Board vice chair impressed with transformation of The War Memorial
For Alicia Nicholson, the most enjoyable aspect of being on the The War Memorial Board of Directors is seeing the transformation of the organization to what it is today.
“It has blossomed and grown into something quite fantastic,” she commented. “Walking through the doors of the Alger Center now, it’s bright and fresh, classy and unique. It is a breathtaking spot. When we walk through the doors, it’s a showstopper.”
Nicholson, of Grosse Pointe Farms, has been part of the board for almost a decade and is currently the vice chair.
“When Charles was hired,” Nicholson said, referring to former War Memorial President and CEO Charles Burke, “he reached out to me to help with organizing a social event he was putting together. He trying to create a new vibe and get people through the doors.”
After getting to know Burke and current board member Ted Everingham, she was offered a spot on the board.
Growing up in the community, Nicholson attended dances at The War Memorial and took drivers training here.
“I think what makes it unique is the waterfront location,” she said. “It’s the only property between Alter and Vernier that has public access to Lake St. Clair. It’s a great spot that offers this little green, spacious space on the lake for anybody to come and visit.”
In response to what she views as the responsibilities of board members, Nicholson said it’s vital to be an ambassador for The War Memorial, sharing what is going on, and bringing folks here.
“Our board has shifted from being more on committees and internal managing,” she said. “It has a great staff and is well run. Now it’s our role to get people excited about it.”
In thinking about the other new development at The War Memorial – Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge - Nicholson believes it will bring people from all over Michigan, the country, and potentially, from around the world.
“I used to be a teacher, and how cool would it be for schools to visit, see this stunning sculpture, and know that a sister sculpture of this is on the beach of Normandy,” she said. “It’s a great reminder of the men who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms of others. It’s going to be a great teaching tool for many.”
Her teaching career has taken her to cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Bangkok, Thailand, where she taught English at a refugee center for one year.
Her sister-in-law, Stephanie Nicholson, is also on The War Memorial board.
Alicia Nicholson has two children- Alex, 13, and 10-year-old Gregory. She and her husband John have been married since 2008. Some of her hobbies include exercising, reading, being involved in the children's choir at her church and travel.
About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake Saint Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, is an experiential space open to everyone from everywhere. For more than 70 years, it has served as a patriotic, cultural, and community center. Its unique environment attracts more than 3,000 events and 250,000 visitors annually while offering premier hospitality services for community and private gatherings. Its diverse lineup of innovative programming includes live and virtual engagement experiences for adults and children. At its core, The War Memorial celebrates the ideas of American democracy while honoring those who have defended those ideas with tireless effort and personal sacrifice. Numerous patriotic and veterans’ events are held as well as history and civics offerings on the origin, traditions, and challenges facing American democracy. The War Memorial remains committed to serving the community as a unique, dynamic, and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan.
CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Manager of Communications
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org