Remember Nolan Project
About Us.
Turning Tragedy into Purpose.
In 2014, following the tragic loss of their son Nolan as a result of a hazing incident when he was pledging a fraternity at West Virginia University, TJ and Kim Burch founded the NMB Foundation to grow the impact of their message and support schools through scholarships.
By sharing their human, real-life experiences in sessions where students can ask them anything, they can uniquely connect with students in a way that changes lives. Despite their heart-breaking tragedy, Kim and TJ are not angry or delivering an anti-Greek negative message. Instead, they use their excellence as speakers to motivate behavior changes. They are driven by a passion to create a world where the tragedy they experienced does not happen to others.
SHARE NOLAN’S STORY.
Nolan Michael Burch
Remember Nolan.
Nolan Michael Burch was born on November 7, 1996. By every account he was a happy baby with an amazing giggle – one that Nolan would keep throughout his life, and a giggle that would bring happiness and laughter to anyone that heard it.
Nolan was a beautiful young man that was always smiling. He loved his family and he loved his friends deeply. Nolan was always there for them when they needed someone to talk to. He loved his sister very much, and they were best of friends. In August of 2014 Nolan began college at West Virginia University. He couldn’t wait for the experience.
Early in his freshman year, Nolan was taking a full course load, had a part time job but still wanted to get involved in something else. He planned on trying club hockey and possibly pledging a fraternity. Deciding that he couldn't do both, Nolan chose the fraternity.
He went through the pledging process for three months. On November 12, 2014, Nolan was given a 750 ML bottle of 100 proof whiskey from his fraternity “Big Brother.” To earn final acceptance into the fraternity, he was told to drink the entire bottle in under an hour of time. About an hour and a half later Nolan’s limp body was carried back to a room in the fraternity house where he was laid on a stage, face down, with his head hanging off the edge and with several “Brothers” supposedly watching him. Nolan was in serious trouble.
Unfortunately, nobody realized his dire condition until it was too late. CPR was administered for a long time which allowed Nolan to make it to the hospital and to be placed on life support. He was taken off life support on November 14, 2014 and passed away at 11:43am due to acute ethanol intoxication. His Blood-Alcohol Level was 0.493.
Nolan is missed every second by his sister, mother, and father. It is impossible to describe to what depth. The NMB Foundation was founded so that this tragedy does not happen to any other students and families. Remember Nolan Project was developed to provide actionable resources for students, parents, and educators for recognizing when an individual is in danger, and to affect positive cultural change.
Our Involvement
Partnerships, Alliances & Support.
Their partnership with the Office of Greek Life at West Virginia University has transformed a shared tragedy into support the development of some of the most innovative approaches in the field to prevent the negative consequences of hazing on college campuses.
Nolan Burch Memorial Endowment, St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute. Kim and TJ Burch, as leaders of the NMB Foundation, endowed a $25,000 donation, the Nolan Burch Memorial Endowment at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute. The endowment will grow over time and has awarded several scholarships to students who demonstrate the character necessary to reduce the incidences of hazing and other adverse behaviors that lead to mental health challenges or worse.
In conjunction with West Virginia University and 10 Lives Content, the NMB Foundation created the Emmy award-winning video, Breathe, Nolan, Breathe and a powerful multi-media presentation that has been shown at schools all over the United States.
Alliance and support for Connect Life - WNY and Pittsburg, PA based Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) Through the miracle of organ donation, Nolan was able to save four lives. His lungs, kidneys and liver all allowed others to live on.
We also would like to thank Highmark Blue Fund & Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade for their incredible support and contributions.
Our Team
Board of Directors.
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Chair/Director
Theron J. Burch (TJ) is Nolan’s father. He resides with his wife Kim and daughter Alexandra (Alex) in Williamsville, NY. TJ was born and raised in Brockport, NY and came to Buffalo to attend Canisius College where he graduated with a degree in Physical Education. He received his Masters degree in Administration from West Chester University in Pennsylvania.
TJ works in sales and is one of the founders of the NMB Foundation. He has previously held a Board Position at Mathewson McCarthy Baseball including 3 years as Vice President. He loves his family and his friends and this is where his free time is spent. His goal is to get Nolan’s story out to as many people as possible.
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Vice Chair/Director
Kimberly Burch (Kim) is Nolan’s mother. She resides with her husband TJ and daughter Alexandra (Alex) in Williamsville, NY. Kim was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and is a graduate of Sweet Home High School. Kim worked in the dental field for 12 years and is currently self employed. She is one of the founders of NMB Foundation.
Her focus is NMB Foundation as well as advocating for organ and tissue donation. Her down time is spent with her family and friends.
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Secretary/Director
One of the founding members of NMB Foundation and a native Long Islander, Patty is the mother of three children and resides with her husband of 30+ years in North Buffalo.
A graduate of St. Bonaventure University with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing, Patty brings over 20 years of experience in fundraising and has strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Currently, she is employed at a local distribution supply company as a project specialist and web administrator.
In her spare time, Patty being a colon cancer survivor, is an advocate for early detection screenings for colorectal cancer. She also enjoys cooking on her Big Green Egg, photography, wine tasting and spending time with family and friends.
Nolan was Patty’s son’s best friend. The agony and grief brought on by Nolan’s tragic death, motivated Patty to partner with Kim and TJ in their mission to put an end to hazing.
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Director
In addition to being a founding member of NMB Foundation, Kelly is a member of the Roswell Park Alliance and the FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association. As a local Realtor her focus is on helping her clients find balanced solutions in buying and selling real estate. Kelly attended the State University of New York at Oswego and has a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership and Change from Daemen College.
As a proud Buffalonian, Kelly makes her home in Williamsville with her husband Jamie and their two children, Meegan and JP. When Kelly is not at work or supporting various local organizations, you can find her reading a novel or visiting an art museum.
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Director
Rose Zendano is a founding member of the NMB Foundation. With over 30 years’ experience, Rose works for the University at Buffalo as a supervising pharmacist and part-time for the Rite Aid Corporation, focusing primarily within the inner city of Buffalo.
Rose has a passion for helping others and believes in the message of the foundation to protect and educate our youth to make responsible choices and put an end to hazing – no family should go through this type of tragedy.
Rose lives in Williamsville, New York with her three children.
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Director
Christopher is a Professor at Erie Community College and Realtor with Century 21. He has decades of successful board and fundraising experience including the Buffalo Pro Zoo Board, Theatre of Youth along with chairing many local events at St. Mark School. A strong believer in the power of positive thinking to make change in the community, Christopher believes education is the key to end hazing and is looking forward to the challenge of being a part of changing the mindset of our youth.
Christopher resides in the Elmwood Village area of Buffalo with his wife, Michelle, and son, Luke who attends Canisius High School. Along with traveling, Christopher enjoys the Canadian shores during the summer and Ellicottville skiing during the winter months.
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Director
After a distinguished career of 32 years, Sam retired in 2023 from the Williamsville Central School District as a 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher. He built a strong rapport and mutual respect with the students he taught while at the same time encouraging them to reach their full potential as individuals and as students. During his career, he served on countless district and school-wide committees to not only improve the quality of educational opportunities for students, but also to improve the professional lives of his colleagues. Sam received his Master of Science in Social Studies Education at the State University College at Buffalo.
Sam was and still is a staunch labor union activist. He proudly served as President of the Williamsville Teachers’ Association from 2001-2015, Chief Negotiator from 2010-2020, and contract negotiator for over 23 years.
Sam and his wife Christine were born in Rochester, New York and currently live in Williamsville, New York. They have three children—Brandon, Steven, and Samantha. Sam is a self-published author (The Substitute Savior) and enjoys spending time boating, fishing, and golfing.
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Director
Laura resides in Amherst, NY with her husband, Dan and loves to travel to visit her three children in their wonderful locations. She enjoys cooking, skiing, reading and spending time with family.
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Treasurer/Director
As a long-time supporter of NMB Foundation, Laura was recently brought on to assist with events and fundraising endeavors. As the current office manager of the student pharmacy at the University of Buffalo, Laura also brings financial knowledge to the organization.
Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Communication, with a concentration in journalism and business administration from Buffalo State University. Before working at UB, Laura was most recently the Director of Community Relations at Hasek’s Heroes and a former Legislative Aid for the Erie County Legislature.
Laura resides in East Amherst with her husband. She is the proud mom to three boys and recently became a grandmother. Laura has many fond memories of her oldest son playing with and against Nolan both on the field and at the rink. She is passionate about sharing the mission of the organization.
Media
IN THE PRESS.
WVU student in critical condition; moratorium placed on all Greek activities
WVU Suspends Greek Activities After “Catastrophic Medical Emergency” At Frat House
Student found unconscious at WVU fraternity dies
Funeral arrangements for teen found in frat house
Candlelight vigil held for teen who died after fraternity party
Community remembers teen found in frat house
It is with deepest gratitude that we thank all of those who have shared Nolan’s story. Although we miss our boy every single moment of every single day, we know that sharing his story has saved lives and has saved many families from the pain and anguish that our family still feels TO THIS VERY DAY. Thank you again, for your appreciated attention on the matter, the love you share towards our family, and Your continued loyal support.
Kim, TJ and Alex Burch
