far. After graduation Dick moved to Newington, CT, where he shared a house with Dave Bedard, E.J. Landry, Paul Wigglesworth (Wigs). The four were working for various accounting firms in the Hartford area and decided to continue their living arrangements from Nichols. It was sort of like living in the pit of Budleigh but without the cleaning service. Dick worked as a CPA for a local accounting firm in Farmington. He also made a feeble attempt at an acting career and, although the effort was short-lived, he did manage to appear on All My Children several times and met his wife as a result of the endeavor. Michelle and Dick were married in 1993 and have two daughters, Brooke (10) and Nicolle (12). In 2001 he left public accounting to work as a CFO/VP of business development for a client in the healthcare staffing industry. In 2006 he went to work for a private equity firm as the CFO of one of its portfolio companies and has been working in Atlanta since January 2007. Recently, he was promoted to CEO of Shoreline Business

Solutions, an ATM/debit card service bureau located in East Greenwich, RI. Dick still keeps in close contact with Dave Bedard and Andy Michienzi and manages to keep tabs on Loffy (Dave Lofgren), Joe Litavis, E.J., Devince (Mark DeVincent), Slue (Rich Ambrozy), and Wigs. Occasionally they get together to play golf and drink beer. By the way, in case anyone is wondering, when they do get together they inevitably sit down and play caps. Some things never change! If anyone else has attempted this game in the recent past, I’m sure you’ll agree that playing it this many years after graduation, the hardest part (other than the creaking sounds that backs and knees tend to make when standing up after the game ends) is seeing the cup through those darn bifocals. Come on now, I can’t be the only one wearing bifocals, now am I? Coming in a close second place to Dick is Diane Page who reported that after graduation she moved to Connecticut and first worked for Coopers & Lybrand but left there after a few years to work for a healthcare client as their financial accounting manager/assistant controller. During that time, Diane moved back to Athol (yes she’s still in Athol), got married and had her son Alex (12). After a few years, she became CFO of her husband's family business in Westminster, MA, which specializes in composting/ recycling/soil sales and is currently branching off to other things. Diane also says that Slue is still in Athol, and she sees him at their sons’ baseball games. Ok Slue, this is twice you’ve been mentioned by others in their notes—I think it’s now your turn to send something in. Wayne LaMalva wrote that after graduation he worked in the petroleum industry selling mostly gasoline and diesel fuel to gasoline stations for about eight years after which he went into the trash and recycling business for the next 14 years. He has since returned to the petroleum industry selling motor oils and lubricants. Wayne met his wife, Judi, in 1988 and was married in 1991. They are selling their house in Grafton,

MA, and looking to move to Londonderry, NH, soon. They have 2 daughters, Nicole (14) and Corey (11). Wayne still keeps in touch with Rob ’87 and Gina ’88 Babcock, Jeff Granville and Allison Hall. If anyone would like to look Wayne up on LinkedIn, please send him an invite and be added to his network. Wayne’s email is waynelamalva@aim.com Chris DiSilva also checked in recently. According to Chris, he’s currently managing his family’s transportation business, and is looking forward to the challenge of opening two new operations in Hatfield, PA, and Nazareth, PA. Chris and Carolyn, his wife of 22 years, have a son, Christopher, who is in his sophomore year at the Eisenberg School of Business at UMass Amherst, and a daughter, Dominique, who is loving her Nichols experience as a freshman. Wow Chris, congratulations on passing on the tradition to the second generation! Class Scribe Diane Bellerose 90 Lebanon St. Southbridge, MA 01550-1332 508-764-6077 spongedicat@aol.com

1988

Class Scribe Allison Kierce 1804 Shawan Ln. York, PA 17402 717-757-3949 alivk@comcast.net

1989

Judith Keyser has been recognized in Disney’s Family Fun Magazine as Mom of the Month, which was published in the May 2009 Mother’s Day issue. To view the issue online go to http://familyfun.go. com/arts-and-crafts/organizingideas/ feature/0509-mom-of-the-month/. u

Summer 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Alumni / Class Notes

Class Scribe Donna Small 4905 Bay Harvest Ct. Clemmons, NC 27012-8245 336-712-1053 (home) 336-692-5157 (cell) dsmall9242000@yahoo.com F ro m t h e C l a s s S c r i b e â&#x20AC;Ś

Class Scribe Chris Saengvanich 40 Chestnut St. Apt. 2 Melrose, MA 02176 cpsaeng@yahoo.com

1991

1995

Matt Hagan and his wife, Jennifer, are very proud parents of Casey Catherine, who blessed them with her presence on Sept.14, 2008, weighing in at a whopping 6 lbs. 8.3 Casey oz. and standing tall at Catherine 18.5 inches. She is a beauHagan tiful little girl. Matt is senior vice president of Global Recruiters Network of Cape Cod located in Mashpee, MA. GRN Cape Cod is a premier recruitment service specializing in the manufacturing, commercial and industrial real estate, construction and banking industries. Class Scribe John J. Lareau Greenberg, Roseblatt, Kull & Bitsoli, PC 508-791-0901 jlareau@grkb.com

1993

Devin B. Haughey joined DeCotis Insurance Associates Inc. as chief operations manager. He previously served as vice president/operations manager of an excess and surplus and wholesale agency in Massachusetts. Haughey is a licensed property and casualty and excess and surplus insurance broker/ notary public with over 15 years of commercial and personal lines insurance experience. He resides in Milford, MA, with his wife and two children. Class Scribe Danielle (Troiano) Sprague 20 Stagecoach Rd. Leominster, MA 01453 508-845-6604 thedwoman@yahoo.com

1994

Nichols College Magazine

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

1991

Class Scribe Colleen (Reilly)Saengvanich 40 Chestnut St. Apt. 2 Melrose, MA 02176 cbreilly97@yahoo.com

1997

Class Scribe Emily (Seiferman) Alves Millie.176@hotmail.com

1998

Students Ed Baia and Caitlin Rawnsley are among the 11 phonathon callers this spring who enjoyed speaking with alumni and generating support for Nichols College. As the 2008-2009 Nichols Fund comes to a close, we would like to thank our many alumni, parents and friends who made a contribution.

Class Scribe Erin Chenette 508-789-5652 e_chenette@yahoo.com

2004

1999

Class Scribe Tony Volpone avolpone@hotmail.com

2005

2000

Class Scribe Andrea Sacco andrea-sacco@comcast.net

2006

Class Scribe David Twiss 978-979-7658 (cell) david.twiss@comcast.net

2007

2001

Class Scribe Princess Tucker Waterford Hotel Group 860-961-2734 (cell) 860-848-1471 (fax) ptucker4057@sbcglobal.net

2002

Class Scribe Kim (Serino) Krumsiek Confluent Surgical Inc. serinokj@hotmail.com

2003

Kathryn Ewen is in her fourth year working for Chapel Haven Inc. as a job coach. Her current crew works on the Groton Sub-base.

Summer 2009

Class Scribe Michelle Brown slmz018@yahoo.com

Class Scribe Erica Mello Emello84@hotmail.com Class Scribe Ashley Stockbridge ashley.stockbridge@gmail.com Class Scribe Kristin Spinner KMSpinner@gmail.com

2008

Nichols Remembers

Edward D. Dana ’51, of Savannah, GA, formerly of Wellesley, MA, and Wayland, MA, died Jan. 22, 2009. He leaves his wife, Janet (he was predeceased by his first wife, Jane); children, Philip H., Ellen Fay, and Scott; six grandchildren; and two brothers. Daniel M. Hovey ’55, of Longwood, FL, died Apr. 3, 2009. A native of Geneva, NY, he served in the U.S. Army and moved to Florida to continue a career in sales and eventually formed his own company. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Annis; daughter and son-in-law, Cyndi and Stephen Carter; two grandchildren; and a brother and sister-in-law, Fritz and Ann. Arthur S. Holmquist, Jr. ’60 of Worcester,

MA, died Jan. 4, 2009. A U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, he earned an MBA from Bentley College and a JD degree from the New England School of Law. He was the director of produce for the Iandoli Supermarket chain and legal counsel and closing attorney for the Sherwood Mortgage Group in Worcester for many years. He also taught business law at Nichols College. He leaves his wife of 32 years, Susan; a brother and his wife; a sister; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law; several nephews and nieces; and grandnephews and -nieces. He was predeceased by a brother. James O’Donnell III ’61, of Rockville, MD, died Mar. 25, 2009. A native Washingtonian, he spent five years in the Navy as a parachute rigger, third class. He worked as a research analyst and defense contractor for Vitro Laboratories in Silver Spring and, toward the end of his 23-year career there, was assigned to Naval Sea Systems Command in Crystal City. Following retirement, he joined the National Park Service and worked as a ranger on the Mall. He also was a docent at the National Air and Space Museum. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Dorothy (Burke); three children, James IV, Elizabeth Freeman and Stephanie Wilmer; five grandchildren; and a brother, Charles. Donald W. Schmid ’63, of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Durham, NC, died Apr. 18, 2009. He was a retired area manager for the Shell Oil Co. An avid golfer, he was a member of the Jacaranda Men's Club and

the Doctor's Hospital Auxiliary. He leaves his wife, Judith; a daughter, Deborah Ann; sons, Dean and Darrin; and four grandchildren. John L. Warder ’63, of Geneva, NY, died

Apr. 27, 2007. He served in the U.S. Army and was an avid hunter, fisherman and conservationist, serving as chair and area chair of the Finger Lakes Chapter of Ducks Unlimited for which he was a charter member. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Kimberly Wagner; and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Nicole; and a brother, Daniel H. Warder ’67. James G. Norton ’68, of Webster, MA,

died Mar. 23, 2009. He was an Air Force veteran, serving as an air traffic controller in England in the 1960s. He was a machinist at Gould & Eberhardt in Webster, and later a meat cutter at Park 'N' Shop in Auburn before retiring due to illness. He leaves his wife of 41 years, Pauline L. (Gregoire); three daughters and their spouses, Danielle M. Norton and James E. Dickman, Susan L. and James Maddalena, and Karen N. and Scott J. Gregorczyk; six grandchildren; a brother, Laurence E.; and two sisters, Marilyn N. and her husband, Richard Kartkutt, and Kathleen N. Lipski. Charles W. “Chuck” Whorton Jr. ’68, of Auburn, MA, died Nov. 10, 2008. He worked as a claim adjuster for National Grange Mutual for more than 18 years retiring due to illness and was a former treasurer of the Mass. Claim Adjusters Association. He leaves his wife of 37 years, Gloria M. (Metrik); a son, James M.; and a brother, Jeffrey J. and wife, Sharon. George V. Carpenter Sr. ’69 of Worcester,

MA, died Feb. 1, 2009. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War, serving as a medic with the 121st Evacuation Hospital and was a recipient of the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star. He had a carpentry business for many years and was also a real estate manager and broker. Previously, he worked for Bay State Savings Bank, E.T. Smith Co. and Iandoli Markets. He leaves his wife of 39 years, Maureen A. (O'Brien); six children and their spouses, George V. Jr. and Tonya, Matthew and Michele, Robert, Luke and Holly, Laura and William O'Connor, and

Mark; and eight grandchildren. He also leaves behind a brother and three sisters. He was predeceased by four brothers. David J. Spinelli ’72 of Fitchburg, MA, died

Feb. 2, 2009. He was an accountant for area manufacturing companies and, after attending the Cambridge Institute for Computer Programming in 1984, worked at Future Electronics in Stow for many years. He leaves his sister and brother-inlaw, Marilyn L. and William Roy; a nephew, Tim Roy; and many cousins. Stanley C. Astukiewicz ’73, of Spencer, MA

died on Mar. 17, 2009. He was the club manager and insurance agent for the Knights of Columbus, and worked for many years as a manager of The Fair and Ames department stores. He leaves his wife of 35 years, Anthanette (Jenese); two daughters, Jessica Willis and Melissa; and two grandchildren. He also leaves four brothers, Wayne Caouette, Bruce Caouette, Lee Caouette, Brian Caouette; and a sister, Sue Ann Caouette. Donald M. Leonard Jr. ’76, of Vernon, CT,

died Mar. 25, 2009. He served as vice president of sales for Allied Printing Services in Manchester, where he had been employed for more than 31 years. He played football, baseball and basketball at Nichols, where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986. He leaves his wife of 28 years, Linda (Caldwell); children and their spouses, D. Michael III and Meaghan, David F., Diane P., and Bryan E. He is also survived by a brother, Douglas M. ’81; and four sisters, Michele Lynch, Cynthia Prete, Lori, and Janet Nichols. Sigmund J. “Zig” Sieniuc, former varsity

swimming coach at Nichols College, of Worcester, MA, died Feb. 9, 2009. He was a civilian employee of the War Department stationed at the Pentagon and later at the Signal Corps Depot in Philadelphia. He was also a sports writer for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette for 27 years. Among his survivors are five daughters, Valerie J. Degnan, Vera M. Broga, Donna M. Sullivan-Tilson, Patricia M. Dymek, and Linda C. Jackson; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Maria C. Besaw, and a son, Gary S.

Summer 2009 Nichols College Magazine

Loyalty Now . . . and Forever B

ob Bullard ’52 understands the value of an education…and so does his wife, Janet. That is why they have chosen to create a charitable remainder trust which leaves funds to support both of their alma maters. “I wasn’t the best student when I came to Nichols, but it gave me a foundation for my future in business.” A charitable remainder trust is a gift vehicle which allows donors to move assets out of their estate and to have the option of receiving a lifetime of income. The remainder of funds in the trust is left to be distributed to a charitable beneficiary. The Bullards have set up a two-life trust with Nichols designated as one of their beneficiaries.

“

Seeing the development of Nichols over the last ten years, combined with my own experience as a student, has inspired us to help future genera-

”

tions of Nichols students.

“Seeing the development of Nichols over the last ten years, combined with my own experience as a student, has inspired us to help future generations of Nichols students. I hope our gift will help the young people attending Nichols to be successful…as it helped me,” says Bullard, who is the retired president of KHB Corporation, a regional distribution company in New England. His wife has served many years in the financial services industry as a registered investment advisor. Bullard serves on the Nichols College Board of Advisors and has been a loyal member of the President’s Society for over 10 years. He and Janet spend many weeks of the year traveling and have residences in Tampa, Florida, and Rhode Island. Nichols College is grateful to the Bullards for their loyalty now and always.

To receive more information regarding estate planning, contact Bill Pieczynski in the Advancement Office at 508-213-2162 or bill.pieczynski@nichols.edu.

Nichols College Magazine

Summer 2009

1959 ing” i n the Dorm ,

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974 i l, 1 unc s Co

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

Congratulations, Class of 2009!

All alumni are invited to Homecoming 2009, Sept. 25th & 26th. See pages 14 and 15 for the schedule of events and registration form.