Nichols College Magazine Spring/Summer 2024

DEGREES OF SUCCESS

Fifty years of graduate education

Becoming number nine

I never really thought much about the significance of numbers, but a friend, upon learning about my appointment as the ninth president of Nichols College, told me that the number nine is about the ending of one cycle and the potential it creates for another cycle to begin, acting as an usher in the process of transition or transformation.

That seemed to resonate. In the seven months I served as interim president, we have been building a sturdy bridge to carry Nichols to its next destination. We have worked on identifying and addressing both obstacles and opportunities to ensure a transition that can lead to transformation.

Momentum is strong, as is the feeling of rolling up our sleeves and getting to work. In my interim capacity, I have outlined priorities to help the college navigate internal and external challenges.

Financial health

In the face of continued and intense competition for traditional undergraduate students, the stakes for enrollment-driven colleges like Nichols have never been higher. Keeping Nichols on sound financial footing entails strategies to develop a robust and realistic budget model. While we already operate leanly, we are always mindful of cost reduction, as we aggressively explore new – or bolster current – revenue streams and increase fundraising initiatives.

Enrollment

The widely publicized problems plaguing the rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which had been overhauled by the federal government, caused interminable delays and frustration for applicants and institutions. As colleges and universities awaited information on the needs of prospective students, Nichols was proactive in reaching out to families to offer assistance and guidance – some of these interactions resulted in immediate student deposits.

Higher education continues to face the enrollment cliff, which represents the declining number of potential college-age students, especially in the Northeast, and we have enhanced marketing initiatives to extend our reach. Recently, the college garnered significant media attention for our Super Bowl Sports Practicum course, and we are excited about the late-summer release of an episode of The College Tour, which will air on a variety of streaming services, including Prime TV, Apple TV, Roku and apps.

All in all, we are cautiously optimistic about our strong numbers for the fall and look forward to welcoming the Class of 2028.

Campus culture

Nichols has always operated as a close-knit campus community. Given the events over the past several years, including the pandemic and an abrupt change in presidential leadership, we are focusing on the health and well-being of our campus community to ensure that current operations reflect our values. A new task force will assess our commitment to fostering a climate of respect, reaffirm those institutional values, and identify ways for us to better live them.

In my 18 years at Nichols, I have believed deeply in the mission of this institution and sought to engender the support it needed to fulfill not only its mission but an even greater potential. I am equally humbled and energized to have been chosen to lead its next transformation and grateful for the opportunity to be your number nine.

Bill Pieczynski President

4 Degrees of success

For 50 years, Nichols College has been advancing careers and creating leaders through impactful graduate education.

The record-breaking senior is the “heart and soul” of the women’s

Pieczynski named ninth president

The Nichols College Board of Trustees named William C. Pieczynski the ninth president of Nichols College, after he served in the interim capacity for seven months. The appointment was effective May 1, 2024.

“We are thrilled that Bill has accepted our invitation to assume the presidency of Nichols College,” said Randall V. Becker ’83 MBA ’96, board chair.

“Bill has led Nichols through a period of transition with deft skill and unquestionable success. He is a natural leader, a man of great character, and cares deeply about Nichols and its extended community. He is uniquely qualified to harness the college’s recent momentum and continue the upward trajectory that now ranks Nichols among the national leaders in salary potential and return on investment.”

President Pieczynski has a long and distinguished career at Nichols, working closely with faculty, staff and students across academic disciplines and campus-wide departments. He joined the college as director of the Nichols Fund in 2006, where he was charged with expanding the President’s Society, generating annual funds and overseeing alumni relations. President Pieczynski was named vice president for advancement in 2010 when he oversaw the successful completion of the college’s bicentennial campaign, Securing a Legacy of Leadership, which raised $66 million to support capital projects, endowment and brand-elevating curricular and co-curricular initiatives. The campaign was the largest in the college’s history, generating a record number of multimillion-dollar gifts, and far

surpassed the campaign’s initial goal of $45 million.

Under President Pieczynski’s leadership, Nichols has set new standards for overall giving, President’s Society giving, giving percentage and number of donors. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in securing contributions to support new building projects. Among them are the Fels Student Center, Nichols Innovation Center and major renovations and upgrades to athletic facilities and Lombard Dining Hall. The number of endowed scholarships rose from 16 to 98. In addition, the college has received numerous major gifts for new experiential learning programs such as the Nichols Consulting Group, the student-managed Thunder Fund, the Center for Intelligent Process Automation, and co-curricular initiatives such as the Susan West Engelkemeyer, Ph.D., Institute for Women’s Leadership, and the Emerging Leaders Program.

“To lead Nichols College is a tremendous honor and I am excited to assume the presidency at such a pivotal time in this institution’s long and storied history,” said President Pieczynski. “We offer something special at Nichols — a highly relevant, hands-on education that prepares students for lives of meaning, purpose, and success after graduation. As a member of this community for the past 18 years, I care deeply about Nichols and its people, and am confident of the role I can play in fostering a campus culture that reflects our values, takes advantage of our unique strengths, and advances the college’s mission.”

President Pieczynski began his career in fundraising at his alma mater, Catawba College. He and his wife, Lana, have three sons and reside in Sturbridge, Mass.

Nichols

students get REAL

The college’s second annual Research, Experiential, and Applied Learning (REAL) Symposium was held April 23. The day-long symposium serves to celebrate and highlight the many unique and impactful projects of Nichols students and faculty, both in and out of the classroom. Project presenters shared their research and experiential and applied learning experiences with the Nichols community.

“The REAL Symposium is a reflection of how Nichols develops and supports career-ready leaders. The emphasis we put on experiential learning ensures that our business and professional curriculum is dynamic and meaningful,” said Jean Beaupre, Ed.D., Dean of the School of Business, and a lead organizer of the event. “We are eager to showcase our talented students and how they engage in a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities, a hallmark of the Nichols College academic experience.”

The event featured a wide variety of presentations, panel discussions and poster sessions. The full slate included

River Jackson presents “Constructing Knowledge: The Role of Appendices in Enhancing Textbook Learning.”

more than 70 presentations, featuring over 150 student presenters and involving over 30 faculty and staff. Throughout the day, presentations and discussions highlighted experiential learning opportunities at Nichols, including the Bison Consulting Group, student-run Dudley Hill Golf Club, Super Bowl practicum, and studentmanaged Thunder Fund, as well as projects in real estate development, product innovation and emerging technologies applications in various business and educational challenges, to name a few.

Student research in a range of disciplines addressed a variety of topics, from the effects of transformational leadership on Gen Z to youth soccer models between the U.S. and Europe to the psychology of terrorism to the women’s suffrage movement, among others. Faculty research spotlighted topics in human resources, peer coaching, deep learning, and other areas.

The symposium kicked off with a panel discussion, “Alumni Insights: Experiential Learning & Career Readiness,” featuring early career alumni: RJ LeBrun ’19, territory manager at United Construction & Forestry; Mackenzie McDonald ’20, case manager at Pembroke Hospital; Kate Shannon ’19, senior strategic marketing specialist at Charles River Laboratories; Richard Vazquez ’19, forensic & integrity services senior at Ernst & Young.

A second plenary panel, “How HandsOn Learning Impacted My Academic Path,” featured student panelists.

Student Profile: Pablo Arnau makes shoes that are good for the soul

Pablo Arnau wants you to experience the beauty of his homeland... by smelling his shoes. A native of Valencia, Spain, the graduating senior is the owner of MyBarks, a brand of shoes that features the distinctive essence of the Mediterranean in every pair.

“I’m proud of my culture, my people, the sea, everything we have, and I just want to share a piece of that through MyBarks with everyone in the world,” he states.

The shoe line comprises sneakers and espadrilles for men and women, each naturally infused with the scent of pine or citrus that comes from the tree bark used to make the rubber sole. Arnau’s family has been in the shoe business for decades, manufacturing for major design labels like Louboutin and Loewe, and MyBarks is an opportunity to produce something just for them.

Using a technique that dates to the last century, Arnau’s father and partner created a formula for the gum in the sole. Only one factory in Europe employs the technique, for which they own the patent. Each shoe is hand sewn using only natural materials, such as rubber, cork, and organic linen, adding to the brand’s uniqueness. Since it launched in 2023 in Chile, Spain and on several online marketplaces, more than 6,000 pairs have been sold. Arnau’s goal is to double the number of sales each year.

That’s what he told a panel of “sharks” in April when he was one of eight students to compete in the Wootank, Worcester’s collegiate version of “Shark Tank.” Arnau and another student represented Nichols, one of only four colleges to participate. He received $1,500 each from two of the three sharks to expand his brand in the region.

“I’m lucky. I know what I’ve wanted to do since I was 15,” he says, referring to his dream of following in his familial footsteps. He’s been encouraged by the Nichols alumni he’s met, including Steve Gallo ’89, general manager for North America for New Era Cap LLC; Rob McDiarmid ’98, vice president at Ross Stores Inc.; and Jesse Plouffe ’03, product developer at Gemline.

From this opportunity and an internship he did with the COO of Forus S.A., Arnau believes there is no substitute to learning from those who have experience. “We are 20, 18, 21, 25,” he says. “There are people who went before us, 95 percent of it applies the same.” Today’s generation needs to be able to listen, Arnau insists. “We have the knowledge we were born with. If we can apply that with a person who has been in the business for 30 years, that’s perfect.” Like walking a mile in someone’s shoes.

Sarah Rucci presents “Unraveling Deception: The Jennifer Dulos Case.”

Degrees of success

The Graduate Program turns 50

by Julie Errico

Nichols College took a bold step in its evolution when it was given authority by the state of Massachusetts to grant the Master of Business Administration in 1974. The first class was admitted the following year and graduated in 1977. By then, enrollment had climbed from 44 to 71 on its way to 114 in 1980 and 318 in 1996, making it the largest MBA in central Massachusetts.

In those 50 years, the graduate program has become a thriving center for hands-on, career-focused professional education. As the MBA Program continued its trajectory, the college added the Master in Organizational Leadership in 2007 (changed to the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2013), the Master of Science in Accounting in 2015, and the Master of Science in Counterterrorism in 2017.

In recognition of this milestone, we feature a handful of the thousands of graduates who have put their advanced Nichols degrees to work.

Executive training

Crista Durand was just a young executive when she decided to pursue an MBA degree. She selected Nichols due to its reputation and the convenience of online classes. A CFO, she knew she wanted to pursue a hospital chief executive position.

“The MBA gave me the confidence and deeper skill set toward that goal,” she says.

“Having an advanced degree enhanced my marketability and helped improve my time management skills. I’ve also appreciated the professional networking and have been able to stay in touch with fellow classmates.”

Durand has a distinguished 31-year healthcare career focused on strategic planning, finances, operational excellence, cultural transformation, community engagement, philanthropy, innovation and building top performing teams.

She is currently the president of Newport Hospital, an award-winning

129-bed community hospital and Newport County’s only acute care facility. Newport Hospital is one of two hospitals in the state to be named a four-time Magnet hospital — the gold standard for excellence in nursing — and the only hospital to achieve Baby Friendly status by the World Health Organization and UNICEF for its exceptional work with breastfeeding mothers.

She had previously served as chief financial officer and senior vice president at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, Connecticut. While there, she earned the prestigious Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) distinction and was elected to the Council of Regents, representing Rhode Island as part of the legislative body of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Even though she has achieved her goal of obtaining an executive position at a hospital, Durand still uses her MBA knowledge every day. “The skills I gained are very applicable to the workplace. It enhances my strategic ability and decision making agility. I was exposed more to the global market and understanding business in a different way. It made me betterrounded in my thinking and the way I approach situations.”

Durand offers some advice for professionals considering earning an MBA, “Do it sooner rather than later. I’m proud to say that I achieved my MBA from Nichols.”

A new era: The Graduate School at Nichols College

By Robin Frkal, PhD, Dean of The Graduate School

Our celebration of 50 years of graduate education at Nichols College reflects a rich history. It also marks a visionary transformation exemplified by the recent renaming of the department from Graduate and Professional Studies to The Graduate School at Nichols College, highlighting the integral role of graduate programs in the institution’s identity.

Experiential education

The Graduate School has been strategically aligned with the college’s broader mission and vision. At its core lies a commitment to experiential education, responding to the ever-changing demands of the modern workforce. A commitment that goes beyond academic preparation and emphasizes the importance of practical, hands-on learning to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Our world-class faculty members are top academics, industry experts, and seasoned professionals who provide a wealth of real-world insights. This fusion of academic rigor and practical wisdom creates a learning environment that ensures students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the confidence to tackle challenges, the self-awareness to navigate diverse professional landscapes, and the resilience to thrive in the face of adversity.

Accessible and adaptable

The Graduate School offers flexible, location-independent online programs that accommodate diverse life circumstances. In addition to our traditional graduate degree programs, The Graduate School aims to provide a comprehensive suite of certificates and not-for-credit professional

development programs. These offerings cater to professionals and organizations seeking targeted skill enhancement and specialized knowledge in a rapidly evolving job market, without the time commitment of a full degree program, making advanced education more accessible and adaptable to meet individual and organizational development needs.

A strong network

Recognizing that success extends beyond obtaining a degree, The Graduate School provides personalized career support. We understand that networking is a crucial driver of career success in today’s competitive landscape and are committed to nurturing an extensive alumni network that creates a collaborative community and allows individuals to leverage professional connections and adapt to the dynamic landscape of career advancement.

With a firm foundation and a visionary outlook, The Graduate School at Nichols College is well-positioned to lead the way in shaping the future of graduate education. Our vision extends beyond providing education to empowering individuals to thrive in a dynamic global marketplace, contributing meaningfully to organizations, and making positive social impacts. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we look forward to continuing our legacy of making a lasting impact on the lives of our students, the success of organizations, and the broader society for the next 50 years and beyond.

Specialized knowledge

From working as a data protection officer to a vice president and chief information security officer, to an adjunct professor and media host, Sam Curry has utilized his Master of Science in Counterterrorism in myriad ways.

In 2018, Curry was working as a data security officer when he chaired the state municipality committee. At the meeting, the Nichols dean asked him to advise the graduate program at Nichols. From there he went from serving as an advisor to becoming an enrolled student. It was a program he found very helpful. “I travel a lot so I appreciated that I could do it remotely. I was able to fit it into my life. In addition, the teachers are world-class and are intimately involved in the counterterrorism and the international security world,” he adds.

While Curry had a great deal of cyberterrorism experience when he entered the program, its impact extended beyond the technical aspects. “The MSC program changed how I conduct research and my own understanding of wider global security. Now when I have to write articles and speak at engagements, I am speaking from knowledge. It has provided me with more opportunities to be quoted and to have bylines.” In fact, Curry has published 56 articles in Forbes Magazine and written an extensive library of

articles with topics such as “Game Theory Applied” and “Cybercrime.” His media involvement also extends to appearances in two documentaries: The Defenders, a film about cybersecurity threats, and Werner Herzog’s Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World, an exploration of the internet and its start.

From a technical perspective, Curry is blazing the path there as well with more than 16 patents, inventions and technical firsts, ranging from “Managing User Access with Mobile Device Posture” to “Software License Management with Drifting Code.”

Curry’s experience has come full circle. He is giving back to students as an adjunct faculty member in undergraduate and graduate level teaching courses such as “Cyber” and “Cyberterrorism” at Nichols and other local educational institutions. He also continues his dedication to service at Nichols where he currently serves as chair of the advisory council for graduate studies.

Practical skills

After 15 years of working in brand and product marketing positions, Helena Silva entered the Nichols MBA Program with an emphasis on marketing. For Silva, it was the right time with the right focus. “I was really looking for flexibility and affordability. Being able to balance my studies with work and family commitments was important to me. Nichols’ online classes enabled me to do that.”

In addition, Silva appreciated the opportunity to network and maintain connections from the program. The MBA Program enabled her to acquire a diverse set of skills through real life examples and to benefit from the program faculty’s expertise. These skills

prepared her for founding her current company, BENT&BREE.

The company was started by coincidence, says Silva. “I struggled to find eco-friendly and stylish baby items. Coming from Portugal, which is the largest exporter of cork, motivated me to design a product made from cork. Eventually friends, colleagues, and even strangers started asking me about where I got it. They were intrigued by the material. As a result, I expanded to other styles and accessories.”

“I didn’t know it was going to be so popular. The company is all about sustainability, being good to the environment and providing affordable luxury,” Silva states. Fortunately, the company started out strong. “We had our first event and did well. I realized I could do something more,” she adds.

The BENT&BREE brand aims to challenge the traditional norms of the fashion industry and prove that eco-consciousness and luxury can go hand in hand. “By using cork as a renewable and biodegradable source, we can celebrate the beauty and versatility of this natural material,” says Silva. From one product, the company has expanded into offering vegan handbags, jewelry, and home and hospitality products.

Given the amount of time she spends on marketing the products, conducting focus groups, and performing trend analysis before the launch of a new product, Silva is putting the skills gained from her master’s program to good use in ways that will ensure the growth and continued viability of BENT&BREE.

Empowerment

Sandra Coker has been an entrepreneur/ manager for more than 30 years. Her career has spanned from being a restaurant manager and a senior level staffing placement specialist to owning a fitness center.

Coker’s journey to career success began in the professional development/training industry. While working in the field, she quickly realized a crucial missing element: genuine engagement and practicality. Disillusioned by “Death by PowerPoint,” she envisioned a more vibrant and effective way to empower professionals.

However, after evaluating her career development, Coker realized she could benefit from some additional education. “I met a Nichols recruiter through a Chamber of Commerce event. She described the Master of Organizational Leadership program and how doable it was. When I enrolled, I thought ‘I’m not going to be able to finish this. I will do what I can,’ but I just kept at it. I loved it.”

“The degree gave me confidence in talking with clients,” she adds. “It helps to have the letters at the end of your name. In addition, one of the major benefits of the program was an improvement in my writing. I learned how to write a variety of communication materials including proposals and contributions to articles.”

In December 2019, after she earned her degree, Coker started Human Power Solutions, a leadership and professional development company. Its goal is to offer clients more choices in creating the ideal customized training program for their employees. “We work with a variety of companies. Nichols professors helped prepare me for that, by offering me a larger world view, teaching me how to access different cultures and exposing me to companies with diverse communication styles.”

In addition to founding her training business, Coker also uses her communication skills to benefit several community organizations. She currently serves on several boards and mentors women through the Center for Women and Enterprise. She’s giving back to Nichols as well. In the fall of 2024, she plans on teaching an employee engagement class.

Career advancement

As a law enforcement professional with 15 years of experience as a supervisor and leader, Jonathan Sylvester faced a major decision in 2023 — to take a position as a lieutenant in the Connecticut State police or accept a position on the Connecticut Counterterrorism Task Force.

Fortunately, he was well-prepared for the decision as a result of completing his master’s degree in counterterrorism at Nichols. Sylvester first attended grad school 20 years ago. “It has been a huge difference bringing my level of

experience to the program. I could relate to the topics being taught. Having professors who have worked or are working in the field is a major advantage. They are invested in the program and the topics they are teaching. They definitely sparked my interest and kept it throughout the whole program,” he says.

Having a master’s degree also helped Sylvester make contacts in the counterterrorism field. “While going through the program and learning about counterterrorism, I met with the FBI regarding threats to the Connecticut legislature.” From there, Sylvester was selected to be part of the task force which investigates domestic terrorism and incidents involving weapons of mass destruction.

As a full time task force officer for the FBI, Sylvester supports the organization’s mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution by collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies to investigate, prevent, and disrupt domestic terrorist activities and threats.

“Fortunately, working with the FBI, a much larger organization, provides the opportunity to make a difference on a much larger level — doing something on a grand scale,” he states.

Virtual and Reality click in the classroom

Nichols sets sights on new frontiers in educational technology

by Kevin Mentzer, PhD, Dean of Innovation, Research, and Experiential Learning

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are not a passing technological fad. They represent the ever-growing field of eXtended Reality (XR), whereby the physical and virtual can mesh together. It is an ever-evolving toolset in the expanding pedagogical toolbox of educators. VR/AR, properly employed, increases understanding and student engagement by adding realism and authenticity to the classroom experience.

Recognizing the learning accelerant that this advanced technology provides, Nichols College has embarked on an

exciting journey to integrate VR/AR into the core curriculum. This transformative initiative, supported by the acquisition of 150 Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 headsets through a generous grant from the Department of Education is providing an exhilarating new method of knowledge delivery.

Why VR?

Virtual Reality offers a unique, immersive learning experience that traditional methods cannot match. The term virtual reality was coined in 1987 by Jaron Lanier, whose research and inventions helped launch the new technology. Early versions of Lanier’s products and ideas were adopted by the Department of Defense, NASA, and

the National Science Foundation. Today, VR usage has expanded into the entertainment, gaming, manufacturing, and travel industries. The power of the VR technology wave is also being harnessed at all educational levels, from pre-K to graduate schools. Nichols College is now riding that wave.

VR eliminates boundaries. Geographic location is no longer relevant. A student wearing a VR head-mounted display can “travel” to any place on earth, or space, safely and comfortably. The student can also engage with an unlimited audience of peers or mentors; the number of participants is only limited by access to the VR hardware and operational WiFi. It is this

interactive engagement with a “virtual” community that most excites Nichols faculty. VR helps to expand the classroom beyond the confines of bricks and mortar. Equipped with the VR headset, students have the illusion of “being there” with their movements and voice transmitted through the motion sensors and microphones of the virtual system. In this way, the user can travel along the Amazon River, tour an Amazon distribution center, or chat with a virtual Jeff Bezos. The possibilities are only limited by the creativity and vision of the students and their instructors, and we know that the Nichols faculty have no limits on their creativity and imagination.

Significant to VR engagement is the aspect that students can practice skills, explore complex concepts, and engage with content in a safe space, a space where they can experiment and learn from their mistakes.

Piloting VR in Effective Speaking

The Effective Speaking course at Nichols College is the first to benefit from this technological infusion. Cathy Temple, assistant professor of communication, has launched our pilot, giving her students the opportunity to practice public speaking using the tool VirtualSpeech. Traditionally, mastering public speaking skills involves practicing in front of an audience, a scenario that can be daunting for many. However, with VR technology, students can now simulate speaking engagements in various settings, receive immediate feedback,

and refine their skills without the pressure of a live audience. This innovative approach not only boosts confidence but also offers a personalized learning experience, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Students in Professor Temple’s class have been given headsets that don’t require a PC to operate. This affords the student the capability to practice in their residence hall, in the library, or anywhere else they feel comfortable. We expect to roll the technology across all sections of Effective Speaking starting this fall.

The impact of VR on learning outcomes

Integrating VR into the curriculum is expected to have a profound impact on learning outcomes. The immersive nature of VR engages students more deeply than conventional teaching methods, fostering a more profound understanding and retention of the material. Furthermore, VR’s interactive environment encourages active participation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, all of which are crucial in today’s fast-paced world.

Faculty training and curriculum integration

To ensure the successful implementation of VR technology, Nichols College is offering grants to faculty to assist in developing VR-based curriculum for their classes. All faculty can opt to play with and learn about VR. Adjunct Professor Adam Patterson will oversee the rollout across campus while also managing a team of student workers responsible for exploring how the various departments could utilize VR. The curriculum is being thoughtfully designed to leverage VR’s potential fully, ensuring that it complements traditional learning methods and aligns with the course objectives.

Academic prospects

The pilot program in Effective Speaking is just the beginning of the college’s VR

journey. With the potential to transform various disciplines, VR technology is poised to become a cornerstone of the college’s educational offerings. Future applications could range from business negotiations with a partnered university in India, sales of real estate from virtual walk-throughs of properties, virtual labs in science courses, and immersive historical simulations in history classes, crime scene analysis for criminal justice, and interview preparation through the Career and Professional Development Center. Once the faculty has the powerful tech tool of VR in their hands, they will build out the limitless possibilities for enhancing student learning and engagement. Faculty will also be launching research initiatives to better understand the impact VR can have on student learning and development.

Community and industry engagement

The initiative has not only impacted students and faculty but also attracted attention from the broader educational community and industry partners. By pioneering the use of VR in education, the college is setting a benchmark for others to follow, potentially influencing the broader adoption of VR in educational settings. Collaboration with industry partners can also provide real-world applications and content, further enriching the learning experience.

The introduction of VR technology at Nichols College represents a significant milestone in the college’s mission to provide a cutting-edge, comprehensive education. By embracing this innovative technology, Nichols is not only enhancing the learning experience for its students but also preparing them for success in an increasingly digital world. As the college continues to explore and expand its VR offerings, it stands at the forefront of an educational revolution, one that promises to reshape the landscape of higher education.

Students practice Effective Speaking using VR headsets.

Abrianna Vazquez: Making each day count

by David Tuttle

On January 6, 2024, senior guard Abrianna Vazquez displaced Nichols Hall of Famer Linda Rose ’92 as the program’s all-time leading scorer, breaking a record that stood for nearly 30 years, with a 25-point performance in an 88-83 win at the University of New England.

For Vazquez, a two-time Commonwealth Coast Conference All-Conference honoree multi-time MVP and a threetime Player of the Week selection, passing Rose’s long-standing record of 1,483 points reflects on her success as a collegiate player, despite facing a few challenges on her four-year journey to the top.

Prior to making her collegiate debut, Vazquez faced one of her largest challenges as a senior in high school. Even so, she was able to forge her path and eventually made her way to the small Dudley campus here on the Hill, where she immediately found her second home.

“I went through a lot with the new coach from my senior year,” says Vazquez, “I went from being a starter to not seeing the floor. I ended up quitting and had genuine doubts about my future as a player.” She credits Coach MaryLynn Skarzenski ’09, a Nichols Hall of Fame member herself: “She saw my potential and what I could bring to the program. If it wasn’t for her recruiting efforts and showing how much I could make a difference, I wouldn’t be playing today. I was able to continue my journey and prove to people that I will be better and do things people thought I couldn’t.”

In her freshman season, Vazquez, along with the entire women’s basketball program, faced a 2020-21 season filled with a magnitude of uncertainty. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the normal playing schedule was narrowed down to just ten games, with no playoffs or championships to contend for. Still, Vazquez remained dedicated to her mission.

“I was nervous, but I had the mentality that I was going to do whatever it took to be the go-to player,” she states. “The adversity I dealt with put a chip on my shoulder and made me want to push as

hard as I could and not give anyone an excuse not to go the distance alongside me.”

For Vazquez and the Bison, a sense of normalcy returned the following season, but another challenge arose with a change of leadership at the helm. Effective September 10, 2021, Dan Nagle was brought on as the 21st head coach in the program’s history, and with him, a new approach and culture to the program.

“When I first got to Nichols, I wasn’t familiar with many of the players, but quickly realized that the heart and soul of the program was Abrianna,” recalls Nagle. “You notice her ability on the court the second you see her play, but more compelling than even that was her personality. Even as a sophomore, she was the leader of that team and every team we’ve had since. People gravitate to her and follow her lead blindly, and her influence on the program is undeniable. It didn’t take me long to realize that.”

In his first season with the program, Nagle coached Vazquez and the Bison to a 10-17 overall record for their most successful season in eight years. Vazquez went on to lead the CCC in multiple statistical categories, including points per game (20.1) and steals (108), in addition to hitting double-figure scoring in all but three contests. Upon completing the season, Vazquez was bestowed with CCC All-Conference Second Team honors, closing the cover on her first full collegiate season.

Vazquez’s junior season was filled to the brim with multiple program records, including a career-best 45-point performance against in-conference rival Salve Regina University, most three-point field goals (61), single-season points scored (592), and single-season free throws made (121). However, none meant as much to the junior guard as setting both a career and program record with 45 points against Salve Regina on January 18, where the team bested the Seahawks, 103-94.

“I wish I could go back and relive it,” she says. “What was even crazier about that game was that I didn’t even realize how much I was scoring. It felt amazing because I felt I was still playing unselfishly, and to go get that win and be able to produce that well was remarkable.”

One other game stood out among the rest in Vazquez’s junior campaign, which came just three days after her record-setting performance against Salve. On January 21, in their matchup against Curry College, Vazquez made it official as the 13th player in program

history to eclipse 1,000 career points. However, with one season still on the horizon, Vazquez continued to seek ways of improving both herself and those around her.

“Going into this summer I had different goals for myself and the team. I focused on things I lacked as well as things that I wasn’t comfortable doing, and I think with that came a different level of grind and focus as well as discipline. I was proud of my growth as a senior, and I believed that the reason I have gotten all these accolades and playing the way I have been comes from the work behind closed doors.”

While the 2023-24 season ended with a CCC quarter-final loss to Roger Williams University on February 20, the Bison have been able to bask in the glow of their strongest season in nine years. Vazquez reflects on her collegiate career and the team she credits with having helped her every step of the way: “The main thing that I would like to acknowledge is that I wouldn’t be where I am today without my teammates and the support system I have had from my family and friends. When I had my days of not feeling up to it or just feeling down, they have played a pivotal role in motivating me to stay the course and I am utterly grateful for them.”

Coming home to the Hill will make you happy

by Chrissy (Savastano) Manzi ’92 Director of Alumni and Family Engagement

Every morning, I drive to work on the tree-lined DudleyOxford Road before approaching those familiar brick buildings of the Nichols campus and am vividly reminded of a life decades prior.

Alumni often refer to Nichols as “Home on the Hill.” No one has ever questioned this; we believe because many alumni considered Nichols their home at one time. There is comfort when thinking of being “home.” A feeling of nostalgia — defined as a sentimental longing for affection of the past and has been known to create positive feelings and emotions. For Nichols alumni, that connection can come from driving past Park ’n Shop on the way up Airport Road or passing through Woodstock by the red barn with the American flag, which always seemed freshly painted.

For those who are not as sentimental as I am, one might recall a simpler time in life, reliving the shenanigans of your youth or marveling at the differences in life as we now know it.

This past year, the college hosted over a dozen alumni events both on and off campus. Homecoming weekend last fall welcomed nearly 500 alumni and guests. Traditional tailgating had the usual festive vibe in the end zone and Lot M. Classmates celebrating multiple reunions met for breakfast, played in the corn hole tournament, and went to the new

Bison Den before and after the game. Current students were seen driving our Golden Bison on golf carts to their destinations. Everyone looked…happy.

At a recent alumni gathering in New Haven, classmates from 2015 and 2016 couldn’t stop smiling as they recalled campus life, claiming their four years “might have just been the best.” Then there are the strong bonds of the 1960s and 1970s — a special group for sure, who helped lay a path for future Bison. They often talk about their most memorable professors, having to dress up to go to the dining hall, and how the forestry group would provide fresh venison whenever a grill was available. The stories are endless, and we love that.

Maybe your Nichols experience does not evoke feelings of nostalgia. Reconnecting can still be advantageous. Recognizing change and growth in yourself, and others, can be powerful and lead to new opportunities.

Upon returning to the Hill for his 50th class reunion last September, Andy Rich

’73 recalls a “spirit and energy” and an immediate “vibe.” “The spirit was evident when I began to see the large crowd of alumni entering the campus. Everyone was dressed in Nichols gear and excited to be back on campus,” he says. “I met alums from other classes and bonded immediately. At the football game, there was more bonding between young and old. We all had a wonderful time…. I truly felt welcome in the place that I had called home for four wonderful years.”

When the next opportunity to reconnect with Nichols comes your way, I hope you say yes and make a plan. Allow yourself to be consumed with the positive effects of social connections — you will be glad you did. And just like your family during the holiday season, we eagerly wait for you to come home.

We look forward to celebrating class years ending in 4 and 9 this coming fall at homecoming weekend. Can’t make it in September? A complete list of alumni events can be found on our website alumni.nichols.edu. Can’t make any of those dates? Plan your own Nichols reunion. Reach out to your classmates and make it happen.

Bison gather at the newest watering hole.

Alumni bonds are renewed at homecoming.

1972

Class Champion: Mark Alexander mark1alex12@gmail.com

1973

Class Champion: Jay Reese (508) 359-7862 wjay.reese@gmail.com

1974

Class Champion: Rob Keating keating@echoes.net

Jeffrey Allen retired from Glenwood Management Corp.

1975

Tom Bassett lives in Bloomingdale, GA, on a historic plantation which dates back to the early 1800s. He and his wife Marcie moved from Florida nine years ago after they retired their horses from competition. They now breed and show English Bulldogs. One of them, Demon,

GoldenBison

Roy Garizio ’67 reports: “My wife Sharon and I celebrated our 50th anniversary by taking the kids and grandkids to Italy for two weeks. We started in Rome and then went to Florence where we rented a house. We had a wonderful celebration and created memories that will hopefully last long after we are gone. Remember...life is a gift...don’t return it unopened!”

was Best of Breed at Westminster in 2017; World Dog Show, Amsterdam, in 2018; and again World Dog Show, Shanghai in 2019. After Shanghai, Demon, whose show name is Cappelli Bulls Argentina Rodo, retired to the farm.

1978

Tom Sleasman shares this update: “Greetings Nichols Family, I am happy to report that I fully retired from work earlier this year and am enjoying the freedom and well-being that has come with this life change. Playing some golf, gardening, hiking the Arizona hills, and in general, just enjoying life. Initially, I was worried that lack of gainful employment would be stressful, but the exact opposite happened, and I don’t miss being on someone else’s to-do list. I hope to be in New England next spring or summer, and if I have a chance will stop by the Hill.”

1980

Dave Rice, pictured with his daughter Kaetlin, was one of more than 100 alumni, parents, and friends who kept warm over the holidays with a Bison not-so-ugly sweater.

1984

Class Champion: Rob Hoey roberthoey@roberthoey.com

1985

Class Champion: John Donahue 609-257-8717 Johndonahue1234@gmail.com

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

Jack Hills ’69 (right) and Rob Savage ’69 caught up for lunch in Florida in January.

Surrounding the winner are, from left, the Westminster judge, Demon’s handler Julie Crook and Marcie Bassett.

1986

Dave Bedard, a Nichols College trustee, received the David F. Lombard ’65 Outstanding Alumnus Award at the college’s annual alumni reception in Naples, FL, in February.

1988

Robert Byrne is the new CEO for Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. A seasoned real estate professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry, he previously served as the vice president of affiliate services at Sotheby’s International Realty, where he worked closely with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty and facilitated growth for firms in the Northeast and Canada. He was the senior VP of marketing and general brokerage at a boutique Boston real estate firm and owned a Century 21 franchise.

1989

Class Champion: Stacey Kiely Stkiely@meditech.com

Steve Gallo was named general manager for North America for New Era Cap LLC after a global search. Gallo was most recently president of the recovery footwear brand OOFOS. Based out of the company’s Buffalo corporate headquarters, he will lead all product, marketing, and commercial efforts in New Era Cap’s largest region, comprising the U.S. and Canada markets.

1991

Class Champion: Donna Meeker donnameekeremail@gmail.com

1992

Class Champion: Keith Hofbeck khofbeck@comcast.net

Cindy (Pekala) Trocki, a realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty since June 2022, is based in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Amid the global pandemic, she undertook a career shift driven by a passion for real estate. She also writes: “… My husband and I were married in 1992. In adulthood, our journey continued, residing in Auburn, Northborough, and Shrewsbury where we raised our boys their entire lives and are still raising our youngest daughter, and spending time in East Lyme, CT. Currently, my husband works remotely for a Tampa-based company, allowing us to consider a place to call home there as well. My ultimate goal is to explore new places to call home…. I share these updates with my fellow alumni, recognizing Nichols’ pivotal

role in shaping the person I am today. Nichols serves as a steadfast anchor, inspiring me to seek out my needs and desires, realizing dreams by embracing all that life has to offer. I remain open to new and amazing opportunities through the connections I forge.”

1994

Class Champion: Danielle Troiano Sprague daniellesjj@gmail.com

1995

Class Champion: Tara Medeiros tara629@verizon.net

1996

Kelly Bliss was appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Second District Advisory Council. The Council, comprised of senior business leaders, provides the New York Fed president and New York Fed leadership with high-level insights about business and economic conditions in the Second District. Bliss is the president of U.S. Group Health at Teladoc Health, a telemedicine and virtual healthcare company.

Mary Beth Jokela MBA was promoted to executive vice president, chief operating officer

1986

at Rollstone Bank & Trust. A 30-year veteran in the finance industry, she has been with RBT since 2020. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Bentley University, with further education at the banking schools at University of Colorado Boulder and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

1997

Mike Smith MBA was named executive vice president and sector manager of the Army and Marine Corps Sector for DCS Corporation. To the role, he brings nearly three decades of engineering and management for the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center. His experience also includes seven years as an electrical engineer supporting C4ISR, automated test and Vetronics programs at the Automated Systems Division of RCA/GE/ Martin Marietta, and eight years in the Air National Guard as a cryptographic technician for tactical communications systems.

E.J. Landry ’86, with matching funds from the Deloitte Foundation, has committed more than $100,000 to support student recruitment and academic enhancement of the accounting and finance programs at Nichols College. A retired partner at Deloitte, Landry is a seasoned financial expert and risk and controls expert with significant experience auditing and consulting with companies in the life sciences (med device), technology and manufacturing industries, working with some of Deloitte’s largest clients over his 34 years there. He recently served a three-year term as co-chair of the Nichols Board of Advisors and has volunteered for and supported several initiatives. In 2015, Landry was given the Alumni Achievement Award.

2001

Class Champion: David Twiss 978-979-7658 David.twiss14@gmail.com

Gary Cedrone was appointed vice president, area manager, for Fidelity Bank. He will be responsible for overseeing the operations at the bank’s Leominster Connector and Main Street locations. He previously served as vice president at Bank of America.

Adam Perry joined Fair Haven Union High School in Rutland, VT, as varsity head football coach. He has been on the Fair Haven football staff since 2011 and has served as the team’s defensive coordinator since 2016.

2002

Class Champion: John Larochelle john.larochelle1@gmail.com

2003

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

2004

Class Champion: Justin Shepard shep@therevivalfarm.com

2005

Class Champion: Melissa Jackson msmeljackson@gmail.com

A note from Cheryl (Costopulos) Brennan: “Hello Bison! Hope everyone is doing well! My son Jack, our youngest, turned 2 years old in January. My oldest son Paul will be turning 4 in July. Got my MBA in 2019 from Endicott College. We live on the North Shore in

Beverly, MA. Looking forward to summer and our beach days with our boys!”

Samatha Dubois married Ryan Briggs in August 2022. Guests included members the Class of 2005.

2006

Class Champion: Erica Boulay erica.boulay@hotmail.com

2005

An update from Melissa Jackson: “Hello Class of 05!

In late 2021 my husband and I welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Jackson Derby Day. About five weeks later, I defended my dissertation and officially became Dr. Melissa A. Jackson. This year I transitioned into a full-time tenure track assistant professor position in the Early Childhood Special Education Graduate Program at Hunter College in New York City.

As you can see, I am still here

1987

Nichols College Trustee James Brown ’87 and Berkshire Bank have contributed a combined grant of $15,000 to support the Institute for Women’s Leadership. Brown, who is senior executive vice president/head of commercial banking for Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc., saw an opportunity to align the initiatives of the IWL with the bank’s community programs, particularly those that promote financial stability and equality for women and underserved individuals.

2007

Class Champion: Meaghan (Larkin) Sheehan meaglark@gmail.com

2008

Class Champion: Nicole Curley nsc3129@gmail.com

Rob Fitzpatrick is the owner/ CEO of Landscaping That Fitz Inc., now in its second season.

2009

Jessica McGarry was promoted to first vice president, team lead, for the commercial lending division in the East, at Country Bank, which she joined in 2017. She has more than 20 years of experience in financial services, specializing in commercial

lending. In 2014, she received the Worcester Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award.

in NYC (for life) and we live in a beautiful community in the northwest Bronx.

Let’s go Yankees!”

Nate Smith ’86 and his son Zac Smith ’14 have created an endowed scholarship at Nichols College. Nate, who has been involved in the metal and plastic industry for over 30 years, is the co-founder and owner of the Worcester-based Absolute Group of Companies: Absolute Haitian Corp., Absolute Robot Inc., Absolute Haitian Precision, Absolute Haitian Die Cast, Absolute Machinery Corp., and Williston Asset Management. Zac serves as national accounts manager at Absolute Haitian. The Nathan K. ’89 and Zachary D. ’14 Smith Endowed Scholarship Fund will support an incoming first-year student studying business or marketing.

s

Blending business and art for a unique career path

Lynn Thibault ’20

Lynn Thibault ’20 says her storytelling abilities have roots in her early years. She arrived in America as a child from Haiti, along with thousands of others, after a devastating earthquake in 2010.

“I came here when I was 12. I was traumatized by the earthquake,” Thibault recalls, noting that she relocated from Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, to Worcester with her mother and sisters.

Her arrival to a new country was, of course, life-changing; her impulse was to document it all — her family’s journey to the U.S., milestone moments from their life in Massachusetts.

Back then, she might never have guessed that her photography work would be featured in museum exhibitions and art publications, or that she’d forge the career in media production she has today.

“This work was personal for me before it became an art form or a business venture.”

She says the building blocks of her life today all came together at Nichols.

As an immigrant herself, Thibault says she was never shy about sharing her story with friends and classmates, which helped her to develop a passion for conversations on diversity and belonging. Then, as a junior-year marketing major preparing for a career in social media and media production, she took on a marketing internship at ArtsWorcester, a contemporary art gallery located in Worcester, Mass. There, she discovered a new desire to pursue a career in professional art and uplift the stories and works of fellow BIPOC emerging artists.

Her obvious talent and the documentary style of her photography, which centers and celebrates the black experience, received instant recognition. Her first opportunity to showcase her work was at a group exhibition at ArtsWorcester in 2019; not long thereafter, her work Portrait of Arielle-Sovely was featured at the Fitchburg Art Museum.

At the same time, Thibault’s storytelling abilities in a range of mediums were being nurtured by her experiences at Nichols, both inside and outside of the classroom. She says that’s when everything started to come together to form the foundation for Unabridged Media, her media production company. She started to get paying clients for her photography, video, and social media services as a Nichols student. She then launched Unabridged Media after graduating from Nichols with her marketing degree in 2020.

The company offers media production, digital strategy, and arts programming services. She works with her own team and travels between New York City, Boston, and Worcester to see clients, who include commercial entities, fashion brands, restaurants, beauty brands, nonprofits, artisans, artists, and others.

She also continues to pursue her career as an artist. Her work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions and publications, and she revels in the dual nature of her career path. “Most creatives choose to either pursue a career in commercial photography or professional art — but I’m doing both,” she says, noting that ideally someday she’d like the worlds to merge.

For that effort and her current success, Thibault says she is grateful

for her Nichols degree. “I have the business acumen as an artist, which is very rare in this space. My friends who went on to study art history would say to me, ‘I don’t know anything about running an art business or the business side of creativity.’ Now more than ever, I’m telling younger emerging artists to go to business school.”

Looking ahead, she plans to partner with fellow creatives and local arts organizations to develop a range of arts programming for working artists and teens through her creative space For, By, About US. She was recently awarded a grant from the Worcester Arts Council to support this effort and is excited about what the future holds.

“My time at Nichols truly set me up for success. I received hands-on training, practical advice and unwavering support from the staff and faculty members who served as mentors for me. I shared my vision with them, and they advised me along the way,” says Thibault.

For more on Lynn Thibault’s work, visit lynnaurelie.com

— Denise Kelley

Lynn Thibault, owner of Unabridged Media, successfully combines art and business.

2010

Class Champion: Katelyn Vella-Maresca katelyn.vella@yahoo.com

2011

Class Champion: Alie Hallam aliemchal@gmail.com

Matthew Nash was promoted to partner at the accounting firm of Meyers Brothers Kalicka PC. Since joining the firm in 2011, he has focused on audit, review and compilation engagements and playing a pivotal role in the commercial, not-for-profit audit, and pension engagement teams. In his time at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, Nash has advanced from an intern to a senior manager and now to a partner.

2013

Class Champion: Ryan Flavin aliemchal@gmail.com

2014

Rick Batenburg was featured in 5280 Magazine for his founding of the Breckenridge Vipers, a Senior A hockey team in Colorado.

Co-chairs named

2015

Class Champions: Andrew Haas & Mike Ricci andrewhaas3@gmail.com michaeljamesricci@gmail.com

Andrew Haas, associate director of leadership giving at Boston College and public address announcer for the Boston College Eagles men’s basketball, was selected as the public address announcer for NCAA March Madness at the TD Garden for the 2024 Men’s Basketball East Regional Semi-final and Final.

2016

Class Champion: Stacie Converse converse.stacielee@gmail.com

1987

As president and CEO of Webster First Federal Credit Union, Michael Lussier MBA ’87 facilitated a grant that enabled Nichols to send veterans to the Student Veterans of America National Convention for the first time. The convention, held in Nashville, Tenn., is the largest gathering of student veterans from 1,600 college campuses across every state in the country. Veteran Club members Chris Charity, John Merrill, Megan Brown, and April Girardin were able to share ideas, best practices, and network with student veterans, military-connected students, their families, supporters, and allies, as well as corporate, government, and nonprofit partners. “None of this would have been possible without the generosity from our sponsors, Webster First Federal Credit Union,” said Charity. “Their dedication to supporting veterans in the next stage of their life is truly patriotic, and we greatly appreciate their support!”

Sean Glavin ’06 and Katelynn Havener Mochun ’12 MBA ’17 were named co-chairs of the Nichols College Board of Advisors, to begin a three-year term in April.

A general business major and two-sport athlete, Glavin earned an MPA and MBA at Worcester State University and UMass Lowell. He served as assistant superintendent/CFO in the Billerica, MA, school system and currently is an executive vice president at Lockton in Boston. In addition, Glavin is a co-founder of the Boston HR Council, the NJ HR Council, and the Ledgers Society and sits on the board of the New England Compensation Consortium.

A Nichols business communication and MBA graduate with a certificate in leadership, Mochun is a customer journey professional with experience in both the higher education and startup and large technology sectors. At Nichols, she served as director of admissions, Institute for Women’s Leadership mentor, and adjunct professor, and is now the North America customer success team lead for PTC’s Education Program.

Crusaders for cleaner cannabis consumption

Jay Rush ’09, Dan Rush ’12, Maria Testa ’12 MBA ’13

In fall 2012, Nichols College Magazine caught up with Jay Rush ’09 and Dan Rush ’12, a pair of enterprising brothers who had just won $15,000 in a new product innovation competition for ShoutBot, an iPhone app that allowed users to transmit voice messages. While the product didn’t ultimately take off, it turned out that these entrepreneurs were just getting started.

Today, they, along with fellow graduate Maria Testa ’12 MBA ’13, are the founders of Moose Labs, a product innovation company for the cannabis industry, which is listed as the 675th fastest growing company in the United States on the Inc. 5000. With 875 percent revenue growth since its launch in 2019, the company took the #21 spot on the list’s Pacific Region, owing its impressive rise to a doctorendorsed MouthPeace and Filters for safer and hygienic communal cannabis consumption. Following the pandemic, Moose Labs saw a 9000 percent increase in sales.

Like many start-ups, Moose Labs comes from modest beginnings. The brothers began experimenting with 3D printing to make products which they would sell at various cannabis farmers’ markets and events. While they were attending one of the industry’s largest events, the High Times Cannabis Cup in Denver, they noticed various vendors handing out samples of their cannabis using communal smoking devices. They learned one such company gave out over 10,000 “hits” during the three-day event. What Dan and Jay found “pretty amazing,” Maria found “pretty disgusting.” It took a

lot of convincing from Maria, but after a few months they decided to begin R&D for a new mouthpiece to prevent people from making contact with a shared smoking vessel.

Maria had moved to Los Angeles in 2014 and, shortly after, joined Halo Top Ice Cream as one of the company’s first 100 employees. She began to sketch out rough design ideas and Dan and Jay began manufacturing the prototype on their 3D printer and speaking with suppliers. Eventually, as the cannabis industry started to grow and move towards legalization in the West, the brothers moved to Los Angeles to join Maria in 2015 and take the business venture to the next level. In 2019, after several iterations and a few years, the company introduced a redesigned mouthpiece and a filter and went from having $0 in e-commerce sales, to $500 per day, and then to $5,000 per day, continuing to climb steadily.

How did they get there? “Honestly, I’d say a lot of failure and a lot of learning from those mistakes,” says Dan. “We knew it wasn’t going to be a smooth ride — it was a grind. It took at least five years to reach profitability. You have to be persistent and can’t be ashamed to switch things up, as long as you are always moving forward.”

“The biggest thing is, as you go, there is nobody telling you what the right and wrong answers are,” adds Maria. “You have to figure it out yourself and not let failure overcome you.” For example, early on a shipment from overseas experienced a customsrelated issue and the team was unable

hire a specialized lawyer to help get the product released, so they had to forfeit the inventory and just keep going.

Then there’s the workload associated with a new business. “When we first started, we would work day and night, assembling inventory, taking orders, packing orders all night, going to trade shows,” says Dan. “I mean, it was just us doing everything.” When the company started to earn a profit, they were able to outsource some of the tedious tasks, such as shipping and email/SMS marketing, to free them up for management of the company.

They carved out an equal division of responsibilities: Jay did marketing and website development; Dan focused on logistics and product design; and Maria took on the branding and social media, which can be challenging because of the state and federal regulations and laws placed on the cannabis industry.

They all agree that Nichols College set them up for success. “Doing a lot of case studies and SWOT analyses for companies really put me in the right mindset to create a company,” asserts Jay. Dan, who appreciated the small-school focus, adds, “The overall

Innovators in a growing industry, MouthPeace entrepreneurs Dan Rush, Maria Testa, and Jay Rush.

business atmosphere motivated me even though I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do at the time.” On campus, Dan played rugby, and together in 2022 they started the Copper Beech Investment Club with a dozen other Nichols alumni.

Among the brothers’ favorite professors was Larry Downs, who was famous for his Downsisms. “’In business, if you are holding or maintaining, you are dying,’” recites Dan. “We say that to each other probably once a month.” Jay was also mentored by Professor Tim Liptrap in his independent study on running his own company for developing early text messaging campaigns.

Maria, who lived across the hall from Dan and describes their meeting jokingly as “love at first sight,” was a member of the field hockey team and the new 4+1 MBA program.

She was recently interviewed by a Nichols freshman studying entrepreneurship. “It felt great to pay it forward by talking to her about what we do here and hopefully inspire her,” she says. “We don’t often talk about our business’s accomplishments, so it kind of puts things into perspective. It’s easy to feel like we’re still in hustle and grind mode.”

Today, the group enjoys living in California — boating, hiking the canyons, or walking on the beach with their dogs. They often attend industry networking events and trade shows. The brothers just attended a conference in Barcelona to check out operations for the many new consumption lounges in Spain.

It takes a lot of work to bring a company from an idea to steady and consistent growth. While Jay refers to their Inc. 5000 ranking as “mind-blowing,” the three have not let success go to their heads. Says Dan: “It is funny, because sometimes we still think of ourselves as Nichols students.”

— Brent Broszeit

2017

Class Champions: Nicole LaBrack & Gina Petruzzi njlabrack13@verizon.net gmp0626@aol.com

2019

Class Champion: Brian O’Riodan boriordan78@gmail.com

2020

Class Champions: Tyler Kenney & Sarah Coburn tyler.kenney20@hotmail.com sarah.jane.coburn@gmail.com

Brett LoCicero has been promoted to first vice president, facilities and security, at Country Bank, where he has worked for seven years. In addition to his Nichols degree, he is pursuing his PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.

Desiree Rivera was recently sworn in by the Foxboro Police Department. She graduated from the Plymouth Police Academy and is a former police dispatcher in Springfield and Southbridge. She most recently worked for Babson College police as a community service officer.

2021

Class Champion: Spenser Molloy spenserjmolloy@gmail.com

2022

Class Champion: Kayla DeWitt kaylaanndewitt99@gmail.com

Christine Collins and Tyler Dunn are engaged!

Makin’ It Marketing, founded by Tara Ostromecky, earned a spot on the Worcester Business Journal’s Best of Business reader poll for 2024, as the Best New Business in Multimedia. She is a member of the college’s Bison of the Last Decade (BOLD) group and a frequent supporter of alumni and student events.

2023

Class Champions: Deegan Eggleston & MacKenzie Doran deeganeggleston@outlook.com mackenzie.doran2001@gmail.com

2024

Class Champions: Kelley Carlin & Zach Harris

Kelley.Carlin@nichols.edu

Zachary.Harris@nichols.edu

Brooke E. Schloesser

MBA/MSOL ’22 gathers with fellow alumni to celebrate the birth of her baby bison! Baby Carter was born December 10, 2023.

From tee to green: The book that spans a lifetime of golf experiences

Phillip A. Robinson Jr. ’78

Phillip A. Robinson Jr. ’78 likes to point out that, given his initials, PAR, golf was bound to play a role in his life. To just what extent is the subject of his new book, “Life Above Par: A Collection of Adventures and Tales from One Man’s Lifetime of Golf.”

Through vivid, engaging, and relatable stories, the book chronicles Robinson’s 60-year passion for golf, from his introduction to the game in his native Quincy, Massachusetts, to his years at Nichols College, where his interest blossomed, to the thousands of rounds he’s played throughout his career, and beyond.

As a typical round of golf has 18 holes, the book is organized into 18 chapters. “I had probably 50 stories, and I knew 50 was too long,” he says. He found room for the others in sections titled “The Halfway House,” “The 19th Hole,” and an appendix that includes his golfing bucket list, a ranking of courses he has played, and a 12-step guide to successful business golf, which was where the book idea began.

Working with clients in the insurance industry, first at CNA and then at Liberty Mutual, Robinson had the opportunity to play “a lot of golf,” he shares. “Some of the young guys I worked with asked me to write about what I did.” The piece was widely disseminated, taking on a life of its own. “I thought, ‘If I could write one chapter and make it really good, I have a notebook of ideas and stories that I’ve kept for a long time, I might as well keep going.’” Once he retired, he kept it going.

His book encapsulates decades of golf memories and life lessons — playing Pebble Beach for the first time, queuing up at 4 a.m. to play St.

Andrews, proposing to his wife Tina at Old Head in Ireland, building a practice area in his yard, learning to replay golf after an elbow injury, achieving the spectator grand slam, and passing on his love of golf to his sons, Erik and Kurt, a 2016 graduate of Nichols.

Writing the memoir was an “interesting process,” Robinson claims. “I thought I wrote cogently or decently until I finished the rough draft and handed it to a very good friend of mine, a high school English teacher. He handed it back to me after a month with more red lines than I’d ever had on a college paper.”

Once it was published, he feared putting himself “out there,” having the courage to let others read it and being open to criticism or praise. “Overcoming that fear was a much bigger part of doing it than I ever thought it would be.” He takes heart — and pride — in the effort, however. “Most people say they’ve always wanted to write a book, but I read that 99.9 percent never do it because they never get started.”

Robinson has been encouraged by positive reactions to the book and is pleasantly surprised to hear directly from readers, including one of his writing idols, George Peper, and Bruins great Bobby Orr, with whom he’s had golf encounters over the years.

The book has also been well received by his Nichols friends, members of the championship Bison football teams of the ’70s. In Chapter 1 he writes that their demanding practice schedule left little time to play golf in the fall, but they made up for it in the off season, grateful for the adjacent Nichols College Golf Course. Today, those football and golf bonds continue, with an annual Super Bowl/

Phil Robinson is living life above par at the Duddingston Golf Club in Edinburgh, Scotland, one of his many storied adventures.

golf gathering in Texas. “There were 11 guys that were in my class that I played football with that I still see, and text and email with regularly,” he reports. “That’s really cool.”

With the book just released last year, Robinson has already been asked about the next one. “People who know me, and even some who don’t, say, ‘If you did this once, why don’t you do it again.’ Ok, it’s easy for you to say,” he wryly remarks, citing the challenges with writing (and rewriting), marketing, promoting, and selling a self-published book. For now, he’ll just stick to negotiating golf hazards.

— Susan Veshi

Chip in for Nichols!

Phil Robinson will donate a portion of the book sales from now until the Bison Blitz in September to Nichols athletics. Reach out at parjr3388@gmail.com for a signed copy or to let him know you bought the book on Amazon.

Reported as of March 31, 2024

Ronald C. LaRoche Sr. ’49, of Greenfield, MA, March 12, 2024: He enlisted in the U.S. Navy while in high school, later returning to graduate before pursuing an associate degree at Nichols Junior College. He worked for the Massachusetts Highway Department, serving in traffic, as survey party chief, and bridge inspector.

Walter R. Woodruff ’49, of Hanover, NH, January 27, 2024: He served three years active duty in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and completed 35 years as a reservist, retiring with the rank of major. He had a 40-year career in insurance, retiring in 1986.

Milton L. Hallowell ’50, of Cape Elizabeth, ME, February 5, 2024: He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War and a long career in the Maine Air National Guard. He served his country for 42 years, earning the rank of chief master sergeant. He was a donor to Nichols for more than 30 years.

Albert W. Hanlon Jr. ’50, of Palm Harbor, FL, May 4, 2023: He was CEO and owner of Admore Inc., a business that designed and built exhibits for trade shows, which he sold in 1987. He had been a loyal donor to Nichols.

William D. Fowler ’49

William D. Fowler ’49, an avid supporter of Nichols College tennis, died February 4, 2024, in Chester, CT. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and had a long-term career in banking. He was the first CEO of the Rocky Hill Bank & Trust and then executive vice president of Constitution Bank. At Nichols, Fowler was captain of the tennis team and funded a major renovation to the courts during the bicentennial campaign. Predeceased by his wife, Helen Connor, he is survived by a son, daughter, son-in-law and six grandchildren.

Homer W. Jones Jr. ’50, of Dover, NH, January 4, 2024: A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he owned Dudley & Borland Insurance Agency in Harvard Square, retiring in 1988.

Donald A. “Chick” Fiddes ’54, of Webster, MA, November 20, 2023: He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and worked at Cranston Print Works in various roles for 40 years, retiring in 1994.

George W. Penniman ’55, of Webster, MA, June 14, 2023: He was employed by Ethan Allen as an office manager from 1963 to 2000.

Charles M. Lester ’57, of Cottage Grove, OR, January 1, 2024: He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He worked at Ukonom Ranger Station, then for Southern Pacific Land Co., and later in life worked summers at Howard Prairie Resort in Southern Oregon.

Donald D. McPherson Jr. ’57, of Newburyport, MA, October 7, 2023: He joined the U.S. Army Reserve in his senior year of high school and was called to active duty after graduation. He owned the family business, McPherson & Co. Insurance Agency, established in 1845.

Wallace “Wally” Darden ’58, of Longmeadow, MA, January 17, 2024: He and his brother started Allings Sporting Goods in West Hartford, CT.

Arthur Hatfield ’58, of Hague, NY, December 2, 2023: He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone during the Korean War. He worked for General Motors Acceptance Corp. in Albany for 36 years, starting as a field rep and retiring in 1996 as manager of the NYC sales branch.

Theodore W. Anastos ’59, of Hull, MA, October 3, 2023: A veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Okinawa as an army security agent, he owned a family painting contractor business, C.G. Anastos & Sons.

Paul R. Duval ’60, of Beaufort, SC, December 27, 2023: He served in the U.S Army Reserve as a staff sergeant. He held management roles for retailers such as Sears Roebuck, Montgomery Ward, Stop & Shop, Bradlees

and was vice president of personnel at Ann & Hope in Cumberland, RI.

John F. Hines III ’60, of Annapolis, MD, March 8, 2024: He served in the U.S. Army, specializing in air defense and the Nike Missile and achieving the rank of specialist 4.

P. David Junkin II ’61, of Bliss, NY, January 13, 2024: He served in the U.S. Navy and was director of the Buffalo Audubon Society Beaver Meadow Nature Center, retiring in 1998.

Charles L. Kotovic Jr. ’61, of Hartland, WI, December 20, 2023: He was the president of Emerald Yacht-Ship.

David T. Schemm ’61, of Greenville, SC, March 21, 2024: He served as a U.S. Marine and worked in the lumber industry his entire career.

Brian L. McGann ’62, of York Harbor, ME, October 28, 2023: He built several medicalbased businesses and, in retirement, invested in young professionals interested in business ownership in the physical therapy field.

Alex F. Newton ’62, of Oak Bluffs, MA, January 3, 2024: He was a manager and store buyer at Barnard’s department store in Worcester, which was owned by his father for 41 years. He ran the LSN Foundation, a family philanthropy supporting children in need, education, camps, arts, theater, and hospitals.

Peter K. “Pete” Chamberlin ’63, of Beech Mountain, NC, March 27, 2024: He had a career in sales, primarily at Behr Manning, which later became the Norton Co. He was an avid supporter of the Class of ’63 Endowed Scholarship.

Dana A. Jewett Jr. ’63, of Holyoke, MA, February 21, 2024: He served in the U.S.xo Navy in Vietnam, then worked as a banking auditor and for Westside Valet Parking at Bradley Airport.

Cortlandt R. “Cort” Montross ’64, of Berkeley Heights, NJ, February 7, 2024: He worked at Siemens Components in human resources for almost 25 years. He started his own consulting business and then worked in career placement for the New Jersey Department of Labor.

Reported as of March 31, 2024

James A. Oates ’64, of San Antonio, TX, October 12, 2023: He joined the U.S. Air Force and had a military career that brought him all over the world, from Okinawa to Belgium and the Pentagon. He was a loyal supporter of Nichols College for more than 30 years.

John R. Burtt ’65, of Sandown, NH, August 27, 2022: He was a college professor, teaching business management and marketing and spent over 20 years at Plymouth State University, before retiring from Great Bay Community College.

Bradford C. Babb ’66, of Harwich Port, MA, September 30, 2023: He served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Fairbanks, AK, and worked in the home furnishing industry. He was a loyal donor to Nichols College for more than 30 years and an inductee in the Hall of Fame for soccer.

Robert F. Gerbrands ’67, of Bedford, MA, February 8, 2024: He worked at the Gerbrands Corp., a company started by his father, as a financial officer.

Ralph J. Iozzo ’68, of Las Vegas, NV, November 6, 2023: He started his accounting career at American Optical and then worked in Washington, DC, for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Government Accountability Office.

William K. Kaynor III ’68, of Suffield, CT, March 18, 2024: He spent nearly 30 years working as an actuary in the insurance division for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Charles J. Slavis Jr. ’68, of Millersburg, OH, November 5, 2023: He joined the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam, then worked at Slavis Cutter Works in Stratford, CT.

Wayne K. Johnson ’69, of Webster, MA, January 20, 2024: He served in the U.S. Army and worked for Johnson Trucking Co.

Harry A. Klug ’69, of Bonita Springs, FL, October 26, 2023: He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and had a career in sales for 40 years.

Gerard E. LaFleche ’69, of Sturbridge, MA, March 8, 2024: He was a manager at American Optical, the owner of Beacon

Craftsmen, and later worked with Catholic Charities of Southbridge and Worcester and as business manager at Saint Anne-Saint Patrick Parish in Sturbridge.

Donald M. Bennert ’70, of Bow, NH, November 17, 2023: He had a long career in the banking industry, serving at Indian-Head Bank-North, Fleet Bank, Bow Mills Bank, and Merrimack County Savings Bank, from which he retired in 2014 as senior vice president/ commercial loans officer.

Richard C. Demaree ’70, of Berwick, PA, October 30, 2023: He was the owner of the Club Cab Co. of Berwick, which included cab service, bus service, Western Union, and a snack bar, and later became head of security for Tatou, Gaughan and The Supper Club in New York City, and worked as an official for NASCAR.

Dale T. Farmer ’70, of Westborough, MA, August 24, 2023: He managed the Marshalls department store in the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Croix, was a department manager for Sears and Roebuck and a manager at a Koala Inn.

John P. Pelczarski ’70, of Sutton, MA, January 1, 2024: He managed the Department of Environmental Management facilities in Hopkinton, Whitehall, Ashland, Rutland, Moore, Regatta Point, Lake Quinsigamond and Wells state parks, along with the Purgatory Chasm State Reservation and Upton State Forest, and was later appointed district manager of the Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park.

Leo F. Furfey ’71, of West Falmouth, MA, March 14, 2024: He enlisted in the U.S. Marines, rising to the rank of sergeant and spending his last year of duty in Vietnam. He earned a law degree from Southern New England School of Law and spent most of his career working with the Massachusetts Department of Probation.

John G. Steepy ’71, of Penfield, NY, July 30, 2023: He worked in middle management at various manufacturing companies in Rochester, including HR Visions.

Barry D. Hogan ’67

Barry D. Hogan ’67, of Lititz, PA, died October 24, 2023. He was the owner of Hogan and Herr, a real estate development company, and attributed Nichols College for helping him to succeed. A loyal donor for more than 30 years, Hogan created an endowed scholarship in 2010 with a gift of $100,000. At the time, he said, “I recognize that this gift…will carry on in the future, from annuity to perpetuity. That makes it a worthy investment.” The first recipient of the Barry D. Hogan ’67 Endowed Scholarship was Nichols trustee Stefany Mendez ’13 MBA ’16.

Anthony P. Bufalo ’74, of Hopedale, MA, March 21, 2024: He began his accounting career at Catella & Young CPA, then worked for Hood Enterprises before starting his own accounting business, which later became The Payroll Co.

Nelson J. Giordano ’74, of York, ME, June 9, 2023: He worked in finance for retailers, such as Lechmere and Mars Store.

Joseph F. Peak ’74, of Suffield, CT, February 21, 2024: He worked 41 years in the insurance industry, primarily as a commercial underwriting manager at The Hartford and a partner/senior vice president at RC Knox and Peoples United Insurance.

Richard “Rich” Lindgren ’75, of Peabody, MA, October 5, 2023: He was a machinist at Eastman Gelatine Corp.

Daniel R. Bourgault ’77, of North Branford, CT, April 24, 2023: He had a long career as a principal financial systems consultant, retiring in 2014.

Remigio Cibischino ’77, of St. Petersburg, FL, October 7, 2023: He was the owner of Cibi Concrete in Lutz.

Mark D. Klys ’78, of Wells, ME, December 22, 2023: He worked for many years as a computer programmer in the banking industry.

Frank A. Watkins Jr. ’79, of Worcester, MA, January 18, 2024: He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force (Reserves) and was a lead finish inspector and trucker at Wyman-Gordon Co., before retiring after 43 years of service in 2021.

Roger J. Lavallee MBA ’81, of Sturbridge, MA, December 9, 2023: He was a controller and vice president at the E.J. Martin and Co. for 20 years, a staff accountant and office manager at Yankee Spirits, and owned a bookkeeping and tax accountant service. He retired from Wachusett Lumber Co. in 2006, as assistant controller.

Patrick T. Mara ’81, of Lowell, AR, January 4, 2024: Following a lengthy career in international sales, primarily focusing on industrial cleaning products, he founded NWA Cleaning Equipment Inc. with his wife.

Marcia A. (Gromelski) Behrens ’78 MBA ’89

Marcia A. (Gromelski) Behrens ’78 MBA ’89, of St. Helena Island, SC, formerly of Dudley, MA, died February 9, 2024. A CPA, she worked at the Arthur Young accounting firm in Worcester from 1978 to 1982, and then at Bose Corp. in Framingham until 1987 before becoming a faculty member at Nichols for more than 30 years, serving as an associate professor of accounting, MBA Program chair and General Business Program chair. She served on many committees at the college, notably on the Alumni Board and Athletics Hall of Fame, and was a tireless supporter of Nichols ice hockey. Survivors include her significant other, Mark A. Sweeney MBA ’98; a son; a daughter and her fiancé; and a brother.

Mark S. Milewski ’83, of Worcester, MA, December 18, 2023: He worked at C&R Tire for over 30 years.

Ruth T. Bates ’86, of Dayville, CT, February 11, 2024: After raising her family, she returned to the workforce as a secretary at Putnam Grammar School and later became a marketing coordinator for 21 years at Rogers Corp., during which time she earned her Nichols degree.

Brian W. Meagher ’93, of Quinebaug, CT, October 31, 2023: He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and worked as an accountant at Heffernen Press in Worcester for many years until its closure.

Geraldine A. Baeder MBA ’94, of Auburn, MA, December 7, 2023: After a career in banking, she and a friend opened a used book and teacher supply store, the Book Vendor in Dracut, which they owned and operated for nearly 20 years. In retirement, she worked at the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts for 11 years, most recently as the director of finance.

Josephine A. “Jo-Ann” Canty ’94, of Webster, MA, December 9, 2023: She worked as a sorter at the former American Greeting Card Co., a secretary and salesperson at Olektron Co., and an office clerk at RussellHarrington Co., retiring in 2008.

Cynthia L. (Kiwak) Bathgate ’90 MBA ’96, of Oxford, MA, January 24, 2024: A CPA, she worked for Worcester Community Action Council, Shepherd and Goldstein in Worcester, at Job Corps in Grafton, and as office manager for Schmidt Equipment in North Oxford.

John W. Wright ’94, of Oxford, MA, March 25, 2024: He was a project manager at GridIron IT Solutions and also worked for Juniper Networks and for several startup companies setting up their service organizations.

James F. Pogorek MBA ’96, of Lecanto, FL, December 24, 2023: He served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam and spent his entire career of 45 years with the Jamesbury Corp. in many positions before retiring as manager of business process and systems in 2013.

Robert J. “Bobby” Reardon MBA ’00, of Narragansett, RI, February 12, 2024: He was director of the DPW for the town of Wrentham.

Melanie P. (Deem) Rokes ’05, of Spencer, MA, March 11, 2024: She was a talent acquisition consultant at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where she worked for many years.

Jonathan R. Nash ’06, of West Springfield, MA, November 22, 2023: He worked as a salesman for Craft Brewers Guild and was a longtime bartender at Collins Tavern.

Eric Sonnier ’13, of Cherry Valley, MA, January 14, 2024: He served in the U.S. Marines and held several manufacturing jobs, most recently at Saint Gobain.

Nancy J. Riebschlaeger ’15 MBA/MSOL ’18, of Wendell, MA, February 2, 2024: She served in a variety of community service roles, including the Planning Board, the Energy Committee, Broadband Committee, and Technology Committee. In Franklin County, she served on the County Planning Board, as municipal accountant and chief procurement officer for the Town of Orange, as treasurer for the Valley Community Land Trust, treasurer of the Village Co-op, and business manager for Quabbin Mediation Inc.

FACULTY/STAFF

Dr. Kurt Durrschmidt, of Los Angeles, CA, March 6, 2024: He was a professor of psychology and sociology for over 30 years. He became faculty emeritus in 2000 and continued to teach for several years. In addition, he worked as a school psychologist in several school districts in Massachusetts and Connecticut and helped Individuals and families as a psychologist in community mental health.

Adelina S. Gomez, of East Longmeadow, MA, September 29, 2023: She was a former professor of mathematics at Nichols College.

Thomas T. Koller, of Holliston, MA, January 1, 2024: He was an adjunct professor of English and communications and had a 30-plus-year career as a broadcaster at local radio stations.

A love of teaching inspires a professor’s legacy

Rick Hilliard came to Nichols College in 1987, following a successful career as an executive in the insurance and finance industries. Like many Nichols educators, he brought his business acumen and insights from the boardroom to the classroom, and never looked back.

“I loved being a teacher at the college,” he says. “I really believe in Nichols College. I believe in the mission.” That’s why, he adds, he made the decision to join the Colonel Conrad Society by making a provision for Nichols in his estate plans.

Hilliard, who is now associate professor of management, emeritus, taught dozens of management courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, using his own experience to focus students on the practical application of their learning. He shared his passion for entrepreneurial leadership, inviting alumni to campus to counsel aspiring entrepreneurs and curating a special resource collection in the library.

his mobility. Otherwise, he’d still be at it.

“I miss being at Nichols,” he says from the care facility where he resides. “I turn 90 on May 1 and had expected to just keep on going.”

Though the fall permanently confined him to a wheelchair or a walker, it did not break Hilliard’s spirit. He says he’s becoming accustomed to getting around with assistance and has accepted his current circumstance, as “It beats the alternative.”

Outside of the classroom, you could find him at his “second office,” the snack bar in Alumni Hall, dispensing guidance to students in need; meeting with the multiple clubs he advised or the myriad committees he served; cheering on the Bison teams; and even chaperoning students on excursions to China, South Africa, and England.

Hilliard taught full time until 2005 and continued to teach as an adjunct until May 2023 when, at the age of 89, he experienced a fall that severely limited

He writes, takes daily walks, and makes his rounds among the patients and staff, who greet him with a “Hi, Professor.” He is playing a part in major changes that are slated for the facility and was “elected president of the floor,” he says, joking, “I was probably asleep at the meeting because I heard them call my name.” Hilliard also enjoys regular breakfast outings with fellow Nichols emeriti faculty, such as Les Brooks and Richard Valle.

He has received encouraging notes from former students across the country and the occasional graduate he meets at the facility. That level of care and concern between faculty and students is unique to Nichols, Hilliard maintains. He recounts the story of a first-year student who

came to him distraught over her inability to pay for college. Hilliard helped her work it out with Financial Aid as well as get a job in the dining hall. He was moved when the student’s mother approached him at graduation with a hug and a, “Thank you for saving my daughter.”

In addition to joining the Conrad legacy society, Hilliard has been a consistent donor to Nichols, supporting scholarships, athletics, student organizations, and the library. In May, the college presented him with an Honorary Alumnus Award for his service as “a tirelessly engaged member of the Nichols family for nearly four decades.”

“I have no qualms at all about giving to Nichols,” he asserts, then reflects, “Guess that I’m an alumnus now, I’ll have to give more.”

— Susan Veshi

Visit https://alumni.nichols.edu/planned-giving/ or contact the Nichols College Office of Advancement at advancement@nichols.edu for more information.

Professor Hilliard displays his Honorary Alumnus Award, flanked by Nichols President Bill Pieczynski, Kim Krumsiek ’03, who presented the award, and Matthew Krumsiek ’05.

Rick Hilliard

Moments in Time