31 Years at Nichols - Nichols School

Rick leaves an impression on all those who know him. The
following memories and stories are what some members of the
Nichols community have to say about Rick:
I met Rick Bryan the first day he came to Nichols for an interview in 1982. I
was Director of Development at the time and was on the Search Committee,
and I interviewed him for the job of Head of Upper School and knew right
away that he was the man for the job. Fortunately he took that job and we
worked together since then.
Anyone who knows Rick knows he’s a great guy—he’s honest, trustworthy
and just a terrific guy. He loves education and is passionate about it. He’s
a history buff—he started as a history teacher, and that shows true. But I
would say most of all, that he’s a family man. He loves his family—Judith,
KC and Ginny—and he loves his school, Nichols. It has become a huge part
of his family, as has his whole family.
One of the things that makes Rick a great leader is his desire to make
everyone succeed. He wants the kids to succeed and do their best, he wants
the faculty to succeed…he wants to bring out the best in everyone and really
prides himself on leading a school of great leaders. He always shines the lights
on other people, not on him.
I think Rick’s legacy will live on forever here at Nichols. One of the things
he did right from the start and has continued to do all these years…he never
quit, he never settled for status quo. He’s always looking to what he can
do next. He never gets tired of his job and wakes up every day thinking
about how he can make Nichols a better school. He’s built an incredible
administrative team and a terrific faculty…he’s set a great tone at this school.
It’s a happy place. Clearly his legacy will live on in these buildings and this
incredible campus.
Elizabeth Stevens Gurney ’75
I’ve known Rick for over 30 years, which is hard to believe…his two girls are
my daughters’ best friends, and Rick, Judith, Ginna and I have been very
close friends for that time.
Rick is very engaging and a wonderful listener. He gets to the core of who
someone is and makes them feel special, and that’s what he’s done for all of
Nichols School. He’s very collegial. He works with his colleagues and brings
everyone along so they’re making the decision together. He’s ultimately the
key decision maker, but everyone is willing to support him when he makes the
decision.
The legacy of Rick Bryan will be an extraordinary chapter. It spans over
30 years and many of us are proud to come on the campus and see how
beautiful it is…the part that is greatest is how proud the alumni are of this
community, and how strongly they support it.
Ted Walsh ’72
I have so many wonderful and important memories of Mr. Bryan. His
unwavering belief in me, a troubled and trouble-making teenage girl, made
it possible for me to make it through high school. I am sure there were many
times he wanted to just give up on me, but he never did. He was tough,
sincere, and a true believer in all of us. Mr. Bryan impacted my life in a very
meaningful way and for that I am grateful. Enjoy your retirement – you have
earned it!
Jennifer Nisengard Payne ’88
The Cost for a stamp: $.29
Average price for a
gallon of gas: $1.09
Average movie ticket cost: $4.08
Average cost of a new car:
$12,350
Notable world events: The
Channel Tunnel was opened,
connecting England and France.
The Irish Republican Army and
Northern Ireland declare a
cease fire. Nelson Mandela
is elected president of South
Africa in their first interracial
presidential election.
Spring/Summer 2013
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