President’s Message
STATE OF THE COLLEGE
Throughout my inaugural year as president, I have had several opportunities to reflect on how fortunate I am to lead a college like Nichols. As higher education continues to navigate financial, demographic and political challenges, Nichols has demonstrated grit and resiliency in the face of obstacles. In today’s climate, we still need to compete at the highest levels, but our institutional DNA drives us to be singularly focused on our mission, and it has made a difference.
We are making strides toward our strategic priorities and proceeding with cautious optimism, along with a clear sense of the tasks immediately ahead and the confidence to dream of what’s next for Nichols.
Enrollment
In the fall, we welcomed the largest incoming class since the pandemic. We experienced growth in an extraordinarily challenging year, something many of our peer schools did not. We also had more students with a higher academic profile, a trend we’ve been realizing for the past three years. Our efforts will now be focused on increasing fall 2025 applications. I’m pleased to report the number of campus visits and deposits are strong, and academic quality remains high.
Building the brand
If you haven’t yet seen the Nichols College episode of The College Tour, I strongly urge you to find it on a streaming app such as Prime TV, Apple TV, Roku or via the Nichols website (www.nichols.edu). The program captures the vibrancy of the Nichols education through the experience of 10 engaging students. The episode
markets our brand to millions, and we are eager for all to see and share it with pride.
Financial health
Last year the college experienced an operating loss due to revenues remaining relatively flat and rising costs having a decisive impact on our budget. As the result of a tuition increase and additional belt tightening, we have managed to reduce the deficit. Our net tuition revenue is up as is revenue from auxiliary services, including space rentals for conferences and summer camps.
Fundraising remains a priority, and we are exceedingly reliant on and grateful for the generous support of donors who ensure that we can provide critical scholarship aid and game-changing resources that promote the career readiness of our students.
Experiential learning
Demonstrating ROI is a critical factor for today’s students and families in choosing a college, and an area in which we excel. From student-run businesses such as the Dudley Hill Golf Club and Bison Consulting to course-embedded projects to student research to fueling the entrepreneurial ingenuity of our students, we provide impactful experiences that truly differentiate Nichols and set our graduates up for success. Our goal is to introduce these opportunities to students as early as their freshmen year.
Campus culture
Last year I appointed a President’s Task Force on Campus Climate to assess and ensure our programs, policies, practices and attitudes across the institution reflect our values. They have conducted focus groups and climate surveys to collect feedback on our culture as a welcoming community. I look forward to hearing their recommendations at the end of the academic year on how we can better promote belonging.
We hope you share our excitement for this new beginning for Nichols and the ways in which we are continuing to shape an educational environment that inspires students to channel their passions, test their boundaries, and unlock their potential.
— Bill Pieczynski
EDITOR
Susan Veshi
Vice President for Advancement
CONTRIBUTORS
Brent Broszeit
Kevin Chetwynd
Julie Errico
Rae Glispin
Denise Kelley
Sharon Mahoney
Chrissy Manzi
Vicki Smith
PHOTOGRAPHY
Kenzie Costello
DESIGN
Steve Belleville
BellevilleDesigns
Nichols Magazine
Volume 19, Issue 1
Nichols College
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Nichols Magazine is published by Nichols College, Dudley, MA.
The College Tour
The pitch for Bison Consulting
Amere seven days after Bison Consulting was formed in August 2022, the founding members were pitching their first client. “That was stressful… I won’t lie,” admits Kristian Macris ’25, a sophomore at the time. As a Nichols student, Macris was no stranger to making classroom presentations, but that’s not quite the same as advising the owner of a multimillion-dollar company – who is sitting across the table – on ways to improve it.
“I remember shaking his hand and my knees were kind of wobbling a little bit,” he adds.
The client was Mike Frisbie ’90, who had launched a chain of high-tech fueling centers, Noble +EV, and was now opening a chain of express car washes called Soapy Noble. Frisbie was acquainted with the consulting capacities of Nichols students, having previously enlisted the support of a marketing class to promote his ice cream business, Frisbie’s Dairy Barn. (As a result of the experience, one of the students, Paul Parks ’19, became owner and operator of the business.) He tasked Bison Consulting with developing and managing the social media platforms for his newest endeavor.
Thrown to the wolves
“They had to do interviews, find out what problems and opportunities the client faced, create a proposal and then present that proposal to the client within a matter of three days,” says Len Harmon MSOL ’09, associate professor of marketing and Bison Consulting advisor. “It was a great hands-on, get-thrown-to-the-wolves kind of experience, and they embraced it incredibly.”
Founding member Mary Seabury ’24 recalls, “I had no idea what a consulting group even did at the time.” But, within
the week — and after 30 hours of immersive training — the student-run, fee-for-service Bison Consulting was in business. The original team, which also included then juniors Keenan Esau and Ingrid de Souza Olivieria worked with Soapy Noble to promote the grand openings of its first two car washes and provided months of strategic social posts, custom content, direct marketing, and detailed analytics.
Matt Auger ’21, who operates Soapy Noble’s seven locations, says, “They helped establish our social media presence in the beginning until we hired another Nichols graduate to run it.” He also notes that it wasn’t that long ago he himself was a student participating in class consulting projects. “I feel that the consulting projects got me more ready for work,” he contends. “And since I’ve experienced it from the other side, I think it’s a great thing for students to do!”
While course-embedded consulting projects for local businesses and organizations continue to be a staple of the Nichols education, Bison Consulting
Above: Len Harmon consults with Owen Connery and Madeline Parvey. Below: Connery leads the internal marketing discussion.
elevates the experience and gives students the added responsibility of running a business. In their inaugural year, they worked on six projects, generating nearly $11,000 in revenue.
Into the fire
One project was initiated by Mike Matros ’07. A career firefighter, Matros founded RedLine, a company that employs a Mobile Extraction Unit to professionally clean and inspect personal protective equipment to mitigate the risk of cancer and other diseases from contaminated turnout gear. His intention was to franchise the business to serve first responders across the U.S.
After working with a Nichols graduate class to design the franchise plan, he returned to Bison Consulting to help execute it.
“As a start-up company, I don’t have the capital to hire a big consulting company,” says Matros. “With Nichols, I was able to give a positive real-life experience to the students but also provide a critical asset to the company that fast-tracked our success.”
RedLine engaged Bison Consulting to create marketing materials and strategies to support new franchisees, including recommendations on how to better train and onboard employees.
“The Nichols students gave me the confidence and motivation to say we can make this business a franchise, we can make this process repeatable,” offers Matros. “I saw nothing but professionalism. The presentations were on time, they provided notes to me and worked around my schedule.”
BISON CONSULTING Team Members
The students of Bison Consulting bring a unique blend of expertise to their roles as they learn how to best serve their clients and grow the business.
Kristian Macris, CEO
Majors: Accounting and Corporate Finance & Investments
Owen Connery, Director of Business Development
Major: Accounting Minor: Legal Studies
Madeline Parvey, Marketing Specialist
Major: Real Estate Management
Minor: Digital & Social Media Marketing
Joey Rotolo, Marketing Specialist Major: Marketing
Grace Killman, Director of Internal Marketing
BSBA Marketing 2024 Master of Science in Organizational Leadership candidate
Jack Peloquin, Project Manager
Major: Accounting Minor: Communications
The experience was gratifying for Bison Consulting as well. “We were able to help him out without having a direct knowledge of the industry, basically doing our due diligence, willing to research, willing to learn more and listening to the client,” remarks Esau.
Working with a wide range of clients and gaining knowledge on different industries to better meet their needs is one of the “coolest” parts of the job, according to Macris. “I had no idea that the leading cause of death among firefighters was cancer,” he says of his work with RedLine.
For a recent project with Snuggle Up, a baby blanket business, Macris researched how different fabrics, particularly certain organic materials, are best for babies’ sensitive skin. “I even wound up learning about tummy time, things I never thought I would learn about,” he says, “You have to understand what’s going on with the industry, with the client, and get your brain in the same mindset of the owner.”
Growing the business
With Macris as CEO, Bison Consulting has set its sights on growth and client sustainability. Rounding out the current team is graduate assistant Grace Killman ’24, director of internal marketing,
Owen Connery ’27, director of business development, and Jack Peloquin ’27, project manager. They have also hired two new associates, marketing specialists Madeline Parvey ’26 and Joey Rotolo ’27. Their first assignment? Marketing Bison Consulting. Prospective clients can now connect with the team through LinkedIn and Instagram.
They are also supported by the resources of a vast alumni network. When the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association sought to enhance its online presence with a press representative at each meet, Bison Consulting hired Kevin Chetwynd ’22 MBA/MSOL ’24, advancement associate at Nichols, to cover some shifts. “The students were eager to bring in new talent to assist with their contracted services, and I was happy to help,” shares Chetwynd. He is focused on growing MSTCA’s Instagram following of 8,000 and boasts one viral video that had over 150,000 views.
Marketing Specialist Joey Rotolo also serves leadership roles with the Marketing and Entrepreneurial Minds clubs at Nichols.
Last March, Heather Griffin ’06, senior finance manager at New England Botanical Garden, turned to Nichols to help fill a vacancy in her department on a temporary basis. Bison Consulting, which had been looking to expand its services to accounting, tapped accounting major Connery, a freshman at the time. He worked through the spring and summer until it was time for him to return to campus for RA training, and Bison Consulting was able to supply a sophomore to help until the position was filled.
Griffin marvels at the experiences afforded to Nichols students so early in their academic careers. “I didn’t have my first internship until junior year!” she claims. But she trusted Bison Consulting to come through. “There is a plethora of students who are eager to learn, eager to fill that role, that we knew we could find somebody,” says Griffin. “Being a Nichols grad, I knew the quality of students they produce. I knew I could have confidence in the students I would receive from Bison Consulting.”
Alumni and donors alike see the value of promoting real-world experiences and are making an investment – in 2020, Nichols received an anonymous $1 million donation to support student consulting initiatives. With its sharpened focus on expanding experiential learning opportunities, Nichols is betting that student-run enterprises like Bison Consulting will continue to differentiate the college and its graduates. Says Harmon, “We have no doubt that the success our graduates will have in their careers is directly related to this experience.”
– Susan Veshi
Campus
Nichols installs #9
William C. Pieczynski was installed as the ninth president of Nichols College on October 18 before a supportive and electrified crowd of trustees, faculty, staff – and students sporting specially designed t-shirts emblazoned with Pieczynski and the number 9. Also in attendance were Pieczynski’s family and friends, including guests from his alma mater, Catawba College in North Carolina.
Pieczynski was named to the post in May 2024, after serving in the interim capacity since September 2024.
The investiture ceremony, presided over by chair of the Nichols College Board of Trustees Randy Becker ’83 MBA ’96, included calls to service and remarks by representatives from various constituencies of the college, including Trustee David Bedard ’86; SGA President Louis Denison ’25; graduate student April Steward ’23 MBA/MSOL ’26; alumna Michelle Austin ’77; Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Superintendent
Steven Lamarche; business leader Jeff Johnson ’90; Associate Professor Dr. Allison McDowell-Smith; and Facilities Management staff member George Makara.
Becker noted Pieczynski’s many accomplishments in his previous role as vice president for advancement, from setting new standards of giving to securing contributions for new building projects to expanding experiential learning opportunities.
“Today, we gather to celebrate a man of genuine integrity, humility and compassion. We are confident that
President Pieczynski will support the culture of Nichols and foster change that is both forward-thinking and deep-rooted in the college’s honored traditions,” he said.
He then presented Pieczynski with the symbols of his office, including nineteenthcentury specially embossed dishes and demitasse set with scenes of Nichols Academy; the academic gown, hood and cap; and the Presidential Medallion, featuring the college seal inscribed with its motto, Loyalty, Service, Culture. Becker was assisted by Pieczynski’s wife Lana and his sister, Denise.
In his inaugural address. Pieczynski, who has been a member of the Nichols community for 18 years, praised its resilience, noting its evolution throughout its history, dating back to 1815. “I am fortunate to lead a college that is comfortable in its own skin — always aware that we are a work in progress — but one that has confronted momentous change and has persevered.”
Turning to the challenges of educating students for a future and jobs that don’t yet exist, Pieczynski remarked that the school possesses a strong foundation for this task. He cited the college’s focus on the “triple threat,” where students complete an internship, receive a professional certification, and complete an experiential learning experience, and referred to higher education research that spoke of these kinds of experiences as “career game changers.”
Pieczynski closed his remarks with a direct appeal: “To the entire Nichols College community, I ask for your candor, optimism and trust. In return, I will offer the same. As president of Nichols, I will gather strength from our past and affirm my unwavering commitment and tireless effort as we pursue the bright promise of tomorrow.”
Pieczynski family
President Pieczynski with Board Chair Randy Becker
Teaching financial, business skills to adult HIV-positive orphans in Kenya
Ateam of faculty and students at Nichols College is among the pioneering groups working to assist alumni from Nyumbani, an orphanage in Kenya for HIV-positive children up to 18 years old, in gaining control of their financial futures.
Led by Karin Curran MBA ’93, associate professor of accounting and finance and program chair for general business, the team’s role highlights an encouraging development in one critical aspect. Before anti-retroviral drugs, the children were not expected to outlive their youth. Today, they need to learn how to become financially self-sufficient adults.
So, when Curran’s best friend Erin Banda, a current grant administrator affiliated with the orphanage, explained that she needed someone to teach the Nyumbani alumni skills that will help them support themselves financially, Curran signed Nichols up, with enthusiastic approval from the college’s leadership.
“I just thought, I work at a business school. We teach financial literacy and business skills. There’s got to be something we can do,” says Curran, who has taught financial literacy topics in the local community and to farmers across New England.
Julio Elias, PhD, assistant professor of economics and finance, program chair for international business, native of Mozambique and polyglot, and two multilingual, dedicated students complete the team of four that co-founded the Kenya Financial Empowerment Group that works with the orphanage alumni.
“This is what we call an economic empowerment project. It’s an opportunity to help a stakeholder, to gain exposure for Nichols and internationalization, and to provide experiential learning for students, with a social component. It’s a win-winwin,” explains Elias.
Many Nyumbani alumni are eager to start businesses and improve their financial knowledge, so over the summer the team met two of the alumni entrepreneurs via Zoom to get a sense of the challenges to profitability that they face in the povertystricken region. The realities are beyond what the team expected.
One’s vegetable business suffers from waste, as half of his vegetables for sale spoil due to the lack of electricity or refrigeration and prevalence of rats and is located in the only place he can cover the rent. For another, who sells water and delivers by foot, customers can’t afford to buy water at full price, or the equivalent of $0.50 for six gallons, so he offers many discounts, especially for pregnant women.
After continued conversations, the team’s problem-solving ideas have started to flow. Student co-founder Alisha Masson ’26, a criminal justice major and campus financial literacy advocate whose family is from Haiti, after some research proposed the use of special clay pots that get buried in the ground for keeping vegetables cool enough to prevent spoilage. Student co-founder Antonia Carrero ’25, a corporate finance & investments major and dual citizen of Germany and Spain, created a logo and introduced a Facebook page that could keep the alumni connected to the Nichols group for helpful content. In addition, after talking with a group of 25–30 Nyumbani alumni, they have decided they will start a workshop series, beginning with resume writing sessions since the competition for jobs is fierce, with a 25 percent unemployment rate in the region.
The team’s long-range vision includes workshops on Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, LinkedIn, personal finance, entrepreneurship, business incubators and more—maybe even a trip to Kenya.
For the student co-founders, the project has already offered benefits to them and their futures.
“I think we are definitely more openminded due to this project,” comments Carrero. “Because now, every time we make a suggestion, we question ourselves first…Is it realistic? Does it work for them, or is it just realistic here in Dudley?”
“I think the reason why we’ve been successful so far, and why alums are to an extent trusting us, is that we don’t come in all pride and ego. We just want to hear about them and their business,” agrees Masson.
Curran and Elias are looking forward to future endeavors with Nichols students and the Nyumbani alumni, as they are committed to continuing progress with the project.
Says Curran, “We’re taking it one step at a time, and we’re just at the beginning. It’s not an easy project, but the response that we’ve gotten has been really positive, so we keep moving forward.”
– Denise Kelley
And, the future possibilities are endless, says Curran. In the near term, since her friend Banda recently moved to Kenya, they expect their activities will benefit from having Banda on location.
Members of the Kenya Financial Empowerment Group are, from left, Enzo Lazaro Matos Balleux, Associate Professor Karin Curran, Leon Zeis, Assistant Professor Julio Elias, Antonia Carrero, and in front, Alisha Masson.
Johanna Schroeder’s pursuit of excellence
If there’s one word to describe senior Johanna Schroeder’s experience at Nichols, it is excellence, whether in tennis, finance, or leadership.
Schroeder was in high school when she decided to pursue collegiate tennis. “I talked with Nichols’ tennis coach. He told me all about the college and the tennis team and recruited me for the team,” she states. “I like that Nichols is a small business school with a lot of opportunities for me to be successful in both tennis and my career.”
Schroeder, who hails from Mexico City, has done well. She was named the Commonwealth Coast Conference women’s tennis player of the year in 2023, junior athlete of the year in spring 2024, and women’s tennis scholar athlete of the year in fall 2024 when the team took the Conference of New England (formerly CCC) title. Since August, Schroeder has been serving as team captain. “I’ve learned that I need to lead by example, to help motivate the other players. It’s kind of like being a mentor. I like to make sure everyone feels valued,” she adds.
While Schroeder enjoys playing tennis, her ultimate career goal is to work in finance. Serving as a junior analyst for the studentmanaged Thunder Fund is helping prepare
her. “As an analyst, I conduct in-depth financial research and analysis to identify investment opportunities, assess market trends and evaluate risk factors,” she explains.
As a result, she’s developed a proficiency in constructing and interpreting financial models, including discounted cash flows analysis to evaluate companies’ valuations and forecast financial outcomes. This ultimately prepares her to produce comprehensive reports and presentations for fund stakeholders.
Schroeder’s leadership development reaches beyond Nichols. In June 2023, she attended the GenHERation® Connection conference. Coordinators selected her as 1 of 300 participants from across the country. As part of the conference, she collaborated with 80 students and engaged with 75+ executives from 50+ companies, developed critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and leadership skills during a weeklong experiential learning program.
This past summer, she worked as a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual in Fort Lauderdale, learning from Al Vojtila ’17, financial representative. While much of the assignment entailed promoting financial products and
providing excellent customer service, she also prepared comprehensive financial plans alongside senior advisors.
Schroeder has enjoyed her Nichols experience so much that she also serves as an admissions ambassador. “By providing campus tours to prospective students and families, I show them why they should come to Nichols.” In addition, she assists with the day-to-day operations within the admissions department.
While Schroeder’s activities keep her busy, she loves everything she does. “I appreciate the opportunity to make an impact. In addition, being involved motivates me and brings excitement to my life,” she adds.
– Julie Errico
“I’ve learned that I need to lead by example, to help motivate the other players. It’s kind of like being a mentor. I like to make sure everyone feels valued.”
Johanna Schroeder Captain, Women’s Tennis
Johanna Schroeder and Al Vojtila ’17
NICHOLS ATHLETICS
The evolution of women’s sports
Just over 50 years ago, Nichols College enrolled its first groups of female students, adding a welcomed dimension to the classroom and campus culture and expanding the arena of varsity sports.
At the time, the college had 10 varsity sports for male students, including soccer, cross country, basketball, ice hockey, swimming, baseball, lacrosse, track and field, tennis, golf, and, of course, football, which was enjoying a winning streak that led them to five state championship titles under Coach Mike Vendetti, who also served as athletic director from 1975 to 1986.
Play ball!
In 1977, Marcia (Gromelski) Behrens ’78 MBA ’89 asked then Professor William Steglitz MBA ’85 if he would coach the first softball team. The students learned that Steglitz, a well-known Yankees fan, had played some minor league ball in the past and had access to equipment through his town league. They didn’t have a field, so they used a portion of the football field, which Steglitz recalls as being full of mud most of the time.
After one year of operating as a club team, the first season was underway in spring
1978. Behrens was the starting shortstop. Their first opponents were Holy Cross, Worcester State, Anna Maria, Bryant and Annhurst. With no uniforms provided, they donned their Nichols gear and found their own transportation to away games.
The women’s basketball team premiered in winter 1978-79, coached by Jake Szugda and Frank Marino. Field hockey added rosters in spring 1980. Cheerleading, or cheering as it was originally called, and swimming became co-ed programs. It didn’t take long for the “Bisonettes,” as they were sometimes referred to in earliest years, to become the “Lady Bison,” a term often used a decade later.
The first Hall of Famers
In the 1980s, the female squads were off and running under Susan Dexter, who previously spent 11 years coaching at Berkshire Community College. The women’s basketball team won the Massachusetts Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (MAIAW) Championship in 1981-82, which produced the first three female athletes inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility: Ellen (O’Connor) Duggan ’82 (1987), Nancy Rossini ’83 (1988) and Kim (Wentworth) Grady ’83 (1989).
Coach Bill Craig led several winning seasons from 1987 to 1990, guiding several Hall of Fame athletes, including the college’s first female All-American athlete Lisa Gionet ’88. Gionet, from nearby Oxford, had several offers to play at Division I schools, but her dad, Richard ’61, encouraged her to consider the solid education and court time she would get at Nichols. She studied management information systems, secured a successful career, and became the sixth female to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.
Amy Bernard ’86 was the fourth inductee and the first to play three sports. A strong athlete in high school, Bernard had no intention of trying out for a team, until she ran into Rossini in the dining hall. The conversation led to her joining field hockey tryouts on the adjacent universal field. Once Bernard exposed her talents, she was urged by teammates to play basketball. Softball was her primary sport in high school so continuing through the spring was natural.
Laura (Chalmers) Bray ’87, the fifth inductee, was attracted to Nichols because she was able to play more than one sport, field hockey and softball. She recalls driving the college-owned van to away games and relying on her teammates when she broke her nose during a field hockey game against Wheelock College. (Read more about Bray on page 11.)
Above: Ice hockey was one of four women’s sports introduced since 2008.
Left: Karen (Tropp) Veronesi (far left) and her 1991 MAIAW softball champs
A dominant era
For 15 years, female athletes dominated post-season play on the Hill. Field hockey, women’s basketball and softball teams were the only teams to have state or conference wins from 1981 to 1995 when the men’s tennis won the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) title. During this run, each of the three women’s sports won at least three titles.
In the mid-1980s into the early 1990s, the Lady Bison were strongly represented by Karen (Tropp) Veronesi, who was onboarded from Morehead State University in Minnesota in 1984 to coach field hockey, women’s basketball and softball. She also worked alongside Vendetti overseeing the expansion of women’s sports.
Veronesi’s approach set the tone for the future of women’s sports on the Hill. She was purposeful in every decision and concentrated on creating a strong culture. When she visited high school games to recruit athletes, she would assess overall ability. “I would watch an athlete play basketball even though I was recruiting her for field hockey,” she says. “I wanted the women to know how welcomed they would be at Nichols and would evaluate their athletic ability and plan to work with them upon arrival.” While other colleges were quick to join the newly formed CCC in 1984, Veronesi recognized the value of building independent schedules with opponents that would appropriately challenge her athletes.
During her tenure, a fourth sport was formalized in 1991; Nancy (Medas) Cordell ’92 initiated steps to secure the varsity soccer roster, and track and field soon followed.
When Veronesi left in 1992, her legacy was cemented. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018,
cited as “a pioneer for women’s athletics in the 1980s and early 1990s.” Her 1991 softball team was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Honor in 2020.
Bison
pride builds
West Point graduate Tom Cafaro took over as the sole athletic director and the college fully embraced the CCC (now the Conference of New England).
Women’s tennis and lacrosse were added in 1996 and 1999, respectively. Today, the women’s tennis team has the most conference championships among all women’s sports (5), including the 2024 Conference of New England Championship this past fall.
In 1998, after coaching field hockey and softball on the Hill for two years, Charlie Robert stepped into the role of athletic director after Cafaro moved into enrollment management. She remained coaching for five years alongside her responsibilities as athletic director, a position she held for nearly 20 years. Under her leadership, women’s soccer became the first Bison team to make an NCAA Division III appearance in 200203. Robert was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
In the new millennium, four additional sports were represented by women, including ice hockey (2008-09), cross country (2013), volleyball (2016), and golf (2023-24). Cheerleading and esports remain co-ed.
Kristan Mallet, deputy director of athletics, became a full-time administrator in 2022, supporting Vice President and Athletic Director Jack Hayes, after a decade of coaching Bison softball.
She is the second-winningest coach in the college’s history with 136. In her tenure with the field hockey program (2006-16), Mallet guided the Bison to the CCC Tournament in eight of her 11 seasons – including the 2009 title and the program’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. (Nichols hosted the first round – another college first.) Mallet also brought the Bison to the ECAC Semifinals in 2008 and stands as the winningest coach in program history.
There are currently over 200 female student-athletes on campus competing on 11 varsity teams. The rosters today are filled with powerful athletes who continue to break records and claim titles. The college is proud of the countless female athletes that led the Bison to victories while reaching personal success. A complete history of the athletic program including statistics, records and awards from inception can be found on nicholsathletics.com.
– Chrissy Manzi ’92
Above: Representing CCC championships in field hockey (2009-10) and soccer (2002-03)
Left: 2024 CNE tennis champions
Alumni news
Please send your Alumni 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 peferred, 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.
1975
Kevin Parker reports that he retired in 2018 after an enjoyable career using his degree in accounting. He has had the opportunity to live and work for extended periods of time in the United States, Australia, and Canada in the areas of public accounting, internal auditing, and as a small division controller. He is married to his wife Linda, and they have two grown children, all who live in Colorado.
50th reunion! Come home to the Hill for Homecoming 2025, September 26 & 27. Be on the lookout for emails with more information. To update your address, contact chrissy.manzi@nichols.edu.
1978
Bob Campbell writes that he retired in 2017 as the CFO for Alden Research Laboratory and after a long stint with Babcock Power as their corporate director of financial planning and analysis and their controller for the Environmental Division. He began his career in 1978 with the international accounting firm of KPMG, obtaining his CPA license I in 1981 and the position of senior accountant, later moving away from public accounting into the corporate work of manufacturers. Bob and his wife Wanda live in Auburn, Mass., and spend the winter months in Myrtle Beach. Bob is pictured here with two of his five grandchildren, Hunter and Colton.
Alumni from the classes of ’78 and ’79 held one of their annual gatherings in August in Maine. Attending were Larry Bean, four year-football starter; Pat Hoey, class president; Bill Stroble, class vice president, manager of the Bison Den and football player; Buster Haslip, honorary Bison and friend to all; Billy Fraser, class treasurer and the glue that holds them all together; Marty Power, football captain and Hall of Famer; Andy Higgins ’80, honorary underclassman in the group and Hall of Famer for football; Phil Robinson, fouryear Justinian Council member and football player; Tom LoRicco, Hall of Famer for football and track; Mike Villanova, Hall of Famer for golf.
1980
45th reunion! Homecoming 2025
1981
Charles “Chip” Bechert attended the Hockey Alumni Golf Tournament held on September 6 at the Dudley Hill Golf Course at Nichols College. Pictured on the course are Matt Kennedy ’79, Chip, Dennis Sexton ’80 and Richie Clark ’82, and below at the Bison Den are Chip and Dennis.
1984
Over 40 classmates attended our 40th class reunion over homecoming weekend in September. Great job! Happy to see classmates from far and wide, including Florida and California. It was truly a group effort with over ten reunion committee members making calls and sending emails to get the group together. We had a great time and look forward to our next gathering. Please stay in touch – reach out with an update!
1985
Robert “Bob” Paulsen was appointed as senior vice president/ commercial banking center manager of the Worcester office at Rockland Trust. He brings over three decades of banking and management experience to the position.
40th reunion!
Homecoming 2025
1986
The 1986 “Budleigh Crew” at Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course in Georgia: Dave Bedard, Paul Wigglesworth, Joe Litavis, Dave Lofgren, EJ Landry, Rich Anderson, Mark DeVincent, and Andy Michienzi
Equipped for business: Laura Bray ’87
Afamily-owned office technology and equipment company located in Burlington, Massachusetts, NBM Inc. has been in business for nearly 40 years. Laura (Chalmers) Bray ’87 has worked there for 38 of them.
“I got in at a good time,” she says of the secret to her longevity. The company began with a handful of employees and about $850,000 in business and is poised to finish with $33 million this year. As the company advanced, so did Bray. Hired for inside sales, she used her Nichols know-how to set up their first computer system and continued to assume greater responsibility, now serving as vice president of operations.
“It’s been amazing to be a part of it,” says Bray as she reflects on NBM’s expansion in major product lines, managed print and IT services, and to a 40,000 square-foot headquarters. And still going strong – since the pandemic, they have grown 15 percent a year, thanks to a ready inventory and an effective salesforce.
Bray brings a highly principled work ethic to her role. While raising their two daughters, she and her husband, John Bray ’88, staggered their schedules to allow Laura to be at work early. After more than three decades… “I’m still the first one here, still at my desk at 6:30 every day,” she says.
To her now-grown daughters, Bray advises: “Work hard and take the knowledge that you learn through your job and your education and put it to good use.”
At Nichols, Bray excelled in softball and field hockey, becoming one of the first women athletes to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame (see page 8). “Playing sports and being on a team is a big part of who you are in life,” she asserts. She holds great memories of her athletic days, as well as a healthy dose of Bison pride. “I remember playing in my first alumni field hockey game. I thought I was still better than everybody,” she says, admitting, “I’m very competitive.”
Perhaps a result of growing up with three older brothers, one of whom played soccer and baseball at Nichols. Bray is also the niece of Don Chalmers ’59, longtime president of the alumni association and the first recipient of its Ken Thompson Service Award.
– Susan Veshi
1991
Deidra “Dee” (Reed) Davis is pictured at her daughter’s wedding at the Penobscot Bay Estate in Winterport, ME, on August 10, 2024, with Alisa (Craig) Morgan ’91, her son Brady Morgan ’25, her husband Kevin and her daughter Jessica.
1994
Laurie Smith has been appointed interim principal at North Middlesex Regional High School, where she has served as assistant principal since 2016. She started in the district in 1998 when she was hired as a guidance and school adjustment counselor.
The Class of 1994 celebrated their 30th reunion on Saturday, September 22, 2024, on Vendetti Field. Although the weather wasn’t the greatest, it didn’t stop the class from celebrating this milestone. So many others had other commitments and couldn’t be there in person; however, they were there in spirit. They all went down memory lane and had some great laughs!
Frank Michienzi and his wife Vilma hosted a group of Nichols alumni at their pizzeria this past summer: Billy Carven, Tony and Deanna ’93 Fruci, Kevin ’93 and Deb ’93 Sweeney, Chris and Meaghan Maher, Frank, Eric and Tammy Smyrl and Vinny and Tammy D’Amato
Dennis Hurlburt has been promoted from controller to chief financial officer at Mintz & Hoke in Avon, CT. Dennis lives in Berlin with his wife Diane and their six dogs.
2004
Kate (Robert) Fields and her husband Bobby had a very good reason to miss the reunion when they welcomed their daughter Vivian to the world!
Michael Letzeisen has returned to academia pursuing a degree in substance addiction counselor/ human services at Mount Wachusett Community College to further pursue his passion of helping others.
Justin Shepard graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighter Academy and is enrolled in an EMT course at Quincy College.
2006
Brennan Campbell is pictured with his three children Ethan, Brooke, and Julianna. Brennan, whose dad is Bob Campbell ’78, lives in Auburn with his wife Kate and their children.
2011
Randal Sklar wed Jessica Goodman on June 16, 2024, at the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, RI. The couple honeymooned in Italy and now reside in Woburn, MA. In 2012, Randal became a full-time professional poker player.
Forging success at Forbes: Michael York ’98
Michael York ’98 is CFO of Forbes Media LLC, which started as a magazine in 1917 and has since evolved into a multi-platform information source whose mission is “to give people the knowledge, resources, inspiration and connections they need to achieve success.”
His role of CFO is “less corporate finance than people might think and more operational,” York says. Reporting to the Forbes CEO, he leads a team of about 40 people, which includes accounting, tax, payroll, MPNA and finance managers providing daily support to the chief revenue officer. He enjoys working with other executives to solve problems, such as hitting financial goals, maintaining the integrity of the brand, and diversifying product offerings.
He says that in the long run, Forbes is about connecting their advertisers to the right audience and reaching premium communities within their platforms, such as their “Under 30” franchise, which has attracted a younger audience of successful entrepreneurs.
York says that Nichols prepared him well for his time at Forbes. “It was the perfect place for me,” he contends. “I felt like the footprint of what I got at Nichols in terms of my career knowledge was wider than just about anywhere else I probably could have gone. Nichols did a lot of things that other colleges didn’t, such as emphasizing public speaking and real-world experience.”
“Nichols did a lot of things that other colleges didn’t, such as emphasizing public speaking and real-world experience.”
Since he began at Forbes 22 years ago, the company made the decision to decrease print magazine production from 26 to six issues per year, while building a massive platform in Forbes.com. “We have evolved into a digital powerhouse by investing in technology and continued focus on premium editorial content. Many people think we still only publish a magazine,” York states. The Forbes website is visited by over 100 million people monthly, its social platforms have over 53 million followers, and they produce over 100 profitable live events annually.
Michael York ’98
In addition to academic opportunities, he shared a favorite memory of an oncampus outdoor concert by The Verve and Tonic that was almost ruined by a downpour but turned into an impromptu acoustic show in Daniels Auditorium.
Today, he lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with his two daughters and enjoys cycling and following the Boston sports teams. He also contributes to the success of Nichols: “You asked me why I donate to and still have the desire to be connected to Nichols College, and for me, it’s almost like how could I not? Bison Pride is kind of in my DNA because it was just such a big part of me.”
– Brent Broszeit MBA
’02
Avery Fuertes is the assistant head coach of the track and field team at Bentley University.
Ryan Hill and Chad Weeks MBA MSOL ’17 recently moved to Jupiter, FL.
2025 2015
10th reunion! Homecoming
2016
Irving Eggleston MBA ’18 has been named as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Rhode Island College. Irving is also a coach for the Junior Celtics which is the official youth basketball platform for the Boston Celtics. Irving and his wife Sarah reside in Cranston, RI with their son Irving Maurice Eggleston III.
2017
Carmen (Garcia) Sutyak and husband
John welcomed baby girl Sydney Angelina on November 3, 2024.
2019
Sarah (Williams) Kane married Daniel Kane on June 1, 2024, in South Windsor, CT. Pictured are fellow Bison who attended the wedding: Shanlee (Crowell) Lanphear ’18 MSC ’19, Marissa (Stone) El Sehrawey ’18, Colden Manarky ’18, Jennifer Woodsum ’18, Sarah, Ian Ledger, McKayla Pratte and Brian O’Riordan
Class Champions
(Updates on our Golden Bison, alumni of the past 50 or more years, are featured in the Golden Bison Bulletin newsletter. Golden Bison are also welcomed to submit a note to Nichols College Magazine through classnotes@nichols.edu.)
1984
Rob Hoey rob@hoeywealthmanagement.com
1985
John Donahue 609-257-8717 johndonahue1234@gmail.com
1989
Stacey Kiely stkiely@meditech.com
1991
Donna Meeker donnameekeremail@gmail.com
1992
Keith Hofbeck khofbeck@comcast.net
1994
Danielle Sprague daniellesjj@gmail.com
1995
Tara Medeiros tara629@verizon.net
2001
Dave Twiss 978-979-7658 david.twiss14@gmail.com
2002
John Larochelle john.larochelle1@gmail.com
2003
Jillian Smerage jnhayes80@gmail.com
2004
Justin Shepard shep@therevivalfarm.com
2005
Mel Jackson msmeljackson@gmail.com
2006
Erica Boulay erica.boulay@hotmail.com
2007
Meaghan Sheehan meaglark@gmail.com
2008
Nicole Curley nsc3129@gmail.com
2010
Katelyn Vella-Maresca katelyn.vella@yahoo.com
2011
Alie Hallam aliemchal@gmail.com
2013
Ryan Flavin rtflavin@gmail.com
2015
Andrew Haas andrewhaas3@gmail.com
Michael Ricci michael.ricci@nichols.edu
2016
Stacie Converse converse.stacielee@gmail.com
2017
Nicole LaBrack njlabrack13@verizon.net
Gina Petruzzi gmp0626@aol.com
2019
Brian O’Riordan boriordan78@gmail.com
2020
Sarah Coburn sarah.jane.coburn@gmail.com
Tyler Kenney tyler.kenney20@hotmail.com
2021
Spenser Molloy spenserjmolloy@gmail.com
2022
Kayla Dewitt kaylaanndewitt99@gmail.com
2023
MacKenzie Doran mackenzie.doran2001 @gmail.com
Deegan Eggleston deeganeggleston@outlook.com
2024
Kelley Carlin kelleyycarlin@gmail.com
Zack Harris zharris727@gmail.com
If you would like to become a class champion, reach out to Chrissy Manzi ’92, director of alumni and family engagement, at chrissy.manzi@nichols.edu.
Master craftsman, devoted teacher: Michael J. Saari ’79
Michael Saari ’79 brings more than 30 years of teaching experience and 40 years as a master craftsman to his adjunct professor position at Nichols College, where he cultivates the creativity of students through courses such as Introduction to Drawing, Painting, Architecture, History of Design, or Art History.
Saari has taught all around the country with students aged 10 to 80. “I can understand students’ frustration,” he says. “I try to guide them into something similar as a building block rather than something complex. A studio class requires patience. Most students are pleasantly surprised with their work. The projects come out pretty neat.”
He endeavors to instill the joy of creativity in his students. “We have something in common with great artists,” he adds. “We go outside and draw some of the campus. Students are surprised that it is enjoyable.”
While his primary focus is as a metal smith, Saari has been able to put the undergraduate coursework he took at Nichols to productive use for the past 40 years. “These classes helped me to run my small business as a sole proprietor working on cash flow, marketing, and office work.” He has also studied abroad and in the U.S., completing a Master’s Degree in Fine Art.
As an artist, Saari has worked on public and private commissions across the country, creating and restoring work for sites such as Colonial Williamsburg and Old Sturbridge
Village and producing 20,000 pieces of hardware for the Old Barracks in Trenton, New Jersey, where Washington housed his troops during the American Revolution. He also served as blacksmith for the City of New York for four years.
His contemporary metal work has been exhibited and represented in the U.S., Europe, and Scandinavia in projects ranging from sculptures in Germany to large goldleafed weathervanes atop buildings to restoration of Mystic Seaport’s whaleship The Charles W. Morgan. In 2022, he exhibited his work in Nichols’ Conant Library.
“Metal work is very exciting, particularly if you are heating it up,” he asserts.
In the summer, Saari teaches “Bronze Casting for Wooden Boatbuilders” at the WoodenBoat School in Brooklin, Maine, where he can “combine my love of teaching with my love of sailing.” He has competed in the Star Class and restored a wooden Firefly, among other boats. “Even if sailors don’t do their own casting, they will learn about design and patternmaking to minimize the cost of having a commercial foundry make their castings for marine hardware,” he explains.
Locally, Saari is well-known for the 25-foottall pair of eyeglasses representing a bit of heritage from the old American Optical headquarters, which is now a conference center in Southbridge. At Nichols, he will continue to guide students through the creative process using their own artistic lens.
– Julie Errico
2022
Sophie Czerepica is working in the downtown Boston area at the Marriott Vacation Club, Custom House (the clock tower). As the city experience manager, she manages three departments at this property: activities, events, and the bar. As a City Collection hotel part of the Marriott brand, they provide wonderful activities for all their guests. On top of managing all the activities, she also oversees the operation of events and the bar.
2023
MacKenzie Doran and family friend Paul Zimmerman ’62 show off their Nichols letter sweaters.
Nichols Remembers
Reported as of December 31, 2024
Robert “Bob” E. Greenberger ’50, of Jamestown, NY, March 31, 2024: A Korean War army veteran, he was an expert craftsman and handyman, later becoming a private pilot.
Wilbur “Bill” W. Whedon ’50, of West Hartford, CT, died on September 1, 2024. He was famed for being the first person, and only amateur, to ever record two holes in one in a single round at a PGA tournament, the Insurance City Open in 1955, which was won by Sam Snead. He served in the U.S. Army and was a salesman for several companies before starting Whedon Products Inc. in 1976. Since retirement in 1997, he has traveled, played more golf and made custom golf clubs.
Ralph E. Bates ’51, of Manchester, MA, April 29, 2024: He made his living in real estate by purchasing and managing apartment buildings and creating the real estate newspaper Greater Boston House Buyers Guide. He was known for giving back to the community, donating millions of dollars to charities, including the Jimmy Fund.
George “Kendall” K. Clark ’52, of Wareham, MA, August 8, 2023: He served in the Navy for 20 years as a naval aviator flying the large “Super-Constellation” into the eye of Atlantic and Pacific hurricanes to gather meteorological data for Naval ships at sea. He retired as the operations officer for Naval Air Station Norfolk, VA.
Richard “Dick” S. Farr ’52, of Nashua, NH, August 9, 2024: Until his retirement in 1992, he assembled and repaired air compressors for the PK Lindsay Co., formerly of Everett, MA, and Deerfield, NH.
Robert J. Holmes Sr. ’52, of Jamestown, RI, July 25, 2024: He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a registered jeweler, a member of the American Gem Society and former proprietor of Holmes Jewelers, a family business spanning three generations.
Hugh “Hugo” Valentine Jr. ’53, of Gaithersburg, MD, August 29, 2024: He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He retired from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and was an entrepreneur who ran many family businesses.
Richard P. Clinton ’54, of Naples, FL, April 23, 2024: He was senior vice president of real estate at Hartford National Bank and a prolific sculptor – he designed and donated an original piece for the Nichols bicentennial in 2015.
Robert “Bob” M. Lavine ’55, of Worcester, MA, and Naples, FL, October 2, 2024: He served in the U.S. Army and ultimately became 2nd generation owner and president of Percy’s TV and Appliance in Worcester since 1963.
Lawrence “Bud” E. Merckens ’56, of Manchester, ME, November 15, 2023: He studied at Bangor Theological Seminary and the University of Maine. He was the pastor of the Old South Congregational Church and held other positions throughout Maine over his career.
Richard D. Strahman ’56, of Madison, NJ, September 11, 2024: He worked at Strahman Valves Inc., in sales, research and development, and as president. He created an M-6000 soap and hot water mixing unit, which earned six global patents and was crucial in several industries.
Philip “Phil” K. McNiff ’57, of Duxbury, MA, May 27, 2024: He worked for 20 years at the Catholic Association of Foresters as a sales director.
Leonard Wasielewski ’59, of Webster, MA, May 21, 2024: He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956, traveling on sports teams as a football and basketball player. He was an assembler at the former General Motors plant in Framingham and retired in 1986.
David “Dave” Whitney ’59, of Mexico, NY, May 1, 2024: He served in the U.S. Army in postWorld War II Germany. Sailing and canoeing were central to his life, from captaining boats for nuclear power plant researchers to triumphing in canoe races and triathlons. He owned Country Paddlers, selling canoes.
John “Jack” F. Hines ’60, of Annapolis, MD, March 8, 2024: He served in the U.S. Army in air defense, specializing on the Nike Missile and stationed at its headquarters in New Britian, CT. He achieved the rank of Specialist 4.
Paul Z. Haus Jr. ’61, of Teaneck, NJ, October 30, 2024: He served in the U.S. Army from 1961-67, first as part of the Signal Corps, followed by four years in the Reserves. He worked at Con Edison as a senior meter specialist in NYC for 34 years and he received patents for inventions including a meter locking device developed to reduce meter tampering and electricity theft. He was a loyal donor to Nichols for more than 40 years.
John R. Lewis ’62, of Lebanon, NJ, October 12, 2024: He and his wife were real estate agents with Century 21 for more than 45 years.
Jenness L. Robbins ’62 of Searsmont, ME, May 3, 2024: He and his brother owned and operated Robbins Lumber Co., with Jenness serving as president for 27 years prior to selling the business to his brother in 2003. Among his honors was the Albert Nutting Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Forest Products Industries and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Retail Lumber Dealers Association of Maine. He was a loyal donor to Nichols and a generous supporter of the Forestry Fund.
Peter S. Whitney ’62, of Boca Raton, FL, October 19, 2023: He was an interior decorator and owner of Whitney Interiors.
Peter H. Fenn ’63, of Orchard Park, NY, July 27, 2024: He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam as a medic, followed by a career in the PGA, most notably as head golf professional at the former Bethlehem Management Club. He was also the founder and organizer of the annual Buffalo Amputee Golf Classic from 2009 to 2019.
Daniel R. Goldman Esq. ’63, of Boca Raton, FL, on May 7, 2024: He was a partner at Krakower and Goldman.
Ross Weale ’63, of South Salem, NY, July 19, 2024: He served in several senior management roles, as president of a Bank of New York subsidiary in Syracuse and regional president of the County Trust Region of the Bank of New York. In 1985, he co-founded Country Bank in Carmel and finished his career as president of the Putnam County Economic Development Corp.
Robert “Bob” E. Beckwith ’64, of Bedford, MA, died October 30, 2024. He spent his career in sales and marketing and, in semiretirement, enjoyed working at the Visitor’s Center in Lexington, where he became the center’s historian. He was a founding member of Pilgrim Congregational Church in Lexington and an active and devoted Nichols alumnus who established the Robert E. Beckwith ’64 Endowed Scholarship for students who have experienced a positive turnaround in their grades from high school to college. With Bison pride, he toured the campus in 2019 with his daughter Pamela Beckvagni and her wife, Jane.
Michael B. McCarthy ’64, of Duxbury, MA, October 1, 2024: He served in the Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant, and assumed ownership of the family business, Electromatic Water Treatment in Ridgewood, NJ.
Edward W. Nichols ’64, of Sebring, FL, July 26, 2024: He was the third-generation principal owner of a family-owned business, White River Paper Co., White River Junction, VT. He was in the U.S. Army for seven years.
William “Bill” R. Wright III ’64, of Loudon, NH, November 22, 2024: He was the owner of the Wright Companies and Yacht Imagine.
George L. Penny IV ’65, of Southold, NY, October 17, 2023: He served in the U.S. Army National Guard during the Vietnam War. He was a former Southold town councilman and owner of Penny Lumber.
James R. Courtney ’66, of Palm Beach, FL and Westerly, RI, July 30, 2024: He worked as an auditor for the Defense Contract Audit Agency for 35 years, retiring in 2001.
Robert “Bob” D. Garabedian ’66, of Cincinnati, OH, October 18, 2024: He was a member of the 101st Tactical Control Squadron, Air National Guard, until 1972. His career began with global beauty company Coty in 1968, and he worked at Buxton Leather, which brought him to Cincinnati.
John M. Spellane ’66, of Mount Pleasant, SC, and Stow, MA, December 2, 2024: He had 34-year career in sales and sales management at the former Norton Company.
John “Skip” C. Logan, Jr. ’68, of Spencer, MA, October 10, 2024: He was a tri-sport athlete who coached his children’s AAU baseball team and the Worcester Heat, which won numerous championships and national titles.
Richard “Rowdy” A. Yates ’68, of Macon, GA, May 9, 2024: He had a career serving in the U.S. Air Force, and was MBA educator at Middle Georgia State University, teaching both business and ethics classes. He raised countless champion show dogs and was a dog show judge.
Kendall “Ken” Burrill ’69, of Bridgewater, MA, August 1, 2024: He pursued technical positions at many large corporations during his career, including Raytheon,
Clean Harbors, and Hasbro, where he enjoyed serving as the mascot, Mr. Potato Head. He retired at age 70 and was a longtime donor to Nichols.
Glenn R. Hovell ’69, of South Dennis, MA, July 3, 2024: He worked the majority of his career with Ropes & Gray LLP, retiring in 2011.
Thomas H. Ryan ’70, of Brighton, MA, November 7, 2024: He was a retired self-employed carpenter.
Philip “Phil” Pettinelli ’71, of Southbridge, MA, June 28, 2024: He served in the National Guard and was the president and CEO of Southbridge Savings Bank from 1993 until his retirement in 2014. In 2017, the bank established an endowed scholarship at Nichols in his honor. He was a loyal alumnus and member of the Board of Advisors.
Stephen J. Piascik ’71, of Waterville, ME, May 11, 2024: He worked at Northeast Utilities for several years before retiring to care for his parents. He was an active donor to Nichols for over 30 years.
Gary R. Walsh ’71, of Manasquan, NJ, September 24, 2023: He was a sales representative for Marine Equipment & Supply Co. and a longtime donor to Nichols.
David Y. Gardner ’72, of Peachtree City, GA, May 13, 2024: He worked at William Carter Company for 29 years in accounting, forecasting, and management, followed by a second career as a bus driver for Fayette County Schools.
Gordon V. Lawshe ’73, of Caldwell, NJ, June 12, 2024: He was in yearbook sales at Delmar and Herff Jones publishing for over 15 years before becoming a district circulation manager with the Star Ledger for 10 years, and membership director at the Caldwell Community Center.
Robert “Bob” A. Dwyer ’74, of Kennebunkport, ME, August 8, 2024: He worked at Merrill and Usher Steel Company; opened
Sports People sporting goods store in Northborough, MA; co-founded 32 North, maker of STABILicers ice cleats; and worked as a financial advisor.
Thomas C. Yacuzzi ’78, of Dudley, MA, May 25, 2024: He worked in real estate and insurance with his father and was later employed as a tax examiner in the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, retiring in 2015.
Nancy E. (May) Cote ’79, of Holden, MA, September 17, 2024: She was a bookkeeper and payables clerk throughout much of her career, working at the Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Alden Research Laboratory in Holden, the New England Envelope Co. in Worcester, and eventually retiring from the New England Center for Children in Southborough.
Gary A. Fuller ’79, of North Brookfield, MA, October 9, 2024: He served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Italy and Japan, and worked as an entrepreneur for many years.
Brent C. Bisson ’80, of West Newfield, ME, June 9, 2024: He worked most of his career in the automotive industry, as parts manager, service manager, and service director at local Maine and New Hampshire car dealerships, followed by a 5-year stint at Home Depot in Rochester, NH.
Joseph F. Fitzgibbons ’83, of North Attleboro, MA, December 8, 2024: He had a career in automobile sales, which showcased his friendly and approachable nature and earned him many loyal customers and friendships over the years.
Kerri A. O’Malley ’90, of East Sandwich, MA, December 1, 2024: She was a practicing counselor at Women’s Place Crisis Center in Brockton, working with domestic abuse survivors, and later served as an adjustment counselor at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton.
John F. Goodrow ’91, of North Brookfield, MA, June 14, 2024: He worked in sales and service in computer software for Cerner Corp. and at Lowell General Hospital.
Thomas “Tom” M. McFaden ’91, of Framingham, MA, October 6, 2024: He worked in finance, starting at State Street Bank and later at Brown Brothers Harriman for over 25 years.
David E. Norquist MBA ’92, of Worcester, MA and Sun City, FL, March 31, 2024: He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Yellowstone, worked at Honeywell Corp. and Data General Corp., and retired as a contracts manager for Surf Control Co.
Richard “Dick” M. Otte MBA ’92, of Southport, NC, September 14, 2024: He joined the Navy Reserve after graduating from Springfield College and became a teacher and coach in Brockton, MA. He taught for the Raytheon Co. in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and, upon his return in 1984, began his career in human resources with Raytheon.
Paul J. Burgess MBA ’99, of Worcester, MA, July 8, 2024: He taught in the Worcester Public Schools for 20 years and was also a tax accountant for over 35 years and the treasurer for the Educational Association of Worcester.
Jason L. Schunder ’00, of Northborough, MA, September 4, 2024: He was a skilled heavy machinery operator and foreman throughout his career with J. McManus Cos. and Blue Water Landscaping and Snow Removal Inc.
Norman “Norm” L. Gendron ’02, of Webster, MA, October 14, 2024: He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corp, serving three tours of duty in Vietnam, and worked at many non-profit organizations in management and social work.
Michael M. Maselli ’13, of Middletown, CT, April 29, 2024: He was employed by Burns Construction Co. in Stratford as a crew foreman.
Kerri A. Fidalgo ’15, of Dartmouth, MA, September 20, 2024: She was a member of the New Bedford Third District Court.
Faculty/Staff
Lawrence “Larry” D. Downs, retired associate professor of marketing, of Homosassa, FL, November 10, 2024: He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and, following a 25-year successful career with several Fortune 100 companies marketing iconic brands, he began teaching at Nichols from the 1980s until his retirement in 2011. He was known for his challenging real-world assignments and his famous “Downsisms.” The Lawrence D. Downs Endowed Scholarship has been created by Don Bean ’91 and his brother Jay Bean ’99.
Deane A. Jakola, former staff in the admissions department, of Fitchburg, MA, October 20, 2024: He was a member of the U.S. Air Force and previously worked at the U.S. State Department, assigned to locations throughout Africa and Europe.
Traci A. Natale, former assistant manager of the mail room, of Webster, MA, May 15, 2024: She was loved by co-workers and
students alike, with her knack for brightening anyone’s day. She had previously worked for many years at Percy’s in Worcester.
Faythe E. Turner, former educator, of Amherst, MA, September 6, 2024: She had a devotion to literature, particularly Puerto Rican poetry, and edited the anthology, “Puerto Rican Writers at Home in the USA,” which highlighted the voices of Puerto Rican authors in the mainland United States.
Richard “Dick” C. Valle, retired professor of environmental sciences and wellness, of Dudley, MA, November 9, 2024: He began his teaching career in 1968 at his alma mater, Atlantic Union College, in South Lancaster and joined the Nichols faculty in 1971. His course, “The Mind/ Body Connection,” was popular among students, and his course on resiliency, “The Phoenix Phenomenon,” was copied by several universities. He retired in 2004 and continued his work as a licensed personal coach. He will be remembered for his love of music and teaching.
In August 2024, the family of Kurt Durrschmidt gathered with Nichols friends to celebrate the emeritus professor’s life and dedicate a bench in his memory. The bench is located by Academy Hall, where Durrschmidt taught many of his courses, and the plaque tribute reads: “Loved by all who knew him.”
New trustees elected
The Nichols College Board of Trustees has recently elected Edmond J. (E.J.) Landry III ’86 and Taylor Cornell ’24.
Landry, who began his term in January, is a retired partner at Deloitte. He 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. He led relationships at some of Deloitte’s largest clients during his 34-year career there. Prior to his role on the trustees, Landry served a threeyear term as co-chair of the college’s Board of Advisors and is the recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award. In addition to Nichols, he has been on the boards of uAspire and Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries (Goodwill).
Cornell, who began her term in October, earned a degree in general business at Nichols with minors in psychology and criminal justice. As a student, she founded the Bison Pantry, played a key role in establishing the Equestrian Club, was an inaugural member of the women’s golf team, and served as vice president of student advocacy on the Student Government Association. Currently, she is a financial aid officer at Keiser University in Sarasota, Fla. and vice president of the Haiti Plunge board of Berkshire County, Mass.
The children of Dr. Kurt Durrschmidt, from left, Eric Durrschmidt, Jeanette Lindfors, and Jurgen Durrschmidt.
Joining the celebration of life were Durrschmidt’s fellow Nichols faculty and friends, from left, Les Brooks; Barbara Katori, widow of John Katori; Jackie and Richard Vallee; and Nancy Corkum, widow of Keith Corkum.
Whether
on the Hill or farther flung corners of the country, Bison gatherings are opportunities to reinvigorate connections –with friends, the alumni network, your younger self, and the special place that made it all possible.
1. Women’s Basketball Alumnae
Justin Laporte takes his shot
Before he decided to attend Nichols College, Justin Laporte had a variety of experiences. In 2018, he joined the Marine Corps where his Military Operational Specialty was infantry. While there, he developed his leadership skills by advising and counseling team members individually about their progress and job performance. In addition, he remained proficient in a vast array of weapon systems through live exercises and familiarization. He also directed subordinates and superiors by providing tactical and technical guidance.
Once he left the Marines, Laporte was drawn to sales. “I was kind of shy, but I loved working in sales and developing my social skills,” he says. Working in sales exposed him to different people and cultures, which he found interesting, noting, “We all share similar problems.”
For his first job at CarMax, he conducted sales presentations and product training via inperson meetings or webinars.
Laporte then earned his real estate license and networked with community leaders, attorneys and lenders to develop industry contacts.
He entered Nichols, based on a recommendation from a family member, and is now pursuing a degree in business with a concentration in finance. He is the recipient of the Class of ’65 Endowed Scholarship who benefits from the tight-knit community at Nichols. “The teachers care a lot,” he says. “They want to set you up for success.”
Now a junior, Laporte, after succeeding in sales, finance, and real estate, wants to be a boxer. The 5-foot-11 welterweight made his professional debut at the inaugural Punch-Out at Polar Park in Worcester last August, knocking his opponent out in the first round.
Laporte says boxing in front of his home crowd was a terrific experience. That was one of two fights he has had as a professional. He is 2-0 1KO.
Laporte had a short amateur career and aims to stay as active as possible as a pro. “Boxing is something I really enjoy. In all reality, it challenges me mentally. It’s one thing to be athletic, but if you aren’t strong mentally then you can’t succeed. It’s very different from my activities as a college student and realtor,” he shares.
Laporte typically works with a strength and conditioning coach in Boston twice a week and trains at Camp Get Right four days, with a day set aside for rest. He believes he is on the verge of unlocking his true potential: “I just have to stay committed to my training. I’ve been rehabilitating myself ever since I began.”
– Julie Errico
The Class of ’65 Endowed Scholarship is intended to reward and encourage the continued growth and potential of a student who demonstrates financial need and plans to graduate from Nichols College. Awarded to a rising sophomore or a rising junior, the scholarship gives special preference to students who have been honorably discharged from any of the five United States Military Armed Services.
What will be your legacy?
The Colonel Conrad Society
James L. Conrad Sr., the founder and father of Nichols College, left a legacy of promoting an education rooted in business experience that has endured for nearly a century. The Colonel Conrad Society was created to recognize the generosity and loyalty of alumni and friends who are forging their own legacies by making a planned gift to Nichols or including the college in their estate plans.
Colonel Conrad Society members are focused on the long-term success of the college, whether they support scholarships, academics, or athletics. In this way, they both honor the past and help secure the future of Nichols.
If you are ready to take the next step in leaving your legacy at Nichols College, reach out to us at 866-622-4766 or advancement@nichols.edu to join the other members of the Colonel Conrad Society who have cemented their devotion to this special place on the Hill.
“Nichols has been a very important part of my life over the past 55+ years. It gave me the direction I needed to have a productive personal and business life. I have continually supported scholarships for students in need. The Conrad Society will ensure that this tradition continues when I’m gone. It is an important part of my estate plan.”
- Mike Runyon
Loyalty. Recognized.
Like the American bison, Nichols College family and friends show great loyalty to the Herd – one important way is through consecutive years of giving to ensure we can meet the financial and educational needs of today’s students.
We’ve created the Bison Loyalty Circle to recognize your steady and generous philanthropy. Whether you are just beginning to make a commitment, reaching a milestone in your giving, or have been a lifelong supporter, we celebrate and appreciate your loyalty.
Membership Levels based on fiscal year giving (July 1 to June 30)
Charter 3-9 consecutive years
Milestone 10-24 consecutive years
Lifetime 25+ consecutive years
