Nichols College 2012 Summer Magazine

Volume 7, 6, Issue 1 | Summer Summer 2012 2011

NICHOLS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

M E S S A G E

F R O M

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NICHOLS COLLEGE MAGAZINE Volume 7, Issue 1 | Summer 2012

The circle of college life

Life on a college campus is cyclical. When one class graduates, an incoming class is never too far behind. And just as the class of 2012 entered four years ago with excitement and trepidation, eager to learn but unaware of their potential, so too will the class of 2016 arrive in August with hopes, concerns and expectations. But just as the class of 2012 departed in May as more confident, focused, talented and professional individuals, so too will the class of 2016 emerge as better versions of themselves four years from now.

And what happens in between is where the magic occurs.

This transformative process is at the root of the Nichols mission: we create opportunities for today’s students to become tomorrow’s business leaders. Our model of student success is built on a timeless tenet that a dynamic career-focused learning environment will yield graduates who are fully prepared to assume responsibility, face challenges, and make positive contributions to their employers, families and communities.

Our mission is carried out every day by faculty who innovate, challenge and inspire based on their own business experiences (in this issue of Nichols College Magazine, you’ll meet a few of them); through real-life assignments and presentations that demand keen communication and analytic skills as well as presence and poise; by curricular and cocurricular opportunities to learn and lead; and through a pioneering professional development program that gives our students a competitive edge. In short, we give our students the motivation and means to see themselves as professionals.

Recent findings significantly support our model of student success. According to a survey of nearly 1,000 Nichols College alumni, some 40 percent of respondents say they’ve owned or co-owned a business in their careers. Four in ten graduates is impressive.

Also, 96 percent of the respondents feel Nichols prepared them well for their professional endeavors, and when asked what words best describe a Nichols education, three-quarters chose “business-oriented,” followed by “valuable” and “professional.”

So, in this circle of college life, we wish the class of 2012 well and look forward to welcoming the class of 2016 who will inspire and challenge us to ensure that their success is our business.

Dr. Susan West Engelkemeyer

EDITOR Susan Veshi ON CAMPUS EDITOR Ron Schachter VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Bill Pieczynski CONTRIBUTORS Kerry Barnes ’05 MBA '07, Brianne Callahan MOL '11, Julie Errico, Hillary Haynes, Ron Powers ’08 MBA '11, John Prenguber ’73, Ron Schachter, Len Suprise DESIGN Patricia Korch PRINTING Kirkwood Printing / Wilmington, MA COVER PHOTO Dan Vaillancourt / Patrick O’Connor Photography Worcester, MA NICHOLS COLLEGE

PO Box 5000 123 Center Road Dudley, MA 01571-5000 508-213-1560 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., M–F www.nichols.edu Periodicals postage paid at Webster, MA, and additional mailing offices.

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(UPSP 390480) is published three times a year by Nichols College, Dudley, MA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: College Advancement

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CONTENTS

Volume 7, Issue 1 | Summer 2012

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2| 4| 4| 5| 6| 7| 7| 7|

430 students graduate from Nichols College PROFILE: Steve Carella PROFILE: Caroline Monroe Curriculum Female students told to aim high Student showcase draws a crowd You have arrived Survey says. . .

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F E AT U R E S

8 | The right stuff 9| Luanne (Proko) Westerling 9| Marcus Goncalves 10 | Kim Charbonneau 10 | Mauri Pelto 11 | Marketing professor and mentor, Larry Downs retires AT H L E T I C S

12 | 13 | 13 | 13 |

Play for a Cure Students, athletes, leaders Caps and crowns Alumni score big with fundraising efforts

ALUMNI

14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 20 | 23 | 24 |

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A view from the hill: Back on the Hill Class Notes Lessons in philanthropy Catching up with: Robert Wagner ’55 Catching up with: Art Tozzi ’63 Sport management alumni map road to success Nichols remembers Building the foundation of support

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430 students graduate from Nichols College Led into their graduation ceremony by a bagpiper in full tartan regalia and supported by the cheers of family and friends, 430 Nichols students received their degrees May 5 under a sprawling tent set up for the occasion on the College’s softball field.

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rior to the awarding of degrees, which included 82 Masters of Business Administration and 10 Masters of Organizational Leadership, renowned Boston Globe sports columnist Dan Shaughnessy addressed the audience.

The graduates also heard from President Susan West Engelkemeyer, who presented their individual diplomas, as well as senior valedictorian Stephen Carella and senior class president Andrew Gresenz.

Engelkemeyer, in her first Nichols commencement as president, told the students, “Even though I have only known you for a short time, I relish the opportunity to celebrate with you. The best is yet to come.”

Shaughnessy was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. He was introduced by Thomas Hall ’69, vice chairman of the Nichols Board of Trustees and a Nichols classmate of Shaughnessy’s older brother William, also from the class of ’69.

“Many of us grew up with the Saturday afternoon television staple Wide World of Sports, which promised to show viewers ‘the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat,’” Hall noted. “Using your imagination and prose, you have fulfilled that promise, and much more.”

In an address that mixed humor with a more serious look at the road ahead, Shaughnessy told the graduates, “You don’t need me to tell you that it’s a brutal job

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market out there. I can tell you not to be too easily discouraged.”

Shaughnessy, who in his 23 years as a Globe columnist has been recognized nine times by the Associated Press Sports Editors as one of the top 10 sports columnists in the country, pointed out that his career did not start out auspiciously.

As an undergraduate at Holy Cross, he explained to laughs from the audience, he contributed to the school’s alumni magazine only to be told by the editor, “I can’t understand why someone who cannot write would want to be a newspaper reporter.”

“It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be an adventure,” Shaughnessy continued. “Follow your heart.”

In his speech, valedictorian Carella admitted, “I used to be afraid of change, afraid of making mistakes, afraid of losing, and even afraid of succeeding,” adding that “the Nichols community is the ideal setting to overcome self-doubt. I have never been around so many people willing to face the challenges around them. That’s why I am proud to be a member of this class.”

Shortly after the ceremony, Carella, the captain of the Nichols men’s tennis team, and four fellow seniors reappeared on the courts about 100 yards away, leading the squad to the Commonwealth Coast Conference title in a 5-1 victory over Roger Williams.

More than two dozen of the graduating seniors also received individual awards for their academic accomplishments, including Caroline Monroe, for best overall achievement; Kevin Richardson, for character and citizenship; and Joseph Fusco III, for the most significant improvement by a student at Nichols.

Kathleen Ells won the Award for Academic Excellence in the Nichols graduate program.

A third member of the Pagliccia family joins the Bison family: Christopher Pagliccia ’12 is flanked by his father, Hugo Pagliccia III ’86, and grandfather, Hugo Pagliccia Jr. ’63.

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PROFILE: Stephen Carella Stephen Carella, from Rocky Hill, Conn., embodies the scholar-athlete. His almost perfect grade point average as a double major in finance and accounting made him the class of ’12 valedictorian. He achieved those results as part of the Nichols Honors Scholar Program, in which students take especially demanding courses, from business to the humanities.

Carella also captained the champion men’s tennis team over the past three years and led them this year to their first berth in the NCAA post-season tournament.

“I think I changed a lot as a person going to a smaller school. The overall community of students and teachers here was good for my development,” Carella says of his four years at Nichols. “I’ve made relationships that are going to last a lifetime. It’s not like I’m going to leave campus.”

Carella plans to work in the field of investment banking and asset management to gain several years of business experience before enrolling in an MBA program.

2012 Graduates PROFILE: Caroline Monroe Caroline Monroe, from Norfolk, Conn., also completed the Honors Scholar Program, while dividing her non-academic time among the English Club, Student Alumni Society, and the Climbing Club.

Monroe, a double major in mathematics and English, also spent considerable time as a tutor at the Academic Resource Center, ascending to head tutor and winning this year’s Tutor of the Year Award. She also won the Mathematics Department Award.

Both accomplishments will come in handy this fall, when Monroe enters Duke University’s Master of Arts in Teaching Program, en route to a career as a math teacher. “My work in the ARC has really defined what I want to do with my life.

I’m really excited to be a teacher,” she says.

Monroe says that her freshman year in Budleigh Hall helped define her Nichols career. “I had a really great four years, but freshman year in Budleigh was the best,” she says. “There was a really strong sense of community, and the people around me helped me realize how great it was to be here.

“I really want to take that sense community with me to grad school and into teaching.”

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CURRICULUM B y R o n S c h ach te r

Name of Course: Introduction to Political Science Professor: Bradley Lovoi ’89, Adjunct Professor of History Description: An examination of methods and concepts in the study of political science with special emphasis on American government and politics. Designed to offer an understanding of our own political system and how it works. Throughout the semester, the course covers the history and processes behind governmental institutions, public opinion, elections, and other factors influencing the political process.

“I always tell my students that politics matters,” Lovoi says. “If you’re going to be part of a democratic society, politics is relevant although at this age it’s hard for them to see at times. I always tell them, ‘Wait until you’re 30. You’re going to be raising a family, buying a house, and getting interested in society.’ That’s when politics matters to a lot of people.”

Required Readings: Politics in America, 9th Edition, Dye and Sparrow; students are expected to keep up with current events on a daily basis by reading at least one major newspaper, including The Boston Globe, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.

Special Project: Writing a research paper and presenting to the class on a past presidential election, covering the positions and performance of each candidate. Students could also choose to study the presidential primary in one state this past spring.

On the Day Nichols College Magazine Visited Class: The focus was on foreign policy, starting with the Cold War, the emergence of the Truman Doctrine aimed at containing the spread of communism in the late 1940s, and the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The class discussed the role of the United Nations and the U.N. Security Council, with an emphasis on the five permanent members who have the power singlehandedly to veto resolutions and how those vetoes were not exercised during the 1991 Gulf War but have been used concerning the recent unrest in Syria. Discussion also covered the prospect of Iran developing a nuclear

weapon as Lovoi peppered students with questions: Should the U.S. negotiate with Iran or not? How much of a wild card is Israel? How would you feel about America being involved in another war? Would there be a draft or not?

Requirements: The seven- to nine-page election paper and class presentation; pop quizzes on readings in the textbook and on current events covered in major newspapers; three in-class hourly exams spread across the term; a final cumulative exam.

Student Quote: “This is kind of a crash course in electoral history. Professor Lovoi is pretty knowledgeable of every election that’s gone on in the past. He knows his stuff and is able to give us a lot of facts and connect past events to current affairs,” says junior Zachary Kohn, who did his election project on the 1876 contest between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden.

A Guide to Election 2012 Brad Lovoi has been a guiding light to the Nichols community for the 2012 presidential election. Besides teaching his courses, he has maintained a conspicuous role in raising students’ awareness about their role as potential voters and the issues at stake:

• Earlier this year, he hosted the Professor Bio: Besides teaching Introducappearance in Davis Hall of former tion to Political Science in the spring and Massachusetts GOP Congressman Business, Government, and Regulation in Peter Blute. the fall at Nichols, Lovoi works as a market intelligence analyst at Fallon Community • The day after the Super Tuesday Health Plan, a Massachusetts-based insurprimaries in early March, he led a ance company. “With my political science Fischer symposium analyzing the background, I can look at everything fromSusan West Republican field of presidential On October 21, 2011, Engelkemeyer, Ph.D., was Supreme Court rulings on health care to hopefuls and their results to date. local regulations on health insurance comas affect the us seventh president of Nichols College. panies and inaugurated analyze how they will in • He writes a weekly and wellterms of market position,” explains Lovoi, respected blog commenting on dayNichols for me,” Engelkemeyer in her blog, adding that“A his magical work away from pro- writes politics. vides real-life examples for his courses.

Lovoi graduated 1989 as a public an opportunity for folks to see (or “butNichols morein importantly, • Next fall, his political science stuadministration major, received a master’s dents will analyze individual states degree in political science fromof Northeastbe reminded ) what a wonderful and and try toCollege predict how eachcampus state ern University in 1992, and did doctoral will vote in November. work in political science at the University of community we have at Nichols.”

Connecticut. He has taught political science • In October, he’ll weigh in on the courses for the past 20 years. “It’s fun. It’s quadrennial presidential poll conimportant. It’s something I’m passionate Now, with the ceremonial fanfare, andbyhalf a year on the job, ducted Nichols history professor about,” he declares.

Paul Lambert, in which Nichols “Curriculum” isbehind an occasionalher, featureEngelkemeyer that introduces discusses past, studentsthe indicate theirpresent choice for and readers to courses taught at Nichols College. president and their reasons. “We that future of this “hidden gem” on adid hill. .. in 1988 when I was a student,” Lovoi recalls.

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Female students told to aim high self-defense techniques and offered practical tips such as being aware of surroundings instead of texting while walking outdoors.

Car mechanic Samantha Fisher demonstrated vital items under a car’s hood including how to jump start a car and locate the spare tire.

So far the response to the event has been very positive, says Boggio. “The young women who attended came away inspired to do more to reach their full potential. It’s been great to hear them talking about the event days afterward and knowing that they appreciated it and that it left such a positive impression on them.”

“The speaker was inspiring,” says first-year student Janine Coleman. “She encouraged us to focus on accomplishing our goals and dreams.”

Boggio hopes to continue the momentum of the Women of Nichols group by offering similar events in the future for upperclass female students.

At left, students listen intently to Dudley Dispatcher Kris Munger. Below, WON for all: participants display t-shirts commemorating the event.

“Aim for the highest rather than the mediocre. Do something because no one else has done it before,” was the message nearly 70 first-year female students heard as they came together for a night of food, fun and informational sessions. Dubbed “Girls Night Out” and sponsored by Women of Nichols, the March 4 event in Daniels Auditorium promised to give women “52 tips that every woman should know.”

Using women such as Vera Wang, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey and Hillary Clinton as examples, former stand-up comedienne and Assistant Dean of Students at Mount Ida College Laura Deveau asked students to consider the answers to a series of questions: Who inspires you? Who tests you?

Who values you? Who defines you? Who controls you? Who knows you?

Deveau encouraged the women to be willing to put everything on the line for something they are passionate about. “Now’s the time to take risks. Draw from the experiences of others but also from within yourself.”

The event was designed to show first-year women that they have a connection with each other, says PJ Boggio, director of residence life.

“We wanted to offer female students a fun evening. But we are also trying to show the first-year women that they have a connection and an inherent responsibility to look out for each other and contribute to the greater community of Nichols.“ Featuring a speed dating-like format, stations included topics such as women’s health issues, beauty tips, car maintenance and palm reading for fun. Dudley Dispatcher Kris Munger ’02 demonstrated

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Student showcase draws a crowd The lunch crowd found more than the usual fare to digest on April 24, as they strolled through the Second Annual Student Showcase presented by the Nichols Academic Resource Center (ARC) in the Ingraham Room in the Lombard Dining Hall.

Using everything from poster board to multimedia presentations, Nichols students shared some of their proudest work from the past year. The 15 exhibits ranged from personal writing and service projects to creative presentations – much of it produced for class – as the authors stood by, explaining their approaches and answering any questions.

“I saw that there was a need to recognize student achievement in academics outside of grades,” said ARC Director Marissa Loon, who introduced the showcase last year. “We do a lot to recognize student leaders and student-athletes. I saw an opening to say to students, ‘We care about the things you’re doing academically.’ Students have amazing things to say, but people don’t know about it because it goes on in the classroom.”

While some of the exhibits included neatly displayed literary analyses, poems, and short stories, others used laptops and video screens.

Senior Anne Geiwitz drew a stream of visitors to her exhibit exposing loopholes – in the name of scientific study – used to circumvent worldwide bans on whaling. With a PowerPoint presentation as well as videos on a nearby laptop, Geiwitz highlighted the problem, as well as the efforts of anti-whaling groups to disrupt the practice, often by setting off nearby fireworks to steer whales away from potential captors.

“There’s not only human genocide in the world. There’s also animal genocide,” Geiwitz explained to her listeners. “This is something that needs to be addressed.”

“The idea is to showcase what our students are doing and to give them a public forum. It’s nice seeing them engage people they

Anne Geiwitz shares her research on whaling bans with Professor Tom Duncan.

might not otherwise engage and to see them speak knowledgeably about something like a PowerPoint or a video,” Loon observed, adding that the participants may eventually employ those presentational skills in the workplace.

Freshman Lindi Bedore shared a collage of pictures from the Nichols College Alternative Spring Break, for which she and a group of fellow students went to New Orleans to help rebuild houses still in disrepair from Hurricane Katrina years ago.

At another booth, senior Jonathan Cawley ran and re-ran a video of his performance in a recent modern dance class. “I usually do hiphop, but this is a more slow, flowing type of modern dance,” he noted, pointing to himself onscreen. “I chose this one because it was out of my element.”

survey says...

We asked alumni on the NC online community: How many times have you been on campus since you graduated?

By the looks of the results, some of you need to find an excuse to return to campus! How about Homecoming 2012? Check out the schedule on the back cover of this issue, and don’t forget to weigh in on the next poll question at community.nichols.edu.

You have arrived A familiar fixture welcoming all to the Nichols campus has found a new home overlooking the baseball field from Airport Road in Dudley. The four-foot high granite structure was designed, manufactured and installed in 1995 by its donor Robert Colombo ’62, owner and president of Colombo Granite Co. in Barre, Vt.

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Once —— Every year on homecoming ——

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A few times on homecoming ——

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Several times (excluding homecoming) —— None ——

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TheRight Stu B y J ul i e Erri co

Luanne (Proko) Westerling

NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

Mauri Pelto

Nichols College faculty are known for incorporating real-life rigor into their classes.With business savvy, strong credentials and extensive experience in their fields, they create opportunities to engage students as professionals, whether through hands-on assignments or seasoned practicality. Meet four of the many faculty members who add value to the educational experience and give students the Nichols edge.

Summer 2012

Marcus Goncalves

Kim Charbonneau

Luanne (Proko) Westerling: Business Communication s a business professional with a broad range of business and communications consulting experience, Luanne (Proko) Westerling, chair of the Business Communication Program, knows what it takes to succeed in the business world. She has taken that experience and used it to enhance the program by offering new courses and enhanced internship opportunities. Through her efforts, the number of students in the program has grown five-fold.

One of Westerling’s goals is to incorporate not only examples from her business experience but also current lessons that business people are using and being taught in the industry.

“I try to share a lot of personal stories and those of other colleagues and bring them into the classroom,” she says.

Another important aspect of the program is to provide students with opportunities for hands-on experiences through internships and class projects. One such class project took place in the Mass Media and Public Relations class, when students took on the job of creating a public relations plan for a small burger restaurant chain, Wild Willy’s in Worcester, Mass. At the time, the restaurant had just been opened by school teachers who had little business experience or background. “They were the typical entrepreneurs – hands-on, resource strapped, and overwhelmed,” Westerling says.

Students visited the restaurant, created flyers, recommended promotional items including a frequent customer card, and other tried-and-true approaches such as an email distribution list and a birthday club program. The class created a plan which included sample promotional items along with an instructional manual of how to implement those ideas.

“It was a good lesson for the students to see how hard it was for the owners to have to be so hands-on. They realized that it is not an easy task to run a restaurant or any business,” says Westerling, the newly appointed associate dean of business studies at Nichols. As a result, the restaurant’s owners decided to implement some of the students’ suggestions including creating a birthday club and an email database.

Westerling’s hands on approach and personal mentoring has impacted a number of her students including Theresa Cox ’12. “I admire Professor Westerling because she is a focused professional who strives for success and has shared many inspiring stories about her business career,” she says. “She has ultimately guided me throughout my college career as she taught me in various subjects, as well as going above and beyond to advise me on several vital decisions throughout college and my future.”

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Marcus Goncalves: International Business ince 2007, Marcus Goncalves has been bringing the world to Nichols College. As an international management consultant, he shares his perspective on multicultural business issues from practical field experience.

“My work fits very well with the international business curriculum here,” says Goncalves, a native of Brazil. “I tell students what the needs are out there.” For instance, months prior to spending spring break on business in Thailand and the Philippines, he discussed the upcoming work with students. “I tell them, ‘Here is the challenge, here is what we’re examining, what would you do in a situation like that,’ and I use this as a brainstorm session. When I come back they are waiting to hear about what happened. This has been gratifying for the program, for the students.”

Goncalves is focused on keeping the curriculum relevant. “If students cannot use what they learn in class, then something is wrong,” he says. He cites the example of Danny Tamayo ’12 who, as a government intern, was asked to write in-depth profiles of foreign countries, a project Goncalves typically assigns in his International Management course. (“The effort paid off,” notes Goncalves, as Tamayo was recently offered a position as a junior analyst at IBS Commodities, a global food source.)

“I don’t want my students to memorize anything that they will forget two weeks from now,” Goncalves says of his teaching philosophy. He challenges students to think critically and urges them to connect with the outside world – even during class when he allows them to check their cell phones for RSS feeds and links to international news channels for items to share with the class.

In mid-May, Goncalves took his graduate International Operation Management class to Brazil for a real-life perspective on international business operations. In addition to attending classes, students toured one of the biggest chocolate exporters in Victoria Harbor and the second biggest iron company in the world. Goncalves is also hoping to set up similar visits in India and Russia, where he can use his business contacts as resources. “The good thing about my consulting is that you get to know a lot of people,” he says.

Whether he’s bringing the world to Nichols or Nichols to the world, Goncalves is delighted that students are making global connections. Of the first eight students to graduate with a specialization in international business in 2011, six have started careers at companies with an international presence, such as Ernst and Young and Everis, a Spanish management consulting firm. “I take pride in that,” he says, “and I think Nichols should too.”

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Kim Charbonneau: Criminal Justice Management hen students enter the Criminal Justice Management Program (CJM) at Nichols, they often have preconceived ideas based on the type of police work shown on television shows such as CSI or other criminal investigation programs. However, as a former captain and director of training and development in a prison, and as a deputy sheriff and an investigator at the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, Kimberly Charbonneau knows how criminal justice works in real life.

With experience in search and seizure, executing warrants, serving restraining orders, law and criminal procedural issues to name a few, Charbonneau is able to bring her real-life experiences into the classroom. In addition, through her work with the Attorney General’s Office, she knows how to write a proper investigation report and what needs to be done. She has also testified in front of a grand jury, an opportunity that not many of those who work in criminal justice have experienced.

With a training background, Charbonneau is well prepared to help students assess their strengths and weaknesses and provide guidance to students in the areas of potential success. “I don’t try to discourage my students from pursuing one of the more ‘glamorous’ aspects of law enforcement. However, my goal is to hopefully give them the tools to pursue their dreams and to open up a number of different doors and avenues. As they are moving through the program, they might develop different strengths that might be better in a different field of criminal justice,” she says.

In addition to exposing her students to the real world of law enforcement through a variety of different speakers, field trips and internships, Charbonneau also encourages her students to serve in the community. One such project involves students visiting local businesses and offering free security risk assessments, such as reviewing door locks, cash registers, lighting in a parking lot, and video cameras; writing a report; and making recommendations to the business.

What is Charbonneau’s key lesson to students based on her professional work experiences? “There’s the right and wrong way to do something. When you put handcuffs on someone, that’s an awesome responsibility that you have to take very seriously. You have to respect the badge,” she says.

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Mauri Pelto: Environmental Science eaching science at a business school for more than 20 years, Mauri Pelto is aware that not every student may share his interest and passion for the environment, but he is intent on showing his classes how they can have a direct impact on it.

“Most Nichols students will never have another class taught by a research scientist, so rather than focus on terminology or definitions, I want to help them visualize what’s happening around them to appreciate it and understand it,” Pelto says. He adds that his courses will likely emphasize the various ways and cost implications of managing environmental issues, such as shoreline erosion, rather than the scientific processes affiliated with it.

A world-renowned glaciologist, Pelto spends his summer in Washington’s North Cascades measuring the mass balance and the response of glaciers to climate change. His work has led to new concepts in glaciology, particularly how to forecast glacier survival, and is the subject of a documentary called Uncertain Ice. At Nichols, Pelto routinely enlists his students in field work that is vital to the region’s rivers and streams. This spring, for instance, students analyzed the flow of rivers in the surrounding area and identified a drying problem with the Quinsigamond River that had about one quarter the flow of the others. “Every student was assigned a river and they had to look at key statistics that would allow us to compare each stream to the other,” explains Pelto. “The data each student gathered represented a piece of the puzzle, but we couldn’t really see that what was happening in the Quinsigamond was unusual until I presented all of the results to the class.”

Pelto and his classes also test the water quality at nearby streams and send their findings to the state to resolve any issues. “We don’t have the authority to make changes to the rivers and streams, but we have the expertise, time and manpower that maybe the state doesn’t have,” he says.

“They respect the work we do, so I let them be the advocates for change.”

Working to make an actual difference in the environment impresses students who may be skeptical about the value of science in a business curriculum. Zach Hendrickson, a 2012 graduate, recently wrote this to Pelto: “You were one of the few professors that got me excited not only for class time but also for my own independent study. You also had a good method of motivating me to reach outside of my comfort zone.”

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Marketing professor and mentor, Larry Downs retires B y J u l ie Er r i co

“Do you know how to eat an elephant?” Larry Downs often asks his students who are anxious about large assignments. After a few seconds of incomprehension, he grins and responds, “One bite at a time.”

This is just one of the many pat phrases known as “Downsisms” that the students and colleagues of Downs have heard through his 26 years of teaching at Nichols. This spring as he retires, his impact and influence will continue well into the future as a generation of alumni continues to incorporate his principles and life lessons into their lives.

With more than 23 years of marketing experience at Fortune 100 companies at the vice-president level before he came to Nichols, Downs was able to bring many of his corporate marketing approaches and techniques into the classroom. Colleague Wayne-Daniel Berard says, “Not only did he bring valuable real-world situations and their solutions to his classroom, but he modeled so effectively how to process and how to put it into writing,” says Don Bean ’91, who has be a success, as a marketer, entrepreneur, and as a person. That was spoken in Downs’ classes several times. “For example, we would disthe true secret to Larry’s success — no distance between the man cuss law and economics and the way they applied to the case. Then and the mission.” we would find out how the company actually solved the problem. As Professor Tom Davis, who co-taught Psychology of Marketing with a result of this knowledge and experience, I felt that I could walk into Downs adds, “It’s been an amazing experience to teach any interviewing experience and do as well as other candiwith a seasoned professor like Larry who has innate skills Larry has instilled a dates, even those from larger schools.” shaped by hundreds of previous students who respect Former student Jay Bean has also benefitted from set of timeless core Downs’ counsel and expertise. “What I would add about and admire his energetic teaching style, and his emphasis on quality and personal responsibility.”

Larry is that he has been one of the most influential people values that all Len Harmon, a fellow marketing professor who was in my professional career. He was always willing to lend an students can benefit ear, offer advice, and share a laugh. The education and mentored by Downs agrees. “Larry has instilled a set of timeless core values that all students can benefit from from and appreciate guidance he has provided has been part of my success and and appreciate — even if they don’t believe it right away. that I thank him.”

– even if they don’t forAs Even though he has an engaging personality and style, the chair of the Marketing and Management prostudents know immediately where they stand, and they believe it right away. grams for 15 years, Downs also coordinated the Marketing understand what is expected of them. This is true of stuCase Competition for Nichols College and was a driving dents who graduated in the ’80s and ’90s as it is among the students force for Nichols to participate on a very high level. who recently graduated.”

Through the years, Downs has also taught more than 25 different As a marketing professor, Downs is perhaps best known for introcourses. He has served on a number of committees, such as Rank and ducing Harvard Business School cases to Nichols students. “The HarAppointments, Dean’s Council and the Faculty Senate. His leadership vard Business cases taught us problem-solving skills, the thinking demonstrates another aspect of his service, says John Armstrong, professor of accounting and finance who started at Nichols at the same time as Downs. “He was always willing to become involved in significant leadership activities on campus wherever needed,” he says.

As part of his leadership, his mission and passion have always been to mold students into becoming young professionals, asking: what would benefit students the most? How can we do this better? As a result of his mentoring and desire to stimulate and motivate students to do better, many of his former students still keep in touch and occasionally call for advice. One of the most rewarding aspects of his teaching career has been to develop those relationships and to see how students grow and change, says Downs.

While acknowledging his contributions, Downs himself feels that he has gained as much as he has given. “While it can be said that my Marine Corps and corporate experience were more exciting, both negatively and positively, having spent more than half my adult life at Nichols College, nothing has been as rewarding as the interaction with the students and colleagues and teaching through the years.”

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AT H L E T I C S

Play for a Cure The Nichols College StudentAthlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently completed its first Play for a Cure campaign as the spring teams combined efforts to raise awareness about leukemia from April 11 – 21.

For many student-athletes, fans and members of the campus community, the spring cause touched home on a personal level as Matt Ziemian ’10, a four-year member of the baseball team, recently lost his battle with the disease.

The men’s and women’s lacrosse teams, as well as the baseball and softball teams, were issued orange shirts and ribbons to put on their caps or

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helmets. Fans sported orange and were engaged with leukemia facts read over the PA system. An orange ribbon was also painted in shallow center field at the baseball and softball fields.

A moment of silence was observed in honor of Ziemian and all those affected by leukemia before a key baseball doubleheader on Saturday, April 21. The squad wore the orange shirts as part of their uniform while continuing to don this year’s cap which features an embroidered Z on the right side.

The team also honored Ziemian’s parents prior to the game and seemed to draw on

Summer 2012

Clockwise, the softball, baseball, women’s and men’s lacrosse teams sport orange to raise awareness of leukemia.

his inspiration to post an eightrun rally in the bottom of the seventh to sweep visiting Eastern Nazarene.

“The baseball team needed a day to celebrate how lucky we were to know ‘Z’,” said Baseball Coach Joe Teixeira. “From the first day of practice, we always talked about what he meant to the team. The day was full of emotion and we know that he had something to do with that second game win. He was not going to let his team lose the fight.”

One week earlier, the softball squad decorated the dugouts, a tree in right field and the fence above Fanway, the stone retaining wall that stretches from center to right field. The team wore orange socks and headbands.

The women’s lacrosse team made leukemia awareness

signs to hang in front of the stands. The squad sported their orange tops during the pregame warm-up and wore orange socks, headbands and shoelaces for the Wednesday afternoon contest to kick off the spring portion of the initiative.

Later that evening, while the men’s lacrosse team was busy scoring five unanswered goals in the fourth quarter to beat Salve Regina, players showed their support by wearing orange undershirts, laces and insignia.

Other Play for a Cure events this year included Breast Cancer Awareness Week in the fall and Autism Awareness Week this winter.

AT H L E T I C S

Students, athletes, leaders Under the guidance of Director included setting a standard, of Athletics Charlie Robert and putting teammates first and former Assistant Athletic Direcinspiring teammates. tor Dave Sokolnicki ’97 MBA ’99, After the success of the fall the athletic department creseries, the department introated a student-athlete leaderduced a second, advanced sesship program that began in the sion that was a more collaborafall of 2011 for potential leadtive experience led by Robert. ers on campus.

Student-athletes “We felt that tak“It’s one of the best who completed ing a proactive the first series approach by enrich- things I’ve done here joined her in a ing student-athletes more open forum at Nichols. Not only do to discuss current with basic leadership concepts, we you learn from the team opportuniwould add value to ties and chalthe student-athlete instructor, you learn lenges as well as experience on camsituations that pus,” said Sokolnicki. from each other...” leaders were “We feel that today’s facing around student-athletes need a balcampus and beyond. ance between the Xs and Os “It’s one of the best things and how to convert challenges I’ve done here at Nichols. Not into opportunities.” only do you learn from the The two-part leadership instructor, you learn from each series took a hands-on other,” said Bryan Gill ’13, capapproach in teaching studenttain of both the men’s ice athletes the importance of hockey and baseball teams their roles within their team, who completed both sessions. the department and the cam“I really enjoyed the leaderpus community, and included ship series,” said women’s bastopics referenced in The Team ketball captain Kristina LindCaptain’s Leadership Manual by gren ’13. “By participating in Jeff Jansen, a favorite book of this series I learned not only Sokolnicki’s. how to lead, but I learned how The eight-session fall series to inspire others to be leaders focused on the Four Cs of as well.”

Leadership: commitment, Future series are slated to composure, character and expand to see student-athletes confidence. The series included who completed series two lead guest speakers from a variety a third series with their peers. of athletics department staff members and averaged 16 student-athletes per session.

Some of the more broad topics

Caps and crowns

Seniors on the men’s tennis team, from left, David Drucker, Arsen Gasparyan, Ari Vieira, Steve Carella, and Dan Saucier, celebrate after being crowned the Commonwealth Coast Conference men's tennis champions on May 5 following graduation and a win over Roger Williams. The team made its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance the following week and lost in the second round to defending national champion Amherst.

The Bison ended its season 18-4.

Alumni score big with fundraising efforts When men’s lacrosse coach, Eric Gobiel, took the reins of the program last August, he learned that the team was well overdue for new uniforms. The budget would cover one set of uniforms, but if two sets were ordered, the College would receive a substantial discount.

Coach Gobiel teamed up with College Advancement, and with the help of lacrosse alumni, launched an effort to raise money for the second set of uniforms.

Through email and letterwriting, eight former lacrosse players, ranging in class year from 1961-1986, urged all lacrosse alumni to join them and help out. One of those players, Dave French ’76, the program’s all-time leader in goals, assists, and points, even issued a direct challenge from himself and Dave Hale ’75 to match donations received by their former teammates. By the end of the season, the effort raised more than $4,000 to cover the cost of

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the uniforms. “The amazing support and commitment of our alumni has allowed our program to take some big steps in the right direction to meeting our goals on and off the field,” says Coach Gobiel. “We are extremely grateful that their contributions have allowed us to get both sets of new uniforms, and we hope they will join us as we continue to grow as a program and lacrosse family.”

Athletic giving at the College is on the rise, especially for specific projects like the one for the lacrosse team’s uniforms. The baseball team had a successful campaign recently to raise money for field renovations and their spring trip to Ft. Myers, Fla. Again, led by a group of alumni, one from each decade from 1950-2000s, $4,470 was raised for the team. Bob Risk ’50 even hand-wrote individual letters to his classmates, and over 20 of them sent gifts, many who didn’t even play baseball!

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ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

1940s

A View from the Hill

By John Prenguber ’73

Class Scribe: Stanley Finn 70 Franklin St. Northampton, MA 01060-2039 413-586-0886

Back on the Hill

1950s

During his visit to Nichols in April, John Prenguber (second from left) had the support of ’73 classmates, from left, Pete Monico, Art Greenseid and John Keegan.

I remember, as a freshman at Nichols College, commenting on the old people walking around campus during Homecoming Weekend. Well, I recently returned to Nichols, almost 40 years later, and realized that I am now one of them! But, as I walked around campus that day, I also realized why so many alumni come back to the Hill. Some of our fondest memories, our greatest accomplishments and perhaps our longest lasting friendships were made here.

On April 18, I was asked to share my experiences with students as a speaker for the Robert C. Fischer Cultural and Policy Institute. This included my experiences at Nichols and my life since graduating from Nichols, especially in the area of overcoming obstacles. You see, over the past few years, I have lost my legs (I know where they are) due to diabetes, and I am a double (below the knee) amputee.

I am also a runner. Over more than 20 years, I have run hundreds of races and nine marathons. I am still running, and I am apparently a huge attraction and inspiration to others. I am looking forward to

my 10th marathon in the fall, my first without legs. My disability has become my ability.

It has opened all sorts of doors and introduced me to opportunities that I did not recognize until I lost my legs. I speak at elementary schools in Denver, where I live, promoting health and fitness and overcoming obstacles through Kids Running America. I am also active with Wounded Warriors and the Colfax Marathon where I actively promote disabled runners.

So, I have taken what I learned at Nichols and put it to good practice. I have to thank Professor Grant for giving me the confidence to speak in front of large audiences, as well as my fellow classmates and friends for supporting me. My message to current students is to cherish those friendships and their time at Nichols and to view all obstacles as challenges. I am very proud to have graduated from Nichols rather than a large university. At Nichols, we are family, and I was happily reminded of that when I returned home to the Hill.

Class Scribe: Robert Risk 309 Conestoga Rd. Wayne, PA 19087-4009 610-688-8242 From the Class Scribe…

Skip Sutton and his wife, Pat, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a Nov. 3 reception where people sent cards with a shared memory or picture. The couple married in Philadelphia and has been living in Florida for the last 30 years.

They have three children, Skip Jr., of White Plains, NY; Sally, of Mahopac, NY; and Cathy, of Sharon, NH; and five grandchildren.

John Jenkins and his wife, Marion, also celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a Nov. 10 reception at the Pinelake Gardens Clubhouse in Stuart, FL. The couple was married at home in Brockton, MA, and has lived in Florida for the last 28 years. They have four daughters, Nancy, of Barnstable, MA; Diane, of Madeline Island, WI; Marcia, of Harwichport, MA;

and Elaine, of Stratham, NH; 10 grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren.

Bob Zangler is currently recovering from surgery and looks forward to possibly being able to travel again. He thanks Nichols for a great education.

The Class of 1950 will hold its 63rd reunion on Homecoming 2012, which will be Sept. 21-22.

Come on down, or up, you’ll enjoy it! You can meet the new president, see the enlarged and improved campus, and see all of your old classmates. More details to follow!

Class Scribe: Tom Bartsch 303 Archer Mead Williamsburg, VA 23185-6582 tbar23185@aol.com From the Class Scribe…

I was happy to have received notes from a few classmates.

Don Wochomurka writes that life is still good. He will soon have a 60th anniversary celebration with his wife, Ann. They have four children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

A note from Wes Armstrong: I continue to find much love and happiness with my second wife, Lorraine. We have now been married for 12 years. My five grown children, who are scattered around the country, are all well, as are my three grandchildren. During 2011, we stayed close to home in NC, rather than taking our annual vacation to

The Class of ’50 on spring break in St. Petersburg, FL: from left, Al Hanlon, Bob Risk, Art Nielsen, and Alden Ingraham

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Summer 2012

ALUMNI

Lessons in Philanthropy During the week of April 16, Nichols students learned that a college cannot live by tuition alone. Through a series of activities aimed at promoting a culture of philanthropy on campus, Student Alumni Society (SAS) raised awareness about the importance of giving back.

Aptly named The Gift of Opportunity (TGOP), the week-long program featured a tag sale, a legacy reception, an opportunity for students to sign thankyou notes to Nichols donors, and a fundraising volleyball tournament. “SAS was incredibly enthusiastic about this effort,” says Brianne Callahan, director of alumni relations and SAS adviser. “Once they realized the impact and importance of donations, they became passionate advocates, spending countless hours and making the program a huge success.”

On April 18, 2012, we honored the

1416 donors who suppor ted Nichols College.

At right, students express their thanks; below, the Hoey family, including Robert ’84 and Pat ’15, and the Kerrigan family, including Eugene ’80 and Chris ’12, enjoy the Legacy Reception; price tags on every-day items raise awareness; at bottom, volleyball teams flex and dig in the name of TGOP

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ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

the Caribbean, as I had two exciting surgeries to correct an abdominal aortic aneurism and a carotid artery – both successful. I just celebrated my 85th birthday, and the family is flying here in early July to celebrate.

They will rent a house on the beach near here. It will be my eldest child’s 60th birthday, now that is “mind blowing,” to quote the younger generation. I hope my classmates are enjoying their well-earned retirements and are well and happy. We’re just south of Wilmington, NC, so give a call if down this way.

Another note, from Pete Polstein: I turned 80 in July. My wife, who is quite a bit younger than me, is an executive in what is the oldest chemical company in the U.S. She’ll give it a couple more then kick it in. We moved from Somers, NY, to Oxford, CT, about 18 months ago to put her closer to work, among other things. I’m still shooting competitively and consulting on insurance matters, primarily off-shore reinsurance, as well as doing some risk analysis. I also write for the International Risk Management Institute on market practice. In my spare time, I’m still playing blues guitar, which I have been doing for over 30 years. I also have fun as the “guest” of quite a few groups. I have a daughter in Flagstaff, AZ, who is a family practice doc, and another in Brooklyn, NY, who is in the computer graphic world for the ad media. Trust you are all well.

As for yours truly, Peg and I have been married for 57 years, have three children and six grandchildren. We just returned from a short trip to Scottsdale, AZ. Late this summer, we have plans for a trip to Holland-American, flying to Rotterdam. Then we are cruising to the Shetland Islands, and down the coast of Norway through the Fjords. I hope you are all well. Please drop me a line and tell me what’s going on in your lives.

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Catching up with Robert F. Wagner ’55

For Robert Wagner ’55, practicing law is like a great chess game. After 40 plus years of practicing law in Indiana and training young lawyers, Wagner recognizes that everything comes into play in chess and the law. “I tell young lawyers, ‘Use everything you’ve learned in life in litigation.

Life experiences, books you’ve read, plays you’ve seen, and even poetry.’ Court isn’t like a laboratory. It’s an expression of life. We try cases with emotion and feeling, the same way we live life,” he says.

Gaining a broader perspective is an ability Wagner first developed while attending Nichols.

He credits his relationships with his professors for helping to broaden his horizons and develop his confidence. One professor, Leo Bisaillon, became a mentor and friend and taught him much about life, photography, books and even chess. “He made me more confident in my abilities,” says Wagner. When Wagner graduated from Nichols and moved from Connecticut to Tulsa and then to Indiana, he and Bisaillon continued to keep in touch and to play chess by mail for a number of years.

Strategy and passion have also driven Wagner’s success in the more than 100 cases he has tried in courtrooms throughout the United States. As a long-term faculty member of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA), Wagner also volunteers several weeks each year to teach NITA’s regional and Midwest courses on “Deposition Skills” and “Building Trial Skills.” He has been named as one of “The Best Lawyers in America” in 2005-2012 in the fields of Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants and Product Liability LitigationDefendants.

In addition to his successful career in litigation and his family life, Wagner says one of the most interesting and rewarding aspects of his life has been in the political arena. He compares this to strategizing in chess. After having run political

Summer 2012

campaigns for numerous candidates for the U.S. Senate, governorship, secretary of state and judgeships, Wagner relishes the challenge. “It involves forming a corporation, developing an ideology, developing a plan that is workable, and then going out and asking people to vote for your candidate,” he explains.

Through all of his personal and professional experiences, Wagner has always followed two core values. “Truth and honesty have to be the central principles of life,” he says. “They are the stepping stones of life. Without truth and honesty, you just can’t succeed and enjoy life.” Wagner says his other guiding principle involves pursuing one’s dreams. “We shouldn’t let other people dissuade us from pursuing our passions or those things we feel in our hearts that we are capable of doing.” ~ Julie Errico

ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

60th REUNION

Robert Kemp reports that everything is fine in central New York. He now has nine grandchildren (seven girls and two boys) spread across Seattle, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and central New York.

Class Scribe: Arthur Fries 917 Jordan Ct. Nipomo, CA 93444-6625 949-673-7190 friesart@hotmail.com 55th REUNION

Class Scribe: Kent Tarrant 45 Valley View Dr. P.O. Box 496 Hampden, MA 01036-0496 413-566-5130 kent100@charter.net

1960s 50th REUNION

Class Scribe: Charlie Howe May–September 212-22nd St. Surf City, NJ 08008-4926 charleskatehowe@gmail.com 609-494-5450 October–April 17468 Cornflower Ln. Punta Gorda, FL 33955 941-575-8150 From the Class Scribe…

Wow! 50 years! Here's hoping that all of you are thinking about returning to the Hill for our reunion on Sept. 21-22.

Dick Makin and I met with Bri Callahan, director of alumni relations, in February to go over the weekend activities. Check the back cover of the magazine for a tentative schedule. As we finalize our schedule, we will forward details to you. FYI, the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center is a first-class

hotel with excellent facilities.

Dick and his wife, Pam, Hugo Pagliccia ’63 and his wife, Carol, John Girvin ’59, Kate, and I participated in the alumni reception this February at the home of John ’72 and Janet McClutchy in Naples, FL. It gave us all an opportunity to meet and chat with our new president, Dr. Susan West Engelkemeyer, and we were treated to a short talk about the school by a recent graduate, Rachael Skowron ’11. She was so good that Dr. Engelkemeyer was hoping that she would accompany them to the Sarasota gathering the next night.

In any event, it was a great gettogether and a nice turnout.

Notes from our classmates: Lang Wait checked in and wanted info on Homecoming.

George Bartlett says hello, but because of some family health issues, he may not be able to come in September.

George Withington writes that he is looking forward to Homecoming and our 50th year as Nichols College graduates. He says, “Nichols has made great strides in my lifetime.”

PZ and Pete Whitney are both doing well.

Rene Langevin is looking forward to this fall. All is well with him and Karen, and their children are all grown-up and fondly remember going to lacrosse games and playing on the banks in center field of the baseball field. Two of their daughters graduated from Nichols. Jen Langevin ’95, the oldest daughter, was the first resident in one of the new dorms and the statistician for football for four years. The second daughter, Kara (Langevin) Stockhaus ’97, played soccer, softball, had a great time on the Hill, and married a Bison basketball player. Rene’s son Matt graduated from Ford Automotive Engineering and played football for Rene. He also had lacrosse fever, but the school never got a program started.

Rene is semi-retired and the acting athletic director at Bartlett

High School in Webster. He still likes working with young players and coaches.

I received a note from Bruce MacDonald, who is looking forward to returning to campus for Homecoming.

Steve Posner checked in. He and his wife of 48 years, Ruth, are living in Cumming, GA. He has been in contact with Lou Stroller ’63. Steve is well, retired, and living near his children and three grandchildren.

Bart Henkle is back in Tennessee and plans to be at Homecoming in September.

We missed John Turro, and his wife Adelle, in Florida this year, but we always stay connected and are looking forward to seeing them at Homecoming.

I'm hoping that by the time you read this, our class will have reached our goal for the Reunion Challenge! A number of your classmates have already made extraordinary commitments to help us be successful.

Remember that you are all important to us. Please make an effort to return to the Hill.

Class Scribe: Bruce I. Haslun 16 Gilder Point Ct. Simpsonville, SC 29681 hashardt@att.net From the Class Scribe…

We’re back from our annual stay in Antigua. Our two-week idyll is

enough to get us through the second half of February and March. Then, here in upstate South Carolina, we have a season called “spring.” It starts to arrive in March, along with robins, daffodils, pear blossoms, tulips, and it just keeps getting better, right through to June. In March, we journeyed to that Yankee outpost, Hilton Head Island. It’s nice to get there every couple of years. It provides us with a good refresher course in speaking “New Joisey” and “New Yawk,” sharpens our ability to survive white-knuckle driving, while also re-teaching us about standstill, traffic-jam patience. By the time we get back home, we remember why we came here.

In mid-April, we are expecting to see Jack Lubbers ’62 and his wife, Theresa, in Charleston. I’ll fill you in next issue. Jack did tell me that because of the mild winter and super spring we’ve had, Charlestonians are talking about and getting ready for a big storm season.

The ’63 class president, Ross Weale, gave us a challenge.

After seeing Grandpa Pete Brusman in the last issue of the magazine, he found a picture (on page 43 of the1963 Ledger) and asked, “Can you name everyone in the picture?” I pass the same challenge on to you, and no cheating by looking them up in the Ledger!

Challenge from Ross Weale ’63: Can you name everyone in the picture?

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ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

Warren Bender ’64 sent congrats on my falling PSA readings. Warren was detected and treated in 2000 and since 2005 his readings have been 0.0 or undetectable. I’m not to that auspicious level yet, but have high hopes. As Warren, and every other man I’ve met who has been through the drill says, “Catching it early is the trick!”

John Turro ’62 called on his way from Florida to a visit with Bruce Siegal in Myrtle Beach.

John was staying overnight near Charleston. Unfortunately, had it been just two weeks later we could have had a mini-reunion.

So, happy summer! Carol and I will venture north to Connecticut and Cape Cod sometime in July-August, if all threat of snow has dissipated. Just bought a new Acura RDX, our first ever SUV, which makes us feel very grown-up. However, no snow tires, so will need to keep the weather in mind.

Hope y’all are thinking positively about our 50th next year.

I’m thinking maybe of crashing the ’62 party this year, if those guys won’t mind a younger “brother” joining them.

Forester Eric Hofer writes: After Nichols, I went to Penn State University and got a BS in Forest Management. I worked at the U.S. Forest Service at the Northeast Forest Experiment Station in Bartlett, NH, then joined the Navy and ended up working in naval intelligence. My first threeyear tour, in Key West, FL, was great, and that led to my unexpected 20-year career in the Navy. During my remaining Navy years I lived in Denver, CO; Virginia Beach and Norfolk, VA (twice); Alexandria, VA (twice); and was married (twice). I had a lot of sea duty, primarily on aircraft carriers, and travel around the world. Spiritually, during this time, the truth of the Bible became real to me, giving new focus to my life. In 1987, I "retired" from the Navy as a Commander, and moved with wife, Rita, and two young sons,

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Western Caribbean was a great way to start the spring season. It was just as warm there as it was home in Myrtle Beach. Hope y’all from '64 have a healthy and safe summer. As always, drop me a line before I lose my job.

"And the Beat Goes On"

Eric Hofer ’63

to Exton, PA, where I started work for GE Aerospace in the Systems Integration branch in Valley Forge as a systems engineer. This portion of GE morphed into Martin Marietta, then Lockheed-Martin, and now a totally new company, The SI Organization Inc. I’m “thinking” about retiring soon, maybe later this year.

Daniel Hastings reports that he retired in 2001 after 35 years as an internal revenue agent. He recently had a kidney transplant, from his wife, and is doing great.

David Lombard and his wife, Susan, while working with the Friends of the Dalton Council on Aging Inc. on challenge gifts, helped raise over $170,000 to build the Dalton Senior Center.

45th REUNION

Mark Ellis reports that he is happily retired.

Looking forward to spending Easter with our grandchildren, Blake, 3, and Cade. I do believe in the escape clause which means we stay in a hotel. Susan, Crew (our dog), and I just returned to Palm Coast after spending February and March on our boat cruising the Keys. We have one more boat trip to a rendezvous in Georgia with 70 other trawlers. Then, we are headed to New Orleans and lastly, Cape Cod by car. Susan has a web site, Trawlersrock.com, and you can see how much I have aged since 1969.

Bill Wood recently moved to Georgia to be near his family and his granddaughter. He is spending his retirement gardening and golfing. Bill also recently had a visit from Rick George ’68 and his wife, Diane, for some “old times” talk of their days in Merrill Hall. Bill hopes to see everyone soon!

1970s Class Scribe: Warren Bender 3604 Kingsley Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC 29588-7714 843-492-6727 wbender@sc.rr.com From the Class Scribe…

Missed my last deadline and sure don't want to go two in a row, so all I can do is a few quick updates. If any of you visited the campus recently, please let me know how it was.

Bob Hood ’66 is going back to his Connecticut home at Lake Candlewood for the summer. A new party boat should keep him busy. Nothing like five o'clock martinis and putting around a beautiful lake. Might even try to fit a visit in myself.

Jimmy Ricci ’65 moved from Long Island to Stuart, FL, several months ago and seems to be enjoying it.

I'm still relishing my Giants becoming 2012 Super Bowl champs. Talk about peaking at the right time. They have a lot to live up to this year, so we'll see how it goes. A nice cruise to the

Summer 2012

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

Jon Blake writes: We have a new grandson, Cade Evert Hardy, born in January in Portland, OR.

Tom DiGiuseppe, who is currently affiliated with Peter Sennott ’71 and Lee McNelly ’69 in the insurance business, is also very active in a Civil War string band, the 2nd South Carolina String Band. The band

Bill Wood ’69 and Rick George ’68 during a recent visit.

ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

Catching up with Art Tozzi ’63

Knowing from a young age that he wanted to fly and that he needed a bachelor’s degree to attend officer candidate school, Art Tozzi ’63 came to Nichols College, which had just started offering a four-year degree. That, “combined with the opportunity to play football and lacrosse, and, after driving up to campus with my high school sweetheart, I liked what I saw,” he recalls.

In true Nichols’ fashion, Tozzi went into business, but it was the business of protecting our freedoms. He met a couple Marine Corps recruiters at Bazzie’s, and following graduation and officer candidate school, Tozzi flew F4 Phantoms and A6 Intruders for the Marines for 21 years, including two tours in Vietnam (the first from March1966 to April 1967 and the second from July 1972 to August 1973). “While in the service, there was never a day I woke up that I didn’t want to go to work,” Tozzi says. Gene Cenci ’63 admires Tozzi and says he speaks for their other classmates when he describes Tozzi as a “very special human being with a heart of gold, whose life is a story of bravery over hundreds of missions while serving the country in Vietnam.”

Retiring from the Marine Corps in 1984, Tozzi worked for Westinghouse Electric Corp. in Baltimore. Fast forward another 20 years when he “decided he didn’t want to work anymore,” Tozzi moved to Wilson, N.C., where his oldest daughter and two of his grandchildren live. His other daughter and three other grandchildren live in Spartanburg, S.C. “I promise [classmate] Bruce Haslun that on my next trip there, I will stop by and have lunch with him,” says Tozzi. “And in case he doesn’t eat lunch, we’ll have a couple beers, which I seem to remember he does partake in.” In Wilson, Tozzi is involved in the Guardian ad Litem

Above: Art Tozzi standing on the ladder of the F-4 Phantom in Chu Lai while flying combat missions in Vietnam.

Left: Art Tozzi prior to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Nov. 10, 1973

Program as an advocate for troubled children in the juvenile court system, and has taken some classes at the community college nearby, including stained glass, photography, and computers.

But one thing keeps him especially busy: motorcycles. There are many who love motorcycles, and then there’s Tozzi, who would drive 6,248 miles on one. Last year, he took a 32-day trip on his Honda Goldwing Trike, traveling through the northeast

U.S. and Canada. He even spent two nights at a Canadian Air Force base where he enjoyed accommodations at the officers’ quarters and a full tour. Along the way he visited with Cenci, Bob Therrien ’63, Henri David ’64 and Vin Becker ’64.

Soon he’ll be on the road again taking a 7,500-mile trip to Arkansas, Iowa, Arizona, Missouri, Texas, and Sturgis, S.D., home of one of the largest annual motorcycle events in the world. He’ll also get to meet up with many of his Marine friends. “Being in a fighter squadron was like being a brother in a fraternity,” he says. “It was a tight-knit group, and although at some point, we all went our separate ways, we stay in touch with each other and gather annually at the Marine Corps Aviation Association to renew those old friendships.”

c o m m u n i t y. n i c h o l s . e d u

~ Ron Powers ’08 MBA '11

NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

19

ALUMNI

Sport management alumni map roads to success

On March 22, a panel of six Nichols alumni shared the sundry routes they have taken to notable positions in the sports industry, from the National Basketball Association to the New Balance athletic footwear company. For an attentive audience of sport management majors in Daniels Auditorium, the evening provided a crash course in making their own way into a highly competitive field.

The panelists – Jessica Burke Vassall ’03, Jesse Plouffe ’03, Meaghan Larkin ’07, Eric Foster ’08, Chris Santoro ’08, and Will McClaran ’08– all noted that they were propelled by highprofile internships while at Nichols and the “stick-to-it” approach that’s required in the sports world.

McClaran and Santoro both interned with the New York Knicks basketball team at Madison Square Garden, a location where more than 40 Nichols sport management majors have found internships over the past

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NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

decade with either the Knicks or the Rangers hockey team.

“I landed a job afterwards with the Miami Heat in inside ticket sales,” Santoro continued, adding by way of advice, “You have to do what you can to get your name out there. Ask yourself what will make you stand out. You’ll be competing with thousands of people for jobs in this industry.”

“Don’t be afraid to relocate,” urged McClaran, who was hired as a communications associate working with the media for the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets.

“Moving down to New Orleans was a very big car ride for me.

You might not be willing to move thousands of miles across the country, but someone else will.”

“I would do a million internships if I could. Take as many as you can get,” added Larkin, who did just that as an undergraduate – ranging from the Worcester Sharks hockey team and the DCU Center, Worcester’s main sports arena, to the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Boston Red Sox

Summer 2012

(where she helped plan owner John Henry’s wedding).

Larkin went on to her current position as catering sales manager at Aramark, which provides food services at Fenway Park and major league stadiums and arenas around the country.

She and other members of the panel pointed to their present jobs as evidence that there is more than team-based employment available in the sports world.

“There are skills you can transfer to other industries,” McClaran emphasized, including his own marketing/communication work for an orthopedic medical group specializing in sports medicine.

Plouffe and Vassal, meanwhile, have established themselves at Boston-based New Balance, he as a footwear developer responsible for new models and she as a marketing manager working with the company’s online advertising and creative services.

The panelists also took ques-

tions from the audience and met afterwards with groups of students at round tables in the back of the hall. Vassall – who interned at Sports Illustrated while an undergraduate – reminded the students clustered at her table about a triedand-true approach in almost all professional fields: “Networking is the best thing you can do,” she emphasized. “I still stay in touch with my boss from Sports Illustrated.”

ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

from the start! We were lucky to have water misters at various parts of the run to help cool us down. Also, I was fortunate to have friends at various places giving me Gatorade and cold wet towels to cool off. What a relief that was! Three of my friends from Boxboro, MA, joined me at mile 17 and helped me finish the race. What a big difference it makes when you have friends to talk with during the toughest part of the race. I ran at a conservative pace, and at the finish, I felt pretty strong.

It was great seeing my family at Heartbreak Hill, with just five miles left to go. The finish was exciting with crowds going crazy cheering the runners on. I felt relieved that the race was finally over, finishing in 4:40, and it was all for a great cause! Thank you for your encouraging words and support!

Tom DiGiuseppe ’70 (inset) and the 2nd South Carolina String Band.

was founded in 1989, and he has been a member for 11 years.

They perform principally at historic venues, from museums and libraries to re-enactments, and their music has been featured in two Ken Burns’ documentaries and now one about the Roosevelts. The band has provided music to History Channel programs and the movie, Gods and Generals, and in April and October, will be playing at the Smithsonian. They have recorded five CDs. Tom has always been a Civil War buff. His family was in the 9th, 14th and 27th Virginia Infantry, Carpenter's Artillery Battery, and the CSA Signal Corps. His studies of the war led him to become a reenactor, which eventually led him into the band, where he gets to sing; play banjo, bones and tambourine; research the history of the music of that era; and have lots of fun with great friends. Visit their web site at civilwarband.com.

40th REUNION

Class Scribe: Mark Alexander markalexander68@yahoo.com 35th REUNION

1980s 30th REUNION

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

Class Scribe: Rose (Cummings) Mamakos 3 Woodland Ave. Kingston, MA 02364-1029 mamcraz@comcast.net From the Class Scribe…

Recently, I spoke with Paul Cutler, who reported news regarding a company that five fellow alumni are part owners of. Ten years ago Paul, Jay Accorsi ’85, Peter Dodier, Lou Testa and Brian Wilcox CPA all purchased Connecticut Valley Fence Company LLC, headquartered in Tolland, CT. The company has been serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island for 51 years, primarily in the residential and commercial fence markets. They provide professional installation

and high quality materials such as cedar, vinyl, aluminum, and chain link. Brian is the primary managing owner and the other four alumni are more behind the scenes. There are some exciting new upcoming endeavors for the company. Check out their web site (www.ctvalleyfence.com) and friend them on Facebook!

Charlie Nikopoulos writes: I finished my fourth Boston Marathon, and it was a hot one

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

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

We’d like to hear from you!

Please send your news directly to your class scribe. If you do not have a class scribe, news may be forwarded to classnotes@nichols.edu.

Digital images are preferred, but please do not crop them!

The higher the resolution the better – 300 dpi (dots per inch).

c o m m u n i t y. n i c h o l s . e d u

Digital images may be sent directly to: classnotes@nichols.edu.

Prints may be sent to: Nichols College Alumni Relations P.O. Box 5000 Dudley, MA 01571

NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

21

ALUMNI / CLASS NOTES

25th

15th

REUNION

REUNION

Class Scribe: Diane Bellerose Golas 90 Lebanon St. Southbridge, MA 01550-1332 508-764-6077 spongedicat@aol.com Paul and Hollie Carrol ’87 report that they are still in Annapolis, MD. Their oldest daughter, Mackenzie is a sophomore at High Point University and plays lacrosse. Their middle daughter, Katie, is a freshman at Fairfield University and also plays lacrosse. Lastly, they report their youngest daughter, Elizabeth, is a sophomore in high school, and “time flies!”

Laura LaBrock was promoted to vice president of marketing and business at the Gardner VNA in Gardner, MA.

1990s

Jeff Malin, and his wife, Jennifer, proudly announce the birth of their first child, Connor Donovan James, born on Mar. 1, 2012. Jeff, Jen and Connor reside in Upton, MA.

Wear in the World...

Don’t forget … if you’re sporting Nichols gear on vacation this summer, take a photo and send it to alumnioffice@nichols.edu.

All entries will be posted on community.nichols.edu and may appear in future issues of NC Magazine.

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

2000s Class Scribe: Andrea Sacco andrea.j.sacco@gmail.com

Class Scribe: Donna Small 4905 Bay Harvest Ct. Clemmons, NC 27012-8245 336-712-1053 (home) 336-692-5157 (cell) dsmall9242000@yahoo.com 20th

to Long Island for family and work, where Steve took a field sales job with Monster. In January, Steve left Monster after almost 11 years and is now working as a national account manager for LinkedIn in NYC. He recently hosted Nichols students at his office.

Jason Conquest accepted a sales team lead position at uTest, a software testing company in Southborough, MA. I have been serving as the assistant vice president of business development at Georgetown Savings Bank since May 2011. Also, my wife, Catherine, and I celebrated the birth of our second child, a son, Lando David, on Dec. 27, 2011.

REUNION

10th REUNION

Class Scribe: Danielle Troiano 20 Stagecoach Rd. Leominster, MA 01453 508-845-6604 thedwoman@yahoo.com

Douglas Schmeling was promoted to vice president and credit officer at Spencer Savings Bank. He was previously an assistant vice president and credit officer at the bank. Before joining Spencer Savings Bank, he worked at Bay State Savings Bank.

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NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

Suzanne M. Somma, CPA, was named vice president of Greenberg, Rosenblatt, Kull & Bitsoli, PC. She has been with the firm more than 20 years and specializes in estates and trusts and high net worth individuals.

Class Scribe: David Twiss 978-979-7658 (cell) david.twiss14@gmail.com From the Class Scribe…

Steve Malcolm, and his wife, Michelle, celebrated the birth of their second child, a daughter, Leah, on May 9, 2011. In July, they moved from Massachusetts

Summer 2012

Class Scribe: Jillian (Hayes) Smerage jnhayes80@gmail.com

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

5th REUNION

Stephanie Magni was named head coach for the Needham High varsity softball team. This past fall, she was named the interim head field hockey coach at Regis and helped lead the Pride to their first-ever New England Collegiate Conference Championship. In her time at Regis, Magni coached six allconference athletes.

Class Scribe: Katelyn Vella katelyn.vella@yahoo.com

NICHOLS REMEMBERS

Oliver W. Birckhead, Jr. ’42, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died Apr. 27, 2012. He started a banking career in 1937 with the Peoples National Bank and Trust Co. in White Plains, N.Y., then served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942-1946. After his service, he returned to banking and became the executive vice president and director of The Central Trust Company. In 1968, he helped form The Central Bancorporation, which made The Central Trust Company its lead bank. Birckhead became president and CEO, a position he held for 17 years. In 1988, PNC acquired Central Bancorporation. Birckhead was vice chairman and a director of PNC Bank until his retirement in 1989.

He was heavily involved in the community, including service with Cincinnati Business Committee, Cincinnati Art Museum, National Conference of Christians and Jews and United Negro College Fund. He also helped lead the financing to form the Cincinnati Bengals. Birckhead’s work led to several honors, including the Israel Peace Medal by the State of Israel in 1986; the Ohio Governor’s Award for Community Action in 1973; and recognition as a Great Living Cincinnatian in 2003. Survivors include his wife, Jane; sons, Oliver and Randall; and five grandchildren.

Ralph A. Larrain ’48, of San Diego, and Pennington, Calif. died Dec. 31, 2011. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and served on a landing craft. After working on Wall Street as a comptroller of the NYSE, he moved to San Diego and worked as an accountant in La Jolla.

Survivors include his children, Lauren, Allison, Courtney and Craig; seven grandchildren; brother, Albert; and first wife, Aloha. He was predeceased by his second wife, Christine.

David Ryan ’48, of Arlington, Va., died Mar. 23, 2011. Following service in the Coast Guard during World War II, he worked as a

special agent in the FBI. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Catherine; children, Kathleen, John, Margaret and Michael; six grandchildren; and sister, Bertha.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Frederick and John.

George M. Kelvin ’49, of Dallas, Tex., died Feb. 24, 2012. During the Korean War he served in the U.S. Air Force. Kelvin was employed by NCR and LeFebure before starting his own business, Kevlin Services. Survivors include his wife, Carolynn; sons, James and George; and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, James.

William S. McIlveen ’50, of Hudson, N.H., died Feb. 14, 2012.

McIlveen worked at the former Eddy F. Labrie Inc., which he later co-owned and operated until the late 1970s. He continued his career at Demers Truck Center in South Merrimack, retiring in 1993. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Gloria; three children, Donna, Catherine, and John; nine grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; and four siblings, Leonard, Kenneth, Earl, and Ann May. He was predeceased by a son, William; and granddaughter, Amy Beth.

Robert A. Schroeder ’51, of Concord, N.C., died Aug. 10, 2011.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Ann; children, Lynn, Cynthia, and Steven; six grandchildren; and brother, Thomas.

Donald M. Starbuck ’53, of Brewster, N.Y., died Mar. 9, 2011.

Starbuck worked as a health inspector for the New York State Department of Health in White Plains. Survivors include his daughter, Lynda; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Bernice.

Peter C. Spelke ’67, of Stamford, Conn., died Apr. 1, 2012. He served in the U.S. Navy, and was active in real estate. Survivors include his children, Caroll, Christopher, and Peter; and sisters, Sam and Elizabeth.

John H. Songdahl MBA ’78, of Fort Myers, Fla., died July 25, 2011. Born in Norway, he is survived by his wife, Sandra and other family members.

Stephen O’Brien ’82, of Reading, Mass., died Feb. 25, 2012.

Survivors include his mother, Elizabeth; his wife of 18 years, Kristen; children, Sheila, Mary Kate, Seamus, Cormac, Brighid, and Brennan; and siblings, Michael, Peter, and Maureen.

Matthew D. Ziemian ’10, of Palmer, Mass., died Feb. 5, 2012.

Survivors include his grandparents, Stanley, Vivian, David and Carol; parents, David and Sharon; fiancée, Meaghan; and sister, Rebecca.

Herbert E. Durfee, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., formerly of Dudley, Mass., died May 1, 2012. Following service in the Army during World War II, Durfee was Nichols College chief of security for 27 years. Survivors include his daughter, Karen; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Vivian.

Former faculty member, Faith K. Peltekis, of Southborough and formerly of Marlborough, Mass., died Mar.14, 2012.

Survivors include her brother, James.

Ronald D. Springer, former lacrosse coach, of Webster, Mass., died May 3, 2012. In addition to coaching at Nichols, he had a long-time career with the Webster School system as a teacher, mentor and football coach, and later as an assistant football coach at Oxford High School. He retired from teaching in 2004.

Springer is survived by his wife of 22 years, Elaine; and children, Julie and her husband, Scott Margolis, and Ronald and his wife, Sandy; stepchild, Joy Seibold; and brother, Dale and his wife, Dawn.

c o m m u n i t y. n i c h o l s . e d u

NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

23

Your Success Is Our Business

Building the foundation of support Construction for the student center began by preparing a strong foundation. With the help of several donors, the financial foundation is solid, allowing the building to grow into an impressive structure at the heart of the Nichols College campus.

In recent months the student center has received commitment from three noteworthy constituents: Sam Haines ’73, Arthur Remillard and the Alden Trust.

Together this group has donated $1.5 million to this historic effort, bringing the grand total to nearly $7 million.

Haines, a member of the Nichols Board of Advisors, recently made a $250,000 commitment to the project.

After the final sale of his company Gear Motions, Inc. to his employees in 2010, Haines and his wife, Deb, decided that they wanted to support interests near and dear to their hearts. “Donating to Nichols was an easy choice,” says Haines, as he recalled wonderful memories of the old Alumni Hall as “a place we – especially day hops – socialized with, and met new friends. It was the heart of Nichols.” When Haines heard about the new building he knew “it was the perfect opportunity to help.” Looking ahead, he believes that the new student center will be “an important part of what brings people to Nichols. When they get there, they will discover what Nichols College is about and that will keep them there.”

Keeping the spirit of giving alive at Nichols, Arthur Remillard pledged $1 million in honor of his friend and former colleague, Jerry Fels ’66. A true conduit of philanthropy, Fels believes that one’s life can be enriched by making a concerted effort to give back.

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NICHOLS COLLEGE M A G A Z I N E

Summer 2012

Jerry and Marilyn Fels have made the art of giving central in their lives, enhancing the College community as well as the local towns of Webster and Dudley. Remillard hopes his gift to the student center will help strengthen the spirit of philanthropy at Nichols, just as Fels’ charitable efforts continue to strengthen local institutions.

With construction nearing completion, it is easy to see that the new student center will be the heart of campus.

The pulse can be found in the finance and technology room which has been made possible by a $300,000 gift from the George I. Alden Trust in Worcester, Mass.

Equipped with the latest technology, this facility will give students and faculty new and dynamic tools to enhance teaching and learning.

Having an estimated cost of $10 million, this project is one of the largest in Nichols history. It is the hope of the College to fund this new building with donations, ideally limiting the burden of these projects on our students.

Sam Haines, Arthur Remillard and the Alden Trust have joined the group of donors making that dream possible.

If you are interested in making a contribution toward the new student center, please contact Bill Pieczynski, vice president for advancement, at 866-622-4766 or william.pieczynski@nichols.edu.

STAY CONNECTED Congratulations to the Class of 2012! tdown n u o C ation Gradu

Well-Suited Seniors

Girls Night Ou

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Standing Pr oud

Break a e k a T s r Tuto European U Grads

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

alumnioffice@nichols.edu | community.nichols.edu

NON-PROFIT U.S.POSTAGE PAID N READING MA PERMIT NO 121

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

Friday, September 21

Saturday, September 22

4:30–6 p.m.

9–11 a.m.

President’s Reception for Golden Bison (50th Reunion year and older), Black Tavern. Pre-registration is required.

Brunch with the President Susan West Engelkemeyer, Daniels Auditorium.

Pre-registration is required.

5 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m. & Noon 11:30 a.m.

Noon–3 p.m.

Noon–5 p.m.

Field Hockey vs. Western New England University

6–8 p.m.

Annual Alumni Awards Ceremony & Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, Daniels Auditorium Hors d’oeuvres and beer/wine will be provided before the event.

Pre-registration is required. $15 per person Awardees: Alumni Achievement Award: William D. Fowler ’49 Young Alumnus Achievement Award: Mark W. Grigsby ’68 (posthumous) Ken Thompson Service Award: John D. MacPhail ’65 Honorary Alumnus Award: Professor Lawrence Downs Inductees: Brian J. Cordozzo ’03 Charles W. Gregory ’77 Edward G. Perotti ’95 2002 Women’s Soccer Team (Hall of Honor)

7:30 p.m.

7–9 p.m.

Women’s Tennis vs. Western New England University Student-guided walking tours of campus Men’s Soccer vs. Roger Williams University Registration and Bison Pride activities, Vendetti Field Tailgating, Lot M Open flames and glass bottles are not permitted.

Please note: The only parking available on campus will be in Lot M for tailgating. Offsite parking is available at Universal Tag. A complimentary shuttle will run from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

1 p.m.

Football vs. Western New England University featuring the Reunion Halftime Show.

Hotel Information: Homecoming attendees are encouraged to stay at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center. To make a reservation, call 508-7658000 (mention Nichols College to get a special discount) or visit group reservations at www.southbridgehotel.com and enter the code NICHOLS2012.

Women’s Soccer vs. Roger Williams University

Welcome Back Reception for alumni and their guests staying at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center. Pre-registration is required.

For more information, contact Alumni Relations at 866-622-4766 or community.nichols.edu/homecoming2012. We look forward to seeing you!