Toaxnoes Fall/Winter 2012

R E U N I O N T H E 1 2 0 T H C O M M E N C E M E N TA P P O I N T M E N T S A W A R D S & H O N O R S

Fa l l /Winter 2012

Big Green’s Winning Streak

Homecoming

A. The 2012 Nichols Leadership Academy, designed to expose Middle School students to leadership through an outdoor experience in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, took place from Aug. 19-23. The Academy focuses on building self-confidence, leadership and group dynamics skills, and developing a sense of community.

B. At the Derby Day Auction on May 5, Mr. Schwartz leads the jazz band composed of students and faculty.

C. The seventh annual Student Council sponsored Leadership Symposium convened on Aug. 20 for a three-day leadership development program led by the Hamlin Family Foundation’s Character, Integrity, Trust, Relationships and Success Program. The focus of discussion group activities was how to mentor those you lead with sound character and emphasis on service to others.

D. On Oct. 9-10, the 2012 Smith Visiting Fellows and distinguished poets, Shara McCallum and Tim Seibles, held a reading at Morning Meeting, worked with English classes and met with students.

E. Internationally recognized choreographer and dancer, Terry Beck, visited campus on Sept. 18 to restructure his work, “Waiters,” with the Nichols Dance Ensemble to be performed later this year.

F. This fall, the Boys’ Varsity Golf team ended an unprecedented season with a 16-stroke victory at the All-Catholic Golf Championship. The win followed securing the Monsignor Martin Association regular season title (12-0) and the Midwest Prep Classic.

A. B.

Campus ClipsEditor’s Note

D.

F.E.

C.

It has been an especially exciting autumn at Nichols School, and the energy is palpable. A

great deal of anticipation and enthusiasm was felt throughout the Head of School search

process, and we enjoyed such a positive experience thanks to the dedicated efforts of

many, especially the Search Committee, the Board of Trustees, and the Advisory Groups

representing alumni, parents, faculty and staff, students and more. As you know, the process

recently concluded with the appointment of Bill Clough as our twelfth Head of School,

and we are thrilled to welcome him to Nichols this

summer. There will be several opportunities to meet Bill

throughout the coming months.

Perhaps most notably throughout this experience,

though, we saw that a positive search was possible because

of the strong position we hold. The independent school

community and beyond is filled with exhilaration about

the School, and many accomplished leaders around the

country expressed interest in the opportunity to lead

Nichols. We should all be very proud of the School,

and we must all join together to applaud Rick Bryan’s

dedication and leadership over these momentous years.

He has played a key role in making Nichols what it is today. We hope you will mark your

calendar now for the party to celebrate Rick at the end of this school year on Thursday,

June 13, 2013.

If you have a story or special memory featuring Rick that you are willing to share with

us, we would love to hear it! Please email me at [email protected] to relate your

memories and well wishes for Rick.

Keep in touch,

Nina M. BaroneDirector of Marketing and Communications

Editor’s Note Fall/Winter 2012

EditorNina Barone

[email protected]

ContributorsSusan Allen

Stephanie AngelakosRichard C. Bryan

Nina BaroneGenevieve Carbone

Alex Epstein ‘08Leslie S. Garcia

Victoria W. GarnerConnie Klinck Klopp N’73

Alex Logel ‘09Jennifer PeresieBlake Walsh ‘98

DesignerKelley Rechin, Duffy Moon Design

PhotographersJ. Matthew KiankaTom Maynor ‘81

– means “that which is true” and is pronounced “taw alay théss.”

is published twice a year by the Development Office.Telephone: 716.332.5151 • Fax: 716.875.3931Third Class postage paid at Buffalo, New York.

Nichols is an inclusive community. Acceptance granted to qualified students.

nichols School 1250 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14216 • 716.332.6300 • www.nicholsschool.org

Staff

Front Cover: At the time we went to print on this issue, the Varsity Football team was 6-2. At Homecoming 2012, Adam Noonan ’13 set the all-time Nichols career rushing record during the Big Green’s 37-20 win against Finney/Northstar!

Back Cover: Save the date for Rick Bryan’s Farewell: Thursday, June 13, 2013, at 6:00 p.m.

ContentsHead of School Report ........................................................................ 5

Trustee Appointments and Departures ................................................. 7

Alumni Board Appointments ............................................................... 8

Calendar of Events .............................................................................. 9

Faculty & Staff Appointments ............................................................... 10

Faculty & Staff Departures ............................................................... 12

After Nichols – Leah Christopher ’08 ................................................ 14

The Importance of the College Visit .................................................. 15

Class of 2012 Matriculation List ........................................................ 16

The 35th Anniversary Derby Day Auction ......................................... 17

Pen Pals 2012 .................................................................................... 18

Verdian Day – Upper School Awards ................................................. 21

Verdian Day – Middle School Awards ............................................... 22

8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony ...................................................... 23

Class Day .......................................................................................... 24

Cum Laude Society Induction .............................................................. 25

Alumni Feature – Allen Farmelo ’88 ....................................................... 26

Legacies ............................................................................................. 29

Reunion 2012 ....................................................................................... 30

Back to Square 1 (Sandwiches) .......................................................... 36

The Class of 2012’s Class Gift ............................................................. 37

The 120th Commencement ................................................................ 38

William Nichols Award and Mitchell Award ........................................ 41

Ringo Award ...................................................................................... 42

Lost Alumni ....................................................................................... 43

Young Alumna Reflection: A Nichols Gift ........................................... 46

Nichols Volunteers ............................................................................. 47

Digital Citizenship through Online Learning ....................................... 48

In Memoriam .................................................................................... 49

Class Notes ...................................................................................... 51

Faculty Profile – Kate Olena .............................................................. 55

Connect with us

Like Nichols School

Follow NicholsSchool

Join the Nichols School

Alumni Network

Follow nicholsschool

Regional Alumni Receptions

Join Head of School, Rick Bryan, and fellow area alumni for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and fellowship in the

following cities:

BostonNov. 1, 2012

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Hosted by Chris Gabrieli ‘77

at his home

San FranciscoMarch 6, 2013

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.The University Club

New York CityApril 17, 2013

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Hosted by Bill Constantine ‘62 at The

Racquet & Tennis Club

Also in NYCFeb. 6, 2013Public House

Join fellow Nichols, EFS, Park and Sem alumni in NYC for the Buffalo Independent Schools

Alumni Happy Hour

To RSVP or for more information, email [email protected]

or call 716-332-5151.

4 Nichols School4 Nichols School

for others, and in our responsibility to be true to our own principles and convictions. We believe in the fair and just treatment of others, in not only tolerance, but inclusivity, and our need for giving service to the community. Faculty in the future will continue to make a difference in the lives of Nichols students by demonstrating their passion for learning and pushing students to lead lives of inquiry, responsibility and participation.

I invite you to think about the future. As we head further into this school year, the future offers our students new possibilities, new frontiers and new opportunities to grow and learn. One of the wonderful aspects of school is the chance each year to begin anew; and parents, don’t miss the chance to encourage your child to do their very best and to learn from disappointments or setbacks.

Nichols School is poised to head into the future with strong new leadership under Bill Clough, and with it, new ideas and possibilities. Great schools cannot accept the status quo; great schools must seize opportunities to grow in new ways. Yes, keeping core values and traditions are vital, but so too is the responsibility of being the outstanding academic institution in this area.

I have always believed in the search process; we assembled a strong Search Committee, as well as Advisory Groups representing the alumni, faculty and staff, and parents. Student input on the finalist candidates provided yet another valuable perspective.

It promises to be an exciting school year, and I look forward to greeting you firsthand in the weeks and months ahead.

that his obituary had been published in the New York Journal. I had a colleague thump on my back, and ask about my “victory lap.” A well-meaning alumnus referred to me as a “lame duck” in one recent conversation. And others wonder how many times I am going to clean out the garage after next June.

The fact remains that I am excited about this year. Like many of you, I was enthralled with the Summer Olympics from London, and in that spirit feel like I’m in my “gun lap,” poised for my final sprint. My primary goal is to support the search process for my successor, and to aid in a smooth transition process for the continuity of the school program.

As we open a defining year in the 121st history of Nichols, let the word go forth that Nichols School remains committed to academic excellence. In an era where there is so much cynicism about educational systems, our school community is firmly dedicated to our mission. Through our outstanding faculty, we continue to challenge students to think imaginatively, critically and independently. We expect our students to communicate clearly and with confidence, and that they will be problem solvers, develop a global perspective and think in terms of interdisciplinary perspective. We know our students must be skilled in technology, understand the fundamental principles of the sciences, recognize the beauty of literature, the importance of historical perspective, and appreciate the arts, other cultures and languages. We value the opportunity for students to participate in athletics, the arts, leadership opportunities, publications and community service.

But there is more. We remain committed to well-rounded young people. We remain committed to – truth in our personal and academic endeavors. We believe in the values of respect and concern

by Richard C. Bryan

Head of School Report ........................................................................ 5

Trustee Appointments and Departures ................................................. 7

Alumni Board Appointments ............................................................... 8

Calendar of Events .............................................................................. 9

Faculty & Staff Appointments ............................................................... 10

Faculty & Staff Departures ............................................................... 12

After Nichols – Leah Christopher ’08 ................................................ 14

The Importance of the College Visit .................................................. 15

Class of 2012 Matriculation List ........................................................ 16

The 35th Anniversary Derby Day Auction ......................................... 17

Pen Pals 2012 .................................................................................... 18

Verdian Day – Upper School Awards ................................................. 21

Verdian Day – Middle School Awards ............................................... 22

8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony ...................................................... 23

Class Day .......................................................................................... 24

Cum Laude Society Induction .............................................................. 25

Alumni Feature – Allen Farmelo ’88 ....................................................... 26

Legacies ............................................................................................. 29

Reunion 2012 ....................................................................................... 30

Back to Square 1 (Sandwiches) .......................................................... 36

The Class of 2012’s Class Gift ............................................................. 37

The 120th Commencement ................................................................ 38

William Nichols Award and Mitchell Award ........................................ 41

Ringo Award ...................................................................................... 42

Lost Alumni ....................................................................................... 43

Young Alumna Reflection: A Nichols Gift ........................................... 46

Nichols Volunteers ............................................................................. 47

Digital Citizenship through Online Learning ....................................... 48

In Memoriam .................................................................................... 49

Class Notes ...................................................................................... 51

Faculty Profile – Kate Olena .............................................................. 55

While most people associated with schools think that everything shuts down on the afternoon

following graduation, the opposite is true. In the 21st century, schools, like most organizations around the world, operate throughout the summer. For many of the staff, there are deadlines to adhere with the close of the fiscal year, the push to complete The Nichols Fund goal, the ongoing efforts to attract qualified young people to the School and more. And so it went this year as well.

We reached and exceeded our goal of $850,000 thanks to the generosity of so many. We exceeded our admissions goal of 583 students, and are closed in four of our eight grades. Our campus was alive with major projects like reroofing Mitchell Hall, as well as hosting the Buffalo Prep middle school program, computer workshops for area private school teachers, and a host of sports clinics and academic workshops.

In the midst of all this, while I was on a tour of Scotland and England with my wife, Judith, and members of Clarence Presbyterian Church, I turned 60 years old. Abraham Lincoln noted, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” In the end, I have been blessed with a wonderful life in those six decades, with half of my life at Nichols School. And now it is time for the final act.

We tell our young people that senior year is important for college, and we advise them to work hard to the end. But with people at the end of one phase of their professional life, the comments are different. Most people think I’ve already left Nichols. I guess they didn’t read beyond the headlines, but it does invoke that wonderful quote from Mark Twain, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated,” after hearing

It’s the Life in Your Years

Head of School Report

5 Fall/Winter 2012

Letters to the Editorial StaffRoddy:Thank you for your excellent review of “The Early Days of Nichols School” printed in the Alumni Magazine. I greatly appreciated this well researched review of our ancient roots.

Selfishly, however, I must mention that there is one small error in the text where you state, “Athletics...were strictly informal....There were no extracurricular activities to speak of and most boys simply went home around two-thirty.”

In “Nichols School: A Century of Tradition and Change,” John Sessions writes, “Conger Goodyear recalls that ‘the first Nichols eleven took the field in 1895. I played quarterback. There were no substitutes. We were the original Iron Men...’ A line-up card and photograph of the 1900 team shows it had a record of five wins, one tie, and one loss” (p. 42).

Only North Tonawanda and Tonawanda claim an older interscholastic football program in Western New York (1894).

I am particularly proud that the first ever Nichols Quarterback (Goodyear) was also the first president of New York’s Museum of Modern Art. A finer example of a Renaissance Man would be impossible to find.

Further, Sessions’ History states that Buffalo’s most illustrious doctor, Roswell Park, entrusted his son, Roswell Park Jr., to the Nichols Football team to play Right Guard without a helmet or any protective padding in 1900. All current Nichols Football players are required to know and propagate these facts.

Nichols Football’s Centennial was ignored in 1995 (I was coaching at JFK at the time). However, I am planning an elaborate festival for its sesquicentennial in 2045. I will not make it to the Bicentennial.

Again, thanks for your work... I believe that the School’s rich historical roots are one of its most important strengths, and must he both honored and remembered.

– Colin Brinson ’85

Colin:Very interesting, and I stand corrected. Having read (and deeply appreciated) John’s book I should have known that I was in contradiction to fact. In my statement I was drawing on George Nichols’ recollections of the early school, written as he approached the end of his career in 1941. George (William’s cousin) is not always a completely reliable source, no doubt having forgotten some things in 50 years at the School, but I find it intriguing that he should have erred so widely on this count. The best possible explanation I can think of (apart from purely faulty memory) is that George was primarily concerned in his narrative with what happened during the school day, strictly defined – football practice may have occurred well away from school hours, and probably in a location not near the school itself.

The other possibility that suggests itself is that football, having thrived in the period 1892-1899 or thereabouts, became a casualty of the enrollment crisis that asserted itself after the turn of the century – there may have been as few as 30 total students in the school by 1908 in grades 7-12, and the program consequently may have fallen into desuetude to the degree that George forgot, in essence, that it had ever existed.

At any rate, thank you for your clarification, and I shall certainly make mention of it if I manage to do more articles in this series! – Roddy Potter ’82

Dear Mr. Potter,I read with great interest your insightful and well-researched article in the recent issue of about the first building of the Nichols School.

Clinton Brown Company is just concluding the nomination of this portion of Buffalo as the Elmwood Historic District (West) for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Our Architectural Historian, Jennifer Walkowski, had identified the association of this property with William Nichols. Your work will add to this story …

Thanks for your interesting research and writing about Nichols School.

Best Wishes,Clinton E. Brown, FAIA ’71President & Principal, Clinton Brown Company Architecture, pcThe Full Service Historic Preservation Architecture Firm SM

G LDgraduate of the last decadealumni

Graduates Of the Last Decade

Let us know what you’ve been up to! Update your contact

information and look out for contests, prizes and events all

for our GOLD alumni.

Email [email protected]

or call 716.332.5151.


Alexis muscato Agnello ’98Alexis joins the Board of Trustees after serving on the Nichols Alumni Board since 2008. A 1998 graduate of Nichols, she went on to graduate cum laude from the University of Vermont in 2002 and received a master’s degree in business administration from the University at Buffalo in 2008. She currently works at M&T Bank as the Vice President/Relationship Manager in Western New York Commercial Banking and specializes in assisting middle market companies with their banking needs. An active member in the community, Alexis is the Vice Dean on the Faculty of the Saturn Club, a Board member of the Kenan Center, and she previously served as an investment advisor for the Buffalo and Erie County United Way. In addition to her numerous efforts with the Alumni Board, Alexis also helped secure M&T’s sponsorship of the 2012 Derby Day Auction. Alexis resides in Buffalo with husband, Jon.

Ramin Arani ’88Following graduation from Nichols in 1988, Ramin attended Tufts University and received a bachelor’s degree in international relations. He is currently a fund manager for Fidelity Investments, the largest mutual fund company in the United States. Ramin is the lead manager of the Fidelity Puritan Fund and received Institutional Investor’s “Best of Buyside” award three times for his research work. Ramin currently serves on the Executive Advisory Board of the Institute for Global Leadership at Tufts University and also acts as a tennis and literacy mentor for inner city youths through an organization called Tenacity. Additionally, he has been a generous supporter of Nichols through the nicholsfuture.org Capital Campaign and annually through The Nichols Fund. He is a familiar face at Nichols’ Boston and New York City regional events. Ramin resides in Dover, Mass., with his wife, Stacy, and their three daughters, Kelly, Madison and Reid.

Bridget mcintee Bartolone ’91Alumna and longtime Class Agent, Bridget joins the Board of Trustees after several years of service on the School’s Marketing and Communications Committee. After attending Nichols, Bridget received a bachelor’s degree in Health Management and Policy from the University of New Hampshire. She is currently the Vice President of Operations Transformation at BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. In 2011, Bridget was named to Business First’s “40 under 40” list, recognizing her as a rising professional in the Western New York area. Additionally, she serves on the Upstate New York Transplant Services Foundation Board and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership Perspectives Council. She previously served on the Child Care Resource Network as one of the Board of Directors. Bridget resides in Buffalo with husband, Christopher, and twin daughters, Emmy and Laura.

Departing TrusteesLise Buyer ’78Lise Buyer joined the Board in 2006 and has since served as the Chair of the Education Committee. During her time on the Board, she also served on the Finance and Marketing and Communication Committees. Lise graduated from Nichols in 1978 and resides in California.

Jennifer mcnamaraJennifer joined the Board in 2009 and served on the Development, Facilities and Education Committees during her time. Jennifer’s daughter, Kelly ’15, is a current student at Nichols.

Jim newman ’79Jim served on the Board since 2006. During that time, he served on the Facilities, Marketing and Communications, Development and Strategic Planning Committees. From 2007-2009, he was the Chair of the Facilities Committee. Jim is a 1979 graduate of Nichols and his two children, Grace ’17 and Charlie ’20, are current students.

Trustee Appointments

7 Fall/Winter 2012

Alumni Board Appointments

chris catanzaro ’95 Chris graduated from SUNY at Geneseo with a bachelor’s degree in Education in 2000. He then received a master’s of education from Lesley University in 2002. After living and working in Boston, Mass., from 2001-2006, he returned to Buffalo where he worked at United Charter School from 2006-2008 and later for Hopevale,

Inc., a family services organization, from 2008-2010. Following two years at Gateway-Longview child and family services in Buffalo, Chris now works for the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation as an Assistant Project Manager. Chris is a founding member of Buffalo Powder Keg Festival and Founder of Rowin’, Throwin’ n Growin’ for a Cure (benefits Carly’s Club, a local cancer organization). He and his wife, Jennifer, have two high energy kids, five-year-old Jackson and two-year-old Sophia. Chris looks forward to joining the Alumni Board because “It’s a chance to feel the pulse of the School and alumni network, as well as be part of a great collaborative opportunity.”

Liz Demakos ’05Liz received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Iberian studies from Wesleyan University in 2009. After graduation, she coached squash at Milton Academy in Boston and interned at Second Glass, a wine technology and events start-up. In 2011, she headed south to live and work as a travel writer in Argentina and

Uruguay. Upon her return to the States, she joined Second Glass full time and re-headquartered with the team to San Francisco, Calif. She currently writes wine content, copy edits, moonlights as a bartender and relishes the shift from “lake-effect” to “microclimate” in everyday vocabulary. A Spirit Club co-founder, Liz is excited to join the Nichols Alumni Board and grow the Big Green energy in the Bay area.

Rob Drake ’00Rob graduated from Hobart College in 2004 and holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Rochester. He has worked at M&T Bank in Buffalo for the past eight years. Rob says he looks forward to “connecting with Nichols through a greater capacity as an Alumni Board member and to furthering the School’s mission in Western New York.”

Josh Feine ’00 Josh graduated from St. Lawrence University in 2004 and currently works as an administrator for the Buffalo Bills. Prior to the Bills, he worked at HSBC Bank and for Hunt Real Estate. Josh married his wife, Andrea, on Aug. 11, 2012, and they have two dogs, Mia and Charlie. Says Josh, “Nichols provided me with the skillset and work

ethic I needed to succeed not only in the classroom, but also in the real world. Without the personal guidance of the faculty and coaches at Nichols, I would not be in the position I am in today. I look forward to giving back as a member of the Alumni Board!”

Will gurney ’06 Will earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University, graduating in 2010. Following graduation, he moved to Boston, Mass., where he currently works as an Account Executive at Arnold Worldwide, a fully integrated advertising agency. Will looks forward to joining the Alumni Board because “my grandfather, E.W. Dann Stevens

’44, cherished his time on the Board and I hope to contribute in a similar manner.”

erin Hart ’03 Erin graduated from St. Lawrence University in 2008 with a dual degree in English and global studies. She currently works as an Assistant District Attorney at the Erie County District Attorney’s Office and earned her juris doctor from the University at Buffalo in 2011. Erin feels that joining the Alumni Board will serve a greater

purpose in allowing her to “give back to Nichols and further connect with our invaluable alumni community.”

Sean Heidinger ’07 Sean is a consultant at WAV Group Technology and has worn many entrepreneurial hats since graduating from Nichols in 2007. After launching an exclusive brand with New Era Cap Co. in 2006, Sean went on to work for Atlantic Records from 2007-2010 as a Touring Artist Manager. He is the founder of Trivia,

AD - Buffalo, a television and movie themed trivia event company. Sean looks forward to joining the Alumni Board because, “I’ve always wanted to give back to the School that provided so much for me…I really look forward to getting involved, trying new ideas and bringing fresh initiative to the table.”


george matthews ’01George graduated from Brown University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He worked as a Relationship Manager in Government Banking for M&T Bank in Baltimore, Md., and metropolitan Washington, D.C., from 2005 through 2010. Subsequently, he worked as a Senior Credit Analyst in

Commercial Banking and Corporate Finance for Wells Fargo in McLean, Virginia through 2011. George is the outgoing Treasurer of the Brown Club of Washington, D.C., and he looks forward to joining the Nichols Alumni Board and working with our extensive alumni community. George currently resides in Falls Church, Va., a suburb of Washington, D.C.

matt miller ’95 Matt is a six-year survivor of Nichols who went on to Hamilton College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and anthropology, and was captain of the golf team. After working in Boston, Mass., for several years, Matt studied at The Dickinson School of Law at Penn State University, earning a juris doctor and

a Certificate in Dispute Resolution and Advocacy. After law school, Matt joined the firm Muggia & Associates, PLLC, before moving on to Underberg & Kessler, LLP. Matt is currently with Rupp, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham & Coppola LLC where his practice focuses primarily on commercial and business litigation, labor and employment disputes, and land use and zoning matters. He is a member of the Erie County and New York State Bar Associations, and the Urban Land Institute’s Experienced Leaders Group of Western New York. Away from the office, Matt happily donates his time to the community by serving on the Organizing Committee for “The Dude Hates Cancer – Buffalo” which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Western and Central New York, and as an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County. He resides in Snyder with his wife, Mary.

Calendar of EventsWednesday, Nov. 7 – Monday, Jan. 7Art Exhibit: Robert Schulman

Friday, Nov. 16Big Green Athletic Celebration

Friday, Nov. 2Upper School “See Us In Action”

Thursday, Nov. 8Middle School “See Us In Action”

Monday, Nov. 12Professional Day – No Classes

Friday, Nov. 16Trustee Council “Nichols Today” Event

Saturday, Nov. 17Young Writers’ Workshop

Wednesday, Nov. 21 – Friday, Nov. 23Thanksgiving Break

Friday, Dec. 7Old Guard Luncheon

Friday, Dec. 21Holiday Alumni Gathering

Monday, Dec. 24 – Friday, Jan. 4Holiday Break

Wednesday, Jan. 9 – Wednesday, April 3Art Exhibit: The Nichols Collection

Friday, Feb. 8Upper School “See Us In Action”

Thursday, Feb. 14Middle School “See Us In Action”

Monday Feb. 18 – Tuesday, Feb. 19Winter Break

Saturday, March 2Young Artists’ Workshop

Monday, March 25 – Friday, April 5Spring Break

Thursday, April 4 – Monday, June 17Art Exhibit: Andrea Mancuso

Monday, April 8Classes Resume

Thursday, April 18Trustee Council Symposium & Reception

Saturday, May 4Derby Day Auction

Thursday, May 23Founders’ Society Dinner

Friday, May 24Class Day

Wednesday, June 58th Grade Moving Up Ceremony &Senior Thesis Night

Friday, June 7Commencement

Friday, June 7 – Sunday, June 9Reunion Weekend

Thursday, June 13 Rick Bryan’s Farewell Party

For the most up-to-date event information, please visit our website and click on “School Calendar.”

For more than a century, Nichols alumni have

proudly served in the armed services and we

are indebted to their bravery. The Alumni Office

is looking to identify alumni who have served

in the military in any capacity.

Please call 716.332.5151 or email

[email protected] if you are an

alumnus who has served in the military or if

you know a classmate who has.

9 Fall/Winter 2012

Rebeca Redondo Alvarez returned to Nichols to teach Middle School Spanish. In 2007, Mrs. Redondo left the Middle School to return to her home country, Spain. With a

master’s degree from Canisius College, and two other degrees in education from the University of Oviedo, Spain, Mrs. Redondo brings her knowledge of and enthusiasm for teaching Spanish to our Middle School students. During her previous tenure at Nichols, she was instrumental in our Cultural Exchange Program, starting the program in Oviedo, and we look forward to her getting involved in exchanges at both the Upper School and the Middle School.

Tyler Bosch joined the Mathematics Department this year and will assist Coach Larry Desautels with the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team. He will teach Upper School Geometry, Algebra

II and Precalculus. Mr. Bosch graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from The College of Wooster. He earned his master’s degree in education with a focus on technology and mathematics from Baldwin-Wallace College. Since 2008, Mr. Bosch has been teaching math at North Point High School in Maryland. He has experience teaching all grade levels from geometry to AP BC calculus and many different types of learners. Mr. Bosch played soccer at The College of Wooster and has been an assistant coach for girls’ high school soccer since 2009.

René “RJ” Bouchard joined the Science Department as a part-time Upper School biology and chemistry teacher. Mr. Bouchard earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and Latin at the University of

Vermont where he also minored in chemistry. He went on to complete a master’s degree in molecular and cell biology at Roswell Park Institute through the University at Buffalo. He is certified to teach biology, chemistry and Latin. In addition to his studies in language and science, Mr. Bouchard is also an accomplished Sailing coach. Some may know Mr. Bouchard from his work with the Western New York High School Sailing Team. He is also the head coach of the University at Buffalo Sailing Team. In addition to teaching two sections of science, Mr. Bouchard will help with Science Olympiad. Mr. Bouchard is married to Elizabeth Gage ’99.

Shom Datta joined the Physical Education Department as a Middle and Upper School teacher. Shom earned a bachelor’s degree from Hamline University and is

currently pursuing a master’s degree from Franklin Pierce University. Mr. Datta will also take on the role of Prep B Hockey Coach, working closely with Coach Jamie Printz. Mr. Datta was Head Coach at North Country Community College and the National Sports Academy in Lake Placid. Most recently he has been an assistant college coach at Franklin Pierce University and SUNY at Potsdam. Mr. Datta’s emphasis on skill and character development will complement our program.

Juan Carlos Fontaneda joined Nichols as Director of Facilities. Originally from the Basque region of Spain, from a little town called Elantxobe, he moved to the U.S.

when he was 16 and graduated college from SUNY at Fredonia in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree. A Certified Facilities Manager, Juan Carlos lived and worked in New York City for 14 years, previously holding the position of Facilities Manager for Bronx Lebanon Hospital. He moved to Buffalo in 2010 with his wife and son and worked for Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. In his spare time, Juan Carlos enjoys spending time with his family and playing pick-up soccer games.

Germaine “Gigi” Gatewood ’99 is substituting for Andrea Mancuso in our Arts Department while Ms. Mancuso is on sabbatical for the first trimester of the school year. Ms. Gatewood is a

Nichols graduate from the class of 1999. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College in studio art and English. While at Middlebury, Ms. Gatewood spent a year at the San Francisco Art Institute with a concentration in photography. Ms. Gatewood went on to complete a master’s of fine arts in photography at the Rhode Island School of Design. She also has a collegiate teaching certificate from Brown University. Most recently, Ms. Gatewood was in Trinidad and Tobago as a Fulbright Fellow, strengthening her art practice and improving her teaching skills. Currently, Ms. Gatewood works as a freelance photographer and part-time digital technician at Splashlight Studios in New York City.

Faculty & Staff Appointments


Benjamin Gerhardt spent the last semester teaching Spanish at Nichols for Bella Stack while she was on sabbatical and has joined the department as a full-time Spanish

teacher this fall. Mr. Gerhardt graduated from Daemen College with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. He earned a master’s degree in Foreign Language Education from University at Buffalo. An experienced Spanish teacher, Mr. Gerhardt has taught since 1999 at a variety of schools in New York and Alabama, including Christian Central Academy, Mountain Brook High School and Orchard Park High School. Well-versed in web based instruction and video conferencing, Mr. Gerhardt has several years’ experience as a Distance Education Spanish Teacher with the University of Alabama. Mr. Gerhardt looks forward to participating in our Cultural Exchange Program. He has traveled extensively throughout Spain and Portugal. Mr. Gerhardt will also assist with the front of the house for all Arts Department productions.

Julia Marthia joined the Middle School as our Learning Specialist and part-time 5th grade Central Studies teacher in the middle of February 2012. Julia brings an extensive

background in middle school education, having taught English, chairing the English Department and coordinating a Pre-International Baccalaureate summer program in Fairfax County, Va. With a master’s of education in curriculum and instruction in reading education from the University of Virginia and an

undergraduate degree in secondary English education from SUNY Oswego, Julia will work with our students and faculty to improve the teaching and learning within the Middle School.

Gabriella Pelosi joined Nichols last year as the Admissions Office Assistant. She also teaches Middle School Wellness. Gabriella attended John Carroll University and

earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications and English, worked for the Services for Students with Disabilities Office and was a tour guide for the Office of Admissions. After graduating in 2009, Gabriella worked as a Special Events Manager for the American Cancer Society, organizing Relay For Life Events at the University at Buffalo and Nardin Academy. Gabriella also has volunteered for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation over the years. Gabriella enjoys spinning and yoga. She serves as the Vice President of the John Carroll Alumni Board.

Kevin Powers joined the Upper School History Department as a ninth and tenth grade teacher this year. Mr. Powers graduated magna cum laude from SUNY at Geneseo

with a bachelor’s degree in history. He then attended Georgetown University where he concentrated in American history, American and World Environmental history and Latin American history. Having satisfied all course requirements, Mr. Powers plans to complete his dissertation in order to obtain his Ph.D. in history. Kevin has received

numerous awards for his teaching, including the Helde Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching from the Georgetown Department of History in 2010. While the majority of Mr. Powers’ teaching experience has been at the college level at Georgetown and Canisius College, he has mentored and taught high school students through the Student Conservation Association in Washington, D.C. In addition to teaching history, Kevin will work with Community Service and Environmental initiatives.

Ashley Wodzinski joined the Classical and Modern Language Department as a French teacher this fall. Ms. Wodzinski graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from SUNY

at Buffalo. She earned her Post-Baccalaureate in French education from Buffalo State College and is currently pursuing graduate work at West Virginia University. Ms. Wodzinski has experience as a student teacher and long-term substitute at several local schools, including City Honors and Nardin Academy. Ms. Wodzinski also taught at Lycée Alphonse Daudet in Nimes, France. In addition to teaching French, she is also a crew coach. She has experience as an assistant novice high school coach and as Camp Director of Learn to Row at West Side Rowing Club.

11 Fall/Winter 2012

Jeffrey Crane joined the Nichols faculty in 1974 to teach Upper School French, and played an integral role in the development and maintenance of the French cultural exchange program since then. Jeff played double bass for the School’s Orchestra and saxophone for the Jazz Band. Mr. Crane’s two children are also Nichols graduates, Becky Crane Mercatoris ’94 and Dan Crane ’97. Mr. Crane has retired from teaching and will reside in Buffalo.

Corinne Damerau-Best joined the Middle School faculty in 1997 to become the music and chorus teacher. She has loved the freedom to design her own curriculum at Nichols and has developed many exciting programs, including an intro to guitar class, putting together themed spring shows for choruses, and most recently using current technology in Film Scoring and Piano Composition. She has loved every minute in the Nichols classroom and all of the wonderful students she has had the opportunity to share her love of music with. Corinne is also the mother of two Nichols graduates, Alexandra ’06 and Ryan ’11.

Kristine Erdolino joined Nichols in 2008 to work as the Accounts Payable Clerk in the Business Office. She handled the processing of invoices from all faculty and staff members, managed purchase orders and invoices, and processed checks and distributed them accordingly. She also supported Mary McCarthy, the Business Office and Students Account Manager.

Pat Hanley ’05 joined the staff of the Development Office in the fall of 2011 as a Research Assistant with the goal to survey Nichols alumni and analyze the value of a Nichols education. He also assisted the Director of Alumni Relations, Blake Walsh ’98, in updating alumni information. Because of Mr. Hanley’s teaching experience, he also served as a substitute in the Middle School. He substituted in all four grades in the Middle School. Mr. Hanley is pursuing law school at the University of Akron in Ohio.

Ron Hoffman worked at Nichols as the Director of Facilities since 1994. He oversaw maintenance of the grounds and buildings, and managed the team that keeps our campus looking beautiful. Under his direction and hard work, he helped turn our world-class facilities into an urban campus of distinction. He was at the School on many early winter mornings to ensure the campus was plowed and safe, and he worked many weekends resetting the campus after events.

Rebecca Montague joined the School’s Modern and Classical Languages Department in 1995, teaching Upper School Spanish. She taught all levels of Spanish, including Spanish 5 AP Literature, where she used her vast knowledge of literature and culture. Mrs. Montague was Department Chair for several years as well. In addition, she served as the Coordinator for the Cultural Exchange Programs for 17 years. She reorganized and revitalized all the exchanges, traveling to Spain, Costa Rica and even France. She was a member of the orchestra and served on the Minor Discipline Committee. Mrs. Montague has retired from teaching and will be residing in Buffalo.

Stephen Moscov has been teaching Upper School Spanish at Nichols since 1979. Mr. Moscov also served as a chaperone to the Costa Rican and Spanish cultural exchange programs and was the Boys Tennis Coach. In addition, he ran The Buffalo News Kids Day volunteer program at the School, was a member of the Faculty Band and coordinated the Faculty Softball team. While he officially retired from teaching following the 2010-2011 school year, Mr. Moscov was a familiar face around Nichols last school year as he substituted for many Spanish classes.

Whitney Nuchereno began teaching Spanish in the Middle School in 2010. In addition to teaching, she was passionate about Spanish culture and music. Ms. Nuchereno was also an 8th grade advisor, the Varsity Girls’ Tennis coach and the 7th and 8th grade Boys’ Assistant Tennis coach. During the summers, she worked abroad as the Master Teacher for Dartmouth College’s Rassias program in Pontevedra, Spain, to travel and enrich her teaching and knowledge of the Spanish language and culture. Ms. Nuchereno is now teaching Spanish at the American School in London.

Kelly Ostendorf joined the faculty in 2001 to teach Upper School history. While on sabbatical in 2009, she developed and designed coursework for a new course, AP Human Geography. She taught Human Geography at the University of Oregon before bringing it to Nichols. Mrs. Ostendorf served on the Student Conduct Committee and the Mentoring Steering Committee, and was a faculty advisor for Model UN. Mrs. Ostendorf relocated to Austin, Texas, with her family.

Faculty & Staff Departures


The Nichols Fund

Societies

LeadershipGiving

Headmasters’ SocietyNottingham Club Includes all benefits listed

in the Clock Tower Club, plus invitation to the Breakfast of Champions $2,500 to $4,999

Clock Tower Club Includes all benefits listed in the Quad Club, plus admission and premier seating to all school plays and concerts $1,500 to $2,499

Quad Club Invitation to Annual Leadership Giving Society Cocktail Reception and acknowledgement in the Report on Giving and on the School’s website $1,000 to $1,499

Green & White Club GOLD Alumni (Graduates Of the Last Decade) become members of the Headmasters Society with gifts of $500 to $999

Founders’ Society1892 Club Includes all benefits in the John J.

Albright Club, plus two tickets with premier seating to all concerts in Ramsi P. Tick Concert Series and a premier table at Derby Day Auction $20,000 and above

John J. Albright Club Includes all benefits in the George A. Mitchell Club, plus two tickets to Derby Day Auction and the Big Green Athletic Celebration $10,000 to $19,999

George A. Mitchell Club Includes all benefits in the Joseph D. Allen Club, plus two tickets with premier seating at Prince Lecture, Kew Raiser Lecture and Smith Lecture Series $7,500 to $9,999

Joseph D. Allen Club Includes all benefits in the Nottingham Club, plus membership in the Founder’s Society and an invitation to Founder’s Society Annual Dinner $5,000 to $7,499

The Nichols Fund Leadership Giving Societies are the most prestigious annual recognition clubs for alumni, parents, grandparents and friends of the School. Established to acknowledge our most generous donors, the societies honor members who give annual financial support to ensure that the School continues to thrive well into the 21st century.

When you support The Nichols Fund, you reaffirm your devotion to the 120-year legacy of Nichols School and ensure a promising future for generations of students.

Membership into the Leadership Giving Societies earns not only our sincere thanks, but our offer to connect you even more deeply to the life of our remarkable Nichols community.

The Head of School and the Board of Trustees salute the members of each year’s Leadership Giving Societies and thank them for making Nichols a priority. This group’s gifts have accounted for over 75% of The Nichols Fund’s total dollars in recent years.

Please make a gift online at www.nicholsschool.org/give or call the Development Office at 716.332.5151.

After Nichols

What are you up to now? Tell us about your life and career.I am currently working for The Protection Project, John’s Hopkins University School for Advanced International Studies until December 2012. The Protection Project is an anti-human trafficking non-governmental organization which works in conjunction with the Department of State, Bureau of the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, specifically for the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

My main responsibilities include: conducting legal research on Sharia (the moral code and religious law of Islam) to assist Dr. Mohamed Mattar, Executive Director of The Protection Project, in preparing a comparative law study on human rights in the Arab world; researching and creating a database of human rights scholars in the 22 Arab countries; conducting extensive research on the status of trafficking in persons in the countries of the world and updating the country narratives on trafficking that were eventually published on the organization’s website; drafting a speech for Ms. Suzanne Mubarak, First Lady of Egypt and partner of The Protection Project, on Regional Cooperation in the Middle East; writing a report on a seminar conducted at The Johns Hopkins University on Islam and the West; researching and analyzing congressional hearings in support of the work of the Legal Aid Clinic at Alexandria University, Faculty of Law in Cairo, Egypt; researching and preparing the TIP Review (review of the Annual Trafficking in Persons Report) and a pamphlet entitled “Reporting on the Status of Trafficking in Women in Accordance with Article 6 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women,” which was presented at the UN in New York City at the July CEDAW Convention. At the moment, I am working on two different projects, one on Corporate Social Responsibility and the other is a “Global Legal Research Manual: How to Conduct Human Rights Research,” both of which will be published upon finalization.

Coming up in November, we will have our Seventh Annual

Symposium on Trafficking in Persons. This conference will bring together experts from academia, non-governmental organizations, religious institutions, the corporate world and the media to discuss the role that each of these industries has in the fight against trafficking in persons.

In the spring, I will be heading to Paris, France, to work as an intern at the U.S. Embassy, through a Department of State Internship Program. This will be a 10-week internship and then I will return to the states where I plan on attending law school in the fall of 2013.

What motivated you to get involved in this line of work?In all honesty, I became involved in this line of work, at first, by chance. In 2010, I took an internship for a semester in Washington, D.C. with The Washington Center for Academic Seminars and Leadership. At the time, I was more interested in bioethics and the role women had in this field. Since bioethics was not an internship option, my program director asked me to consider focusing on women’s rights instead. This was fine with me. She then asked me, “What about human trafficking?” My response was, “Human what?” After being placed in my internship, namely based off of my writing samples, I began to realize just how passionate I am about anti-human trafficking efforts. I knew, with all the long hours and committed weekends, I put into this internship that it was

more than a job, or work experience. I truly cared, and knew that advocating on behalf of millions of trafficking victims is my calling. When the internship ended I went back to Hiram College and instantly continued my trafficking awareness efforts in my college community. I worked alongside a few professors who helped me cultivate this new found passion. However, without my confidant and professor, Dr. Erin Lamb, I would not have been able to have so many opportunities in this effort.

When it comes down to it, I don’t consider this a job. I consider this work a responsibility of mine to the global community because I know that with my efforts I can help make drastic changes and eventually help end modern day slavery.

Leah Christopher ’08 Champions Human Rights


How did Nichols prepare you for college and life beyond college?I was surprised at how easy it was for me to transition from Nichols to Hiram. The course load, writing and overall independence allotted to me as a college freshman were not overwhelming or strenuous tasks, as I was fully prepared for all of these common obstacles at Nichols.

All in all, Nichols prepared me for the writing intensive work I not only had to do in college but also with the writing I do in my current job position. As a research associate, I would say I spend about half my day in the writing and editing processes.

Throughout the hours spent writing, I constantly think, “What would Mr. Stratton say?” about my prose, my introductory paragraph, conclusion, word use, grammar, style, etc.

Nichols also prepared me by encouraging me to constantly challenge myself. I am lucky in that I had such knowledgeable and effective teachers who always encouraged me in their own ways to reach beyond my potential. Whether it was in the form of red pen marked across my “Ana Karenina” paper by Mr. Stratton, or every free period I spent in Mr. Wagner’s classroom to improve my math skills, or even the time spent with my coaches on the fields, always pushing me, I was continually challenged at Nichols. But it was not without the caring support of the school community. Without this important lesson, I would not be where I am today.

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?I think my greatest accomplishment thus far is trusting in my own decisions. By this I mean that in previous years I just went with the flow, doing what I thought was expected of me as a student, but I came to realize that this was the worst path possible for me. I’ve found that without a sense of challenge, I probably won’t be choosing a project to embrace. I think the greatest accomplishment anyone can have is trusting in yourself so that you don’t have to depend on others to define you, or pick your career path for you. If you can turn a passion into a career, whether or not it conforms to premeditated plans, you are pursuing an essential path.

What do you like to do for fun?Living in D.C. there is always something to do! However, my favorite past time activities include: roaming around the Smithsonian History Museum, taking a long run around the monuments and writing short stories.

The Importance of the College Visitby Victoria W. Garner

In a survey of members of the Class of 2012 taken last May, students were asked to indicate the most important factors influencing their decision to enroll in a particular college or university. Ninety percent of seniors reported that “a sense of fit with the school” was either the “most important” or a “very important” factor in their college destination.

Throughout the research and application phases of the college process, students and their parents hear the Nichols School college counselors talk about the importance of the college visit in helping to determine fit. Making the trip to a college, taking the tour, learning about the admission process, talking with current students, faculty, and in some cases, meeting with coaches and athletic directors, can provide invaluable information for the student as they determine where they will apply. The visit also signals to the college a sincere interest on the part of the student; a factor considered by some colleges in admission.

The college counseling staff at Nichols takes seriously the importance of visiting schools as well. In the last year, Dr. Siepierski and I traveled to 20 schools in 10 states and Canada; meeting with admissions officers and deans, discussing specific programs with faculty and students, and learning about the particular culture on campus. These visits serve to strengthen our ability to counsel students and build important ties between the college or university and Nichols.

Whether a school is around the corner or many miles from home, we encourage students and parents to visit whenever possible. And, don’t forget to ask us where we’ve been lately!

Boston CollegeBoston UniversityBrown UniversityBucknell UniversityCanisius CollegeCase Western Reserve UniversityChamplain CollegeDaemen CollegeHarvard University

Middlebury CollegeProvidence CollegeSt. Michael’s CollegeSUNY at GeneseoTufts UniversityTulane UniversityUniversity of MarylandUniversity of TorontoUniversity of VermontWashington University in St. LouisYale University

colleges and Universities visited by nichols School in 2011-12:

15 Fall/Winter 2012

Natalie AbialmounaSUNY at Buffalo

Eleni AnasWashington University in St. Louis

Harrison BaconBoston College

Meredith BattinCanisius College

John BeecherSt. Lawrence University

Elizabeth BenedictNiagara University

Murray BibasBentley College

Zach BlissUniversity of Western Ontario

Peter BorgesiSUNY at Geneseo

Corbyn BothwellHobart & William Smith Colleges

Brad BourneGettysburg College

Trinithas BoyiWesleyan University

Lucas BuscemiWest Virginia University

Vincent CappolaSUNY at Buffalo

Jeremy CastigilaWashington & Jefferson College

Avery CoppinsBryant University

Brigid DalyUniversity of South Carolina

Julia DiTondoMercyhurst College

Courtney DonovanSUNY at Buffalo

Hannah ElsinghorstCanisius College

Jonah EpsteinSkidmore College

Caroline FennKenyon College

Joseph FennieSUNY at Geneseo

Helena GalvinThe College of Wooster

Hannah GardnerUnion College

Colin GartzOhio Wesleyan University

Michael GatesBoston University

Katie HenryLoyola University Maryland

Jenna HerskindPrinceton University (+ Gap Year)

Jenna HolevinskiSt. John Fisher College

Sean HughesNiagara University

Zoe Jackson-GibsonHobart & William Smith Colleges

Louis Jacobs, Jr.Southern Methodist University

Emily JanigaMercyhurst College

Jordan KeaneSt. Lawrence University

Lachlan KelloggSUNY at Buffalo State

Hijab Khan Cornell University

Austin KubiniecRensselaer Polytechnic Institute

James LeesHobart & William Smith Colleges

Julia LiguoriThe American University

John LoreeVassar College

Nicole LoweThe American University

Holly MangusSUNY at Fredonia

Ian McQuestionThe Catholic University

Thomas MediakNazareth College

Sarah MillerUniversity of Vermont

Emily MoffettCanisius College

Brandon MuellerSalisbury School (PG)

Sydney MuggiaJohn Carroll University

Shannon NachreinerNorthwestern University

Mark NashSUNY at Maritime

Suet NgUniversity of California at Santa Cruz

Thomas NoonanSUNY at Buffalo

Kayla OakBoston College

Hanna O’NeillSUNY at Geneseo

Nickolaus OsinskiBoston College

KaiDi PengBoston University

Andrew PoturalskiUniversity of New Hampshire (2013)

Alex ReganUnion College

Kylie ReinholzSUNY at Buffalo State

J. Mitchell RiterRochester Institute of Technology

Maddie RohrbacherThe American University

Elise RoySUNY at Buffalo

Spring SandersNorthwestern University

Madeleine SchlehrPhillips Academy - Andover (PG)

Caroline SchutteMiami University of Ohio

Cody SelbertUniversity of Maryland - Baltimore County

Nicholas SheaThe University of Arizona

Nyrie SoukiazianUniversity of Rochester

Allison StenclikNorthwestern University

Christine Stephan Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Abbie SumbrumXavier University (OH)

Brendan TetroIthaca College

Ryan TickUniversity of Notre Dame

Sameera ToenjesMcGill University

Meredith VivianLoyola University (IL)

Lucas WalshDeerfield Academy (PG)

Shelby WildeSUNY at Buffalo

Catherine WilliamsColgate University

Susan WinkelsteinSUNY at Buffalo

Kristen WinterNiagara University

Lindsay WrightNortheastern University

Luke YerkovichThe George Washington University

William Zacher, Jr.Case Western Reserve University

Class of 2012 Matriculation List

16 Nichols School16 Nichols School16 Nichols School

On May 5, Nichols celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Derby Day Auction. The Auction was an astounding success, attributed to the dedication and hard work from the Chairs of the event, Kristan Carlson Andersen ’80 & Robin Bronstein and Cynthia & Frank Ciminelli II. For this epic occasion, the original chairs of the 1979 Derby Day Auction, Connie & Jack Walsh ’63 and Bonnie & Fritz Spitzmiller ’57 served as our Honorary Chairs. For our 35th anniversary event, we are elated to announce we raised $260,000 – the most funds ever for the School!

We could not have achieved this great success without the dedication of our Committees and parent volunteers who worked diligently throughout the year. A special thank you to all of our additional Committee Chairs: David & Jessica Brason, Carol Sibick, Jenna Brinkworth, Monica Angle, Traci Ackerman, Clare Poth ’81, Rich Gicewicz, Kevin Hogan, Pam Marcucci, Siobhan Millar, Darcy Donaldson Zacher ’86, Anita Ballow, Sheila Kowalski, Laura Reindl, Sasha Yerkovich, Cheryl Zaccagnino, Jackie Ennis, Michelle Rosenberg Parentis ’86 and Kevin & Joanne Ryan.

The Derby Day Auction gained momentum early on, boasting sold-out sponsorships months in advance. We are infinitely grateful to our generous sponsors: M&T Bank, Triple Crown Sponsor; Amstar of Western New York, Buffalo Neurosurgery Group, Noco, Secretariat Sponsors; The Courtyards LLC, Phillips Lytle LLP, Uniland Development Company and Union Concrete.

To all our generous donors, guests and sponsors, it could not have happened without your time, talent and efforts. Additionally, we would like to thank all who attended the event. We received overwhelming generosity and truly appreciate your continued support.

We are excited to announce our 2013 Chairs, Joseph & Sheila Kowalski and John & Laura Reindl! We look forward to your new ideas making next year’s event a great success.

The 35th Anniversary Derby Day Auctionby Genevieve Carbone

Adam Noonan ’13, Sydney Clark ’13, Marie Zaccagnino ’14 and Lauren Randaccio ’13

Jan Robinson, Daphne Williams and Kathy Gabryel

Kristina Saperston Semple ’98 & Craig E. Semple ’98 and Alexis Muscato Agnello ’98

17 Fall/Winter 2012

18 Nichols School

Class of 1962,Meet the Class of 2019Throughout Reunion Weekend, there are many events that showcase the wonderful sense of community Nichols has created over the years. One of the most heartwarming events of the year is the meeting between the Class of 1962 with the Class of 2019. Exemplifying the Nichols value of Tradition and Change, the Pen Pal Program gives the opportunity for the 50th Reunion class and the current 5th grade students to share their Nichols experiences.

After exchanging letters, the pen pals were finally able to meet in person the morning of June 8 in Regan Hall to kick-off Reunion Weekend. The groups greeted each other with ease and excitement as they began discussing their previous exchange. Almost instantly after the formal introductions were made, the Class of 2019 eagerly took their pen pals for a tour of the Middle School, filling their rooms with glowing conversation.

Whether informational or humorous, the letters between these generations were delightful to read. Although decades apart in age, the bond felt between these two groups emanates from the pages all thanks to Nichols. Please enjoy some of the sweet and funny excerpts!

Hannon Levy ’19: “I am 10 years old and I play soccer, lacrosse and tennis, but my favorite sport is swimming. I am on a swim team outside of school at the YMCA in Snyder. I also love camping and doing other fun outside activities such as snow skiing. One of my favorite hobbies is building Lego sets.”

James H. Bankard ’62: “Behave in a way that earns your parents trust and good things will happen to you.”

Hannon Levy ’19 and Jim Bankard ’62

Nick Scott ’19, David Desmond ’62 and Colin Schupbach ’19


Class of 1962,Meet the Class of 2019Nick Scott ’19: “I play Little Loop tackle football, tight end. I also have two brothers, Max and Vincent, and I have a black Labrador puppy named Stormie. Skiing in the winter is a blast for me. At Nichols today, I love Medieval Studies. Bird watching with my science teacher is super interesting and fun too! I also like being able to walk over to the ice rink, so I can play hockey in the winter.”Richard E. Palicki ’62: “I am married now and have five children, all of whom are adults now. My favorite recreation is going to a warm beach where I can swim and take part in outdoor activities. I like to vacation in Ocean City, Maryland in the summer and recently, my wife and I have enjoyed some cruises to the Caribbean.”

Audrey Lazar ’19: “Nichols is a wonderful school and I am enjoying the experience. I play hockey and am also currently collaborating on an environmental school project with my science teacher and a few classmates.”

Bill Constantine ’62: “All the things you do and accomplish now are the building blocks for the next steps into the future. Whether it is your joy of reading or learning to be a good teammate or inspiring leader on the hockey rink, it all becomes who you are many years from now.”

Pen Pals 2012

Fred Astmann ’62, Maureen Astmann, Colin Archibald ’19 and Chandra Desai ’19

Chandra Desai ’19: “I have three siblings and two parents. I play soccer and dance competitively. I also play piano. I am in youth choir and love to sing. My favorite subject is Latin. I have a knack for languages!”

Jim Abeles ’62: “The creative impulse exists and if you forget your small self for the moment, you will access your ‘creative’ self. It’s really not that personal. But being creative also speaks to solving problems. And the same theory applies. Sometimes the best way to solve a problem that you can’t seem to master, is to walk away, forget about it, have lunch, go to a movie. When you return to that unwieldy enigma, very often the answer will appear as if by magic. I’m saying it is magic and it always happens. And I’m saying a good question beats an iffy answer.”

19 Fall/Winter 2012 19

Annabell Bueme ’19: “I have two older sisters and a younger brother. Some of the things I like to do are dance, sing and act. My family is really close, and we like to travel a lot together and have family movie night every weekend. I like Nichols a lot, and my two favorite things to do are play sports with my friends and be coached by some of my teachers.”William C. Koester ’62: “It is interesting, I think, that you and I like many of the same things. We too are a close family and take every opportunity we can to get together. I think we are all movie buffs, and I applaud your ‘family movie night every weekend.’ And of course there is the singing and dancing!”

Holly Stevenson ’19: “I love many sports, in particular dance and am on a competition team. We compete nationally and have won various titles. I have a younger brother and sister who are twins. They are two and very wild.”

Chip Clarke ’62: “But what you might be interested to know about our daughter, Alissa, who sounds a lot like you…She went to a school just like Nichols, called Noble and Greenough, near Boston, and played sports but really loved to dance, and after college, is now dancing full time in New York City.”

Chip Clarke ’62 and Holly Stevenson ’19

Abbey Gicewicz ’19, Marc Janes ’62 and Jed Rifkin ’19

Peter Gurney ’19, Bob Pratter ’62 and Abdullah Haq ’19

Eric Schabacker ’62, Lara Ferreri ’19 and Sophia Fors ’19


The 2011-2012 awardees are as follows:

cottle Award: Nick Shea ’12

Faculty Prize: Caroline Fenn ’12

Williams cup: Shannon Nachreiner ’12, Sameera Toenjes ’12

mccarthy Prize: Shelby Wilde ’12

Joseph L. Hudson, Jr. ’49 Award: Harrison Bacon ’12

Headmaster’s Awards: Jenna Herskind ’12, Tom Noonan ’12, Nicole Lowe ’12, Spring Sanders ’12, Allie Stenclik ’12, Meredith Vivian ’12

Dudley m. irwin, iii ’45 memorial Award: Jack Faso ’13

nottingham Award: Emily Collins ’13

Harvard Prize Book: Alex Aylward ’13

Williams college Book Award: Alec Long ’13, Anya Schulman ’13

Yale Award: Jason Zhou ’14

christopher Wadsworth Award: Alex Fisher ’15, Kenny Williams ’15

george Knight Houpt Senior english Prize: Eleni Anas ’12, Katie Henry ’12, Jenna Herskind ’12, Shannon Nachreiner ’12, Nick Shea ’12, Allie Stenclik ’12, Sameera Toenjes ’12

Brown Junior english Award: Anya Schulman ’13

Red Jacket Poetry Award – 1st: Sameera Toenjes ’12

Red Jacket Poetry Award – 2nd: Sam Stark ’15

Red Jacket Poetry Award – 3rd: Paige Spangenthal ’15

Purdy Short Story Award – 1st: Jenna Herskind ’12, Shannon Nachreiner ’12

Faith Davis Visual Arts Award: Mitch Riter ’12

nichols Dance Award: Marissa Geiger ’13, Jenna Holevinski ’12

nichols Theatre Award: Caroline Fenn ’12, Madeline Rohrbacher ’12, Meredith Vivian ’12

nichols Vocal music Award: Katie Henry ’12, Nicole Lowe ’12, Shannon Nachreiner ’12, Alex Regan ’12

nichols instrumental music Award: Nick Shea ’12

charles e. Balbach Art Prize: Sarah Miller ’12

Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award: Patricia Daly ’13

Keating Science Award: Greg Vanderhorst ’13

Baldwin Science Award: Jenna Holevinski ’12, Nick Shea ’12

mayer Science Award: Jason Zhou ’14

millard Sessions History Award: Ken Lipke ’13

Senior Social Science Award (AP economics): Nick Osinski ’12

Senior Social Science Award (AP Art History): Katie Henry ’12, Allie Stenclik ’12

Senior Social Science Award (AP govt.): Kylie Reinholz ’12

Senior Social Science Award (AP Human geography): Julie DiTondo ’12

Senior Social Science Award (AP Human geography): Sarah Miller ’12

Tracy e. Tuthill mathematics Award: Sameera Toenjes ’12

RPi mathematics & Science Award: Dora Ranilovic ’13

James W. Waltz Award: Un-Pil Baek ’13

American mathematics competition Award (10th grade): Zach Cole ’14

American mathematics competition Award (12th grade): Un-Pil Baek ’13

French Award: Julia Liguori ’12

Spanish Award: Shannon Nachreiner ’12

Dual Spanish and French Award: Trinithas Boyi ’12

chinese Award: Kaitlyn Henry ’12

Alumni cup: Catherine Williams ’12, Tom Noonan ’12, Lucas Walsh ’12

maisel general information Test: Nick Shea ’12

g. Robert Strauss, Jr. ’79: Pearl Guerin ’13

Bonnie Lerner Posmantur Award: Caroline Schutte ’12

Dann ’49 community Service Award: Abbie Sumbrum ’12

Verdian DayUpper School AwardsOn Friday, June 1, Upper School students, parents, faculty and staff gathered in the Flickinger Performing Arts Center to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.

21 Fall/Winter 2012

The 2011-2012 awardees are as follows:

Western new York Spelling Bee:1st Place – Thomas Wrabetz ’162nd Place – Leeanne Jones ’17

Red Jacket Poetry contest:1st Prize – Omkaar Acharya ’192nd Prize – Ava Swiatowy ’18

Purdy Story:1st Prize – Annabel Bacon ’16

geography Bee:1st Place – Peter Gurney ’192nd Place – Ashrut Sood ’18

new York State math League contest:6th Grade:1st Place – Ashrut Sood ’182nd Place – Jacob Dolan ’183rd Place – Meira Farhi ’184th Place – Rockwell Tang ’18, Eric Dhillon ’185th Place – Saloni Kumar ’18

7th Grade:1st Place – Leeanne Jones ’172nd Place – Caroline Magavern ’173rd Place – Isabelle Schlehr ’17, Samantha Lazar ’174th Place – Grace Newman ’17, Zachary Crimi ’17, Lorena James ’175th Place – Kaela Parentis ’17, Mackenzie Bass ’17

8th Grade:1st Place – Thomas Wrabetz ’182nd Place – Madeleine Welchoff ’183rd Place – Bennett Levy ’184th Place – Cullen Lampasso ’18, Lindsay Hogan ’185th Place – Leyton Johnston ’18, Maeanna Merrill ’18

music Awards:Symphonic OrchestraMost Improved Musician – Charles Telford ’18Music Leadership Award – Jillian Daniels ’16Outstanding Musician – Diana Henry ’16

ChorusMost Improved Musician – Sophie Hourihane ’16Music Leadership Award – Maeanna Merrill ’16Outstanding Musician Award – Mia Tirabassi ’16

national French exam Recognitions:Ranked in the Top 10 in Western New YorkThomas Wrabetz ’ 16, Evan Brason ’16, Joshua Hobika ’16, Andreas Jekov ’16, Caroline Magavern ’17, Leeanne Jones ’17, Kendra Jones ’17, Leah Kramer ’17

national Latin exam Recognitions:Summa Cum Laude (Gold): Robert Hettrick ’16, Sophie Hourihane ’16, Bennett Levy ’16, Lily Verbeck ’16, Madeleine Welchoff ’16

Maxima Cum Laude (Silver): Maren Cipolla ’16, Diana Henry ’16, Lindsay Hogan ’16

Cum Laude (Bronze):Elizabeth Andersen ’16, Claudia D’Auria ’16, Bridget Hager ’16, Matthew O’Connor ’16

national Spanish exam Recognitions:Premio de Oro (Gold): Maeanna Merrill ’16, Kaitlyn Dolan ’16

Premio de Plata (Silver): Lauren Cromwell ’16, Leyton Johnston ’16

Premio de Bronce (Bronze): Annabel Bacon ’16, Delaney Hamill ’16

Premio de Excelencia (Honor): Alec Yerkovich ’16, Maxwell Scott ’16

H.R. macKinder general information Test (g.i.T.):5th Grade: 1st – Chandra Desai ’19 2nd – Peter Gurney ’19

6th Grade: 1st – Brad Castiglia ’18 2nd – Ashrut Sood ’18

7th Grade: 1st – Vera Potter ’17 2nd – Joseph Tomczak ’17

8th Grade: 1st – Maxwell Scott ’16 2nd – Emma Hobika ’16

middle School overall g.i.T. Winner: Vera Potter ’17

cornelia L. Dopkins Awards: Audrey Lazar ’19, Rockwell Tang ’18, Jayne Appelbaum ’17, Emma Hobika ’16, Maeanna Merrill ’16

Henry D. Waters Awards: Nicholas Scott ’19, Michael Berdysiak ’18

Pliny H. Hayes iii Award: Thomas Elia ’17, Susan Kowalski ’17

The Bruce Anderson Award: Leyton Johnston ’14

The nichols coaches Award: Lindsay Hogan ’16

e. Webster Dann Faculty Awards: Jillian Daniels ’16, William Hibbard ’16, Emma Hobika ’16, Maxwell Scott ’16, Mia Tirabassi ’14

The charles i. Kleiser Award: Maeanna Merrill ’16

Robert A. gillespie-Vincent e. Walsh Award: Maeanna Merrill ’16

Verdian DayMiddle School AwardsOn Friday, June 1, Middle School students, parents, faculty and staff gathered in the Flickinger Performing Arts Center to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.

22 Nichols School22 Nichols School22 Nichols School

On June 13, members of the 8th grade from the Class of 2016 gathered in the Flickinger Performing Arts Center with their teachers, family and friends to celebrate their Moving Up Ceremony. In an address to the class, Head of Middle School, Paul Errickson, encouraged students to be kind and helpful, as these two characteristics are vital in leadership and reinforce the values they learned during their time at Nichols. Following Mr. Errickson’s address, Head of School, Rick Bryan, took the podium and related an analogy comparing being on a ship at sea to exploring who you are. He explained that in the coming years, they will continue to ask themselves questions to discover who they truly are, much like passengers on a ship would do when they saw a foreign vessel out at sea.

A. Diana Henry ’16 and Leyton Johnston ’16

B. Members of the Class of 2016 were beaming throughout the ceremony.

C. Cullen Lampasso ’16, Luke Meyer ‘16, Bailey Lewczyk ’16, Lily Verbeck ‘16 and Jillian Daniels ’16 pledge allegiance during the ceremony.

D. Nina Amato ’16 and Sam Vanderhorst ’16

Head of School, Rick Bryan, accepts the class gift from Liza Ryan ’16.

8th Grade Moving Up Ceremonyby Genevieve Carbone

A.

C. D.

B.

23 Fall/Winter 2012

Class DayA. Shannon Nachreiner ’12, Eleni Anas ’12 and Allie Stenclik ’12 are presented awards from Debbie Howe of the

English Department.

B. Tom Maynor ’81 poses with the Middle School Overall G.I.T. Winner, Vera Potter ’17.

C. Head of Upper School, Aranya Maritime presents Kenny Williams ’15 with the Christopher Wadsworth Award.

D. Prefects for the Erie House, Josh Hobika ’16 and Annabel Bacon ’16 pose with the John R. Munro, Jr. House Cup.

A.

B. C. D.


On Friday, April 27, 17 new students were inducted into the nationally recognized Cum Laude Society. President of the Nichols chapter, Dan Rosenblum, and Secretary, Andrew Sutherland, led the ceremony for the 2012 inductees: Eleni C. Anas ’12, Harrison C. Bacon ’12, Trinithas Boyi ’12, Kaitlyn J. Henry ’12, Jenna M. Herskind ’12, Hijab A. Khan ’12, John T. Loree ’12, Hanna M. O’Neill ’12, Nickolaus G. Osinski ’12, Madeleine S. Schlehr ’12, Nicholas R. Shea ’12, Nyrie Soukiazian ’12, Allison L. Stenclik ’12, Ryan G. Tick ’12, Sameera Toenjes ’12, Meredith M. Vivian ’12.

From the Latin phrase meaning “with high praise” the society was founded in 1906 by Dr. Abram W. Harris of the Tome School in Maryland to recognize students of exceptional scholarship and good

(First row, left to right:) Nyrie Soukiazian ’12, Hijab A. Khan ’12, Trinithas Boyi ’12, Kaitlyn J. Henry ’12, Hanna M. O’Neill ’12, Sameera Toenjes ’12; (second row) Ryan G. Tick ’12, John T. Loree ’12, Nickolaus G. Osinski ’12, Harrison C. Bacon ’12, Allison L. Stenclik ’12, Meredith M. Vivian ’12, Madeleine S. Schlehr ’12, Eleni C. Anas ’12, Nicholas R. Shea ’12. Not pictured: Jenna M. Herskind ’12.

Cum Laude Society Inductioncharacter. At Nichols, criteria for admission of students to the Cum Laude Society is based on: academic excellence; scholarship and love of learning; consistency in performance across the four years, with special attention to achievement in grades 11 and 12; degree of difficulty of course load; and character, honor and integrity in all aspects of school life.

It is the School’s hope that students will accept the honor of membership of this society as a responsibility to make some contribution to the ongoing search for greater understanding of humanity and society, and that they will always cherish the love of sound learning.

Congratulations to the Class of 2012 inductees!

25 Fall/Winter 2012

Brooklyn, N.Y.-based freelance record producer, Allen Farmelo ’88, and his partner, Shelley, recently started a record label called Winter Bear Records to release Shelley’s albums for children. The featured character of these albums is called Elska, a modern pioneer who lives on a newly-formed volcanic island off the coast of Iceland. As Allen describes, “Elska weaves the sweetness of Winnie the Pooh with the otherworldliness of Dr. Seuss into a rather unique musical sound.” The first Elska album came out on Sept. 4, thus making recent months in Allen’s production world very busy and very exciting. The album has already won two prestigious awards in the educational/parenting world: The National Parenting Publication Awards Honors and the Parents’ Choice Foundation Silver Medal.

How Nichols shaped his abilities and character:Nichols totally inspired my career! The first time I stepped into a recording

studio was as an 8th grader playing synthesizers with the Nichols Jazz Band. When I walked into that studio, my

life changed. I was inalterably hooked on the idea of making

records in studios, no matter what. Of course, my senior

project was to record an album with my band. Nichols was flexible enough to accommodate my interests in recording, and this was a direct reflection of the high value the school puts on the arts. I can hardly imagine my life without those formative opportunities and the support for the arts.

Interestingly, I went on to record in that same studio in my 20s, and then again in my 30s when I recorded a whole album there with Ian Gillan of Deep Purple and Jesus Christ Superstar fame. It now belongs to The Goo Goo Dolls, who were working there back when I was in high school.

What’s all in a day’s work:I am a freelance record producer, a career that – given that there were no schools to teach this when I was coming up – was born of my own ingenuity combined with the luck of great opportunities and caring mentors. I wish I had a quick explanation for what “record producer” actually means. The best I can explain it is that I spend long stretches of time with musicians making their life’s work. My work entails many different roles, including coach, boss, critic, servant, songwriter, musician, recording engineer, mixer, budget manager and more. The roles I play change with every record.

Greatest accomplishment to date:In the past year, I have made two records with the previously unrecorded 86-year-old pianist Boyd Lee Dunlop. He is from Buffalo. His records have touched so many people, but they’ve been especially meaningful to elderly people. In the same year I helped create and recorded the Elska project for children. To broaden my work to include the very old and the very young feels like an incredible accomplishment, and has added an unexpected emotional depth to my work.

Advice for current students:Don’t quit! Perseverance is the secret to success in any creative field. The hardest part about creative careers is that the opportunities and the logical career steps aren’t laid before you as clearly as they are in, say, the legal or medical fields. So, you have to make sure that you can always say “yes” to an opportunity when it

The Producer: Allen Farmelo ’88 By Blake Walsh ’98

continued on page 28Allen Farmelo ’88

26 Nichols School

Alumni Feature

Elska singer/costumed front woman, Shelley Wollert, in Iceland

comes up, and this often requires unorthodox lifestyle choices that allow for that freedom to say ‘yes.’

The other advice I have is follow your heart straight to exactly what you love aesthetically. If you’re a photographer and you love landscapes, then shoot landscapes. If you’re a violinist and you love atonal classical music, then pick up your fiddle and play atonal classical music. If you’re a record producer and you love a certain kind of sound and feeling in a recording, then dedicate yourself to that sound and feeling. If your heart yearns for something and you pursue it, you’ll have endless energy to keep going, and you’ll also get really good at it over time. Whatever common sense may try to tell you, do not be led by financial interests; therein lies the path to creative burnout. If you persevere and follow your heart, you’ll be way better off in the long run.

Nichols preparation for life:The first things that always come to mind are that I can write well and I know how to stay organized and actually get things done on time. Those are basic life skills that serve me every day, and, looking back on it, I know my teachers at Nichols very intentionally hammered those skills into me.

I remember the tiny spiral notebook I got in 5th grade and how my teachers showed me how to write down my assignments and how to cross them off. But it wasn’t the writing them down that mattered most; it was the following through on those assignments on time that was ultimately going to help me the most in life.

I remember grammar lessons as ongoing word puzzles at which we were expected to become exceptionally adept. By senior year, my teachers (especially Bill Morris and Ed Williams) were taking us beyond the rules of grammar we’d mastered and into the creativity of breaking those rules with bold style. I was made to write tightly like Hemingway, then loosely like Celine, then hopefully like myself. Given today’s high-tech-texting-emailing-Facebooking-Tweeting lifestyle, expressing oneself in writing is probably more important than ever before in human history. I also write professionally for the biggest magazine in my field, and am often thanked by my editor for delivering “very clean copy.” Nichols gave me eight solid years of intense, detailed, expert writing lessons - painful then, invaluable now.

Most valuable Nichols lesson:Out of the blue one day, Ann Keiffer, the drama teacher with whom I never had class and probably never spoke to, asked if she could buy one of my paintings for $40. This was a fortune to me at the time. I hardly knew the woman, and she said, “You’ve got a great sense of composition and color, and that’s worth a lot.” (I’m actually choking up writing about that moment.) All those hours working so diligently under the critical eye of my art teachers added up to the most money I’d ever earned in one single effort.

I still think about that moment when I’m negotiating in the music business, and it reminds to value myself and my creative work.

I need to share another lesson, however. Coley Felser is coaching a 7th grade lacrosse game, I score my third goal for a hat-trick, and he chews me out and benches me. Why? I’d just scored three goals? “You were lucky, Farmelo. You shot from the worst possible angle. You had open teammates right in front of the net.” That was a very

strange lesson for me. It simultaneously taught me trigonometry, teamwork and a needed bit of humility. That kind of multi-dimensional lesson was often happening at school in one way or another. If a teacher is sharp, they’ll know to focus the student back on character development over all else.

Favorite Nichols memory:I have a very special place in my heart for the silent study halls in the Reading Room with the snow coming down outside those old drooping leaded-glass windows. It’s such a beautiful campus, and it’s especially beautiful when covered in snow and your only job is to hunker down and read. It’s interesting to reflect on my relationship with the campus itself, and I realize only now just how much I adore those old buildings.

For more on Winter Bear Records and its featured children’s music artist, Elska, visit www.winterbearrecords.com.

Iceland is the backdrop for Allen’s latest projection, Elska, a fictional singer whose modern pop music is for children and families.


LegaciesThe following are new Legacy students who joined Nichols in the 2012-2013 school year. Legacies are defined by those who have had parents, grandparents or great-grandparents attend the School.

Sylvia Anthony ’20Daughter of

Robert J. Anthony, Jr. ’77 and Sarah A. Yerkovich ’84

Lucas Balbach ’19Son of C. Teo Balbach ’86

Nathanial J. Carlson ’16Son of Richard A. Carlson, Jr. ’72

Olivia Castiglia ’20Daughter of

Gregory J. Castiglia ’84 and Valerie A. Zingapan ’84

Abby Cleary ’16Granddaughter of

Robert M. Cleary ’46

Rachel A. de Perio ’16Daughter of

Jose A. de Perio III ’81

Andrew Grimaldi ’17Grandson of

Samuel Varco, Jr. ’48 and son of Chrisanne Varco Grimaldi ’82

Mia Grimaldi ’19Granddaughter of

Samuel Varco, Jr. ’48 and son of Chrisanne Varco Grimaldi ’82

Thomas F. Hughes IV ’18Son of Beatriz Llugany ’88

Griffin Lunn ’16Grandson of John T. Lunn ’61

Edward D. Roach ’16Son of Michael J. Roach ’84

Eliza B. Roach ’20 Daughter of Michael J. Roach ’84

Maxwell R. Saperston ’20Grandson of

Howard T. Saperston, Jr. ’58 and son of W. Scott Saperston ’90

Gabriel Schulefand ’20Son of Keith B. Schulefand ’81

Walter R. Zacher ’20Great-grandson of

William K. Donaldson ’33; grandson of William H. Zacher ’55

and Daniel R. Donaldson ’58; son of William Zacher ’86 and Darcy Donaldson Zacher ’88

Charles S. Newman ’20Son of James D. Newman ’79

Bjorn N. Nordenflycht ’20Grandson of Ralph D. Cohn ’37

Ralegh R. Petri ’16Son of Pitt Petri, Jr. ’57

Emily Pressman ’16Daughter of Wendy M. Pressman ’83

Alexander Randaccio ’16Son of Alan R. Randaccio ’82

29 Fall/Winter 2012

1952 John Butsch, Dennis McCarthy, Phil Diefenbach, Joe Kaming, Chip Mann, Bill Magavern, Roger Dayer, Lee Abell, Charles Balbach

1938 Tom Harriman, our oldest alumnus in attendance 1947 Bud Nicholson, Rod Gartner, Jack Mimmack, Warren Prince, Myron Hunt


1957 Robin Crosfield, Jim Wadsworth, Molly Morris, George Morris, Frtiz Spitzmiller, Bob Greene

1962 Row 1: John Sessions, Steve Clement, Rufus Meadows, Bob Lentz, Fred Astmann, David Desmon; Row 2: John Nagorniak, Jim Bankard, Mark Lytle, Marc Janes, Gerry Kahn, Ted Janes; Row 3: Chip Clarke, Jeff Simon, Barry Williams, Bob Pratter, Bill Gretz, Eric Schabacker, Bill Nitterauer; Row 4: Bill Baetz, Bill Koester, Jamie May, Richard Harriman, Richard Kahn, Paul Eisenhardt, Bill Constantine, Craig James, Paul DeVries

31 Fall/Winter 2012

1967 Bruce Biltekoff, George Bergantz, Dale Haidvogel

1977 Row 1: Janet Fronckowiak Golrick, Anne Desbecker Sofarelli, Mark Coley, Laura Hopkins, John Farmelo; Row 2: Bridget Callahan-Giarrano, Sheila O’Keeffe, Greta Weiksnar Pinto, John Meegan, Patrick Reilly, Wende Mix; Row 3: Katie Fretwell, Grove Potter, Jim Horne, Dan Carlson, David Ivancic, Jim Voisinet.

1972 Row 1: Suzy Maher-Wilson, Judy Teach Crandall, Tom Caulfield, Roland Hayes; Row 2: Diana Augspurger, Bob Bredenberg, Kristin O’Keeffe, Stephanie Grobe, Marilyn Palumbo Perla


1987 Row 1: John Drenning, Julia McDonald Hartmann, Stacey McCulle, Carolyn Potts Sullivan, Margie Hopkins Whistler, Shannon Scott Shannon, Tim Vanini, Benjamin Plaut; Row 2: Rex Velasquez, Meg Brady, Ron Leong, Michael Boncaldo, Deb Saltzman; Row 3: Hugh Jones, Sareer Fazili, Ray Tan, Ken Bartholomew, Michael Karet, Bhaskar Gopalakrishan, John Quinan

1982 Row 1: Steve Sanders, Annette Holzman Fitch, Megan Brott Sullivan, Chrisanne Varco Grimaldi, Beth Landel, Debbie Beris Vokes, Lorinda Laub, Al Randaccio; Row 2: Mary Kenzie Mahley, Karen Keller Chambers, Mike Vasquez, Ray Paolini, Steve Joyce, Cliff Hurley, John Clauss

33 Fall/Winter 2012

1997 Row 1: KC Bryan White, Maritza Baez, Liza Walsh Keenan, Josh Assad; Row 2: James Gutow, Ryan Keating, Ashley Dayer

1992 Row 1: Sara Shatzel Fitzpatrick, Stephanie Baker Katzman, Nidhi Kohli, Carmen Llugany Fors; Row 2 : Ryan White, Kelly Quigley Giacobbe, Sarah Gelman Carney, Mariel Gallego, Tina Wagle, Aaleya Koreishi, Tina Leone Sabuda, Anusha Rasalingam, Aashiyana Koreishi; Row 3: Alex Shotell, Brett Fitzpatrick, Pete Sullivan, Bill Hudson, Cutler Greene, Danielle Paladino Jacobs, Christen O’Mara Smith; Row 4: Fred Boehmke, Sean Takats, Rich May, Josh Bruzgul, Liz Boll-Faris, Ryan Lucinski, Jon Calamel


2007 Row 1: Nicole Kelly, Phil Wagner, Anna Whistler, Brett Roell, Emily Hettrick; Row 2: Adam Toenjes, Ben Walsh, Brendan McCarthy, Dan Swift, Tyler Van Schoonhoven, Matt Parker, Tom Tobias, Max Yellen; Row 3: Kyle Montour, Dave Tiftickjian, Tim Olsen, Tarik Erk, Ryan McQueeney, Chris Arnold, Harry Zemsky, Mark Abell

2002 Row 1: Alissa Vogelsang, Colleen Heidinger, Nomiki Konst, Nicole Grew, Jackie O’Mara; Row 2: Bridget Rochester, Bill Hardy, Carla Sanderson, Dionne Fabiatos, Andie Ward, Jonna Wopperer, Ashley LoTempio, Tara DeCarlo, Melissa Bundt, Kerry Hannan; Row 3: Alie Wright, Francine VerHagen, Andrew Mancilla (guest), Jonathan Barger, Jeremy Witt, Brooke Pelc, Ashley Ohl

35 Fall/Winter 2012

Exotic palm trees sway gently in the summer breeze as a monarch butterfly glides by in a whirl of delight, presumably, making its impressive migration north to Ontario, Canada, in search of fields abundant with milkweed. Several flowering vines are in bloom with bright purple whorls of flowers that add a strikingly vivid contrast to the scene against the light green leaves on the vine and the blue hue of the sky’s horizon. The sound of trickling water permeates through the air and adds a sense of calm to the nearby surroundings. But this isn’t a tropical paradise. Instead, I’m surrounded by a revitalized urban environment, on the corner of Swan and Seneca Streets, in downtown Buffalo: Larkin Square.

To the left of the vines and palms, an unassuming platinum-colored truck opens its windows to greet the day, just as a familiar and friendly face pokes out to declare the truck is now open for the day’s business. “Square 1 Sandwiches,” the sign above the truck decoratively reads; the menu, filled with rare sandwiches that will take you all over the globe instantaneously, grabs my attention as I decide what’s more important at the moment: getting a delicious

sandwich, or interviewing an old friend about how his great food truck endeavor began. After a bit of pondering, I think the sandwich can wait, but not for long…

A fellow alumnus of mine at Nichols School, Harry Zemsky ’07, is the proud proprietor and inspiration behind the Square 1

Sandwiches food truck. I recently caught up with him to chat about this increasingly popular food trend, to find out how his operation developed and, in particular, how the food truck is fostering a sense of community and relaxation in the Larkin Square for hundreds of workers in Larkinville. Ever since the beginning of high school, Harry had demonstrated an interest in all things related to food: “I’ve

been intrigued, really, since the high school days, by the culinary industry in general, and have always considered it as something I would maybe go to school for, or study here and there. I turned out to be a Studio Art major in college, at the University of Vermont, and there are really a lot of parallels to studio art and culinary art in terms of the way you have to apply yourself [to the field].”

Harry gained some invaluable experiences in Vermont, which

Back to Square 1(Sandwiches)by Alex Epstein ’08

Alex Epstein ’08, Allison Todd ’08, Harry Zemsky ’07 and Chris Arnold ’07 in front of Square One Sandwiches

36 Nichols School

propelled him to the successful opening of Square 1 Sandwiches. These experiences are what he largely attributes to the success of his food truck: “I was looking for jobs [in Vermont] and found this little restaurant in Burlington. For the majority of the time I worked there, it was mainly just the owner and I alone in the shop every day. Because it was just him and me, all in the same day I would be the dishwasher, the manager, the cashier, the cook, the grocery supplier and the prep worker, so I basically learned to do everything you need [for a restaurant] from the bottom-up all within about a year and a half. So, when the opportunity arose about opening up the food truck, I was all about it. I felt like I was ready to open up my own shop, and I had been thinking about it for some time, I just wasn’t sure where it should be. But, after some thought, I realized Buffalo was the perfect place to open up my truck.”

When visiting Square 1 Sandwiches, it is nearly impossible for me to not take notice of the outdoor community that is developing around the food truck in Larkin Square. Working men and women sit relaxed on chairs placed on the grass under an umbrella, laughing, enjoying the fresh air and the temporary break from the offices’ cubicles. Pleasant facial expressions and head nods tell me all that I needed to know: people loved the variety of sandwiches and the environment in which they ate them. I imagine the rest of the day can feel pretty stress-free after such a wonderful lunch break. Harry, too, thinks this relaxing atmosphere is a key component as to why the business has been a success: “People love to eat outside, and Larkin Square gives people such a great spot to come together and enjoy a break for lunch or just to sit and relax. Obviously, a food truck is intrinsically an outdoor type of food service, so we definitely encourage our patrons to come enjoy and eat our sandwiches outside in the square.”

Encouraging people to eat outside on the grass isn’t the only “green deed” Square 1 Sandwiches is doing to promote a more environmentally-friendly Buffalo, either. Food trucks have long been known as green pioneers in the food industry because of their ability to minimize resource use such as electricity and water consumption due to the confined nature of the workspace. Because food trucks require no heating or cooling for their outdoor diners, they have a much smaller carbon and environmental footprint than most traditional brick and mortar restaurants. Additionally, having a food truck in a location with great foot traffic, like in Larkin Square, gets people on their feet and on their way to lunch rather than in their cars. This foot traffic greatly reduces fuel consumption, carbon emissions and ozone creation in urban environments, leading to better environmental air quality in the surrounding areas. Whether or not you realize it, supporting a food truck also supports a greener and greater Western New York for all of us, so eat your heart out!

Interested in checking out the Square 1 Sandwiches food truck? They serve up gourmet, panini-style sandwiches Monday through Friday starting at 11:00 a.m. Even the pickiest of eaters would be satisfied with the great variety of sandwiches available at the food truck. Curry turkey, Cuban pork, Thai chicken and country turkey are just a small sample of what you’ll find at Square 1 Sandwiches. Are you a vegetarian? How does a soy sauce marinated portabella mushroom sandwich grilled to order sound to you?

See you at the Square!

This article first appeared as a blog post on GrowWNY.org in August of 2012.

The Class of 2012’s Class Giftby Blake Walsh ’98

The Class of 2012 graduated from Nichols on June 8, leaving Amherst Street for college campuses around the country and points beyond. Before departing our campus, the seniors made sure that the Class of 2012 would remain as a permanent fixture on campus by way of donating three iron bike racks featuring the Nichols seal and a “Class of 2012” inscription. Indeed these eco-friendly bike racks not only offer a functional enhancement to our campus, but the artistic statement that each rack offers makes for a class gift that The Class of 2012 and all campus visitors should be extremely proud of.

How did they accomplish this impressive feat? Thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of Class Agents Harrison Bacon ’12, Mike Gates ’12, Jenna Herskind ’12, Spring Sanders ’12 and Meredith Vivian ’12, over 74% percent of the class donated to the senior gift drive, raising the necessary funds to install these great additions to our already beautiful campus. The class has set an impressive bar in terms of senior classes giving back to Nichols and we look forward to seeing what The Class of 2013 has in store.

Congratulations and thank you to The Nichols Class of 2012!

The Class of 2012’s class gift includes three green steel bike racks, which are positioned around campus for student, faculty and visitor use.

37 Fall/Winter 2012

The 120th Commencement took place on Friday, June 8, set against a beautiful day in the Quadrangle. Head of School, Rick Bryan, opened the program by recognizing the students in the Class of 2012 for their collective successes and their accomplishments in individual pursuits: “You have distinguished

yourselves as scholars, artists, performers, musicians, dancers, athletes and speakers. You have successfully led this year in a variety of activities, initiatives, and all in a positive tone and spirit.”

He went on to share conversations that transpired during the Senior Dinners this spring, including what members of the Class of 2012 said they learned at Nichols. From “Interacting with adults on a professional level” to “I learned I do not know everything,” students shared heartfelt sentiments to express what they believe will help them in the years ahead. Perhaps most significantly, however, was the number of students who said that they found their voice during their time at Nichols. Students also expressed the desire to continue to support and attract world-class faculty and staff because their interaction with them in and outside of the classroom remains among their most lasting memories of the School.

“The faculty have put you through your paces with daily homework

assignments; class discussions that excluded no one; test, papers, projects that tested your knowledge, your ability to reason, and your skill at solving complex problems,” said Mr. Bryan. He concluded by wishing the students well in their aspirations to do something special with the talent, skills and qualities they possess. “May you have the happiness of a productive life, the respect of others, and the strength of character to accomplish your hopes, ideals and dreams…Above all, keep your voice and use it well.”

Jane Cox Hettrick ’78, President of the Board of Trustees, acknowledged all those in the audience with connections to the graduating class. She shared that, as an alumnus, she grew to appreciate Nichols more with every year. Beginning with how prepared she was in college and law school to entering the working world, she was amazed at what her Nichols education brought her – from respect to connections with other alumni. She told the Class of 2012 that they will experience this realization and earn this same recognition.

Later, as a parent, Jane grew to appreciate the faculty as “kind-hearted crusaders and legends,” looking after her children and all Nichols students. She concluded by reiterating that all those connected to Nichols School have an unwavering sense of community throughout the world, and the most recent graduates enter that

The 120th Commencementby Nina Barone

Commencement speaker, Chris Gabrieli ’77 speaks to the Class of 2012.

38 Nichols School

esteemed group of alumni.Lucas Walsh ’12 served

as the ceremony’s student speaker. Dr. Aranya Maritime, Head of Upper School, introduced Lucas, as a three sport athlete, a member of the chorus and a dedicated student who embodies the long-standing tradition of balance and rigor that have been the hallmarks of Nichols students for over 100 years. Lucas’ advisor shares the story of coming to school on a Sunday and seeing Lucas alone on the field running lacrosse drills. Dr. Maritime said: “It has often been said that character means doing the right thing when no one is looking, and Lucas embodies this idea. As we heard in his citation for the Alumni Cup last Friday, ‘no one takes more pride in wearing green and white,’ and I know no one could take more pride in being chosen by his peers to give this speech to you today.”

Lucas began by posing the question: “Was going to Nichols

worth it?” He answered enthusiastically: “There are many great sacrifices we all made to come to this wonderful institution, but, in the end, I think we can all agree that yes, it was totally worth it.” Lucas called Nichols a unique place, where the people truly care about one another. He said, “A place where whether you are white, a person of color,

gay or straight, an athlete or non-athlete: you are welcome here.” He continued by saying that all members of the Class of 2012 treated one another with respect and fairness, and he credited the faculty with doing an outstanding job mentoring them throughout the years. Lucas said, “Having a faculty like this makes coming to school fun. And in

The Class of 2012 set against Albright Hall on a beautiful day in the Quad.

Lucas Walsh ’12 addresses his graduating class.

Nicole Lowe ’12 accepts her diploma from Head of Upper School, Aranya Maritime.

39 Fall/Winter 2012

this type of environment, kids are excited to learn each day.” He concluded with acknowledging several of his classmates for their exceptional accomplishments, saying they serve as “just a few examples of how unique, diverse, creative and bright” the class is.

We welcomed alumnus, Christopher Gabrieli ’77, as guest speaker. Chris is an entrepreneur across the fields of business, nonprofits and public policy. After Nichols, he graduated from Harvard University, and he was forced to drop out of Columbia University’s medical school to save his family’s business, a healthcare system software company, from bankruptcy. He then went on to develop a company called GMIS. Following its success, Chris joined Bessemer Venture Partners, where he has been a partner for 22 years.

“Nichols stands out as the only other bedrock in my life besides my family,” said Chris, who cited the School’s exceptional academic rigor, character, athletics and arts in preparing him well for Harvard and life.

Chris went on to express that all the core strengths that made Nichols special when he was a student remain today. He recognized Mr. Bryan as a legendary Head in not only the School’s history, but in independent school history.

With honesty and humor, Chris told the Class of 2012 that some of their most difficult days will lie ahead. But, he encouraged them, “if you

are to do anything worthwhile, there will be hard work.” He talked about his tireless work for education, including bringing the growing achievement gaps in our education system. He noted that 75% of U.S. high school students do not graduate on time, and that most countries are increasing their efforts on the education forefront, while we remain stagnant and our graduation rates and test scores show it.

Although the current situation is alarming, Chris pointed to Teach for America, the Knowledge is Power Program and the Khan Academy as positive influences in education and signs of hope that improvements can and will be made. He stressed that the leaders of these organizations did not seek permission to take on these challenges – but they are inventors, entrepreneurs and creative on a mission to make positive change. The profound message he left with the Class of 2012 was inspiring to all members of the audience: Working on behalf of education is deeply satisfying and crucial to everyone’s future successes. If you

feel a change is needed, forge ahead and make the transformations you wish to see a reality.

The morning concluded with the awarding of diplomas by Dr. Maritime.

Thank you, Class of 2012, for all your contributions to Nichols. As Mr. Bryan said, keep your voice and use it well.

Sean Hughes ’12, Avery Coppins ’12, Murray Bibas ’12

Will Zacher ’12 shakes hands with brothers, Lawton and Addison.

Nyrie Soukiazian ’12, Hannah Elsinghorst ’12, Tim McCarthy, Sameera Toenjes ’12, Katie Henry ’12

Jenna Herskind ’12, Trinithas Boyi, Christine Stephan ’12, Sarah Miller ’12, Shannon Nachreiner ’12.

40 Nichols School

William Nichols Awardby Nina Barone

During the Commencement ceremony, longtime Arts Department faculty member, Tim Schwartz, received the esteemed William Nichols Award. The award, which recognizes members of the faculty and staff who have significantly contributed to the overall quality of the Nichols education, was established by the Alumni Board in 1985.

Mr. Schwartz’s citation was read by Craig Semple ’98, Alumni Board President. Mr. Schwartz was recognized for his encouraging classroom environment, his tireless and passionate work with the Upper School orchestra and Jazz Band, and advancing the arts curriculum at the School over the years.

“As a past Chair and key member of the Arts Department, you have helped make the arts an essential part of each student’s education at Nichols School,” read Craig. “You have been an active voice in the development of the arts curriculum, and a champion of the creation of a strong and thriving Middle School Arts program.”

Mr. Schwartz also was recognized for his legendary status as Girls Varsity Tennis Coach, where he maintained an impressive 82% winning record. During the 27 years he coached the Girls’ Varsity Tennis team, his players were 310-48-24, including 11 league championships in the Niagara Frontier League and 10 undefeated seasons. Many of his tennis players went on to become successful college athletes as well.

In addition, Mr. Schwartz was recognized for his dedication to music outside of Nichols, with high profile performances at Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Buffalo Philharmonic, which make his students and colleagues proud, and speak to his dedication to continually developing as an artist.

Perhaps most importantly, Mr. Schwartz was honored for being a person of integrity and character. He has been teaching and upholding strong values at Nichols for 37 years.

Tim Schwartz is the 2012 recipient of the William Nichols Award.

Mitchell Awardby Nina Barone

On May 16, parent volunteer, Jessica Brason, was named the 2012 recipient of the Mitchell Award. Established in 2000, the award is named in honor of John A. “Jock” Mitchell ’66 and presented “to that individual whose volunteer efforts have made the School stronger and whose commitment to the mission of Nichols School is outstanding.”

Jessica served as the School’s 6th Grade Representative during the 2009-2010 school year, was an At-Large Parents’ Council member, and then acted as Middle School Grade Representative Coordinator from 2010-2011. She was a member of the Derby Day Acquisitions Committee in 2010, 2011 and 2012, taking on the Chair position this year. In addition, she and her husband, David, hosted the Derby Day Gift Gathering Party at their home.

During both the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years, Jessica and David served as The Nichols Fund Parent Division Chairs. Last year, Jessica also assisted as a member of the Big Green Auction Committee, lending her time and talent to raising funds for the Athletic Department. She volunteers as a crew team parent as well.

This year, Jessica has eagerly taken on the assignments of serving as Secretary for the Executive Council of the Parents’ Association and coordinating the Lost & Found.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for Nichols, Jessica!

Leslie Garcia, Director of Development, presents Jessica Brason with the Mitchell Award.

Awards

41 Fall/Winter 2012

Awards

2012 Ringo Award Winnerby Nina Barone

The Olive R. Ringo Faculty Award was established to recognize outstanding contributions by members of the Nichols faculty to the education of Nichols students. Each year’s recipient is nominated by his/her peers and selected by a committee made up of previous faculty awardees.

In addition to years of service to Nichols and obvious contributions to the School community, professional and personal characteristics are considered including: enthusiasm about teaching and learning; ability to communicate clearly and effectively; knowledge of subject area; organization, flexibility and dedication; respect for students and a genuine concern for their development; intellectual curiosity and creativity; and high standards of excellence.

The honor was presented on Thursday, June 14, at the closing faculty and staff reception, which commemorates the school year and recognizes those retiring. Gordon Gannon ’50, co-trustee of the Olive R. Ringo estate, was present for the occasion. The following citation was read by George J. Kloepfer, II ’68:

The Arts are a distinctive and integral part of the Nichols educational experience, and no teacher has contributed more to the Nichols program than the present Chair of the Arts Department, Kristen Tripp Kelley, this year’s recipient of the Olive R. Ringo Award.

Kristen’s work reveals mastery of all phases of the Theatre. She is equally comfortable and proficient with traditional classics of the stage (“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “A School for Scandal”) and with “off-the-beaten-track” or experimental theatre. Among Kristen’s triumphs in these non-traditional categories were “Almost Maine,” an engaging “down east” melodrama, which nobody aside from Kristen seems to have heard of before; a politically intense and topical play about the “refugee experience” in the modern world, in which the performers crafted the very speeches of the refugees they played; and, most recently, a wildly unconventional, experimental version of Orwell’s “1984” which expanded the stage and playing area to embrace the “bowels and catacombs” of the Flickinger Center.

Kristen herself is a superb actress, as the “rave notices” she has received for performances with The Irish Classical, The Kavinoky and other downtown theatres attest; in fact, just last week, you received the Artie Award for best actress for your outstanding work in “Time Stands Still.” But more important for the purposes of this award, Kristen is an equally superb educator, instilling a love of the theatre in the students who perform in and help to mount her productions, often “midwifing” buried talents which some of these students never knew they possessed. It is the fusion of these gifts of the great artist and dedicated teacher that distinguish Kristen’s work at Nichols.

Kristen has never been fixated on her own personal achievements, or even on her own particular area of expertise. She works here at Nichols

because she cares intensely about students and wants them to realize the best that is in them. In rehearsals, she instills a quiet discipline, at once gentle and firm, which conveys to the performers that they are engaged in a collective enterprise, that they are a team and must stand or fall together. Some of the most brilliant moments in your plays began as an improvised line or gesture by a student in rehearsal. Only those of us who teach can fully appreciate the talent it takes to create the space and culture that allows students to experiment and to create that magic.

Kristen’s concern for students extends beyond the Drama Department and her stage productions. She is the “point person” on the Core Group, four faculty members who seek help for students or their friends who may be engaged in self-destructive behaviors and whose advice and counsel to those students remains confidential. She is also one of the key faculty members involved with the Gay Straight Alliance, a group in support of students committed to a healthy and tolerant community.

The evidence is conclusive that Kristen’s life has been a fulfillment of two vocations

– that of a gifted artist and that of a dedicated educator of young people. She has heard and heeded both of these calls. We are pleased to present the 2012 Olive R. Ringo Award to you – Kristen Tripp Kelley.Congratulations, Ms. Kelley!

Gordon Gannon ’50, co-trustee of the Olive R. Ringo estate, presented the award to Kristen Tripp Kelley.


Edgar A. Forsyth III ’40R. Stockton Sikes ’40George Wadsworth ’40William F. Gallivan ’42Foster Parmlee, Jr. ’42Rex Peters ’42Albert A. Tilney ’42Edward J. Wagner ’43William O. Kuhns ’44Dana E. Rice ’44Howard R. Simpson ’44Richard W. Meisburger ’45Sidney E. Smith, Jr. ’45Casimer Soron, Jr. ’45Howard Webb, Jr. ’45Robert G. Derrick ’46Donald E. Berlin ’48Justin C. Morgan, Jr. ’48Ray P. Whitman, Jr. ’48James A. Froman ’50Louis G. Meurer III ’50H. Russell Pickering ’50Stanley S. Swartz ’50John Berry III ’51William Crowley ’51M. Irwin Gould ’51Joseph Kennedy ’51Chester A. Pearlman ’51Richard Price ’51Sherman A. Robins ’52Marsh Ward ’52Peter M. Fleming ’53Richard Lamb ’53Harry B. Mains ’54Joseph A. Sanders ’54Joseph P. Borland ’55James L. Howard ’55Chauncey H. Maguire ’55Henry P. Meurer ’55A. Robert Thomas ’55Bradford A. Congdon ’56Martin P. Kennedy ’56James O. Moore III ’56Gifford R. Salisbury ’56Irwin S. Altman ’57Roger L. Plummer ’57Davy W. Babcock ’59David M. Bankard ’59

Richard H. Burroughs ’59Thomas E. Koester ’59Timothy A. Riggs ’59Peter H. Schabacker ’59Vernon E. Schaller ’59Curtis Siegel ’59Paul J. Speyser, Jr. ’59Michael W. Crane ’60Bruce P. Lytle ’60Thomas C. Zawadski ’60William P. Cranz, Jr. ’61William H. Johnson ’61Michael M. Scheidt ’61Jeremy Taylor ’61Howard E. Arbesman ’62Gary T. Ford ’62Donald R. White ’62F. McKay Biggar III ’63Samuel R. Bradstreet ’63Stephen S. Burgess ’64Peter B. Burke ’64John A. Ericsson ’64Harold F. Sahlen, Jr. ’64Rita F. Byers ’65J. G. Charles A. Glagolich ’65Nat Gorham ’65Bruce C. Gruber ’65Robert P. Lieberman ’’65Brett J. Markel ’65Susan A. Meder ’65Stephen J. Neter ’65William Oshei ’65Stephen C. Schintzius ’65James S. Thompson III ’65John S. Waggoner ’65Terry A. Williams ’65Richard D. Bernhardt ’66Peter D. Bradstreet ’66James W. Bryce II ’66Robert E. Fischer, Jr. ’66Timothy J. Kaney ’66Peter W. Lin ’66Philip A. Milch ’66Jon S. Nelson ’66Jonathan Small ’66Thomas F. Barrell ’67J. Carroll W. Becker ’67G. Ernest Blackman, Jr. ’67

Charles R. Borzilleri III ’67Robert B. Cozzens, Jr. ’67Susan Danahy ’67John P. DeVillars ’67Marilyn L. Ernst ’67Mary C. Green ’67David A. Hall ’67Donald D. Huff ’67Diane G. Johnson ’67Andrea M. Kielich ’67George W. Levi ’67Eileen C. Mahoney ’67Norman L. Marx ’67Kathy Meyer ’67Anthony A. Michel ’67William A. Pettit ’67Joseph A. Rubino ’67Robert J. Anthone ’68William Botsford ’68Robert M. Dautch ’68James P. Franklin, Jr. ’68Scott M. James ’68Carlton R. Jewett II ’68Ralph Jones ’68Frank V. Kaunitz ’68Edward H. Law ’68Barbara M. Marchetti ’68Thomas Paul ’68Michael A. Perlino ’68Michael L. Privetera ’68Christopher Stanley ’68David M. Anderson ’69Michael Anderson ’69Louis S. Faber ’69Thomas E. Jacobs ’69James Jerge ’69Eugene Koch ’69Timothy S. Kochery ’69Bruce K. Koren ’69Christopher Michel ’69David Moot ’69William E. Wolfley ’70Gretchen L. Bohmaker ’71Calvin Brady ’71Eulis M. Cathey, Jr. ’71David R. Clarke ’71Alan E. Craig ’71Julia A. Davis ’71

William E. Dill ’71Peter J. Doll ’71Nancy G. Fisher ’71Madie S. Glisson ’71Sandra Szymoniak Griffis ’71Barbara C. Grounds ’71David P. Howard ’71Lawrence E. Klein ’71Tad M. Kramar ’71Shawn Lewis ’71Philip D. Miles, Jr. ’71C. Gregory Vogelsang ’71Joanie Wels ’71Judith M. Whitley ’71Barbara Wildhack ’71Christopher C. Adams ’72Mary Jo Boardman ’72Rosemary Brennan Connerton

’72Arnold E. DiLaura, Jr. ’72Steven Egri ’72Robert T. Grieves ’72Michael C. Hudnut ’72John L. Jacobs ’72Richard S. Lewis ’72Coletta M. Lukitsch ’72Suzanne Maher-Wilson ’72Mary E. McMorrow ’72Philip More ’72Philip J. Wickser II ’72Eric H. Yerkovich ’72Beverly E. Armstrong ’73Burke A. Breneman ’73Richard F. Brodzik ’73James B. Carlson ’73Carter J. Frank ’73Kathleen A. Hurley ’73John P. Jacob ’73Paul Y. Lee ’73Gregory McNamara ’73Philip R. Miller ’73Karen J. Roberts ’73Richard H. Rosenfeld ’73Mark C. Ruof ’73Margaret A. Rydzynski ’73Mark Schwartz ’73Stephen M. Scott ’73Alexander D. Williams II ’73Vincent L. Barber ’74

Lost Alumni We do not have valid mailing addresses for the following “LOST” alumni. Can you help us track them down? Please email [email protected] or call 716.332.5151 with any information.

43 Fall/Winter 2012

Alan P. Bellanca ’74Ann Brady ’74Mark Ehrenreich ’74Cynthia Epps ’74William S. Fanning ’74Francis A. Fote, Jr. ’74Harold M. Ginsberg ’74Douglas P. Hamilton ’74George W. Hawk, Jr. ’74Kathleen Hopper ’74Robert E. Shea, Jr. ’74Patrick R. Shields ’74Wynne Kulick Weinstein ’74Robert G. Anderson ’75Brian C. B. Breneman ’75Douglas S. Brown ’75John K. Cullen ’75John M. Egan ’75Cathryn Gruen Forrest ’75Martin H. McMahon ’75Nancy E. Miller ’75Magda Miller Nash ’75David A. Boyd S/Sgt. ’75Judith M. Scott ’75Kathleen A. Trbovich ’75Melissa P. Wolf ’75Margaret M. Burke ’76Keith J. Dunlap ’76George K. Hambleton III ’76Thompson Hanavan ’76David A. Harrod ’76Nigel P. Hebborn ’76Hans Iluk ’76Lachlan Kellogg-Clarke ’76Stephen F. Marlette ’76Marjorie McDonell-Bryant ’76Henry H. Meurer ’76Douglas F. Pfeiffer ’76C. Pamela Pfohl ’76Christine M. Zaepfel ’76David K. Conklin ’77Mark S. Fling ’77Mark K. Foster ’77Monique A. Hart ’77Jamie Hill ’77Brian C. Meegan ’77Matthew Moravec ’77Anthony A. Otto ’77Rhonda N. Paterson ’77Veronica J. Smith ’77David F. Wood ’77Lewis J. Young IV ’77Rachel S. Back ’78Eric Bess ’78Elizabeth Smith Buscema ’78Timothy A. Butzer ’78Stephen D. Carlson ’78John Cherry ’78Brian Dennis ’78Michael R. Gilbert ’78

Hans F. Halt ’78Michele Halyard-Richardson ’78Eric B. Harrod ’78Susan D. Karnes ’78Isabel P. Kellaway ’78Kari K. Kolb ’78Kevin C. Kresse ’78Karen McMahon ’78Donald D. Notman, Jr. ’78Sean M. O’Connor ’78Eric B. Rait ’78Marcy J. Raphael ’78Laura Knoll Roberts ’78Scott B. Schwartz ’78Wanda Y. Sherrod ’78Robert E. Spangenthal ’78Margaret A. Walek ’78Hali Weiss ’78Jonathan L. Wilcove ’78Stephen Ambrus ’79Thomas A. Batt ’79James R. Branston, Jr. ’79Kevin J. Danahy ’79Colette Free ’79Katrina V. T. Hamilton ’79Gregory K. Houlahan ’79John Kim ’79Thomas F. Letchworth ’79Helen Makohon Makohon ’79Patrick M. McCool, USN ’79Emily Klein Rupert ’79Vincent M. Sorge ’79Jay D. Yung ’79Emanuel S. Amato ’80Jeffrey P. Arcouet ’80Clodagh W. Brabyn ’80Jonathan D. Echtenkamp ’80Kurt D. Elwood ’80Catherine A. Good ’80David W. Gow, Jr. ’80Howard J. Klein III ’80Col. Sheila C. Michelli ’80Mary Minowada-Jezequel ’80Pamela F. Murphy ’80Kristen M. Nygren ’80Ann E. Schapiro ’80David M. Slahor ’80Richard D. Batt ’81Mark R. Chait ’81Katherine Ambrus Cheyney ’81Nicholas L. Cromwell ’81Cynthia L. Dawdy ’81Charles C. Ganim ’81Ann Tabor Gottesman ’81P. Kelly Griffin ’81Ray C. Guenther ’81Jennifer A. Honig ’81Jeffrey Jayson ’81Margaret A. O’Connor ’81Kenneth A. Rait ’81

Steven C. Rumsey ’81Jeffrey G. Scott ’81David M. Tetter ’81Susan Mroczynski Valentino ’81Russell J. Baker, Jr. ’82Thomas A. Conboy ’82James K. Dickey ’82Daryl O. Free ’82Andrew Y. Gallup II ’82Katherine M. Griffin ’82Mary Clare Fox Hurwich ’82Gareth H. Noonan ’82Christopher A. Payne ’82David A. Rizzo ’82Katia M. Stieglitz ’82Dean A. Villarini ’82Kurt A. Weber ’82Ann T. Wilson ’82Kenneth J. Yood ’82Lucille A. Anderson ’83Dana J. Eaton ’83Richard A. Harrod ’83Deirdre A. Louchren ’83Rachez N. McCullough ’83Jennifer A. McMullen ’83Lisa L. Rathke ’83Joseph R. Takats IV ’83Daniel J. Troidl II ’83Major William A. Ullmark III ’83Charles G. Ambrus ’84Thomas P. Bilbao, Jr. ’84Carl A. Contino III ’84Jennifer E. Cramer ’84Michael S. D’Anna ’84Caroline Wright Feeney ’84Jeffrey Haque ’84Christopher W. Hart ’84Kenneth Jaworski ’84Jennifer A. Joyce ’84Ajoy H. Karna ’84J. Christopher Kuhn ’84Michael D. Langan, Jr. ’84Christopher A. McElvein ’84Andrew J. V. McMahon ’84Elizabeth Hassett Schmidt ’84Mark A. Sulkowski ’84Robert L. Ticknor ’84Susan Bradley Ullrich ’84Katherine E. Blynt ’85Cornelia E. Fabian ’85Thomas J. Fortunato ’85Gary P. Frizelle ’85Thomas J. Laub, Ph.D ’85Katherine E. Miller ’85Sandra A. Moog ’85Michael S. Norwalk ’85Michael Petrik, Jr. ’85Christopher Rait ’85Patricia A. Shi ’85Melissa Sawicki Speck ’85

Paul A. Takats ’85Jeffrey O. Teach ’85Elise E. Travers ’85Elizabeth Anderson ’86Kyle R. Bacon ’86Charles L. Banta ’86Jason P. Batzer ’86Eric Biederman ’86Andrew T. Brode ’86Bruce I. Carlin ’86Paul A. Clark ’86Kevin W. Cranz ’86Anne E. Dopkins ’86Michael J. Fornasiero ’86Leigh L. Freudenheim ’86Cynthia L. Gutierrez ’86Jeffrey W. Kanski ’86Sandra J. Kim ’86Michael Seung Hoon Lee ’86Katherine J. Levin ’86Georgiana R. Pickett ’86Eric E. Smith ’86Karen L. Stucker ’86Rhonda E. Walker ’86Keith Wood ’86Ravi Batta ’87Elizabeth A. Beardsley ’87Rachel Bronwyn ’87Thomas C. Buck ’87Rebecca Calabrese ’87Timothy E. Duggan ’87Jeffrey W. Hayes ’87Anne H. Kane ’87Annette A. Machado ’87Trey MacLeod ’87Karen Max ’87Katharine H. Muncaster ’87Catherine A. Pohlman ’87Sharon Press ’87Julie A. Reynolds ’87Robert B. Reynolds ’87Shari Robinson-Gallagher ’87Callie E. Shosho ’87Jonathan D. Silvers ’87Kristen M. Sixbury ’87Michelle H. Steinbach ’87Scott Stelmach ’87James L. Ward III ’87Jeff R. Weidman ’87Brian L. Anderson ’88Jean S. Bae ’88Lilian Bertin ’88Barry L. Burnside II ’88Nanette Burstein ’88Rob Carson ’88W. Justin Clayton ’88Angela S. Diji ’88Michael C. Dunn ’88Bryce Ellory ’88John M. Galbraith ’88

44 Nichols School

James M. Grohman ’88Edward C. Hall ’88Lauren Goodman Hartman ’88Bruce Karpati ’88M. Robert Madia II ’88Wilkinson S. Michaels ’88David W. Miller ’88Alison Gellman Morgenstern ’88Laura M. Ramsey ’88Joseph M. Riddlesberger ’88David A. Rizzuto ’88Sonia Ryelandt ’88Michael D. N. Teruel ’88Jeffrey P. Travers ’88Karthik B. Achar ’89Jane K. Bahk ’89Jennifer S. Bodnik ’89Keri Rozanski Bozzo ’89Gregory Bravo ’89David D. Coppola ’89Priscilla Dahl ’89Stephen A. DeMarchi ’89Robert K. Gerstenzang ’89Jane K. Girard ’89Mark J. Kuryak ’89Janice M. Lee ’89Andrew Lee ’89Jessica Mancuso ’89Timothy A. McLean ’89Jeffrey S. Miller ’89Rachel C. Moog-Lage ’89Kim Phillips ’89Brenden T. Readett ’89George M. Richards ’89Paul A. Saydak ’89Scott D. Weinstein ’89Nicole A. York ’89Donnell M. Hargrave ’90Seth S. Joseffer ’90Aimee A. Machado ’90Jonathan B. Quint ’90Maura T. Sheehy ’90Jason E. Silvers ’90SriKiran Varma ’90Luther Winfield, III ’90Caroline M. Arani ’91Alysha C. Buonerba ’91John A. Frank IV ’91Colin A. Keller ’91Ronald J. Krantz ’91Sean C. McIndoo ’91Karl F. Nesensohn ’91Nisha R. Patel ’91Sheetal D. Singh ’91Deirdre Pottle Weber ’91Kristen L. Biggie ’92Ravi S. Deb ’92Gregory Hans ’92Giorgos C. Karakousis ’92Amy Rosenberg Levy ’92

Michele G. May ’92Andrew K. Min ’92Larkyn Kayser Mungovan ’92Peter P. Vasilion ’92Emma Vardon Veys ’92Scott P. York ’92Skip D. Campbell ’93Katherine N. Chilungu ’93Jennifer J. Corte ’93Christopher A. delValle ’93Nora A. DiMatteo ’93Peter J. Fromen ’93Stacey Shatzel Gandolfo ’93Norman M. Joseph ’93Christopher E. Jung ’93Graham C. Rice ’93Stephen J. Scirto ’93Jeremy J. Siepierski ’93Cameron F. Spitzmiller ’93Ananth T. Srikrishnan ’93Christian J. Stack ’93Helena Strindlund ’93Patrick J. Sullivan ’93Zia R. Tayab ’93Jaime A. Venago ’93Eric W. Voboril ’93Nathaniel L. Webster ’93Anthony C. Antonacci ’94Jennifer A. Boehmke ’94Peter J. Brown ’94Karen J. Chung ’94Jason M. Dailey ’94Paul S. Greenman, PhD ’94John P. Horvatis ’94Luis E. Irene, Jr. ’94Case Q. Kerns ’94Ben Kondo ’94Rachel J. Maten ’94Ronald M. Mendelow ’94Elizabeth Russ Mohr ’94Shandeep S. Momi ’94Gary P. Occhino ’94Geoffrey J. Oravec ’94Lindsey DeLange Schultz ’94Korey J. Sixbury ’94Kamil K. Bhangoo ’95Ryan J. Bloom ’95Kale M. Buonerba ’95Jonathan V. Erenstoft ’95Bobbi-Renee Jackson ’95Manasi Kadam ’95Erin C. Lifeso ’95Matthew Quinn ’95Cathleen Santarosa ’95James A. Smith ’95Ryan D. Thompson ’95Janelle A. Weber ’95Martin L. Weiss ’95Reed Williams ’95Aaron R. Alpern ’96

Scott M. Barry ’96Alexandria Beaufort-Cutner ’96Megan M. Carbone ’96Pablo F. de Rosas ’96Bryan B. Joffe ’96Sujay Koneru ’96Christine M. Lillie ’96Neal Luther ’96Michael J. Maciejewski ’96Sheeba Masoodi ’96Mahad Oday ’96Derek D. Prabharasuth ’96David S. Radatti ’96Zachary J. Rashman ’96Natalie M. Rosenberg ’96Tanya Y. Tanhehco ’96Aaron L. Tulman ’96Michael S. Adragna ’97Gregg Barton ’97Jonathan J. Bevilacqua ’97Jessica K. Budington ’97Iva Covic ’97Charles C. DeSimone ’97Julia A. Flemming ’97Kristie A. Greene ’97Elizabeth L. McEldowney ’97Lubna Najar ’97Shawn M. Wnek ’97Alexander J. Wright ’97Katie Donnelly ’98Christopher M. Mekker ’98Marion S. Min ’98Pavan D. Singh ’98Christine M. Velez ’98Neelam A. Ahmed ’99Kostas N. Botsoglou ’99Matthew D. Brooker ’99Hadley Graham ’99Jason M. Kirsch ’99Joon J. Lee ’99James A. Lorentz ’99Patrick T. O’Brien ’99Matthew W. Schultz ’99Louis A. Small ’99Christopher W. Tjoa ’99Eishawn Camp ’00David M. Davis ’00Martha E. Donovan ’00Anees A. Fazili ’00Rachel A. Heckl ’00Matthew A. Hultgren ’00Michele Jammal ’00Emily W. Johnson ’00Nitasha A. Kadam ’00Matthew J. Kwasek III ’00Amber Lang ’00Oliver C. Leon ’00Alexandra B. Mackenzie ’00Robert P. Manley ’00Margaret A. McKendry ’00

Matthew J. Naples ’00Danielle M. Scamurra ’00Ashley P. Schweitzer ’00Ryan C. Schwend ’00Brian P. Takats ’00Jenna L. Blum ’01J. Cameron M. Booth ’01Mary G. Cohill ’01Alexis Hands ’01Andrea C. Kenyon ’01Katherine L. Koch ’01Jeffrey J. Maciejewski ’01Patrick E. McDuff ’01Shannon M. C. Meyerhoff ’01Jesse L. Steffan-Colucci ’01Catherine Chiantella Stern ’01Matthew Syroczynski ’01Daniel R. Tillotson ’01Nicholas D. Bickford ’02Sarah Bean Carluccio ’02Jose M. Garcia ’02Livia S. Gonzalez ’02Walter M. Hartnett ’02William M. Henneberry ’02Jonathan C. Phinney ’02Joseph P. Rembold ’02Graig Renfroe, Jr. ’02Anna L. Rinckens ’02Adam W. Wirth ’02Julia Anthone ’03Erika L. Budziszewski ’03Kenneth Czaplicki ’03Caitlin M. Duffy ’03Glenn J. Gentzke ’03Pamela M. Gregory ’03Leslie K. Kaplan ’03Johann S. Velez ’03Matthew Doemland-Kenna ’04Arthur Hayes ’04John A. Holten ’04Jill K. Hughes ’04Aaron P. Livingston ’04Jennie Anderson ’05John S. Barlog ’05Jordan N. L. Matheson ’05John D. Potoczak ’05Elizabeth J. Vogel ’05Jessica A. Zelman ’05Richard Hadala ’06David M. Montani ’06Anne S. Morrow ’06Taylor P. Webster ’06Andrew F. Wright ’06Malik K. Glenn-Black ’07Alyssa H. Hong ’07Melissa A. Kirkland ’07Christine E. Penfold ’07C. Clayton Sauberan ’08Zachary E. Hoefler ’09Kristin C. Via ’09

45 Fall/Winter 2012

A Nichols Giftby Alexandra Logel ’09

When you reflect on where you are at this moment, who do you give credit to? Whether or not it is a laundry list, surely one sticks out above the rest. Mine happens to be this little place right here, Nichols School. As a senior in college, reflection

is an all-consuming energy. You try and pinpoint which of your characteristics will guide you toward the “perfect” career path, and which ones will lead you to success. At 21 years old, I am not going to preach that I am aware of how the world works, because that would just be comical. As an educated person who has been given the opportunity to merely observe, there is one disappointment that I always come back to: a lack of virtue. It is my goal to emphasize the value Nichols has instilled in me: honesty. Mark Twain and I can certainly agree on one thing: “Honesty: the best of all the lost arts.”

I spent my summer in New York City with a public relations internship in the heart of Manhattan. This window of opportunity proved to be a great fit. With a career in public relations, the tools Nichols gave me would be put to the test. I am able to expand on my writing, communication and leadership skills. Putting an honest twist on these skills will hopefully create a distinction that will prove beneficial for everyone. During my senior year at Nichols, Phil Rimmler ’09 and I were elected to the position of class presidents. Sure, we could try and make jokes, but standing in front of everyone in Morning Meetings requires a sense of confidence. As a member of the Nichols community, I was never intimidated by my audience. I felt as though I had a relationship with everyone in

their chairs. Given the privilege to lead class discussions and defend my beliefs, Nichols expected me to be confident. During my time spent there, I came across a quote that has stuck with me: “People are just people and they shouldn’t make you nervous.” With this quote in mind, and my experiences at Nichols, my internship could not have been more successful. I was given the freedom to contact the world’s top magazine editors and newspapers. The goal was to establish relations with these magazines in order to further promote our brand. We were trying to get a spread in each of the publications that would help to create celebrity appreciation and collaboration. With a hopeful career in public relations, I will try to maintain honesty in my work as well as with those I associate with.

I could sit here and rattle off to you the different skills Nichols gave me, but I will not. To be honest, the skills are great, but they are not unique. There are plenty of competitive independent schools whose students are learning the same materials. What sets us apart is the kind of person Nichols makes us. We are unique and true. We are proud, confident people who are willing to do something for the sake of hoping to enlighten others and be the “difference” everyone looks for. This mentality will be the leading foot to success. The compliancy with the Honor Code, and the amount of trust the faculty has with the students is unparalleled. My first unmonitored exam made me realize just how much virtue is stressed at Nichols. Does it surprise you that years after graduation, there is a natural desire to re-connect with this place? I would think not. Nichols gives you the feeling of possibility and greatness that we all crave. We are successful because these sentiments never fade. We carry them through to further academia and work places. I try to demonstrate honesty through my writing, conversations and leadership. Honesty is not something that can be easily obtained. It is through the wisdom and devotion that the faculty here at Nichols instills on their students. The stories and experiences they tell, make them not just an educator, but also a mentor. They act as a moral compass during our time spent here.

For many, college is the place you award credit to after your four years of growing and academic challenges. My credit is given to Nichols first and then college as a continuation of the molding I already received. I will let you all in on a little secret. To be honest, I have never mentioned this story before due to self-embarrassment. My freshman year, Bob Crowell awarded me with an F on my first English paper. “I don’t get Fs,” I sternly told him, to which he replied, “Well, my dear, you earned it.” Wow. It was like taking a bullet. As a confident writer, I can finally stop and laugh at the position I was in. At the end of my four years, I was an A English student, hoping to become a New York Times Best Seller – stay tuned.

At this point I’m sure it is clear, I love this place. For those of you reading, we are probably on the same page. There is something to be said about being a part of something rewarding and fundamentally sound. Nichols gives you the basics. The basics that are responsible for supporting you through your endeavors, whatever they may be. They are a gift, so run with them. For now, all I can do is kindly say thank you. I am sure that each one of us will find a way to express our thanks in ways other than words.

Have you written a book recently?

A film or TV show?

Are you a journalist?

Do you write for a newspaper, magazine

or other publication?

We would love to chat with you!Email Nina Barone at

[email protected]


Volunteering has a long and active history in the United States and is responsible for much social and educational progress that we take for granted today. During the 19th century, and before then, very few charitable organizations existed to help others. The Great Awakening occurred and people became conscious of the disadvantaged and realized the cause for a movement against slavery. On his trip to America in 1831, French political thinker and historian, Alexis de Tocqueville, was impressed by the volunteers he observed in this country and commented on it in his writings, as volunteering was not commonplace in Europe. In 1851, the first YMCA was started followed by the first YMCA for women volunteers during the Civil War, serving soldiers with needed supplies.

We welcome our volunteers at Nichols School to help enrich our school life, benefit our program and help us earn stronger ties to our community. At Nichols, our parent and alumni volunteers serve the “soldiers” of our school: the students, the faculty, the School itself and themselves as close affiliates of the School. Our volunteers bring people together to make our school community strong. The community life of our school is improved by their lending a hand to get a job done more effectively. It makes them strong advocates of the School by helping to bring in resources, by building community within the parent, student, alumni and friends of Nichols, and it helps them realize the positive force Nichols is in their own lives and in our community.

Our volunteers themselves benefit in so many ways. Volunteering provides the opportunity to meet new people, connect with old friends, improve problem-solving skills, increase self-confidence and improve management and interpersonal skills. Participants obtain a clearer understanding of our school structure, curriculum and

programs, gain valuable job experience, serve as role models for our students, and many times, have the chance to inspire and motivate future generations. We love to see the self-fulfillment volunteering provides; people have a tendency to flourish in the midst of volunteering experiences. Many become leaders in their careers, in their communities and in their personal lives outside our gates as a result of their volunteering experience with us.

Our parent volunteers are a large and enthusiastic group that generate from our very active Parents’ and Alumni Associations. Our opportunities range from helping with large projects in the Development Office; becoming an elected Council member to help organize events and lead support for the students and faculty, which in turn builds community within the student and parent groups; or serving as New Parent Mentors or a leadership role with our parent group. From serving on a committee to helping with our special events, to being an event Chair, such as for the International Dinner, The Big Green Athletic Event or the Derby Day Auction, are all ways to share time and talent to a greater end. Annually, volunteers serve as Nichols ambassadors by reaching out to others for support of The Nichols Fund. Alumni volunteers work together to maintain their own community group within their graduating classes and work to continue strong support to the School. Our beautiful buildings on this campus would not be here without the generous support of our alumni.

Volunteering at Nichols is a win-win situation. It’s fun and

benefits everyone. If you are a volunteer in your own community, we applaud you. If you have always wanted to get involved somehow, but haven’t yet taken the first step, we hope you will consider it! There are many worthwhile opportunities for parents, alumni and friends to make a difference at Nichols.

Michelle Rosenberg Parentis 86, Denise Muggia and Monica Jones decorate and transform the Rink into a beautiful dining area and auction space for Derby Day.

Parents created wonderful displays of thanks and made a delicious spread for Faculty & Staff Appreciation Week.

Nichols Volunteersby Stephanie Angelakos

47 Fall/Winter 2012

The faculty of Nichols School had a new opportunity for summer professional development; they were offered a chance to learn about Digital Citizenship through online learning using an open source class management system. Participants were offered three modules over a five week period. The first week long module was required of all participants, and introduced digital citizenship as a topic and as an educational imperative. The second and third weeks focused on cyberbullying; what it is, what it is not, and how it can be handled in a school setting. The fourth and fifth week introduced a few online tools that can be used in the classroom and demonstrated how their integration can be accomplished using solid pedagogical strategies.

The objectives of this new venture were to:• Introduce faculty to well designed, robust

online learning.• Give faculty an opportunity to work within an open-source class

management system to learn more about the environment and its efficacy in the classroom.

• Immerse faculty in the topic of digital citizenship and its imperative for education.Most of our faculty has had no experience with online learning

and those who have were not impressed with the experience. Meanwhile, in the greater educational environment: “The rise of personal computing and the Internet has changed modern life and education today. According to the US Department of Education (2010), 100% of American public schools have access to computers with Internet access and the ratio of students to computers is 3.1 to 1. Over 4.6 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall 2008 term; a 17% increase over the number reported the previous year” (Allen & Seaman, 2010). Online learning is not a blip on the educational scene; this is a new segment of education and as Will Richardson (2010) states: “In order for us to prepare our students for what is without question a future filled with networked learning spaces, we must first experience these environments for ourselves. We must become connected and engaged in learning in these new ways if we are to fully understand the pedagogies for using these tools with our students. We cannot honestly discuss twenty-first-century learning skills for our students until we make sense of them ourselves.”

Thus a group of Nichols faculty dove in to learn about this new environment. They found that they could be in class at their convenience of both time and place. Elaine Gardner participated for part of the class from Omaha, Neb., where she was teaching.

Shelia Zohara Zamor joined the class at night after she taught Buffalo Prep during the day and spent the evening with her children. Asynchronous online learning allows for flexibility in what time you learn and where you are when you learn. It takes away the need to travel and leave family, or to be in one place at a particular time.

Through online discussions each week, learning was deepened and ideas were exchanged. As one participant pointed out, these discussions are unique because they are cross division and cross-generational. People are talking about teaching and pedagogy and working with colleagues that they would not have a chance to engage with during the school year in face- to-face situations because of schedule and time constraints.

Throughout this online professional development experience, the intent was for the participants to learn by doing.

Using Schoology (www.schoology.com) as the framework for the class the participants were learning about how to structure online learning, how to navigate a class management system, how to use one in their courses. Presently there are about a dozen teachers who have planned to adopt Schoology to some degree as part of their classrooms this coming year. Since all our students will be faced with using an online class management system the day they walk onto their college campus, if not before, using such a system now will be a good model for the students as they continue their education.

The topic of this online professional development, “Digital Citizenship,” was selected for several reasons:• Many teachers see their students as digital natives who already

know everything there is to know about technology. But the truth is even when students are comfortable with technology they may not use it appropriately.

• Some teachers do not feel competent with technology and are anxious or fearful of using technology in the classroom. Teachers need to become more comfortable in the technological environment.

• Students and teachers need to find common ground and both learn to use digital technology effectively and ethically. They both need to become members of a digital citizenry. (Ribble, 2011)

• Throughout the online learning being a responsible digital citizen was the pervasive theme. Participants looked at Digital Citizenship from these perspectives.

Digital Citizenship through Online Learningby Susan Allen

iPad


• The elements of Digital Citizenship that relate to student learning and academic performance: digital literacy, digital communication and digital access.

• The elements that relate to school environment and student behavior: digital security, digital etiquette and digital rights & responsibilities.

• The elements that relate to student life outside the school environment were mentioned but not looked at closely: digital health & wellness, digital law and digital commerce. (Ribble, 2010)

Animated, rich discussions revolving around these elements were a major part of the learning. The initial outcomes from these discussions and experience are:• A series of f2f workshops to help teachers set up and develop a

Schoology site for one or all of their courses this year.• A school wide theme of Digital Citizenship which will start

with a multi-generational online dialogue about such topics as: online identity, privacy, credibility of people and information, authorship and ownership, and responsibilities of a digital citizen.

• The integration of new online tools but with this caveat, so well expressed by Ben Gerhardt, Upper School Spanish teacher: “I love this line in the ‘Where’s the Beef’ article –‘Whatever tools you use, putting the priority on rigor and fluency of the modes will benefit the students long after tools become obsolete or new tools become available.’ After reading this line, I took a trip down memory lane, recalling the various forms of technology my teachers and professors used to bring the content to life. All of the technology has been completely replaced or updated to the point that the original applications no longer resemble the updated versions. It was the priority given to the content and the skill set of the teacher that mattered. Technology is certainly a vital tool, but I have to keep in mind, it’s just a tool.”

The consensus of this experience comes from these posts by Elaine Gardner and Kate Olena respectively:“I have been saying for years that the faculty needs more time to interact with each other about teaching tips and pedagogy. We have a wealth of resources in the people that teach at Nichols. I’m showing my age here...”

“This has been great, Susan. I’m really glad I signed up and am looking forward to the next course. Elaine has a point about time for interaction. It’s been great to be able to fit this into my schedule and have time to consider my colleague’s thoughts. Summer is a great time to do this too so that we aren’t frantically trying to get through school duties to clear time for this.”

ReferencesAllen, E. I., & Seaman, J. (2010, January). Learning on demand: Online education in the United States, 2009. Massachusetts: Babson Survey Research Group.Ribble, Mike (2011). Digital Citizenship in School (2nd ed). Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (3rd ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2010). Educational Technology in U.S. Public Schools: Fall 2008 (NCES 2010-034). Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.12-?id=46

In Memoriam

AlumniAnthony Pantera ’49 – March 25, 2012David Thompson ’59 – April 14, 2012Thomas Trefts ’49 – April 23, 2012Fred Clark ’54 – April 28, 2012Robert Dillon ’49 – May 4, 2012Robert Rosenthal ’63 – May 5, 2012Doug Reed ’49 – July 12, 2012John Clifford ’75 – Aug. 6, 2012Charles “Chip” Coley ’66 – Aug. 14, 2012Trumbull Rogers ’57 – Sept. 3, 2012John Nagorniak ’62 – Sept. 7, 2012Amy Mroczynski Simons ’84 – Sept. 9, 2012

FriendsRichard Hadala – March 3, 2012 – father of John ’06Nathan Benderson – April 6, 2012 – father of Ronald ’61; grandfather of Brett ’90Irving Shuman – April 11, 2012 – grandfather of Leah Kramer ’17Anna Mae Donahoe – April 13, 2012 – grandmother of Matthew ’08 and Kaitlin ’09 Frank Mathews – April 22, 2012 – father of Karen N’71; grandfather of Alexandra ’11 Norma Brason – May 18, 2012 – mother of Todd ’76, Laurie Siegner ’78 and Peter ’80; grandmother of Eleanor ’13, Madeleine ’14, Sydney ’14, Ben ’16 and Evan ’16

Michael Chiantella – May 30, 2012 – husband of Karen Burgess Chiantella ’89 Dominick Massaro – June 4, 2012 – father of Lisa Massaro Keating ’82; grandfather of Chloe Keating ’15 Thomas Tobias – June 28, 2012 – grandfather of Tom Tobias ’07 Harriet Vogelsang – July 20, 2012 – mother of Greg ’71, Chris ’73, Peter ’80 and Jake ’82; grandmother of Alissia ’02 and Curt ’06 Mary Jane Cunningham Smith – July 26,2012 – mother of George Smith ’75; wife of the late Graham Smith ’48J. Preston Halstead – Aug. 29, 2012 – son of John Halstead ’41

49 Fall/Winter 2012

The great Class of 1949 lost one of its leaders when Robert E. Dillon, Jr. ’49 passed away on May 9, 2012. He was 80 years old. Bob, a former Trustee and Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient, was a prominent campaign supporter, an annual Headmasters’ Society level donor and a member of the William Nichols Society.

The Robert E. Dillon, Jr. ’49 Award, recognizing extraordinary contributions to Nichols School by out-of-town alumni, was established in 1990 in Bob’s name and awarded to him that year in honor of his long standing thoughtful, humble and intelligent commitment to alma mater. Bob attended nearly all of our Nichols regional receptions in New York City and was one of the first non-local alumni to serve on the Board of Trustees (1982-1988).

Bob was a graduate of Amherst College and Harvard Business School. After U.S.

Army service overseas, he worked for Lake Erie Engineering, Electro Dynamics, Mobil and ADT as a financial executive before joining Sony in 1973, which was the start of a 23-year career with the electronics and entertainment company. He also served on the UNUM Board of Directors and as a Trustee of the College of Mount St. Vincent in New York.

He was notable as a family man, Roman Catholic and energetic volunteer in health care, the arts, education and community charities, including the Overlook Medical Center in Summit, N.J.; the Kessler Foundation, supporting rehabilitation research and employment programs for people with disabilities and the United Fund of Westfield, N.J. He was also active

Nichols lost an icon when Nelson M. Graves, Jr. ’44 passed away on Jan. 7, 2012. One of Nichols’ most accomplished student athletes, Nelson kept his Big Green spirit on full display as an alumnus, frequently supporting Nichols from the sidelines at various sporting events, especially hockey. A dear friend of fellow alumnus, Dudley Irwin ’45, Nelson was instrumental in creating The Dudley M. Irwin III ’45 Award, given annually to a prominent Nichols junior male who by virtue of character and leadership, has assumed prominence in his class. Nelson remained interested in the career paths of Irwin Award winners and made an effort to stay connected with them as an advisor even after they had graduated from Nichols. He presented the award on a regular basis at Upper School Awards Day.

His father, Nelson Graves, Sr., graduated from Nichols in 1913 and his son, Peter, graduated in 1976. Another son, Nelson M. Graves III, attended Nichols from 1964-69.

A veteran of the Navy’s Submarine Service in World War II, a former president of the Boys Clubs of Buffalo and a champion squash player, Nelson later worked as a docent at Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park and as a volunteer at Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In 2011,

he accompanied a group of World War II veterans from Western New York on an honor flight to Washington, D.C.

Nelson graduated in 1950 from Dartmouth College, where he played varsity ice hockey. As playing partners for more than half a century, Nelson and Dartmouth

classmate William Dann won the U.S. and Canadian doubles squash championships in four age groups, first when they were 40 years old and the latest time at 72. He and Dann won the U. S. and Canadian national doubles squash titles eight times. They claimed the Buffalo City Championship seven times and were inducted into the

Buffalo Squash Racquets Association’s Hall of Fame in 2000.

Mr. Graves held leadership positions in banking and leasing and as a stockbroker. He worked at Wood & Brooks Co., a local piano key manufacturer, in the 1950s. Later, he worked in senior positions at M&T Bank, Toronto-based AES Leasing, Kidder Peabody and Daley Securities. He formed his own leasing company and then worked for the Internal Revenue Service before he retired.

He was a member of the governing board of Buffalo General Hospital for several years, a member and former deacon of Westminster Presbyterian Church, President of the Buffalo Tennis & Squash Club in 1967, and a longtime member of the Wilmurt Club in Hoffmeister, Hamilton County. At various times, he was a member of the Saturn Club, the Country Club of Buffalo, the Chatham Beach and Tennis Club of Chatham, Mass., and the Jesters Club, a group of international sportsmen. An avid conservationist, he enjoyed fly fishing and upland game hunting with his Labrador Retrievers.

He moved from Buffalo to the Fox Run retirement community in late 2010. Surviving are his wife, Mary Germain Kenefick Graves; a daughter, Germain; and two sons, Nelson III and Peter.

in the Westfield Foundation; Westfield Senior Citizen Housing; New Jersey Connect in developing affordable housing for physically disabled people; The Visual

Arts Center of New Jersey; the United Way of Bergen County and the Boy Scouts of Bergen County.

Bob was honored with numerous awards recognizing decades of service and leadership. Not simply a parishioner of Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Westfield, he served his church in many volunteer capacities, including as a Trustee. He was inducted

into the Knights of Malta in 1994. His personal interests included tennis, jogging, bridge, music, swimming in Maine and auditing courses at Princeton University.

Tribute to Nelson M. Graves, Jr. ’44

Tribute to Robert E. Dillon, Jr. ’49

In Memoriam

Pictured during a visit to Nichols are Nelson’s daughter in-law, Laurie; his son, Nelson III; Nelson Graves ’44; and his granddaughter, Claire.


Class Notes1947

Playwright and novelist, A.R. Gurney, returned to Buffalo for a May 5 showing of his play, “Ancestral Voices,” at the Road Less Traveled Productions Theater. Set in Buffalo in the early 1940s, the play draws on his own childhood for inspiration. Following the play, he welcomed family, friends and Nichols alumni to a reception at the Saturn Club. Pictured left to right are: Bill Gurney ’80, Laura Mangan, Evie Miller, Bob Miller, Jr. ’73, A.R. Gurney ’47, Molly Gurney, Sam Gurney ’75 and Jackie Gurney.

1948John Turk writes, “I have been retired as an architect at the University of South Carolina for about five years. I volunteer as a docent at the South Carolina Museum. We have fun and usually learn something new to us about our state.”

1949In the “Alumni Challenge” featured in Business First in June, 100 schools’ now famous graduates were featured. Of the hundreds of alumni submitted to Busi-ness First, 60 were chosen to appear in the interactive article in which three Nichols graduates are recognized. Bill Donaldson was acknowledged for his work as former Chairman of the U.S. Securities & Ex-change Commission.

1957Fred Cooley writes, “Left in June for the continuation of a four-year sailing trip…Train to Quebec City, sailing out the St. Lawrence River to Newfoundland, Cape Breton, PEI, Nova Scotia, etc. with vari-ous Buffalo and Boston friends and family joining for various segments.” Fred’s book, “Sailboat Cruising Can Be A Breeze” can be found at www.authorhouse.com.

1962In the “Alumni Challenge” featured in Business First in June, 100 schools’ now famous graduates were featured and David Milch was among them. He was chosen for his work as co-creator of “NYPD Blue” and Executive Producer of the popular HBO series, “Deadwood.”

1963Chase Keightley writes, “Still alive, still reasonably well, still practicing psychiatry. Still pleased to have spent four important years at Nichols!”

Sandy Maisel writes, “Patrice and I are living in Rio de Janeiro for four months. We each are serving as Fulbright Scholars. I hold the Distinguished Fulbright Chair in American Studies at PUC-Rio, the Catholic University in Rio. Okay. Which part are you laughing at? That I hold a ‘dis-tinguished chair’ or that I am teaching at the Catholic University? Both seem odd to me. We are having a great time, but I will miss the ’63 golf trip to Canada. You can bet that Patrice and I will visit Cabot Links next summer.”

Jack Walsh was appointed an Advisory Council Member to the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s Board of Directors in May.

1967Jay Baer writes, “Special thanks to Dr. Charles Tracey ’67 for kind and generous attention to my daughter’s condition when she was hospitalized while visiting Boston last year. We were a class of 44 males and I believe we all remember each other for our charitable traits.”

1968Charley Jacobs of Nixon Peabody LLP was honored by the 2012 edition of Chambers Global for excellence in investment funds management.

1970Bill Gisel was elected to the John R. Oishei Foundation’s Board of Directors in June. The John R. Oishei Foundation strives to be a catalyst for change to en-hance the economic vitality and the qual-ity of life for the Buffalo Niagara region. The Foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corporation.

1973Melissa Weiksnar has published a new book, “Heroin’s Puppet - Amy (and her disease).” Melissa writes, “I wrote this book so parents, educators, clinicians and young people can learn from my daughter’s six-year battle with substances, especially from the journals she wrote while in rehab. Amy was a junior in the nursing program at Boston College when she admitted that she was a heroin addict and voluntarily entered treatment; five weeks later she fatally over-dosed at the facility. Since Amy died I’ve been telling her story to a variety of audi-ences and advocating for better preven-tion and treatment. Adolescent substance use has been cited as America’s #1 public health epidemic, and no demographic is immune.” For more information, visit http://www.amelibro.com/heroinspuppet.

51 Fall/Winter 2012

1985David Strachan, Jr. was named Senior Vice President and Trust Officer of Cam-bridge Trust Company (Mass.). David, who has been with Cambridge Trust since 1996, will also serve as the Head of Trust Administration.

1990

Susan Cooney Ghirsig and husband, Bob, welcomed their first child, Chelsey Susan Ghirsig, on June 8, 2012.

Scott Saperston and his wife, Kristin, were photographed with George Cleveland, the grandson of the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, at The Buffalo Club on Delaware Avenue. Kristin is on the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Historical Society, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary and George came to Buffalo in May for the gala celebration. She and Scott took him to The Buffalo Club, showed him the portrait of his grandfather and had lunch in The Grover Cleveland Room.

1981Jeremy Jacobs was appointed an Advisory Council Member to the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s Board of Directors back in May.

1984

Piper Campbell (pictured, right) was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia on August 6. Her classmate, Allison LeVan Gersch (pictured, left), was present at the ceremony. Piper writes, “I head to post one week later, with cat and dog in tow. Congresswoman Kathy Hochul, a family friend, spoke at my confirmation hearing and said that Buffalo will have served as good preparation for Mongolia – including the cold winters. Come visit!”

Jim Fitzhenry received the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award in the category of green chemistry design for his department’s work in enzymatic fiber modification.

Michael Roach, a partner at Connors & Vilardo, LLP, was presented the Charles H. Dougherty Civility Award at the Bar Association of Eric County’s annual awards dinner on June 6. As stated in the awards program, Michael was recognized for demonstrating that “civility among at-torneys, judges, clients and witnesses is the cornerstone of the proper administration of justice.”

1977In Business First’s “Alumni Challenge” feature in June, 100 schools’ now famous graduates were featured. Nick Bakay was noted for his work in television as a come-dian, voice-over artist and Producer of the series “King of Queens,” which originally aired on CBS.

Helen Ladds Marlette was promoted to Assistant Head of School/Director of External Relations at Buffalo Seminary. In this role, Helen will oversee all aspects of development, alumnae relations, as well as admissions and communications.

1978

Hugh Russ and Pat Long ’85 shot the breeze with E-Street Band guitarist, Sopra-nos alumnus and current star of the Netflix hit series, Lilyhammer, Steven Van Zandt, in a pre-concert reception just prior to Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band’s triumphant return to Buffalo this past spring.

1979Karen Wisbaum Van Dyke writes, “I’ve lived in Maine for the last 20 years and continue to love it. My oldest son, Devin, is a junior at Haverford and my youngest, John, will be entering 8th grade at Wayn-flete School in Portland.”

1980Kristan Carlson Andersen was listed in Buffalo Business First as a Who’s Who In Residential Real Estate. A Vice President at Gurney, Becker and Bourne, Kristan also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Nichols.


Anna Ellis is the Project Manager for the investment and development firm, Al-chemy Properties, which is developing 30 floors of luxury apartments in the historic Woolworth Building in New York City. Penthouses will be among the highest-al-titude residences in the city, soaring above 700 feet.

Kayla Zemsky is working as Coordinator of Major Gifts at the Whitney Museum in New York City.

2008Leah Christopher is currently working for The Protection Project, which is an anti-human trafficking NGO located in Washington, DC and The John’s Hopkins University (SAIS). Her main responsibili-ties include conducting legal research on Sharia to assist Dr. Mohamed Mattar, Ex-ecutive Director of The Protection Project, in preparing a comparative law study on human rights in the Arab world, research-ing and creating a database of human rights scholars in the 22 Arab countries and conducting extensive research on the status of trafficking in persons in the countries of the world and updating the country nar-ratives on trafficking that were eventually published on the organization’s website. In the spring of 2013, Leah will be working at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France.

Nichols alumni Grace Waters, her father, Jay Waters ’73, and Liz Sacheli Lloyd ’88 gathered in Vermont this May to celebrate Grace’s hockey career with the Middlebury College women’s varsity team. At the team banquet, Grace was honored with the Founder’s Award for her performance and leadership with the Panthers, both on and off the ice. Jay rarely missed a home game throughout the four years of his daughter’s exemplary career. Liz serves as the an-

veterinary ophthalmologist, Erin plans to remain in academia so she may treat eye diseases in veterinary patients, teach veterinary medical students and conduct research pertaining to ocular diseases in animals and their relevance to comparable human disorders.

2002Raman Luthra won the Buffalo District Golf Association Individual Championship in August. He shot 1-under par 70 to claim the title of Western New York top men’s amateur golfer. He finished the event 2-un-der par 211. This is his second BDGA title.

2003Following a return from the Czech Repub-lic where she had the opportunity to referee the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Under-18 Women’s World Championship, Dina McCumber Allen completed calling games at the IIHF World Championships in Burlington, Vt., in April.

Dean Wieczorek is a resident physician at Palmetto General Hospital in Florida.

2004In May 2012, Katie Campos, Assistant Secretary for Education, Executive Cham-ber of the State of New York, was named a member of the “Rising Stars 40 Under 40” list by “City & State.”

Marykate Oakley graduated with a master’s degree in psychology from Teachers Col-lege, Columbia University, and has been accepted into the University at Massachu-setts Ph.D. psychology program.

2005In June, Chris Covelli tied for second best round of the day at the Porter Cup Quali-fier at Niagara Falls Country Club. The 1-under 69 earned him one of the eight available spots in the next tournament.

Alex Parker will be attending the Univer-sity of Cincinnati in this fall for a master’s degree in history, focusing on environmen-tal history and early republic U.S. history.

1994Brennan Keating and wife, Jen, welcomed their son, Hunter Edward Keating, to the world on Valentine’s Day in 2012. All are doing well and big sister Evelyn (2 years old) enjoys taking care of her baby brother.

1996Brian Gatewood is a producer and writer for the new television comedy, “Animal Practice,” which premiered on Sept. 26 on NBC.

1997

Rob Childs writes, “My wife, Sabrina, and I live in Boston and we welcomed our first child, Georgia Katherine Childs, on June 5. I am looking forward to fatherhood and a move out to the ‘suburbs’ of Porter Square!”

Renee Latour married Adam Solander in August of 2012 at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.

2000Josh Feine married Andrea D’Alba on Aug. 11 at Wanakah Country Club in Hamburg, N.Y.

Erin Scott received her VMD (Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris) from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2010. She then com-pleted a one-year internship in companion animal medicine and surgery at Louisiana State University. Erin is currently a fellow in comparative ocular pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. She was recently accepted to a three-year residency in com-parative ophthalmology at UW-Madison beginning in July 2012. As a board certified

53 Fall/Winter 2012

2011Upper School science faculty member, Josh Ring, and Ellie Hayes took their environ-mental concerns to Cologne, Germany in August. The two were invited to the International Geographical Union where they engaged in discussion of global climate change chances and limits for geographical education. Combining forces with students and professors from Germany and India, Mr. Ring and Ellie tackled the issues of globalization and the consequences it has on global climate change. These ecological questions will be looked at more intensely in the hopes of fostering new solutions.

2012Caroline Fenn recently recorded and released her first original music album, “Fragile Chances,” which features vocals and instrumentals. The album is currently available for pre-order on iTunes and January 2013 will mark its worldwide debut on iTunes.

Colgate University’s Cat Williams earned the BRINE Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors in September of 2012 for her achievements as a member of the women’s soccer team.

Keep in Touch! Share your news with us!

Contact:Blake Walsh ’98

Director of Alumni Relations716.332.5164

[email protected]

University of South Carolina junior, Evan Grenda, who attends the Moore International Business School, was named lead analyst by the Carolina Investment Association. He leads a research team of four responsible for identifying investment opportunities in the consumer staples sec-tor. His research team is required to present their investment findings to the association on a monthly basis.

Photo credit: Vanderbilt University

Rene Sobloewski, a junior at Vanderbilt University, was named to the National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) All-Scholar team for the first time in her career. The NGCA’s All-Scholar team is one of the more prestigious academic honor lists in collegiate sports. Student athletes must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and partici-pate in at least 50% of their team’s contests to be recognized. Sobolewski played in 31 rounds in 2011-2012 and finished with a 78.1 stroke average. Her low round of 73 came twice in 2011-2012, with the first coming in the second round of the Cougar Classic and then later in the year in the first round of the PING/ASU Invitational.

nouncer for the Middlebury women’s hockey games, and was proud to announce Grace’s many goals and assists. Grace now works in Boston at Columbia Management.

Allison Todd received Big East Confer-ence First Team honors as coxswain for the 2011-2012 Syracuse Women’s Rowing Team. This year’s team earned Syracuse its first national ranking in seven years (No. 20) in the season’s final CRCA/USRowing Coaches Poll.

Following her senior year at Mercyhurst College, where she played on the women’s hockey team, Pam Zgoda was named a 2011-2012 Scholar-Athlete for the academic year by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Mercyhurst had 233 athletes named PSAC Scholar-Athletes, part of a conference record 2,176 athletes that were honored. The previous league record of 2,047 was set last year. In order to be named a PSAC Scholar-Athlete, a student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or above.

2010Ron Canestro, a sophomore at Rochester Institute of Technology, was named to the Liberty League All Conference first team as a utility player for baseball. On the mound, Canestro struck out 38 batters in 41 in-nings and threw a complete-game six-hitter in a 2-1 win over Union on April 1, 2012. At the plate, he hit .265 with 36 hits and 12 runs batted in.

Can you guess what day these students are celebrating? Your answer must include an explanation of why these students have mud all over them.

Submit your answers to [email protected]. The first to respond with the correct answer will win a Nichols swag bag!

Can’t get enough? Like us on Facebook to play our “From the Archives” photo contest and more on the first Friday of each month.

PHoTo ConTeST


What is your position at Nichols? I teach theatre to every child at the Middle School and am the Arts Department liaison for the Middle School.

How long have you been teaching at Nichols?This is my 32nd year. The Middle School drama program has really grown over time, and I’m grateful to Nichols for supporting curricular drama.

Tell us about your education and professional background before Nichols.I attended Hathaway Brown School in Cleveland, Ohio, where I first began to study theatre. (Well, actually, my mother put me in a creative drama program when I was 4 years old because she thought I needed an outlet for my energy.) I graduated from Smith College with an A.B. in Theatre and an emphasis in Education.

I designed workshops for Theatre of Youth, taught language arts through drama at Follow Through School, directed a play at the Jewish Center, and taught acting classes at Studio Arena Theater School before coming to Nichols. Buffalo has had many opportunities in my chosen field.

I have acted in several local, professional productions and continue to act in one or two shows each year to hone my acting skills and remind me of what I put my students through! I just stepped down from the presidency of the New York State Theatre Education Association, and advocacy organization I’ve been a member of for 17 years.

What extra-curricular activities are you involved in at School?I’m an 8th grade advisor and the Theatre Team mentor. Theatre Team is a group of students who stay after school twice a week to prepare short plays for Morning Meetings and to help with the curricular productions. I was part of the Faculty and Staff Advisory Group for the Head of School search. I participate in many activities supporting the school-wide themes each year, and any Middle School projects having to do with diversity and multiculturalism are my passion.

You attended a theatre course in Japan a couple years ago. Tell us about that experience.It was a dream that I never would have realized without the generous support of the Hardner Grant and the Faculty Enrichment Fund. For 27 days I studied traditional Japanese theatre in Kyoto with 30 students from seven countries. My area of emphasis was Noh, and there were only four of us in that concentration which was taught by three luminaries of the Japanese stage. It was a huge challenge. I was twice the age of most of the program participants, out of shape and spoke no Japanese. However, my classmates and teachers were incredibly supportive and committed, and every day brought me new knowledge. I fell in love with this ancient art. It taught me to stay in the moment onstage, to focus my energy more effectively, and to express a message physically and spatially more than vocally. The team spirit of everyone in the cast of a Noh play (the chorus, the stage assistants, the musicians and the actors) is well beyond that of Western theatre. The teaching and support from my classmates and sensei will influence my work for the rest of my life. The following summer, I attended a similar course in Bloomsburg, Penn., and continued my studies. I’d love to go back to Kyoto someday.

What is your favorite Nichols memory?Oh dear! After three decades, there are so many favorites. Here is a tiny sampling:• The moment a refugee at Vive la Casa

sang a lullaby along with the girl playing a mother when we toured a production there;

• The children who stood backstage with their makeup running in rivulets due to stage fright but went onstage anyway and acted their hearts out;

• When the whole Middle School danced the Electric Slide at a fundraiser;

• The seniors who joined in with a 7th grade talkback after a performance of a play they had performed five years earlier;

• The kid who raised a glowing brand from a campfire at Beaver Hollow and proclaimed to the setting sun, “I feel like a fire god!”

• When we danced the jitterbug with Coley Felser’s gym class;

• The grin on the face of a boy when he got to stage manage the concert;

• Nichols Commencements in ’05 and ’08 when my children received their diplomas;

• The 50th Reunion classes meeting their 5th grade hosts each year;

• The many interdisciplinary projects I’ve had the opportunity to do with my talented and brilliant colleagues.

What are your hobbies and interests?I belong to the James Joyce Reading Circle that meets on Mondays from autumn to spring. Gardening and seeing other people’s gardens has always given me joy. I love to travel – Ireland, Chile and Bali are still on my bucket list. My guilty pleasure is stalking my children and connecting with past students and colleagues on Facebook.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?Nichols is an ever-widening community. The faculty, the students, the Board and the alumni are all part of this community, as are the people of Western New York and around the world whom we encounter.The Nichols alumni are “the long green line.” I have been able to tap this valuable resource over the years and hope that I have been of some assistance to some of my former students. Their careers, experiences and adventures are of endless interest to me. My only complaint is that they continue to grow up; so they have to re-introduce themselves at Reunion and tell me what they played onstage before I recognize them!

Faculty ProfileKate Olena

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDBuffalo, NY

Permit No. 3658

1250 Amherst St.Buffalo, NY 14216

in the next issue: A Dedication to Rick Bryan, 11th Head of School

Save the DateRick’s Farewell

Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.Program and party complete with special guest speakers

and music from The Boys of Summer

Do you have a story or special memory featuring Rick? Share it with us!

Email Nina Barone at [email protected] with memories and well wishes for Rick.

Toaxnoes Fall/Winter 2012

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Transcript of Toaxnoes Fall/Winter 2012