All posts by Ashley O'Keefe

On The Hill

Another Year Gone

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BY JENNA MCASSEY ‘19

It is hard to believe that this year has come to an end; it feels like just yesterday it was September. To think that college is halfway over for me is completely unreal. This entire year has been extremely eventful, and filled with unforgettable memories that will stay with me forever. Although schoolwork was very stressful at times, I am happy that I go to a school that challenges me and pushes me to do the best I can. It’s also great that Nichols recognizes those stressful times of year. During finals there were so many “stress relieving” activities, and other events that took my mind off of the stress of exams. And with the help of friends and professors encouraging me, I have finally completed my second year of college!

I think the highlight for me this past academic year was some of the great academic opportunities that I have been able to take part in. I was able to go to New York City and listen to speakers who work for the Terrorism Unit for the NYPD. During the second week of May, I will be in Washington, D.C. for a cyber security conference with students from all over the country. These opportunities provide me the ability to meet and network with so many individuals in the Criminal Justice field. This year has also been an eyeopener as to what my future could look like, the work I need to do to get there, and how many opportunities there are in the work force.

As the seniors graduate and a new class makes Nichols their second home, it reminds me of when I moved in my freshmen year. And I think if I could give one piece of advice to a freshman moving into college it is to not bring everything and even though adjustment is hard, stay and enjoy your time on campus—it’s worth it, believe me. I came from a very small town and a school with a graduating class of just a 130 students. I loved home, which made it very hard for me to pack up and move somewhere else. Two weeks after move in, I wanted to go back home, but I didn’t. And I am very thankful that I didn’t because I am not sure that I would have had the same experience if I went home every weekend. College is going to take some adjusting and getting used to, just like any new place, but it is worth it! School will become your second home, and a brand new chapter of your life, so take advantage of that because before you know it you will be in my shoes—in shock that college is halfway over.

I wish the best of luck to the class of 2017! They have sure made a difference at Nichols College, and will definitely leave their mark on the world!

On The Hill

Bison Give Back Day 2017

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BY JENNA MCASSEY ‘19

Bison Give Back Day took place April 11 and was one of the proudest days to be a member of the Nichols College community. Students, faculty, and staff took time out of their day to give back to the community surrounding Nichols College.

“This is a day for us to show that we are proud to live in and be part of this community, and that we can, as a college, come together,” said sophomore Erica Sullivan, who helped run this event.

“I am so proud to be a part of a college community that comes together and supports our local community,” said Marissa Piedmonte, vice president of the sophomore class.

Many activities took place throughout that Tuesday afternoon. Food drives, yard work, clothing drives, and many other events were taking place, and students participated in these activities with the support of one another.

I had the opportunity to take part in two of these events. I held a clothing drive for children and teenagers who are less fortunate and in need of gently used or new clothes. We set up a station in the athletic center and filled two garbage bags of clothes donated by students, staff, and faculty. The clothes will be donated to Stand Up for Kids, which is a homeless shelter for children and teenagers, in Worcester, Mass.

I was also able to stop by the Management Club table, where they provided the opportunity to make cards for the children at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The table was set up outside of Lombard for anyone to stop by, make a card, and pick out one toy for a child. Hasbro Children’s Hospital is located in Providence, R.I., and cares for children who are sick. It is one of the top pediatric cancer centers in New England. Management Club members will deliver the toys and cards to the children.

Among the two events that I attended, many other community service options took place. Below is a list of locations that host service events.

  • Heart to Heart – Emerging Leaders Program
  • Pet Finder – Professor Nang
  • Dudley- Webster Food Drive – Investments Club
  • Letters to Veterans – History Club
  • Put Ups – Meditation Club
  • Autism Awareness – Bookstore
  • Blessing Bags for Homeless – Hospitality Club
  • Pay It Forward- Student Alumni Association
  • Project Linus – Social Programming Board
  • Bookmarks- Circulation Desk
  • Hasbro Children Hospital – Management Club
  • Alzheimer’s Awareness – Student Alumni Association Committee
  • Clothing Drive – Warm Hearts Cold Bodies

Bison Give Back Day was a success. The students, faculty, and staff at Nichols College made a huge difference in the community around us and have shown a great example of what it means to be a Bison.

On The Hill

Mr. Nichols

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BY JENNA MCASSEY ‘19

On April 21, the Mr. Nichols event took place. It is an event run by the sophomore class where two students from each class compete against each other, and the other classes, for the title of Mr. Nichols. Last year’s winner was Jaylen Obsey ’19, taking the crown during his freshman year at Nichols. This is a competition that takes a lot of time, preparation, and planning by each contestant.

To start the show, all of the contestants model on stage with their escorts and perform one big group dance. They then separate to show off their individual talents. There are four judges, who not only choose the winner, but also provide feedback to each contestant. The judges were Professor Brian McCoy, Advisor Janet Newman, Professor Melanie Fleming, and Professor Erika Smith.

This year’s contestant for the class of 2020 was Tyler Kenney. Tyler was the only freshmen participant. Tyler put on a lip-sync performance to Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus; it was a crowd favorite! For the class of 2019, the two contestants were Austin Duvarney and Ariff McLaren. Austin sang a song he wrote, and Ariff sang a self-written visual rap. For the class of 2018, the two contestants were Joseph Slattery and Paul Sickenger. The two gentlemen collaborated and performed a duet, which included a dance as well as lip-syncing to their own mixtape. Lastly, for the class of 2017, the two contestants were Connor Leahy and Jake Gallagher. Jake sang to the song Proud to be an American, while carrying an American flag. Connor’s talent was a dance with partner Brooke Maher ’17—the crowd and the judges absolutely loved this performance.

Although this was a close competition, and a few of the contestants showcased their talents very well, the first place recognition went to Connor Leahy ‘17. “I think Connor deserved it; he not only had a great talent, but he really showed his Bison Pride here tonight,” said Marissa Piedmonte ‘19, who is the Vice President of SGA and coordinated the Mr. Nichols event.

If you would like the opportunity to be the next Mr. Nichols, there’s always next year! Can’t wait to see who will be crowned Mr. Nichols in 2018.