Nichols College Receives Grant From Affinity Group Foundation To Expand Student Access To Bloomberg Technology

DUDLEY, Mass. – A grant from the Affinity Group Charitable Foundation, supported by Dexter-Russell, Inc. has enabled Nichols College to expand the number of terminals in the college’s Bloomberg Finance Lab, increasing student access to market-leading software used by more than 325,000 professionals.

Nichols launched its Bloomberg Lab in fall 2018 with 12 terminals. In its first semester of use, 279 students earned Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) certification, elevating Nichols as a Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner.

The $168,000 commitment from the Southbridge-based Dexter-Russell underwrites the additional annual cost of expanding to 16 terminals. In addition to increasing access to this experiential tool in the lab, 300 web logins are available so students can complete their certification remotely. This was particularly helpful in providing uninterrupted student access to Bloomberg during the pandemic. To date, some 850 students have earned BMC certification, a requirement for first-year business students at Nichols.

The integration and expansion of Bloomberg terminals drives the college’s degree concentration in corporate finance and investments and has been key in the creation and operation of the student-managed investment fund launched in 2020.

“We are so grateful to Dexter-Russell, and the Affinity Group Charitable Foundation for the opportunity to extend this powerful resource to more students,” said Glenn M. Sulmasy, JD, LL.M, Nichols College president. “This grant directly supports the Nichols mission of offering students the real-world experiences that set them apart and boost their career prospects.”

Alan Peppel, president and CEO of Dexter-Russell Inc. who earned an MBA at Nichols, added, “As a leading employer in the Southbridge/Dudley community, Dexter-Russell supports endeavors that can benefit our community, employees, and their families. The Affinity Group Charitable Foundation was established to support these efforts, and we are pleased to underwrite students’ educational aspirations at Nichols College, the leading business school in the area.”

About Nichols College

Within a supportive community, Nichols College transforms today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education.

Media Contacts

Denise Kelley
Writer/Editor
denise.kelley@nichols.edu
508-213-2219