Nichols college magazine winter 2017 by Nichols College

MAGAZINE Volume 12, Issue 1 | Fall/Winter 2017

Hospitality management serves up real-world experiences

From the President M A G A Z I N E Vo l u m e 1 2 , I s s u e 1 Fall/Winter 2017

Experience Nichols Experiential learning figures prominently in the professional education we provide at Nichols College. Applying the concepts and knowledge gleaned from textbooks to real-life scenarios shapes and sharpens the career readiness of our students and, like our groundbreaking Professional Development Seminar, has become a dependable differentiator for our graduates entering the workforce. The Nichols curriculum is laced with many hands-on opportunities, both in and out of the classroom. Chief among them are internships, which help students hone professional skills, test personal goals and career interests, and navigate workplace culture. More than 135 Nichols students completed academic internships from the fall of 2016 to this past summer at locations such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Boston Celtics, Massachusetts State Police, Mohegan Sun, and Staples. In addition to providing practical experience, internships offer key networking and resume-building opportunities for job-seeking graduates. Just ask the two featured in our cover story on hospitality management, Kelly Cusick ’16 and Lauren Noga ’17, whose internships at Mohegan Sun and a Disneyworld resort hotel, respectively, helped them promptly land positions in their field.

EDITOR Susan Veshi

Hands-on learning is also embedded in coursework, as high-impact experiences comprising professional certifications, consulting projects, and case competitions. Over the past two years, students have designed, planned, and executed fundraising events for non-profit organizations; created marketing plans, including a new product launch, for local companies; developed stronger security protocols for an animal shelter following a break-in, among several other projects. Students are required to meet with the client, work on the project as part of a team, and present their proposal. Opportunities to earn professional certifications, participate in case study competitions, and travel internationally also add a critical dimension to the educational experience. Not to mention the myriad in-class presentations, which can number anywhere from 40 to more than 100 for each student over four years.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Bill Pieczynski CONTRIBUTORS Brent Broszeit, Pete DiVito, Jim Douglas, Rae Glispin, Ryan Hayden, Lorraine Martinelle, Jillian Riches, Ron Schachter, Len Suprise, Molly Thienel, Art Tozzi ’63 DESIGN Steve Belleville PRINTING Puritan Capital, Hollis, NH 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

We believe so firmly in the value of experiential learning that, beginning with the Class of 2021, all students will be required to complete at least one such opportunity before graduating. One more way to ensure that our graduates are not just career ready; they are Nichols career ready.

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:

Susan West Engelkemeyer, Ph.D. President

Send address changes to: Office of Advancement Nichols College PO Box 5000 Dudley, MA 01571-5000

Cover: Hospitality management graduate Lauren Noga ’17 finds her niche at the Newport Hotel Group.

CONTENTS

ON CAMPUS

2–4

Nichols announces three new trustees

New master’s degree focuses on strategies to combat terrorism, violent extremism

Courses offered in MetroWest

Bicentennial Campaign exceeds goal!

Davis Challenge ignites scholarship boom, extends to December 31

A T H L E T I C S Nichols Tennis courts success From the Archives

C L A S S N O T E S

real-world experiences

8 14

11 Seeking Career Champions

16–22 19

Catching Up With Micki Austin ’77

Catching Up With Tony Gardner MBA ’94

Justinian Council Seniors: Still leading the way

A growing specialization at Nichols, hospitality management gives students hands-on opportunities to master the intricacies of the guest experience.

8–11

Catching Up With Bill Scott ’66

NICHOLS REMEMBERS

5 Hospitality management serves up

Nichols alumni are uniquely qualified to enhance the professional development of today’s students. What can you do to help?

23 24

13 On the road with Art Tozzi ’63 Riding through the back roads of New England on his motorcycle, class scribe Art Tozzi finds that when it comes to connecting with classmates, nothing beats actual face time.

Correction: In the summer 2017 Nichols College Magazine article “Nichols in uniform” the acronym ROTC was incorrectly added when describing the Enlisted Reserve Corps (ERC). In 1950, Nichols Junior College requested that the army award the college with an ROTC unit but was refused because Nichols was only a two-year college. Instead, the college was given permission to establish the first college-based unit of the Army Organized Reserve Corps and was termed the Enlisted Reserve Corps.

Nichols College Magazine

ON CAMPUS

Nichols announces three new trustees Nichols recently elected three new members to its 28-member Board of Trustees: James C. Brown ’87, co-president of Boston Private Banking Group; Gail E. Carberry, EdD, retired president of Quinsigamond Community College; and Stefany C. Mendez ’13 MBA ’16, procurement category lead at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. “I am delighted that Jim, Stefany and Gail have agreed to join our Board of Trustees,” said Susan West Engelkemeyer, PhD, Nichols College president. “As a young alumna (and double Bison), Stefany brings a unique perspective. Gail has extensive higher education experience and ties in the Worcester area, and Jim brings executive experience in the banking industry and connections to the Boston business community.”

Previously, he was vice president at State Street Bank for seven years, and commercial loan officer at Shawmut Bank for five years. Brown has served on fundraising committees for Boston Children’s Hospital and Judge Baker Children’s Center. He graduated from Nichols College in 1987 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance, and earned an MBA from Boston College. At Nichols, he was a four-year member of the tennis team and captain.

Brown, of Sudbury, has worked for more than 17 years at Boston Private Banking Group, where he has also served as executive vice president and chief lending officer, heading the commercial lending business for the bank across its three key markets (Boston, San Francisco Bay, and Los Angeles), and including leading activities with commercial real estate, commercial and industrial businesses, and professional and nonprofit services. He serves as a member of the bank’s Policy Group, Credit Committee, Sales & Marketing Committee, and Asset & Liability Committee. In his time at Boston Private, the commercial loan portfolio has increased from $175 million to $3.6 billion.

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doctoral degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, specializing in organizational development, strategic planning, and staff development.

Carberry, of Worcester, recently retired as president of Quinsigamond Community College (QCC), after having served in that role since 2006. Among her achievements: a 40 percent increase in enrollment and an 85 percent increase in graduates since her first year at the helm; the opening of a 75,000-square foot Healthcare and Workforce Development Center in

downtown Worcester in 2014; a satellite location in Southbridge in 2009; the construction of the QCC Math Center and the QCC “QuEST Center” for STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) occupations; and a capital campaign that more than doubled its $5 million goal. She has been recognized by the Worcester Business Journal as an Outstanding Woman in Business (2010) and a Business Leader of the Year (Non-profit) (2015), and received the Worcester Business Development Corp.’s Bowditch Economic Development Award (2016). Prior to her work at QCC, Carberry spent 30 years at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), serving most recently as an assistant vice president. She holds a certificate in Small Business Management from STCC, a bachelor of science from Worcester State University, and master’s and

James C. Brown ’87

Gail E. Carberry, EdD

Stefany C. Mendez ’13 MBA ’16

Fall/Winter 2017

QCC is one of four community colleges to partner with Nichols through the ABLE (Affordable Business Leadership Education) initiative, which provides a seamless transfer to Nichols for community college students wishing to advance their education with a bachelor’s degree. Mendez, a recent Nichols graduate, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and international business and an MBA from the college. As an undergraduate, she was president of her class all four years and, among other activities, participated in a winter intercession program at The Washington Center in Washington, D.C. The

Worcester resident works for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, where she is the contact and representative for all non-IT-related purchases company-wide, sourcing for suppliers, executing requests for proposals, and finalizing purchases. She is a champion for minority businesses in the region and has helped to implement corporate policies and procedures that ensure that diverse business owners have visibility and opportunity for business growth with Harvard Pilgrim through supplier inclusion initiatives. Mendez is an active member (and current co-chair) of HPHC’s employee resource group, Latino Leaders in Action. As the college’s governing body, the Board of Trustees is responsible for all Nichols academic, administrative, and financial affairs. In this capacity, board members also lend their expertise and talents to enhance the college’s position as a forerunner in business education. The board represents Nichols’ most fervent advocate in ensuring that the mission of the college is fulfilled.

New master’s degree focuses on strategies to combat terrorism, violent extremism Nichols has launched the first graduate program in the U.S. whose focus is exclusively on violent extremism. The Master of Science in Counterterrorism (MSC) is a leadership-focused degree for those pursuing careers in the fields of intelligence, public policy, and security. Through an innovative, in-class and online experience, students will learn from counterterrorism experts the factors contributing to the radicalization process of violent extremism, and explore strategies to counter both terrorism and violent extremism. Nichols College faculty saw a need to create this program for students once the Department of Homeland Security stressed the importance of countering violent extremism as a top priority for the U.S. The federal agency employs more than 240,000 people in jobs ranging from aviation and border security to emergency response, and from cybersecurity analyst to chemical facility inspector. “Violent extremist threats can develop from groups and individuals, both domestically and internationally,”

said Allison McDowell-Smith, PhD, counterterrorism expert and assistant professor of criminal justice. “It is necessary to understand the radicalization process, ideologies, security measures, and the role of social media in the formation and implementation of violent Allison McDowell-Smith, PhD, extremism Assistant Professor of within our Criminal Justice current society. By understanding violent extremism, counter violent extremism strategies can be examined and implemented to effectively combat terrorism in our society as well as threats of terrorismrelated events.” The 30-credit MSC curriculum includes courses on homegrown violent extremism, international violent extremism, cybersecurity, border security, and the media’s impact on violent extremism.

Courses offered in MetroWest This fall, Nichols began offering courses in Marlborough, Mass., at the Massachusetts International Academy. Adding classes in Marlborough — in the heart of the bustling MetroWest region and located near Interstates 495, 290, and 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) — provides busy adults greater choice and flexibility in accessing Nichols College’s courses. “We are see increasing interest in Nichols College programs from students who live in the MetroWest area, and having Nichols faculty teaching in Marlborough provides convenient access to the signature Nichols academic experience of a leadership-focused education,”

said William Boffi, vice president for enrollment. “Of course, students taking Nichols classes at Marlborough will still have the option to participate in courses face-to-face on our Dudley campus, or remotely via our HyFlex technology and online offerings from anywhere in the world.” Kerry Calnan, executive director of Graduate & Professional Studies, said, “Nichols College is dedicated to bringing an industry-leading business education into the community. We’re proud to offer a specially curated selection of affordable evening classes that will get students in the MetroWest region started, or to continue their path to a degree.”

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Bicentennial Campaign exceeds goal! Nichols College is proud to report that the Bicentennial Campaign: Securing a Legacy of Leadership has exceeded its $45 million goal! The largest campaign in the college’s history has had an impact across the campus and directly on the lives of our students, creating opportunities to enhance their educational experience and professional development. More than $46 million has been raised to fund essential scholarships, new and renovated facilities, and innovative business and leadership programs. This investment allows Nichols to fully engage, support and prepare our students for their roles as responsible, well-rounded, and competent professionals. Stay tuned for updates on future plans. In the meantime, share our Bison pride on this historic accomplishment!

$45 Million

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Davis Challenge ignites scholarship boom, extends to December 31 John Davis

When Board Chair and Campaign Co-chair John Davis committed $1 million in 2015 to support scholarships, he wanted to inspire others to follow suit. Thus began the Inspirational Challenge — a movement that has generated more than two dozen endowed scholarships for Nichols students over the past two years. Inspired himself by the success of this initiative, Davis has offered to keep it going until December 31, 2017.

“The response to John’s generosity among our alumni and donors has been tremendous and gratifying,” says Bill Pieczynski, vice president for advancement. “Some had already been considering making a scholarship commitment while others were profoundly inspired by this opportunity. Either way, our students benefit from the additional support and learn a timeless lesson about the impact of philanthropy.”

“The impact of endowed scholarships is undeniable,” says Davis. “They help attract students who want to pursue their educational and career aspirations with a Nichols degree; they motivate and enable students who otherwise could not afford college to stay at Nichols and graduate; and they build the College’s endowment for a stronger competitive and financial position.”

Scheduled to conclude June 30, 2017, the Inspirational Challenge will now continue until the end of the calendar year. For donors who commit to a minimum of $25,000 to establish an endowed scholarship fund — even if paid over a five-year period — Davis will donate $10,000 so that a scholarship of $2,000 a year can be awarded to students immediately and for four additional years, before the fund reaches its minimum level and is able to make a distribution from its own income.

Since the Inspiration Challenge was proposed by Davis shortly after the public launch of the Bicentennial Campaign in September 2015, 28 new endowed scholarships have been added, for a current total of 58.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can make an impact with an endowed scholarship commitment today, contact bill.pieczynski@nichols.edu or 866-622-4766.

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Fall/Winter 2017

Hospitality management serves up real-world experiences by Ron Schachter “Be Our Guest” has become an iconic song from the Disney musical and movie extravaganza Beauty and the Beast. But those words could just as well serve as the mantra for the growing Nichols Hospitality Management Program. Less than a decade old, it’s been producing graduates who have fanned out across the wide world of hotel and restaurant management, entertainment, tourism, and event planning. Along the way, the program has built active relationships with marquee companies around the country, including — incidentally — Disney. “We’ve grown tremendously, and we keep adding new courses and experiences,” says Hospitality Management Chair Maryann Conrad, who notes that the number of students majoring in the program has multiplied from six in its first year to more than 40.

“They’re realizing all of the careers and paths they can go down — in operations, human resources, accounting, and marketing,” not to mention taking an entrepreneurial route, Conrad says. “A lot of them are interested in opening their own restaurants or events planning businesses.” All of those students will be following a guiding principle reinforced throughout their major, Conrad emphasizes. “You need to understand the guest experience,” she explains. “It’s a competitive market and you need to provide the best possible experience to your customers.” Nichols Accounting and Finance Professor Bryant Richards chaired hospitality management when it launched in 2009. “The impetus was pent up demand. Students were asking the admissions office for it,” explains Richards, who simultaneously served as the director for corporate governance at the Mohegan Tribe (the owner of the Mohegan Sun casino and resort in Uncasville, Connecticut) and knew first hand the career possibilities. “We offered an attractive combination of a business core with six to eight classes in the hospitality field that gave students an advantage to get into that field in a meaningful way — and into higher paying positions than the entry level,” Richards says. “And we had the faculty resources to give them the advantages to get a real start in hospitality.”

Courses in the major range from an introduction to the industry, to facility operations, to resort and conference management, with myriad related internships mixed in. “The real-world experience starts in the classroom,” Richards notes, offering as Exhibit A his Resort and Conference Management course. While as many as a half dozen guest lecturers come to the class in its first weeks, teams of students spend the last half of the term preparing and executing events for real-world clients. Recent accomplishments by those teams have included a bingo night for more than 200 guests benefiting a cancer awareness organization, as well as a 135-person fundraiser for a local charity serving the homeless. “Professor Richards makes everything hands on,” says hospitality management major Lauren Noga ’17. “You’re thrown in to actually planning an event.” Those lessons have helped 2016 Nichols graduate Kelly Cusick as well, in her job as events concierge at the Boston Marriott Newton Hotel. Cusick supervises food servers, enforces a strict timeline, and handles any issues from events as large as 500-guest weddings to a recent 800-person gathering for patients and staff of Boston’s renowned Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

“They’re realizing all of the careers and paths they can go down — in operations, human resources, accounting, and marketing... A lot of them are interested in opening their own restaurants or events planning businesses.” –Hospitality Management Chair Maryann Conrad

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The hospitality education for Nichols students continues outside of the classroom through a slew of high profile internships and a special alliance with entertainment and resort leaders Mohegan Sun and the Walt Disney Company. Under Richards’s influence for the past eight years, Mohegan Sun has emerged as a prime destination for Nichols students doing internships and for graduates seeking jobs. “MoSun” executives regularly visit Nichols classes, conduct mock interviews, and serve as adjunct faculty. The resort and casino giant also reserves internships in special events, human resources, and corporate operations expressly for Nichols majors. Noga, who interned at the complex, says she took away large-scale lessons. “They have 1,200 rooms. You deal with almost 2,000 people working there from so many different countries,” Noga points out. Cusick, meanwhile, interned at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, as a concierge at one of the company’s resort hotels. “It taught me so much about operations in a high volume environment,” she says. “Being able to have that on my résumé got me plenty of interviews.”

“The name Disney has been a game changer,” Conrad agrees. More recently, hospitality classes have twice travelled to Orlando for leadership courses divided between the classroom and the surrounding Disney theme parks — a college version of the company’s vaunted training program for corporate executives. “They’re learning the Disney business and business strategy — and what’s behind the magic and pixie dust,” observes Program Chair Conrad. Those lessons haven’t been lost on senior majors Ashley Dallaire and Dean Beebe, who made the trip two years ago. “Everything there reinforces the idea of keeping the magic going and making sure the guests have a great experience,” says Dallaire. “It’s all about the guests.” “You can tell that the operation in Disney is so smooth and that anything which could be a problem gets fixed before anyone can see it,” Beebe adds. Recent alumna Noga now works as a management trainee for the Newport Hotel Group at their property in Gloucester, Massachusetts. She acknowledges that the importance of the customer experience has followed her to her first full-time job. “You want your customers to come in happy and leave happy. Everybody is different, and you need to be on your toes,” she says. “Word travels so fast on the Internet, and it’s mostly in the form of bad reviews.”

Dean Beebe

Ashley Dallaire

And then there are the more positive moments. “I had a woman today come to our front desk crying tears,” she reports, “because she could stand on the porch outside of her room and actually look at the ocean.” Alumni Careers Before the Coursework You could say that Gene Cenci ’63 and Bill Pietras ’08 have succeeded in the hospitality field the old fashioned way. Cenci crafted a career that began by managing a Holiday Inn in Burlington, Vermont, before purchasing a nearby Sheraton Inn and then a Ramada Inn, eventually expanding the former into a large convention center with 310 rooms. It soon became a destination for gatherings from around the country. After 22 years, Cenci and partner, Gary Farrell sold the Sheraton hotel property under the company name Hospitality Inns. The Ramada Inn was sold a few years later. The retired hotelier says he graduated Nichols with a solid business education, but he also credits working his way up from the bottom of a demanding

“It taught me so much about operations in a high volume environment. Being able to have that on my résumé got me plenty of interviews.” Interning at one of Walt Disney World resorts opened doors for Kelly Cusick (pictured at the Boston Marriott Newton Hotel).

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Fall/Winter 2017

field. In his high school and college years, he logged summers at a nearby lake resort, where he did everything from managing the front desk to leading hikes and teaching water skiing. “I knew dealing with the public in these ways was what I wanted,” Cenci says, adding that he chose his field based on his personality and “trusting his gut.” He also emphasizes that today’s hospitalityoriented students need plenty of hands-on experience before graduation through internships and summer jobs. Cenci says that traveling with Nichols international business Professor Lawrence Nath and other classmates to Europe to view hotels in other countries also had a lasting impact. “He was a mentor, even though at that time I didn’t know what the word meant,” Cenci recalls. Nowadays, Cenci observes, “The opportunity for students is terrific,” adding that a major in hospitality management brings a new dimension to careers in the field. “It will provide the true nuts and bolts,” he explains. “When a company looks at you because of a Nichols curriculum in hospitality, it can make a big difference in the eyes of a prospective employer,” Cenci says. “I’d love to be a fly on the wall for that interview.” Pietras graduated shortly before the hospitality management major debuted. He parlayed his early experiences in the field and his Nichols business education — as well as a longstanding friendship with a Nichols classmate — into his job as the general manager of the Rogue Island Local Kitchen and Bar in Providence, Rhode Island. Pietras says his interest in food and beverage hospitality dates back to his college summers, when he began

At Rogue Island in Providence, Bill Pietras (right) and former classmate Ryan Bessette promote an “approachable farm to table” cuisine that highlights local flavor.

working as a banquet server at the Hotel Viking in Newport, Rhode Island. After graduating Nichols, he became the hotel’s food and beverage manager before joining another Newport hotel, the Vanderbilt Grace, in the same capacity six years later. The decade working in the hotel business served as a useful education in hospitality management. “I worked with older men and women who know their business really well,” Pietras explains. “I even took notes.” Those notes covered the sales, marketing, and social media areas, all of which he has made ample use of at Rogue Island. That set the stage for teaming up with former classmate Ryan Bessette, who attended Nichols through his junior year before departing for the celebrated, more specialized Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Boston. Bessette and his family were opening a new restaurant four years ago in the historic Arcade Building in downtown Providence. Pietras came on board three years later. Pietras’s career track has proved an unlikely one considering that he majored in criminal justice management. He went so far as to take his civil service exam and apply to the various police departments.

“But I fell in love with the whole culture of restaurants,” he admits, adding, “It would have helped if I could have chosen a hospitality major.” It also would have helped if he could have taken the recently launched Nichols concentration in entrepreneurship, Pietras says. “We were very nervous opening the restaurant. It takes a lot of work and a lot of capital,” he explains. “You have to want it.” At the same time, Pietras says that his Nichols education paved the way for his present success. He particularly credits the Professional Development Seminar at Nichols with giving him the presentational skills and confidence to speak to everyone from staff to groups at farmers markets. The upside is priceless, Pietras insists, explaining that he can implement his own ideas rather than sifting them through the more corporate structures he had worked in earlier. “Building a brand and restaurant while working with your best friend from college is the best feeling in the world,” says Pietras, noting that he and Bessette live by a mutual refrain. “Don’t confuse movement with progress. Continue to have goals. Continue to progress.”

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AT H L E T I C S

Nichols Tennis courts success by Ryan Hayden

Everyone remembers the feeling of watching the Nichols College men’s basketball team capture its first Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) championship back in February. You will also find people who still talk about the men’s ice hockey team taking back-to-back conference championships in 2014 and 2015. Now it’s time to talk about the steady accomplishments of the programs with the least chatter — men’s and women’s tennis. While the men’s tennis team has always had some success, the women’s team produced only two winning seasons in its first 10 years, winning just

33 percent of its matches. After 2004, both Bison teams have winning percentages around .650. The men have won six conference championships as well as five NCAA matches while individually winning four CCC Player of the Year awards and three Rookie of the Year awards. The women have seen a pair of conference championships while also becoming the first women’s team to win an NCAA match (vs. Ithaca, 2017) in school history. The women, like the men, have seen four Player of the Year awards while claiming an unbelievable seven Rookie of the Year honors.

Members of the men’s and women’s tennis teams celebrate the 6th consecutive men’s championship.

The credit for the turnaround rests with Paul Brower. Brower, who was hired to work admissions for Nichols following his graduation from Worcester State in 2003, became interim then head coach in 2004.

She took a real leap of faith as such a strong player choosing us so early in our building process.” Porter went on to collect Rookie of the Year honors in her first year with the Bison and four years later graduated as the program’s all-time leader in both singles and doubles wins.

“We were nervous initially that he wouldn’t be able to find balance “I like challenges and overcoming them. between working in admissions Brower didn’t keep it a secret that the and coaching both tennis program had its struggles programs,” says former but was positive things were Nichols Director of Athletics going to turn around with Charlie Robert. “He quickly time and dedication, and showed he was up for the that’s exactly what task.” The women were happened,” she says. coming off their only winless season in program Porter led to stars such as history while the men had Molly McGuire and Maria just been pummeled in the Balabanova, both of whom Head Coach Paul Brower CCC Semifinal against have their names scattered displays the hard-won Salve Regina. across the Nichols record hardware of success. book. The success of that trio “The state of the programs when I helped pave the way for the success of arrived was pretty rough,” says Brower. student-athletes such as Jill McQuiggan, “I remember scanning the college Alex Cifone, Megan Woodruff, Lindsay database for people who had played Benoit, and most importantly Anna tennis in high school just trying to fill Dyakiv. Dyakiv finished her time at rosters. Essentially, zero recruiting had Nichols as one of the school’s most been done for two full years before I decorated student-athletes, having took over so it would suffice to say that been named Player of the Year three in a variety of ways we were starting times, along with being named the from scratch. We actually bought Rookie of the Year in her first year, and women’s uniforms from the bookstore the CCC Senior Scholar-Athlete of the that year. It was certainly not the best Year. She was named CCC-First Team option, but we did what we could.” in both singles and doubles every year of her career and graduated as the College coaches everywhere will tell program’s all-time leader in both singles you one of the most important aspects and doubles wins. She still holds the of the job is recruiting. For Brower, it single-season record for singles wins, wasn’t just about finding the right talent 21-1 in her freshman season on her way but finding the right student-athletes. to the Bison’s first conference title. “Over the years, I can think of a few key “The tennis program at watershed moments in recruiting,” he Nichols played a major explains. “On the women’s side, Jessica role in Porter choosing us really set the my decisionball in motion. making process when I was selecting a college to attend,” says Dyakiv. “From the time I stepped foot on campus and

The women’s tennis team won its first-ever conference championship in 2010.

met with my future teammates, I knew I could be a part of something very special. Looking back now, it is an honor to have been a part of program history as the first women’s tennis team to represent Nichols at the NCAA Tournament. This is something I will cherish forever.” For the men’s team it was a similar story, as Brower looked to bring in the kind of student-athletes that were going to attract other student-athletes into the program. He says that bringing in Tyler McLaughlin helped put the team on the map and become more competitive, but things really got going with the recruitment of one other star — Steve Carella. “I think I saw Steve play 17 times before he chose us, but I really felt that he was the key to getting things moving in the right direction,” says Brower. “Once we had Steve and Tyler, we were then able to attract guys like David Drucker, Justin Deluca, Brandon Roode, Dan Saucier, Josh Halpern, and James Smith. The group was amazing to work with and helped establish a culture of success.” Carella finished his collegiate career in 2012 as the all-time leader in singles and doubles wins in program history. He led the men’s tennis team to its first of six-consecutive conference titles on a very memorable day back in 2012 — his graduation from Nichols as the valedictorian.

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AT H L E T I C S

“Seeing Steve give a great speech and then play a dominating match was amazing,” recalls Brower. “I can’t imagine a better way for him to go out.” While the Bison tennis program experienced much success over the years and having had so many phenomenal student-athletes, Carella points to another reason for the success. “I believe it was this family-esque atmosphere that helped breed a culture of success on the team,” he says. “Despite being an individual sport, we played for something more than ourselves. We had a duty to every team member, up and down the lineup, to provide each other with strength in times of weakness and hope in times of despair. We didn’t want this to die with our group, so we embedded these ideas, practices, and values in the team itself, so this philosophy would live on when we were gone.” “I think it is amazing to see all of these student-athletes accomplish whatever goals they may have,” says Brower. “Knowing that being a part of the program has had a positive impact on someone is what it is all about. Two examples really jump out. David Drucker had to overcome a lot in his high school years, and he had actually stepped away from tennis completely. Knowing that his entire family got to see him graduate then clinch a championship is a memory I will always treasure. Andrew Gore is someone who took his lumps academically early in his career. We got him involved in tennis and he really put it together. He was flat out one of the best teammates to ever be a part of our program, and seeing him graduate and earn Dean’s List with High Honors in his final semester means as much as any trophy.” Since Brower took over the tennis program in 2004, the men’s and women’s tennis programs have combined for eight

IT’S MORE THAN JUST A MASTER’S.

IT’S A GAME CHANGER.

The men’s tennis team claimed its 6th straight CCC Championship in 2017.

conference championships. He has collected four Coach of the Year awards and student-athletes have been named all-conference 150 times. An often overlooked key to the teams’ success has been the assistant coaches, claims Brower, naming Evan Campbell, Paul Healy, Joel Cormier, and now Eduardo Irizarry. “They have all been awesome for our athletes, but one really stands out, Ryan Hibbard, or Cheeks. When Cheeks joined the mix, things really took off. His contributions to this program and these kids go beyond words.” “Paul Brower is more than just a tennis coach. He is a mentor, a support system, and a listener on top of being a great coach,” says Dyakiv. “I really enjoyed playing for Paul and I wish I could go back and do it all over again. If it wasn’t for him, I would have never heard of Nichols College and, more importantly, not be where I am today. For that I am truly thankful.” Porter adds, “I feel truly honored when Brower says it started with me, but the truth is, it started with him. He is the reason Nichols College has such incredible students, alumni, and athletes.”

Study the causes and counterstrategies of violent extremism with global industry experts. National security employers in the public and private sector are expanding their teams, and looking for qualified leaders who can assess and respond to threats at home and abroad. Find out more about how an MSC from Nichols can help you change the game when you call 800-243-3844 or visit nichols.edu/wm17

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Fall/Winter 2017

Seeking Career Champions Alumni partnerships strengthen the Bison workforce Nichols College alumni are among students’ greatest resource for professional development. At about 14,000 strong, the alumni body can provide a staggering number of opportunities for students to gain information, experience, and confidence — and, in turn, these interactions provide opportunities for alumni to help shape the future workforce. The Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) encourages you to share knowledge and expertise with fellow Bison. Your experience — as past student and current professional — makes you uniquely qualified to be a Nichols career advocate. Here are a few ways to get involved.

On-campus Opportunities Conduct mock interviews (spring semester). In the Professional Development Seminar, junior year, students strengthen professional interaction with mock interviews by actual employers.

Participate in Sophomore Shout Out (February). This is a chance for Nichols graduates of the past five years to educate sophomore students about their career fields.

Off-campus Opportunities Host a student during the Groundhog Day Job Shadowing Program. Students spend a half day visiting professionals and learning about what they do.

Light Lifting/Heavy Impact Opportunities

Invite a group of students in for an information session. During these student visits, alumni share insights about a particular company or industry.

Support the Bison Boutique. Funding is needed to add specific clothing items and pay for dry cleaning for this increasingly popular service — student rentals of blouses, blazers, skirts, shoes, and dress pants nearly doubled from 78 in 2015 to 150 in 2016.

Host a table at the annual etiquette dinner with a faculty or staff member (November). Students practice networking and conversational skills while learning which fork is used for salad. Represent your employer at the annual Career and Internship Fair (February). This mutually beneficial event connects students seeking employment with companies seeking talent.

Raise awareness of Nichols College with employers. Alumni can connect their human resources team with the CPDC team at Nichols. Share internship and job opportunities. Posting openings with the CPDC is extremely helpful (and easy).

Taylor Ross ’13, associate manager, financial reporting, at Prudential in Hartford (left) hosts Thomas Horner ’18 on Groundhog Day.

For information on any or all of these opportunities, contact Liz Horgan, director of the CPDC, at 508 213-2289 or liz.horgan@nichols.edu.

alumni.nichols.edu

Nichols College Magazine

On the road with Art Tozzi ’63 Art Tozzi is so serious about his new role as Class of ’63 scribe that, beginning May 23, he embarked on a 25-day motorcycle trip from his North Carolina home to the back roads of New England to visit as many classmates as he could. Here is a glimpse of his adventure.

My first stop was in the Washington D.C. area to visit some family friends and meet Lou Stroller. We spent a couple of hours catching up on classmates and life after Nichols. For Lou, life was great. He went West Young Man and became a Hollywood mogul and executive producer to Hollywood greats, such as Al Pacino in the movie Scarface. As Lou told of his experiences, I became uneasy and found my eyes traveling the room looking for Scarface or some of his goons who might be looking for Louie. I wanted them to be aware that I hadn’t seen Lou for some 54 years, and I’d be leaving in just a few minutes. It was great to see you, Lou, and I look forward to the next time. Next stop was the metropolis of Mahopac, NY, and breakfast with George Pagnotta. George has got some gray hair but, other than that, he looks just like his picture in the yearbook. George told me about his work with a big crane outfit that puts cranes on top of tall buildings and how he spent time in them getting to know the operators. It was sad to learn that his roommate at Nichols, Paul Opacki had passed away. George is still working in the Mahopac School system; he thoroughly enjoys it

Breakfast in Mahopac with Art Tozzi and George Pagnotta

Nichols College Magazine

and says he will stay at it as long as it remains fun. After a last-minute cancellation from John Turro in Middletown, CT, I went to Burlington VT, to stay with Gene and Anne Cenci. As I arrived at the Cencis, they were in crisis with a bat flying around the downstairs. They thought they had him isolated in the dining room with all doors closed. Well, you know, when you have bats in your belfry you call the Marines. My original plan was to use a grenade or maybe bayonet the bat. I decided against 12 rounds from my M-14 rifle for fear of the resultant holes in the hardwood floors and took the broom Anne handed me and dispatched the bat. Gene swore the bat was still alive and took it outside and tried for the longest time to resuscitate him/her. Gene was not aware that Marines are very thorough when dispatching the enemy. We gave Gene a new moniker, Batman. Gene is getting around well on his new knees, and Anne is recovering from some medical problems. It was a great couple of days catching up and eating great meals prepared by Anne and sipping some of Gene’s favorite Limoncello before retiring each evening.

On the Cape with Bruce Haslun and Carol Erhardt

Fall/Winter 2017

Next on the itinerary was a trip to visit Bry Beeson in Orford, NH. Beeson Ranch is some 350 acres of beautiful forested wonderland with a 10-acre pond known as the Mud Turtle Pond right in the middle. To get to his home you have to travel for miles on a dirt road that at one point turns into a squirrel track. Bry wanted to make sure I didn’t get lost so he had signage posted throughout the forest. Apparently, he is unaware that Marines are land navigators par excellence. Bry took me on his John Deere Gator four-wheel drive mountain climber for a tour of the estate, all the time telling me to be aware of bears and snakes, and how this is the black fly season, and limbs fall from trees and they are widow makers, and a whole lot of other good information that I really needed to know to make my day. Mud Turtle Pond was so quiet and peaceful. I wanted to pitch my tent right there and spend the night, but it was a bad tick season; plus, I had no tent. We got back to the homestead where Susie had a wonderful lunch waiting for us, followed by naps and cocktails prior to departing for the Lyme Inn for a wonderful dinner.

Brad Hvolbeck with Art’s motorcycle in Greenwich

I was off again to Littleton, NH, to visit Pete and Millie Smith. As I arrived, Pete was out in the driveway getting his camper ready for travel to Anchorage, Alaska, to visit one of their sons. The other son lives in San Diego. Pete has been a competitive bike racer and bikes all the time so he was more than happy to show me his impressive stable of bikes. Millie made a beautiful lunch and gave me two jars of her homemade jams as a parting gift. Both are doing well and say hello to all their Nichols friends. After visits to Marine buddies in Industry, ME, and Chestnut Hill, MA, I headed to Falmouth on Cape Cod to see Bruce Haslun and his wife, Carol Erhardt. They have a gorgeous old colonial home, and I arrived just about the cocktail hour, so we partook of the same out on the patio in the sun, and it was delightful. They took me on a little tour and to dinner at a quaint old pub downtown. Bruce and Carol are the penultimate hosts. Bruce climbed out of bed early in the morning to cook breakfast. The options included Russian caviar on toast points, or English muffins, but we settled on scrambled eggs, toast, juice and coffee. Too soon it was time to hit the road heading towards Nichols College and a visit with Bill Pieczynski, VP for advancement, Molly Thienel, director of alumni and parent engagement, and Susan Veshi, who cracks the whip over us lowly scribes ensuring we get our material in on time and that it be fit to print. Bill, thank you for lunch and the intro to the lacrosse coach. I think he was surprised to learn about our 1963 clash with Villanova, which is covered

Breaking bread in Orford with Bry and Susie Beeson

A visit with Pete and Diane Brusman in Williamsburg

In Burlington with Gene and Anne Cenci

later. Thank you, all, for taking time out of your busy day to show me the new buildings on campus and for my Nichols hat. I then rode to Old Saybrook, CT, and the home of Henri David ’64. I got the grand tour of his barn with all the classic cars and motorcycles, which just blew me away. We had a beer and chatted about friends and classmates. All too soon I had to depart for Fairfield CT. Next stop was Brad Hvolbeck, another Conant Hall refugee and good friend, who lives in Greenwich. We played football and lacrosse together and were members of the first Nichols College lacrosse team to make a southern bus trip. One of the schools we played was Villanova. We took a lot of heat while wearing our Nichols jackets and were laughed at when we told people we were here to play Villanova in lacrosse. Final score, Nichols 10, Villanova 2. HA, HA! Brad showed up in his Mercedes, impeccably dressed, but he was quick to let me know that his dress and demeanor were not for me. Later in the

A rest from the road in Littleton with Pete and Millie Smith

day he had an appointment to sell a multi-million-dollar home. As soon as we sat down for coffee, he became the same good natured, fun and friendly Brad Hvolbeck that I knew back when. We had a great time reminiscing, and I got him to promise to attend our 55th reunion. After three days in Barnegat Bay, NJ, with an old Marine buddy and two days in Onancoke, VA, and Tangier Island in the Chesapeake, it was on to visit Pete and Diane Brusman. During cocktails, we sat out a thunderstorm and Buddha cooked a delicious dinner. Before retiring for the evening, we gave Bill Cleary a call just to let him know he wasn’t forgotten. The next morning, we said our goodbyes, and I headed for the free James River Ferry. Once across the James River, I pointed my trike due south for Wilson, arriving safely just before noon on June 17. And so ended my 3,000-mile journey. Happy to be back and grateful to y’all for the hospitality. God Bless America and Nichols College.

Art Tozzi and Lou Stroller catching up in DC

alumni.nichols.edu

Nichols College Magazine

From the Archives a

Time has made a change in me: Nichols yearbooks Contributed by Jim Douglas

The college yearbook, from the early 1800s onward, grew out of students’ desire to capture a time in their life, their school and community. At Nichols, the first yearbook was published in the spring of 1932 at the end of the first year of Nichols Junior College for Business Administration and Executive Training. Dedicated to its founder and president, James Lawson Conrad, it was titled The Tower in reference to the distinctive bell tower that stood atop Academy Hall. The first Tower included faculty and student portraits, a graduating class photo, a history, superlatives, a last will, a directory, and group sports team and organization member photos. It also featured a few student-created cartoons and line art. The back end of the book contained ads, mostly from local businesses, and sponsors, which helped finance the publication. In terms of content, subsequent yearbooks pretty much followed this template throughout the twentieth century. Most of the yearbooks in the ’30s and ’40s were text-heavy with page-long team and organization histories and, in some cases, paragraph-long senior bios. The yearbook was last published as The Tower in 1934 and, following a hiatus in 1935, returned as The Ledger in 1936. With the college closed between 1943 and 1946 during

1932

WWII there were no yearbooks and, in 1947, a special War Ledger was published for alumni, featuring photos and a “man-by-man account of Nichols’ sons at war” for each former student, starting with the Class of ’32. For historians, yearbooks can offer a useful window into the past. Take the 1955 Ledger and its “Vital Statistics” section that, among other things, described what the typical Nichols student wore to class (sport clothes with cordovans, foreign hand slim ties, over button down white shirt), smoked (Chesterfields or Lucky Strikes), and enjoyed for leisure and recreation (everything from “art appreciation to uke playing,” but especially sports, photography, and sailing, and listening to pop and jazz). After marriage, he would prefer to live in a small town and “plans to be head of the household, with three or four children, where the wife stays home.” Ah yes, the ’50s. Throughout the sixties, perhaps influenced by the popularity of pictorial magazines like Look and Life, the Ledger favored far less text and far more photos. By the eighties, some yearbooks had practically no text, just page after page of unidentified photos. Large candid photos dominated, sometimes taking up a third to an entire page.

1947

Nichols College Magazine

1959

Fall/Winter 2017

1972

(This trend was reversed in the seventies, as editors often used full-page collages with dozens of candids.) The concept of the senior portrait has remained fairly steady over time, with junior portraits occasionally making an appearance, such as the early yearbooks and those in the mid to late ’50s. In other cases, underclassmen were photographed in groups. Starting in 1960, students were grouped by residence hall, reflecting the growth and importance of student housing on campus. (To this day, many alumni identify themselves by class year and residence hall.) From 1997 to 2000 individual black and white photos of every underclassman in casual dress were provided. Business attire was de rigueur for senior portraits except from 1975 to 1977, where seniors are shown casually dressed in informal settings.

Color made its biggest splash in 1974 with a 16-page center titled “color potpourri,” boasting eye-catching full-color pictures of student life. Color photos were inserted more frequently in subsequent yearbooks; full-color senior portraits were introduced in 1982. Yearbooks between 1998 and 2007, which were published by Jostens, contained their trademarked “World Beat” magazine, featuring color photos and commentary on the year’s events. (Interestingly, Trustee Dave Lombard ’65 worked on the Ledger during his four years here and was editor for two. He joined Jostens in 1972 and worked with them until his retirement in 2002.) The staid black or dark green traditional yearbook covers of the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s were enhanced in later years with different color options, artwork, and techniques, such as embossing (engraving) or “stamping” a design on the cover’s surface. Often, a foil was used to give the cover a silver or gold metallic look.

Since 1999, a number of our yearbooks have sported a full-color glossy cover. Working on a yearbook gave students a chance to learn important skills related to photography, writing, advertising, sales, page layout, business management, and teamwork. It took a great deal of time and money. The editor of the 1975 Ledger noted that 800 hours were spent on its production and it cost $10,000, half of which came from the Student Government Association and half from advertisements and contributions; 4,000 photos were taken, of which “only” 600 were used. Editing the yearbook offered a valuable leadership opportunity, typically held by males until the early ’80s — within a decade or so of Nichols going coed — when women were taking leadership positions in many clubs and organizations, including the yearbook. After 1984, with only a few exceptions, women were at the helm and held the majority of yearbook staff positions.

1980

2015 marked a sharp departure from the traditional yearbook format. Sporting the bicentennial logo and dozens of candid photos on a soft-bound cover, the 2015 Ledger — a mere 40 pages — was dedicated entirely to the senior activities. There are the usual portraits and superlatives, plus a few uncaptioned photos of various athletes and photos commemorating special events, such as Homecoming, Boston Trip, Bisonfest, Senior Day, and Commencement. The 2016 Ledger followed the same format. The first yearbook staff in 1932 wrote: “It has been the earnest endeavor of the Tower Staff to present the students of Nichols a reliable record of the past year. It is hoped The Tower will help bring back a number of pleasant memories in the years to come.” Sadly, due to costs and a lack of student interest in producing one, Nichols has decided to cease publication of a yearbook. Senior portraits will continue to be taken and athletics will continue to keep records and photos of teams and individuals. Current students are, of course, able to create and maintain a personal record of their college years online. With its passing, however, we have lost a valuable resource for preserving an important record of our history on the Hill. What will happen 50 or more years from now when former students seek “a reliable record” or repository of “pleasant memories”? Future alumni may well regret losing the permanence of ink on paper. Historians certainly will.

1999

alumni.nichols.edu

2015

Nichols College Magazine

CLASS NOTES

1956

(Timing is everything.) They said

Class Scribe: Arthur Fries

New Hampshire for the Paul

that they would be headed to

917 Jordan Ct.

Zimmerman annual member

Nipomo, CA 93444-6625

guest tournament at Bald Peak.

805-343-6400

He and PZ have teamed up for

friesart@hotmail.com

the past few years in both NH and Dataw Island, SC, to win a

1957

number of events. He notes that

Class Scribe: Kent Tarrant

the other hackers seem to be

45 Valley View Dr.

aging out. “We must be the last

P.O. Box 496

geezers standing.” Pete says that

Hampden, MA 01036-0496

life in SC is fantastic. Golf twice

413-566-5130

a week. They plan to be off to

kent100@charter.net

the Bahamas again in January. He says that Hope Town is very

1958

popular, and they enjoy their three-month stay each year. Now

Class Scribe:

that the Big Boat is gone they

Reverend Paul Price

have a one third interest in an

3214 Sudbury St

18-foot Marshall Catboat that

Springfield, OH 45503

lives in Hope Town, which they

pprice@woh.rr.com

1964 Class Scribe: Warren Bender 3604 Kingsley Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC 29588-7714 843-492-6727 wbender@sc.rr.com From the Class Scribe… We were away recently and spent some time with Bob Hood ’66 and his wife Kathy. Lila and I try to get up there to see them at least every two years at his place in Brookfield, CT, at Candlewood Lake. They are in the same home that they built in the early ’70s, and we stayed a week with them every summer until we moved to South Carolina 48 years ago. Well, I digress. Hood arranged to have Lew Gelman ’65 and his wife, Carol, come up the same

race at HT Sailing Club. Nice

weekend and on Saturday night

1962

note from Pete Whitney. The

George Pagnotta ’63 met us

perpetual motion machine has

at a restaurant that was close

Class Scribe: Charlie Howe

slowed down a bit, but still

by. Needless to say, there were

charleskatehowe@gmail.com

looking for things to keep him

plenty of memories and stories

609-494-5450

busy. If you weren’t able to

that brought lots of laughter. The

make it back to the Hill for

name Jimmy Ricci ’65 came up,

homecoming, please show

and all three of us had a Ricci

Welcome to Art Tozzi as Class

your support, in the way of a

story. Hood ended up calling him

of ‘63 scribe. We all realized

contribution, to one of the many

the next day and, as expected,

that Bruce would be a hard act

funds and alumni supported

Ricci ended the call with a joke.

to follow, but what a wonderful

activities at Nichols. Bison Pride!

From the Class Scribe…

opening column.

1963

Bart Henkle is still loving life in

Class Scribe: Art Tozzi

the Villages, FL. His quote: “The

3710 Marion Ct N

most active Community on this

Wilson, NC 27896

Earth.” Just as a sidelight, I’ve

toz1369@earthlink.net

also read a few “interesting”

252-292-6592

things about the Villages. Bill

(See story on page 12.)

Brown writes, “I’m here, Charlie,

Check out the picture, a true replica of the misfits in attendance: Hood, Gelman, yours truly, and Pagnotta. Yes, this represents alumni from 49 thru 52 years ago after graduation, and we still so enjoy every time we talk to or meet with Nichols alumni. To all who are reading this: keep doing what you’re doing, travel safe, stay connected to family, and don’t put off anything you’d like to do. The years do go faster, as we’ve always heard, and we all know why. Remember “And The Beat Goes On.”

Also, all of us were celebrating Hood’s positive results from his treatments against the big “C.” A big help was him being in Florida and his doctor suggesting he get to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, which he did, and six weeks later he was on his way to his summer digs in CT. He is now back to

nothing to add.” Dick and Pam

being the old Hood. If anybody

Makin were at Elon University

wants to drop him a line, it’s

for their grandson’s graduation,

rkh1966@aol.com.

Phil Donnelly attended the commissioning of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in July. “What an awesome day with all the bigwigs,” he writes. Donnelly’s son, Captain Michael “Buzz” Donnelly, is the commanding officer of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

then off to New Jersey to visit their children and other grandchildren. Pete Judd writes that he and wife, Pat, spent this winter in Hope Town, Bahamas. They are renting now, having sold their boat a year before Hurricane Matthew wiped out their marina.

Nichols College Magazine

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, and P.O. Box 5000, Dudley, MA 01571.

Fall/Winter 2017

1965

Consolidated School. Thirty eight

and have a great three days

Class Scribe: John (Jack) MacPhail 2726 SW English Ln. Portland, OR 97201-1624 jackmacphail1@gmail.com

members were in the class and 75

together. Ray and Fred are

percent of the living classmates

completely retired. I still work

attended. Many came from great

for the company I once owned,

distances to return one more time

Nickerson Corp.”

From the Class Scribe… I am introducing myself as your new class scribe. In June, the Justinians from our class got together on campus, Jimmy Robinson, Dave Lombard, John Macdonald, and Dave Rodgers (we lost Bob Ansalone a little while back). (See photo and related story on page 24.) Ah... the memories shared that night at the Lodge and the Guest House. Being back on campus reminded me of the richness of our experience but also, of time rapidly passing by. While we’re all still above ground, would love to energize our contribution to the alumni portion of the twice-yearly Nichols magazine. So...., how about contributing something and we’ll build from there on a twice yearly basis. David and Susan Lombard have taken on a very active role in the support of the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. During the summers of 2016 and 2017, they, along three other couples, have underwritten two plays: “American Son” in 2016 and “Taking Steps” in 2017. “American Son” was a newly commissioned play and received rave reviews

to their beloved Kennebunkport. A note from Art Assad: “Since graduating in 1965, I had a 30-year career with Chevron Chemical Company, retiring in 1998 from the corporate world in good health and with the desire to do something on my own. I started Agrisel USA Inc. and have built it to a multi-million-dollar specialty, agricultural and home and garden corporation that develops, markets, and sells our products nationwide. Now at 74, I am looking for an ambitious, Nichols business grad, who wants a great business and career opportunity for his or her future. I would appreciate your putting the word out to those graduates who have a strong desire to succeed in business and build a great future for themselves and their families, while living in hot Atlanta. I have nothing but great memories of Nichols and the fine business education and many friends that Nichols afforded me. Any Nichols associates and friends coming to the Atlanta area will be greeted with great Southern hospitality.” Brad Sweet sent in a photo of he and his good friend and Cape Cod neighbor Bill Archer playing a round of golf. He writes, “Two Golden Bison having a good day on Cape Cod! Greetings to our class of 1965!”

Contributed by Brent Broszeit MBA ’02, director of development at Nichols College: James Dalton and his wife, Teresa, popped into campus in July on their way from home in Rochester, NY, to meet with friends in Boston. It had been 55 years since Jim had stepped foot on campus. We asked if we could take their picture, and Jim said he would love it and asked if I minded if he ran to the car to get something for the photo. While he was getting it in the car, his wife told me, “He’s been talking about coming back here for years. This is a very special day for him.” When he came back,

Lee McNelly and his son, Kevin McNelly ’01 spent the day at a Senior PGA golf tournament.

he was wearing his varsity letter sweater from 1965!

1967 > 50th Reunion 1969 Class Scribe: Robert Kuppenheimer 4627 Tremont Ln. Corona del Mar, CA 92625-3130 rkuppy@gmail.com From the Class Scribe… Bob Keller reports: “Ray Wenzel

in the theater community. In the

(my former roommate) and I have

fall of 2016, David celebrated his

been getting together with our

55th Gould Academy Reunion. As

wives since around 1978 to have

its chairman, Dave reports that

our own private Nichols reunion.

“Gould’s Greatest Class” raised

The last few years I have invited

$250,000 for an endowed

Fred Magnus ’68 (my college

scholarship. It was the largest

bridge partner) and his wife,

class gift in the school’s history.

Amy, to join us. We have it at my

This summer, Dave organized a

place out on the North Fork of

60th reunion for his 1957 class

LI, East Marion, Wine Country.

from the Kennebunkport

We fish, play golf, cook, drink

alumni.nichols.edu

Jimmy Jackson explored moving apples through the Panama Canal on a site visit.

1972

> 45th Reunion

Class Scribe: Mark Alexander mark1alex12@gmail.com

Nichols College Magazine

CLASS NOTES

1978 Submitted by Bill Fraser... In August, at Cape Neddick Golf Club in Maine, the following participated in the Bill Fraser/Pat Hoey Nichols College Invitational Football Golf Reunion: Pat Hoey, Bill Fraser, Marty Power, Tom Loricco, Gary Godin, Phil Robinson, Larry Bean, Mike Villanova ’79, Andy Higgins ’80 and Mike Nelson ’80. All were four-year lettermen on the great championship football teams of the late ’70s under Coaches Vendetti, Kunkel and Langevin. As members of Cape Neddick, Misters Hoey and Villanova graciously host this three-day outing. This year, we played three golf courses, Cape Neddick, Cape Arundel, and The Ledges. Normally, the group plays just at Cape Neddick but, seeing as the weekend was their club championship and Mike, the 2016 club champion, had to defend, we were chased off of the course. After Cape Arundel golf Saturday a.m., we assembled at the Arundel Wharf Restaurant’s back deck and attempted to eat them out of steamed and fried clams. Marty was in charge of ordering, and it was an all-you-can-eat buffet. Dave Lombard ’65, a resident of the area, joined us for a beverage. Mr. Fraser’s nephew and niece, (Portsmouth, NH, residents), hosted the group to a Lobster and Clam Boil Friday night and Mike Nelson, a long-time advertising executive, stated that the boil exceeded all expectations. I agree; of course I had eaten 3 and ½ lobsters. It should be mentioned that Misters Power, Nelson, Higgins and Bean made off with the hundred-dollar bill as champion golfers

1982 > 35th Reunion

1992 > 25th Reunion

1983

1994

Class Scribe: Michael Donehey 508-376-5469 (phone) 509 376-5043 (fax) mdonehey@live.com

Class Scribe: Danielle (Troiano) Sprague thedwoman@yahoo.com

1985

Chris Starczewski reports that

Class Scribe: John P. Donahue 10 Corsham Drive Medford, NJ 08055-8434 609-257-8191 jdonahue5@csc.com

1986

he was elected Dudley town moderator in June. He is now the principal of Dudley Middle School, after having had a successful run at Tantasqua Junior High School for six years. “Our family is doing great and

Class Scribe: Susan Zimonis 18930 Misty Lake Dr. Jupiter, FL 33458 561-707-8781 susanzimonis@bellsouth.net

1987

From the Class Scribe…

is quite busy between school, dance, soccer, basketball and baseball. I serve as president of Dudley Youth Soccer and coach soccer, basketball, and baseball for my kids’ teams,” he says.

> 30th Reunion

1988 Class Scribe: Diane Bellerose Golas 90 Lebanon St. Southbridge, MA 01550-1332 508-764-6077 spongedicat@aol.com

for the weekend.

Danielle Troiano Sprague says she had the pleasure of volunteering at the annual 15-40

1989

Connection Golf Tournament on

Fraser threaten bodily harm to Pat Hoey, but of course, Pat made

Inc. magazine recently ranked

Club. The mission of the 15-40

it clear: “Billy, we got along fine before we met you, we will get

The CERES Group, an IT staffing

Connection is to improve cancer

along fine after you are gone…”

search partner led by its pres-

survival rates by promoting early

ident, Dave Belanger, No. 346

detection. The focus is on

In remembering the moment, it didn’t seem like Pat was all that

on its 36th annual Inc. 5000 list

educating and empowering

worried…defensive guys are like that.

of the nation’s fastest-growing

people as “health is wealth.” Her

companies. The company, which

fellow volunteer was Brian Testa.

has a three-year sales growth rate

“What an amazing, inspiring

of 1265 percent, was featured in

event filled with positive energy!”

the September issue of Inc.

she says. The 15-40 Connection

Finally, it has to be noted, that only once in almost 72 hours did Bill

1991 Class Scribe: Donna Small 4905 Bay Harvest Ct. Clemmons, NC 336-712-1053 (home) 336-692-5157 (cell) Dsmall924000@yahoo.com

Nichols College Magazine

Fall/Winter 2017

July 12 at the Worcester Country

was founded by fellow alumnus Jim Coghlin ’67.

1997 > 20th Reunion

2001

Debra (Scanlon) Minor graduated

new role, he will be responsible for managing and supporting

1998

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

on May 6, completing her 2nd master’s degree at Nichols. She is

the mortgage loan origination

now a triple Bison!

team, developing new mortgage

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

2002 > 15th Reunion

2000

2003

Class Scribe: Andrea Sacco Andrea.j.Sacco@gmail.com

Class Scribe: Jillian (Hayes) Smerage Jnhayes80@gmail.com

solutions and continuing to

2005

originate mortgage loans himself.

Class Scribe: Melissa Jackson msmeljackson@gmail.com Nicholas Lynch was promoted to assistant vice president, mortgage sales manager, at Webster Five Cents Savings Bank. He joined Webster Five in 2015 as a

Prior to joining Webster Five, he worked at Bank of America for 10 years.

2006 Class Scribe: Erica (Mello) Boulay Erica.boulay@hotmail.com

mortgage loan originator. In his

Catching Up With

Bill Scott ’66 Born into the Ocean State and the automobile industry, Bill Scott has great appreciation for both. Growing up in East Providence around Scott Volkswagen, the dealership his father Charles opened in 1946, Scott was exposed to both boating and automobiles at an early age. As the retired president of the dealership, he still resides in Rhode Island, in the coastal village of Wickford with his wife of over 25 years. Retired life consists of time spent with family, four children and ten grandchildren, and lots of boating near home or their seasonal residence in Naples, Fla. He still enjoys automobiles, and touts a collection that includes favorites like a ’57 Thunderbird, and a Porsche — one brand among many in the Volkswagen fold. This lifestyle change follows a career of hard work running the family dealership, passed onto his own son, Brad, in 2008. The role of president was inherited from his father, a 1937 graduate of Nichols, in 1971. He grew the company from 11 employees to 70, and completed

a $6-million-dollar expansion on the six acres where Scott Volkswagen is headquartered in Providence, sustaining it as one of the largest dealerships in New England. Scott pursued a pre-med education at Franklin & Marshall, but was not doing well, so transferred into business management at his father’s alma mater, where he thrived. “My grades were good. It was interesting, and I enjoyed it,” he says. Following graduation, he left for a job in New York City, where he shared an apartment with other Nichols graduates, and spent four years making good money and being steadily promoted. Then the call came from his father about taking over the business back in Rhode Island. Under Scott, the dealership flourished, as did his relationship with his father. Having never gotten along before, they became the best of friends working together in the transition. He claims there is no real secret to his success, just hard work and enjoying what you do. “I could be sailing or skiing, yet if someone said it’s time to go to work, I never minded,” he says.

He associates buying cars today with buying appliances; the focus is less on the make and model and more on the bells and whistles. But the customer experience at a dealership, which Scott compares to a restaurant, is still key. “If you enjoy the meal and like the server,” he says, “You’ll go back.” The Scotts have a legacy, in business and at Nichols, and Bill continues to pass on the history and appreciation of both through the next generations, as an example of one who enjoy life’s work and pleasures.

alumni.nichols.edu

– Molly Thienel

Nichols College Magazine

CLASS NOTES

2007

> 10th Reunion

Catching Up With

Micki Austin ’77

Class Scribe: Meaghan Larkin meaglark@gmail.com Gregory Bellavance was married to Sarah Knowlton on September 25, 2016, at Blissful Meadows in Uxbridge, MA. Parker Riley ’08 was best man, and Dane Laboissonniere ’08 was also there to celebrate the couple.

Michelle “Micki” (Bernier) Austin graduated from Nichols in 1977 but still finds herself sitting in classrooms on campus — this time as a member of the college’s Board of Advisors supporting the aspirations of today’s students. “The appreciation for hard work and accomplishment which I developed at Nichols is something I try to instill in those whom I coach today,” she says. Austin has worked for Travelers Insurance for 23 years over two stints, starting in the company’s training program in 1979 and returning in 2003 when the company merged with St. Paul. She has been located in Worcester, Boston, Orlando and her current home of Atlanta. A large-property account executive, she is transitioning to a new role in the Travelers Business Center, which will allow her to coach and develop new staff. “It is exciting to be on the ground level of a new operation!” she says. “It will also allow me to stop the business travel and concentrate a lot more on leisure travel!”

Rob McDonagh and his wife Gina welcomed their first child, Owen Robert, on October 29, 2016. Ashley Stockbridge was married to Joe DeMonte on June 4, 2016,

Reflecting on her career, Austin says she is most proud of the young people she has coached and mentored. “I enjoyed meeting them as they came out of college and seeing them develop as they mature and rise up the corporate ladder. Over the years, I have heard about engagement plans, attended their weddings and am now seeing their children grow. It is all about paying it forward and the next generation,” she offers.

at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club on Cape Cod. She works in sales, and he recently graduated from Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. The couple will be living in Florida for the next few years, and are expecting their first child.

When she’s not working, Austin and her husband, Bill, are season ticket holders for Georgia Tech football.

is only 20 minutes from my house here in Atlanta,” she says. She looks forward to spending more time volunteering. In addition to being on the Board of Advisors, she works with INVEST and hopes to get re-engaged with Junior Achievement and a church group. Austin maintains close Nichols ties, including John Threlfall ’74, with whom she does business, and had a “girls trip” this summer on Cape Cod with Marcia (Gromelski) Behrens, Cecile (Barrett) Perreault and Kathy (Sterczala) Coggins. “The Board of Advisors has brought me back in touch with so many friends … Charlene and Dave French, John (Bullet) Maffeo and Dave Hale, to name a few,” she adds. And then there’s the unexpected encounters. “One thing about being in airports often is that you never know who you will run into,” she says. “I was in Palm Beach airport several months ago and ran into Kathy (Mason) Cellino. I don’t think we had seen each other in 30 years!” To her fellow classmates, Austin would like to say, “I would encourage everyone to get involved on the Hill. If you haven’t been back recently, you will be amazed at all the changes to campus! It all reinforces just how proud I am to be a Bison!”

– Brent Broszeit MBA ’02 “I love the Bison and would like to be at Vendetti Field, but Bobby Dodd stadium

20 Nichols College Magazine

Fall/Winter 2017

2008

2010

Class Scribe:

Class Scribe: Katelyn Vella

2014

Nicole (Silvio) Curley

katelyn.vella@yahoo.com

Anne Geiwitz and Zachary Henderickson ’12 were married

nms31@msn.com Marc Colangelo and wife, Jessica, welcomed a baby boy, Samuel Pasquale, on December 6. Ryan Gervais MBA ’10 was married to Amanda Desmond on June 17 at the House of Seven Gables in Salem, MA. The happy couple was surrounded by several former Bison ice hockey players, such as Matt Broadhead ’09, Glenn Cacaro ’09, Keith Fink ’09, Jeff Bieber ’09, Eric Cremer ’10, Rich Walters ’10, Will Munson ’10 MBA ’11, Matt Sayer ’11 and many more Nichols alumni. The couple traveled to Greece, Italy, and Spain on their honeymoon.

in August in a ceremony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Danielle Flavin was married to

Beverly, MA. Anne says, “We were lucky enough to have Professor

Marc Sukis, her former neighbor

Wayne-Daniel Berard officiate our ceremony! He even came and

from elementary school, on

held a much-needed de-stress meditation with my bridesmaids

June 25. Danielle also started a

and me the morning of the big day. If this is not a favorite memory

new job last year at Coca Cola

of our #BisonBestProfessor, I do not know what is! We will always

Bottling Co. Consolidated in

cherish and remember the kind words Professor Berard said

human resources as a talent

during our ceremony, and all the wise wisdom he imparted upon

acquisition business partner.

us during our time at Nichols.” The couple met at Nichols in a

2011

sculpture class held in the college chapel, and Anne says, “We owe all our love to Nichols!” Many alumni were present at the wedding.

Class Scribe: Alexandria M. Hallam aliemchal@gmail.com

2012 > 5th Reunion Kevin Richardson was named boys head hockey coach in ActonBoxborough.

2016 Connor Haynes was named account executive for tickets and

Use hashtag #BisonSightingNC to share your Bison sightings with us, tag the Nichols College Alumni Office. Here are a few recent sightings.

memberships for the Worcester Railers Hockey Club. Previously Peter Smyth, vice president of Home Grown Indoor Sports, celebrated 10 years with the company. A job that started out as a required internship for the sport management major at Nichols. Also, in June, he was awarded the CCL Lacrosse Coach of the Year.

he served as a sales associate of groups and

Eddie Duffy ’17 and Earl Prolman ’54 at a Chamber of Commerce event, both sporting Nichols green!

partnerships for the Providence Bruins and as an intern for both the Copa America international soccer tournament and the Sports Information Department

Bison are everywhere! Duke MacNair ’66

at Worcester State University.

met 2017 grads at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City.

Amanda Racicot and her sister, Ashley, have opened Jazzercise Oxford Fitness Studio in Oxford,

Terrance Mayrose ’09 is

MA. Discounts available for

supported by his Bison

Nichols alumni, students, faculty

friends at FDNY family

and staff. Check them out on

day, Bob Campanile ’10,

Facebook at Jazzercise Oxford.

Jon Snediker ’09, and Anthony Freni ’10.

alumni.nichols.edu

Nichols College Magazine

CLASS NOTES

Catching Up With

Tony Gardner MBA ’94 Ten years ago, Tony Gardner MBA ’94 took his successes as a CFO in the educational and healthcare software field to the track. Gardner made the quantum leap into the brave new world of simulated automobile racing, where he serves as the president and CFO of iRacing. “The company was at the point where they needed business and finance people,” Gardner recalls. You might think that iRacing is similar to Madden NFL for Xbox or online poker tournaments. Not even close, Gardner says. “This is not Super Mario,” he explains. “It’s not a game anymore.” The company was founded by John Henry, who owns the Boston Red Sox as well as a NASCAR racing team. And it’s already invested $30 million to make the big-time racing experience as authentic as possible. “This is for somebody who wants to take the next step — to realize, ‘I can experience what Joey Logano or Dale Earnhardt Jr. experience at the Daytona 500,’” Gardner says. Along those lines, iRacing has created more than 80 virtual racetracks — from Charlotte Motor Speedway to the 24 Hours of LeMans — and racing cars with an uncanny resemblance to the real thing.

Gardner and a co-worker chat with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. at Daytona 500.

“We laser scan the tracks (which costs up to $200,000 for each), and we work with the car makers to build the cars from the ground up,” Gardner points out. During the race, the vehicles even can be adjusted during pit stops to increase performance. The iRacing program accommodates unlimited competitors. For example, if 400 competitors sign up for a race event, they are separated into 10 different races of 40 cars based on skill level determined by each driver’s history. (This night, those drivers — connected to their computers with a wheel and pedal set — will race at Daytona Speedway and start their virtual engines at 8 p.m.) “We have a lot of pro drivers who use iRacing to get ready for races,” Gardner reveals, and the customer base has even included more than one pro who began his driving career on iRacing before moving to the actual track. Other aspiring drivers can work their way up the iRacing ladder to a “pro level,” with the most accomplished each year receiving $25,000 in prizes and an invitation to the NASCAR banquet. Business continues to grow, with 40 percent more customers signing up over the last year alone, Gardner reports, adding that the company is aiming to attract the broader online gamer market and even pro racing fans. Gardner says that his Nichols MBA in accounting and finance — which he earned at night — opened doors for him. But now, he adds, he’s not in a race to get anywhere else. “I enjoy going to work everyday,” he says. “I’m not looking to take over the world.” – Ron Schachter

22 Nichols College Magazine

Fall/Winter 2017

NICHOLS REMEMBERS Alexander S. Walker ’37, of Reno, NV, June 13, 2017. He served as a lieutenant and captained two submarine chasers for the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1958, after working on Wall Street, he moved to Reno and purchased Hearts Retreat Ranch in 1966. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; two daughters; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Epworth S. Moulton ’40, of St. Petersburg, FL, April 6, 2017. An Army veteran of World War II, he spent his working life in the wholesale and retail food business, owning and operating Moulton’s Market in Amherst, NH. He ended his career as president of the grocery wholesaler Miliken, Tomlinson Co. of Portland, ME, a subsidiary of Wetterau Inc. Survivors include four sons; a stepdaughter; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Robert A. Martel ’49, of Shrewsbury, MA, April 29, 2017. He was a U.S. Marine in World War II. He served as a marketing and sales executive for the Jamesbury Corp. his entire career. He leaves two sons; three grandchildren; and a sister. John J. Pendergast, Jr. ’52, of Centerville, MA, April 24, 2017. Following service in the U.S. Coast Guard, he began his business career as an independent insurance agent in 1955, later expanding into real estate and incorporating John J. Pendergast, Jr. Real Estate Co. In 1965 he became manager of — and later owned — Cape Cod Package Store Inc. He is survived by his wife, Ann Shirley; four children; and eight grandchildren.

David M. Adams ’53, of West Hartford, CT, July 17, 2017. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry and the National Guard, attaining the rank of corporal. For many years, he worked as an assemblyman for Fafnir Bearings, and later became a restaurant manager for the Friendly Corp. He is survived by a son; grandchildren; and a brother. Robert Q. Benowtiz ’54, of Lake Worth, FL, June 26, 2017. He was founder and president of Air Powered Equipment in Carlstadt. He served as president and charter member of the Meadowlands Rotary Club. He was also a dedicated class agent for Nichols College and helped establish the Class of ’54 Endowed Scholarship. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Arlene; children; grandchildren; and a sister. Raymond P. Faucher ’56, of Thompson, CT, July 3, 2017. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era and was the vice president of Superior Bakery in North Grosvenordale and president of Superior Cake Products in Southbridge, MA. He created an endowed scholarship at Nichols College to assist students from Thompson. Predeceased by his wife, Barbara, he is survived by three sons; three daughters; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Frank J. Eulner ’58, of Long Branch, NJ, June 1, 2017. He was a stockbroker for Bear Stearns in New York City, retiring in 1992. He is survived by his wife, Bernadette; three sons; and six grandchildren. Timothy P. Miller ’63, of York Harbor, ME, April 10, 2017. He was a teacher and artist at St. Paul’s School in Concord. He leaves his wife, Margret; two children; and four grandchildren. Arthur J. Palleschi ’64, of Harwich and formerly of Swampscott, MA, Aug. 16, 2017. A practicing attorney for nearly 50 years, he is survived by his wife, Judith; two sons; three daughters; 11 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

Hollis G. Morris ’66, of Brandon, MS, May 12, 2017. He completed the Park Service Operations Program in Arizona and became a national park ranger. He was a training NCO at the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Monroe in Virginia. At Nichols, he was a member of the first undefeated cross country team, which was inducted in the Athletic Hall of Honor in 2015. He leaves his wife, Marty; a daughter; a stepson; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three sisters. Hugh B. Thompson ’69, of Pitman, NJ, June 27, 2017. He previously worked for Riley Stoker and Foster Wheeler Corp. and is survived by a sister; nieces; nephews; and a friend, Jerri Manfre. Robert C. Rosol ’81, of Kensington, CT, April 14, 2017. He was owner and president of his family business, Martin Rosol’s Inc. in New Britain. He is survived by his wife, Sarah; and three children. Paul J. Adamowich ’81, of New Britain, CT, April 26, 2017. He was an insurance examiner with the Connecticut Insurance Department for over 30 years, retiring in 2013. He leaves his longtime companion, Mary Alice Olesky; a daughter; a brother; and a sister. Suzanne D. Smiley ’88, of Sturbridge, MA, April 20, 2017. Her career spanned nearly 30 years in the banking industry, from branch manager to senior vice president of a local commercial bank. In 2009, she co-founded S&S Contractor’s Supply in Auburn, where she served as president and CEO. She is survived by parents, Anne and Kenneth; and a sister. Sandra A. McAndrews MBA ’91, of Lancaster, MA, June 23, 2017. She worked as a guidance counselor at St. Leo School in Leominster for 12 years. She leaves her mother and stepfather, Marjorie and Patrick McShera; three children; two brothers; a sister; a stepbrother; and a stepsister.

alumni.nichols.edu

John R. Sullivan MBA ’92, of The Villages, FL, July 5, 2017. He began as a tool maker and worked his way into management, eventually becoming vice president/ general manager for LFE Corp. of Clinton, MA, and senior vice president/COO for SencorpWhite of Hyannis. He is survived by a daughter; and two grandchildren. Matthew Scott-Muirhead, who attended Nichols from 1999 to 2001, on June 22, 2017. He is survived by his parents; stepfather; two children; and five siblings.

FACULTY/STAFF A. Shepard Boote, of Woodstock, CT, June 9, 2017. A former professor at Nichols, he previously served as director of market research for PepsiCo in Hong Kong, and later in the U.S. as market research director worldwide. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Heath; and a brother. Charlie Peters, of Falmouth, MA, July 20, 2017. He was a professor and chair of the Accounting Department at Nichols College and the proprietor of an attorney/CPA firm, in Natick, Wellesley and Falmouth. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty; a daughter; and a sister (predeceased by another sister). Dr. Suryakant “Sam” Patel, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, June 3, 2017. A former member of the Nichols College Board of Trustees and school physician, he practiced medicine in Webster, MA, and was active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors of the Commerce Insurance Group. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarla, and a brother, and is survived by two children; six grandchildren; and four siblings, including Naren Patel MBA ’78.

Nichols College Magazine

Justinian Council Seniors: Still leading the way

Being elected to the Justinian Council was considered the highest honor one could achieve at Nichols College. As the student governing body, the Council had the onerous — and often underappreciated — task of maintaining good relations between students and the administration through sharing and discussing opinions and ideas. The job demanded capable and trustworthy representatives who earned the respect of both classmates and faculty and who were deemed worthy of donning the distinctive green blazer. But for five unlikely friends finding their way at Nichols in the early 1960s, serving on the Justinian Council meant even more. And they recently reunited on campus to show just how much. In June, 1965 classmates, Dave Lombard, John Macdonald, Jack MacPhail, Jim Robinson, and Dave Rodgers, established an endowed scholarship to commemorate the 1964-65 Justinian Council where they, along with the late Bob Ansalone, were senior representatives. The generous gesture honors their time together, in leadership and service, which has fused them to Nichols and each other for more than five decades. Within minutes of their gathering in the Nichols’ Guest House, the group launches into stories of their days on the Hill. “I came here searching,” says MacPhail. “I had done well enough to get out of high school, and plunking me here was a big deal. The Justinian Council was effective for me. It was about leadership. It brought me closer to the school, closer to this place.” That is, after he overcame the language barrier. His first campus encounter was a classmate who asked if he knew how to “wash a cah.” “I was from Buffalo and had never heard a Massachusetts accent,” he says. “I said, ‘What’s washacah?’ We went back and forth until it dawned on me…. Oh, wash a car.” Rodgers recalls his experience of being unceremoniously dropped off by his dad. “He said, ‘I don’t want to see you until two days before Thanksgiving. Get it? You are here to study.’ I’d never been away from home.” Despite their inauspicious introductions to Nichols, they and the others found a supportive atmosphere where “everyone took care of everyone else who needed a helping hand,” says Rodgers. “There was a nice feeling of camaraderie.”

24 Nichols College Magazine

Fall/Winter 2017

Justinian seniors from the Class of ’65, from left, Jim Robinson, Dave Lombard, John Macdonald, Dave Rodgers, and Jack MacPhail

Rodgers became president of the Justinian Council; Robinson was a standout athlete in ice hockey and lacrosse; Lombard discovered his niche as editor of the college yearbook; and Macdonald, who remembers the exact cost of tuition at that time as $2,464, worked “to come up with every penny,” at Bazzie’s during the school year and on Cape Cod during the summers. “Nichols College was good at taking people who hadn’t yet realized their potential. I called this the incubator,” says MacPhail. “There was personal involvement from the faculty; we felt cared for. These were our formative years. You felt a real connection here, and you felt good about yourself.” The lives of these fellow Bison continued to intersect well after graduation, through good and bad times. Macdonald and Rodgers were both employed selling Sarong bras and girdles; Macdonald happened to be in Maine to comfort Lombard when his family restaurant burned down; Rodgers and Robinson maintain a tradition of communicating every Christmas; and they all appeared at Rodgers’ bedside after triple bypass surgery. “It made my heart rate rise,” he says of their visit. They even made it back for their 50th class reunion in 2015. Now, it’s the Justinian Council Scholarship that brings them together, offering today’s students a helping hand and honoring the legacy of the green blazer and a friendship that has withstood the test of time. “We’ve been together for 56 years,” comments Lombard. “And we continue to have a lot of laughs.” Starting this fall, the Justinian Council Seniors ’65 Endowed Scholarship is available to assist a needy student and carry on the tradition of leadership.

S TAY C O N N E C T E D

1963 Light reading Homecoming 2012

1945 Study break

Homecoming 1983

Piano time in â&#x20AC;&#x2122;55

Senior ski trip 2014

1972 view

Homecoming 1992

Halloween 2004

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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l Mail to Nichols College Alumni Relations, PO Box 5000, Dudley, MA 01571

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Name Class year Branch of service Years of service/war Names of a few classmates who also served

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