Nichols College named presenting sponsor of Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s Young Professionals Council

New partnership will engage students, alumni and emerging professionals in philanthropy while supporting New England cancer patients and their families

North Attleboro, MA – Nichols College and the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) today announced that Nichols College has been named the 2026 Presenting Sponsor of JAF’s Young Professionals Council (YPC), establishing a new partnership designed to engage the next generation of philanthropic leaders in the Foundation’s mission.

Through the partnership, Nichols College students, alumni and faculty will have opportunities to connect with JAF and participate in YPC events, volunteer initiatives, advocacy efforts and community engagement activities throughout New England. The collaboration will also highlight Nichols College’s development of future leaders who understand the importance of service and giving back to their communities.

JAF’s Young Professionals Council brings together emerging professionals who share a passion for making a difference. Members support the Foundation through fundraising, volunteerism, advocacy and community engagement while developing leadership skills and building meaningful personal and professional connections.

“Partnering with the Joe Andruzzi Foundation reflects Nichols College’s commitment to preparing students to become leaders who make a meaningful difference in their professions and communities,” said Nichols College President William C. Pieczynski. “Through the Young Professionals Council, our students and alumni will have an opportunity to build connections, put their skills into action and support cancer patients and families throughout New England. We are proud to join JAF in advancing this important mission.”

As Presenting Sponsor, Nichols College will be recognized throughout the Young Professionals Council’s programming and communications. Representatives from Nichols College will also participate in future Council meetings and work alongside JAF to expand engagement among students, alumni and young professionals throughout the region.

“Nichols College’s investment in the next generation of philanthropic leadership will help us grow the Young Professionals Council and create even more opportunities for emerging professionals to connect, lead and give back,” said Hunter Andruzzi, community engagement manager at the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. “We are grateful to welcome Nichols College as our Presenting Sponsor and look forward to engaging its students and alumni in support of New England cancer patients and their families.”

The partnership kicked off publicly during the Young Professionals Council’s second annual Putting for Patients fundraiser on Thursday, July 23, at Puttshack Boston – Seaport. The event, which formally introduced Nichols College as the Council’s presenting sponsor, brought together young professionals, Nichols alumni and students for networking, technology-driven mini golf and a prize drawing, raising more than $1,500 to support JAF’s mission to provide financial assistance to New England cancer patients and their families.

(Pictured in story photo: Nichols College students pose with JAF co-founder and former New England Patriots player Joe Andruzzi and his Super Bowl rings.)

About The Joe Andruzzi Foundation:

The Joe Andruzzi Foundation is committed to providing help, hope, and a reason to smile, for New England cancer patients and their families by contributing financial support when it is needed most. Founded in 2008 by former New England Patriots three-time Super Bowl Champion offensive guard Joe Andruzzi and his wife Jen, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation grew out of Joe’s own successful battle with cancer. In 2007, Joe’s football career abruptly ended when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s lymphoma. Disease-free less than a year later, Joe and Jen chose to dedicate their lives towards solving the financial distress a cancer diagnosis can cause in the lives of patients and families. For more information or to make a donation, please visit: joeandruzzifoundation.org.

About Nichols College:
Nichols College has earned business accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. Founded in 1815, Nichols College transforms today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education. Nichols offers real-world learning focused on professional depth – combined with vibrant living, competitive athletics, and an unmatched alumni advantage – equipping students to exceed their own expectations. To learn more about Nichols College, visit www.nichols.edu.