I want to thank all of our students for helping to make Homecoming such a wonderful event. It was exciting to see so many members of the Norwich family on campus. Each of these people – from recent graduates to members of the Old Guard – shared the common bond of a love for Norwich University and each other.
It was a successful weekend on several fronts. The weather cooperated allowing our alumni to participate in a wide variety of activities on campus, our sports teams were victorious on the playing fields, and we raised $3.5 million in pledges and gifts. This will help us complete the payments on Doyle Hall and start moving forward on the projects identified in the Bearing the Torch initiative. We will be writing more about that in the weeks ahead.
I heard feedback from alumni who were impressed with both the improvements to campus and also with the way the entire student body conducted themselves throughout the weekend. I hope that you had an opportunity to introduce yourselves to some of our visitors. Before you know it, you will be returning to the Hill to see old friends and to make news ones as alumni of Norwich.
Earlier in Homecoming Week the Board of Fellows arrived on campus. Founded in 1975, the Board of Fellows (BOF) is comprised of alumni and friends of Norwich who have an interest in the enrichment of the academic programs at the University. These men and women volunteer their time, talent and connections to help students with internships, strategic planning and academic vision.
Working with the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), each fellow is assigned to a Visiting Committee that is aligned with one of the schools. The Visiting Committees meet a minimum of twice a year with the school dean to determine how best to assist the school. An Executive Committee, consisting of the chairmen from each Visiting Committee, provides the board’s leadership and ensures the continuity of the body.
This summer the BOF was responsible for providing Greg Mortenson’s bestselling book “Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…One School at a Time” to incoming freshmen as part of the Great Book Series. During last week’s visit to Norwich, the BOF sponsored a career development seminar attended by over 150 students, and hosted several discussion groups addressing “Three Cups of Tea.”
In addition, BOF members held project planning meetings with the academic schools, toured the Solar Decathlon EMBARC project on lower Disney Field, and served as guest speakers in various classes.
The participation and contributions by BOF members to our academic schools have significantly increased in recent years. The BOF is also playing an active role in planning the spring Todd Lecture Series. The interest level by the BOF has never been higher. Norwich is fortunate to have such a dedicated group who give so freely of their time and expertise to our students and faculty.
While on the subject of academics, keep your focus in the classroom and study hard. Mid-term exams are quickly approaching.