From the quad to Fenway’s front office: Nichols College Convocation inspires new members of the Bison Herd

Under a canopy of sun-filtering trees, a cascade of white T-shirted students flowed into a single running river Wednesday afternoon, lifting the newest members of the Bison Herd over the Hill to the opposite end of campus. Led by the deep, heart-tugging wail of traditional bagpipes and flag bearers hoisting the college’s guiding ideals—Loyalty, Service, Culture—the first-year students walked a path lined with a roaring gauntlet of cheers, smiles and high-fives as faculty, staff and upperclassmen applauded their arrival to their new academic home.

Nichols College gathered to formally welcome the class of 2030 to the campus community on Aug. 26 during the College’s annual first-year student Convocation ceremony. The tradition marks the official opening of the academic year and the beginning of the new students’ educational journey.

To start the ceremony, the first-year students were greeted with the ovations while they processed from the Copper Quad, up and over Budleigh Hill and down to the Athletic Center, where the ceremony was held.

The ceremonial proceedings in the Athletic Center included a greeting by Student Government President Liam Wilcox ’27; an invocation by the Rev. Joseph Shea; messages of welcome and support by Interim Provost Jean Beaupre, who led the ceremony, and Dean of Students Alex Cross; remarks by President Bill Pieczynski; and a keynote address by alumna Kara Buckley ’11, Director of Talent Acquisition and Employee Relations for the Boston Red Sox. First-year students also recited the Bison Creed, a pledge of community values.

In his welcome remarks, President Pieczynski outlined for the audience of newcomers what they can expect as a Nichols student.

“In small classrooms with passionate faculty who will know your names and help you develop your career goals, we will ask you to learn while doing, to stand up and defend your opinions and rethink assumptions,” said Pieczynski. “Through internships, certifications, study abroad, and semester-long research or consulting projects, you will embrace education through experience.”

Pieczynski continued, “As entrepreneur Mark Cuban, of “Shark Tank” fame, once remarked: ‘I can’t say it enough that learning how to learn is one of the greatest skills anyone can have. It’s why I advocate that everyone go to college.’ And we agree.”

Pieczynski emphasized that ultimately, this hands-on approach ensures that Nichols students “will strengthen [their] resumes and graduate prepared for whatever lies ahead.”

Wilcox, a Business analytics major, economics minor and captain of the varsity men’s track and field team, urged the incoming class to embrace the unknown in his remarks.

“Some of the most valuable experiences I have had at Nichols came from stepping outside of my comfort zone and allowing myself to see where those choices could lead,” Wilcox said, noting that being involved in a range of opportunities, from athletics to student government to residential life, challenged him and helped him grow.

“Some of the best experiences come from doors you never expected to open. Take a chance on something that interests you, even if it feels unfamiliar at first,” he advised.

Addressing the first-year students, Buckley in her keynote remarks reflected on her journey on the Hill, from student-athlete playing on the varsity women’s softball team to finding her footing in the professional world.

“When I sat where you are right now, I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a career,” Buckley said. “And that was OK, and it is OK to not have it all figured out… Fast forward 15 years later and I am currently the Director of Talent Acquisition and Employee Relations for the Boston Red Sox.”

Buckley emphasized that her pathway to Fenway Park—which has included earning a 2018 World Series Championship ring—was entirely built upon the foundation she laid at the College.

“I am in the position and have the career that I have because of Nichols,” she shared. “Because of the internships that I did with the Knicks and the Rangers at Madison Square Garden … because of the connections Professor Liptrap had there … because of the encouragement of my professors, and coaches who never once laughed or told me I would never work for the Boston Red Sox. Every skill, every resume I wrote here, every practice interview, every presentation, gave me the confidence to know that it was possible.”

Closing her remarks, she challenged the new students to view their time on campus as the true starting line for their future aspirations.

“Take advantage of every connection and opportunity Nichols has to offer,” Buckley urged. “Your future dream job, whether it’s at Fenway Park, a major financial firm, or starting your own business, all of that begins right now, with the choices you make today. Work hard, always support and celebrate each other, and embrace the grind.”

(Pictured in story photo: Nichols College mascot Thunder celebrates the start of the academic year with first-year students during the annual Convocation ceremony on August 26.)