31 Years at Nichols - Nichols School

level athletic circles. Rick came to several rehearsals and learned some shape
choreography and became part of the ensemble. Finally the show arrives. He
made his entrance in a fantastic blue movement bag and matching unitard.
He was clearly a fully participating member of the ensemble. Rick made
fantastic shapes coordinated with the students and the music. His artistic
enthusiasm generated much awareness in the crowd. There was a murmur
who was the performer in the bag. At the end of the work the lights went
black the cast members quickly assembled in a line to receive their deserved
applause. Low and behold Richard C. Bryan was in his smashing blue lycra
in the center smiling and bowing – Jack Walsh ’63, I believe, was also in
attendance, grinning from ear to ear – but down $500.00.
Elaine Gardner
When I was a Nichols student from 1990 to 1994, Rick was the Head of the
Upper School. He was deeply involved in the daily running of the school, and
in the students’ lives. My memories of Rick are of a firm, caring leader with
a great sense of humor and a warm heart. I always felt like Rick cared about
me as an individual and that my successes or failures were important to him.
On numerous occasions throughout my time at Nichols, he went out of his
way to congratulate me on a wrestling victory, to discuss music or sports for
a few minutes, and to help me as I was preparing my college applications. I
know that he did the same for others and that they are as appreciative as I am
of his efforts on our behalf.
I wish him all the very best as he moves on.
Paul S. Greenman ’94
I reconnected with Nichols when I attended an alumni event in NYC 14
years ago. It was there I had the opportunity to spend some time getting
to know Rick. I had heard great things from Nichols students about all the
constructive changes which obviously continued to take place under his
leadership. Even though my illustrious high school career didn’t finish at
Nichols, Rick spent a disproportionate amount of time getting to know me.
Whenever I get the rare chance to visit with him, we pick up right where we
left off. Talk about creating interest and respect from so many for Nichols
School. Rick’s character, sincerity and abilities will be sorely missed by this
school he, and those he motivated around him, leave in such strong shape.
Adie Jewett ’73
As a freshman at Nichols in the basement of Albright, my best friend Donny
Arthur ’06 told me that John Hadala ’06 was using the restroom and had
been in there for a considerable amount of time. At this point, I decided to
turn the lights off and prank John leaving him in complete darkness to finish
his business. Turns out I was the victim of the prank, and the person using
the bathroom was indeed Rick Bryan. Rick exited the bathroom swearing
vengeance upon the executor of the aforementioned prank. He had no idea
who it was and nobody spoke a word to him. I have lived with this secret for
roughly 10 years and feel that his departure from Nichols is the perfect time to
come clean and willingly accept any retribution seem fit from Rick Bryan.
…I am truly sorry, Rick.
Sean Heidinger ’07
Spring/Summer 2013
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