On April 1^st, students, faculty and community gathered in the Athletic Center, excitedly waiting for Boston Bruins President Cam Neely to take the stage. Brieanna Baron, Vice President of SGA, and Sean Hoey, President of the class of 2016, introduced Mr. Neely and he modestly took the stage.

The first thing everybody noticed about Neely was that he’s just an average guy. “I don’t do this much,” he started with. “I’m just a lucky guy, who has always loved the sport of ice hockey.”

He began his professional hockey career at age 18 with the Vancouver Canucks. On his 21^st birthday, he was traded to Boston. He was unfamiliar with the city, but he did his best, always giving 110% to the Bruins organization. Neely’s career was successful and he played ten years in Boston, but injuries ultimately ended his career in 1996.

In 2005, Neely was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and Boston retired his jersey, #8. He attributes his success to working hard both on and off the ice.

“I focused on playing hard, but most importantly, working hard. I still believe to this day that you have to put all your effort in. And that’s what I ask of my players: Work your hardest, do your best.”

It was amazing to hear about Neely’s experiences both on the ice and in the office. His devotion to the game has remained unchanged throughout his years as a player, and as president he says he looks forward to the many seasons to come.

The Student Government Association donated $1,000 to the Cam Neely Foundation from both ticket sales and a matched donation. This event was completely organized by students: a huge thanks to Brieanna Baron for doing an excellent job producing the event!

The Student Leadership Awards were held on April 13, 2015. I was nominated for one, along with my fellow class officers and many of my fellow classmates. Nichols College develops leaders and if I had to choose just one important accomplishment to have made after four years at Nichols, it would be the ability to lead others. From my short time here, I can already tell that Nichols will aid me in becoming a great leader.

The night was organized and directed by Beth Gionfriddo, Assistant Director of the Center for Student Involvement. Beth is known all around campus as someone who cares about the students and their involvement on campus. She is amazing at organizing events, and this event showcases that.  As a matter of fact, this year she organized the first ever BisonFest, and it was one of the greatest events I have attended on campus so far.

Before we walked into the award ceremony, PJ Boggio, Dean of Students, and Brian Quinlan, Director of Student Involvement, handed out marbles to all of the students. They told us that we were participating in a surprise for Beth Gionfriddo. The surprise was initiated when Brian asked Beth to stand at the podium; PJ proceeded to present Beth with a very nice vase. Autumn Hicks, SGA President, started the movement by getting up first. Then all of the students followed and placed our own marbles into the vase. Placing a marble in the vase signified that Beth had affected each of our lives in a positive way. Beth was so emotional by this grand gesture, and we could all tell how happy she was. When we all sat down, Brian made a joke, “This was harder to organize than you think considering Beth does everything.” We really do appreciate all that Beth does for us here on the Hill and we are all so lucky to have her!

Here is a list of the awards and winners:

Student Organization of the Year-Anime Club

Program of the Year-2018 Family Fun Fair

Residence Life Social Programmer of the Year-Stephen Chlapowski

Residence Life Educational Programmer of the Year-Amanda-Lee Healy and Alley Euglow

Residence Life Rising Star-Paul Angelucci

Residence Life Unsung Hero-Chad Strattman

RA of the Year-Katie Tupaj

Writing Fellow of the Year-Jess Frank

Tutor of the Year-Ben Davis

Cheryl Alderman Memorial Award-Matt San Clemente

Jimmy Gahan Dedication Award-Anthony Champagne

Rita Gatzke Appreciation Award-Kathy Sandstrom

Emerging Leader Award-Fallonne Fanfan

Outstanding Leader, Class of 2018-Liz Gagnon

Outstanding Leader, Class of 2017-Mary Daly

Outstanding Leader, Class of 2016-Irving Eggleston

Outstanding Leader, Class of 2015-Matt SanClemente

Shining Star Award-Autumn Hicks

BisonFest 2015 was a success! The seniors came in first, juniors were second, freshmen were third, and sophomores came in fourth. The seniors are so lucky to take home the grand prize of $3,000!

I competed in two games. The first game I competed in was Face the Cookie. Beth Gionfriddo walked around and placed Oreos on our foreheads. The point of the game was to use our face muscles to get the Oreo into our mouths. It was much harder than it sounded. In my attempt, I lost three Oreos and had to start over three times. I ended in third place, but at least I did not come in fourth like the sophomores. I was not too upset because I did get to eat three Oreos.

The second game I participated in was Hanky Panky. The objective of this game was to pull tissues out of the tissue box as fast as possible and until there weren’t any more tissues left. It was going great for me until I thought I had won the game but my hopes were quickly crushed when I realized there were still tissues in the box. Sadly, I again came in third place, but it was so much fun regardless. I really enjoyed the friendly competition and the different, creative games!

After BisonFest came to a close on Sunday, there was a Bicentennial concert with Craig Campbell and Joe Nichols. If you are a country fan, then this was a great concert to attend. Unfortunately, I am not the biggest country fan, but I wanted to attend to have the experience and hang out with my friends. Fortunately, my lack of love for country music did not stop me from trying to sing along! Overall I had a great time!