Franklin Pierce University junior and Swampscott native Nicolas Thistle presented a poster of his findings from his qualitative ethnographical research study at the National Collegiate Honors Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. this fall.

Thistle had worked on his study “Rotary Clubs: What’s Altruism Got to Do with it?” since January 2011. He would like to thank the Jaffrey-Rindge Rotary Club as well as the Swampscott Rotary Club for their help and support throughout his research.

At the conference, Thistle was accompanied by Professor Donna Decker, Franklin Pierce Honors Program Director. This was the fifth year, since Decker has been director, in which a Franklin Pierce University student presented at the conference.

Thistle and Decker went not only to present, but also to hear other honors students’ research and to participate in numerous discussions and forums with fellow honors students from across the nation.

Thistle also recently attended the Leadership New Hampshire two-day conference known as Leadership College as a student representative from Franklin Pierce. He was a part of the inaugural class of Leadership College. The conference centered on building a sense of community in New Hampshire.

Thistle is an honors student who is double majoring in criminal justice and education. He is the Student Government treasurer, student manager for events and programs and is involved with several other clubs and organizations on campus.

“Franklin Pierce is an amazing place with great opportunities to grow leadership skills. I love getting involved with the community and giving back,” said Thistle. “It is a place where you can get involved very easily. If you have a goal or a passion, it can be accomplished here.”

Thistle is from Swampscott, Mass., the son of Donna Thistle and a graduate of Swampscott High School.