Nichols Breaks Ground

(L to R): Nichols Trustees: James W. Coghlin, Sr., Chief Quality Officer, Coach & CEO of Coghlin Companies, Inc.; Robert J. Vaudreuil, President & CEO of The Protector Group Insurance Agency, Inc.; Robert LaVigne, Nichols Director of Buildings and Grounds; Brian Germain, Selectman, Town of Dudley, Mass. and Nichols alumni; Nichols College President Debra M. Townsley; Kayla Bertrand, Nichols Student Government Association President

Although it was a blustery and rainy morning, nothing could dampen spirits as Nichols College celebrated both Homecoming and the groundbreaking of a new residence hall on Saturday, September 15th.

Under a tent off Center Road, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Robert J. Vaudreuil welcomed distinguished guests to the groundbreaking ceremony and thanked Bernard P. Gagnon, Webster Five Vice President and Business Lending Officer, for partnering with Nichols in a private bond placement that secured $3.5 million in funding for the residence hall project. In addition, he thanked architect Kevin Chrobak from Jester, Pope, and Frazier, Inc.

President Debra M. Townsley described two layouts for the apartment-style accommodations for upper classmen: 2 bedroom/1 bath or 4 bedroom/2 baths, with each suite having a full kitchen and living area. She stated that the hall is scheduled for occupancy in fall 2008 and will help alleviate Nichols' housing crunch which resulted from a soaring number of applications for its career-focused business education.