The Spirit of '76 Spark Award

We are thrilled to announce the launch of The Spirit of ‘76 Spark Award.

This annual award will recognize a faculty member who ignites curiosity and fosters a genuine love of learning—just as so many did for us. The recipient will receive a $2,000 stipend for their own rest and renewal, no strings attached, as a thank-you for the tireless energy they invest in their students. To keep the connection alive between generations, the winner will be nominated and voted on by the Senior Class.

This idea is deeply personal to our class. We had nine classmates whose own parents (or relatives) dedicated their careers to Nichols (Stan Bryant, Therese Cavaretta, David Barber, Marjorie Gardner, Susan Shapiro, David Strachan, George Truscott, Henry Waters, and Fritz Zeller). We know firsthand that the care faculty provide goes far beyond the classroom.

Our Goal: $50,000

To ensure this remains an ongoing, annual legacy, we have set an ambitious goal to fully fund the endowment. If we all give, we can make this dream a reality and honor the legacy of the Class of ’76 forever.

Let’s make our 50th count.