Congrats to the hockey team

Welcome back to campus. I hope that you had a relaxing break and are ready for the last part of the academic year. One change that occurred at Norwich while you were away is that the university is now home of the 2011 NCAA Division III Women's Hockey Champions.

In just its fourth year as a varsity program, our women's hockey team won the national championship in the Frozen Four tournament held last weekend in Rochester, N.Y. The team achieved this amazing accomplishment by beating Gustavus Adolphus 5-4 in the semi-final game, and then knocking off top-seeded RIT 5-2 in the championship game.  

 The women ended their season with a record of 25-4-1. The players and coaches are to be commended for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. As I write this column the men's hockey team is preparing to defend its national title at the men's Frozen Four tournament in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Go Cadets!

On a different topic, I received a note from a Northfield resident who was concerned because on several occasions recently when he was driving, students were in the roadway on Route 12 in front of Hollis House either coming from or going to the ski slope.

The resident said that he had to stop his car abruptly in order to avoid a collision.

There are two important issues here. The first is of safety. At this particular section of the road there is no crosswalk, and motorists coming around the turn heading north on Route 12 may not see people in the roadway until it is too late.

 The second issue is one of respecting motorists and being good neighbors to the people of Northfield. The road is for vehicles. Cross Route 12 at the crosswalk at GEN I.D. White Drive, and be respectful of the cars and trucks in the roadway and of the people operating them.

 In a fall 2010 survey, the lack of adequate internet bandwidth on campus was identified as a significant  student concern. On March 9, Information Technology Services increased the university's internet bandwidth from 90 meg to 200 meg and installed a new, faster firewall. Subsequently, numerous students have noted that the increased bandwidth and processing speed has improved internet access during the evening hours. Your feedback and comments in the survey directly resulted in a positive change at Norwich. Thank you!!

 As hard as  it is to believe, April is upon us and it is time for the final push of the spring semester. It is very important that you remain disciplined, both in and outside of the classroom. Continue with your studies and also continue to make good choices during your free time. The high standards that you have lived throughout the academic year must be followed until your last exam.

 Sometimes when the weather gets nice and the end of the school year is in sight, there are temptations to lower your standards of behavior and to make poor decisions.  In the case of seniors, you do not want a moment's lack of good judgment to jeopardize receiving the diploma or commission that you have worked so hard to attain.

 Remain focused, and finish the year strong.