Speakers on Campus

Alexander J. Wright, JD ’97

March 2, 2023

Dr. Howard Stevenson January 13, 2023

On Friday, January 13, Nichols hosted nationally recognized clinical psychologist Howard Stevenson. Dr. Stevenson is a Professor of Africana Studies at the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, whose primary research focuses on negotiating racial conflicts.

He also serves as the Executive Director of the Racial Empowerment Collaborative, a research, program development, and training center designed to promote racial literacy in education. He works extensively with organizations and school communities across the country, helping them develop the skills necessary to navigate conversations about race.

Dr. Stevenson delivered a keynote address introducing the concept of racial literacy and research, which supports the practical application for negotiating racial stress, difficult conversations, and relationship conflicts. After his presentation, he spent the day at Nichols talking with small groups of students, faculty, and families.

His was one of several presentations and workshops hosted at Nichols to continue the conversations surrounding the feeling of belonging and cultivating a stronger, tight-knit community.

On Thursday, March 2, Mr. Alexander J. Wright, JD ’97, Nichols alumnus and Founder and President of the African Heritage Food Co-op, shared his words and wisdom with Middle School students as part of our Upstander Day. Upstander Day aimed to shine light upon ways in which students can be upstanders for themselves and others. This year’s theme was conflict resolution. Wright’s presentation titled, “Disagree Without Being Disagreeable: Attacking Ideas Not People,” asked students to see the dignity in the human person during matters where there is a difference of opinion. Wright used the example of preferences for affinities for different types of sweets, treats, and candies as a relatable example where students could defend their stance while respecting people who held other opinions, in other words, “disagreeing without being disagreeable.”

This day was made possible by the George J. Kloepfer II ’68 Nichols Middle School Enrichment Fund.

Dr. Devorah Heitner March 20, 2023

On Monday, March 20, Nichols welcomed Dr. Devorah Heitner to campus for a two-day workshop. Dr. Heitner is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World. Dr. Heitner’s work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN Opinion. She has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology & Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul and Northwestern. She was on campus for two days and spent her time at Nichols working with students and faculty in small groups across both divisions.

Her presentations focused on how families can help their children navigate mistakes made online, mentoring and not just monitoring, character vs. consequences, and college admissions MythBusters.

Head of Middle School, Michael Russell, spearheaded the event. “Dr. Heitner’s visit reminds us of the importance in mentoring our students with the proper use of these powerful devices that they’ll interact with for the rest of their lives. She affirmed the importance and power of relationships in helping to provide students with that guidance. She also reminded the adults within our community to reflect on their own device use as a means of recognizing the importance of setting a proper example for our young learners of what a healthy relationship with technology can look like. If we are to help educate a generation of digital creators – as opposed to digital consumers – we must work to model health technology boundaries while also helping students be their authentic selves as they grow up online.” said Russell.

Dr. Harry Cohen ’73 April 13, 2023

On April 13, 2023, Dr. Harry Cohen ’73 returned to Nichols as our Prince Lecture speaker. Dr. Cohen graduated from Nichols in the class of 1973. He went on to attend Cornell University before receiving his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Michigan.

Currently, Dr. Cohen is a psychologist, coach, husband, father, restaurateur, serial entrepreneur, speaker, and friend. He’s an executive coach on retainer at several companies to help their executives and high-potential managers hone their leadership skills and focus on their unique strengths.

Dr. Cohen’s day at Nichols was focused on his book, “Be the Sun, Not the Salt.” Throughout the day, Dr. Cohen presented to groups of upper school students, middle school students, administrators, parents, and alumni. His message about being uplifting, spreading kindness, and helping others was incredibly impactful for everyone who heard him speak.

Thank you to Dr. Cohen for sharing his message on heliotropic leadership and ways our community can become more supportive, kind, and successful. These meetings provided more opportunities for Dr. Cohen to address specific issues we are facing as a school and how to do so in a way that is uplifting and builds community. n