Keeping campus clean

I read the article in the last issue of The Guidon which covered the subject of trash and littering on campus. Students interviewed felt that the reason that there was so much litter on campus was due to the fact that we have a shortage of trash cans at the University.

We will be putting more trash cans in strategic areas to address this issue; however, I am very disappointed that this situation is being used to justify littering on campus. When you see what you perceive to be a problem, as adults it is your responsibility to use the right channels to rectify it. Littering is not an appropriate response to this problem. Letting the administration know about a shortage of trash cans is the correct response.

We have a beautiful campus. A substantial amount of effort and resources have been dedicated towards making Norwich University one of the most beautiful campuses in New England. For nine months of the year you live at Norwich. Take pride in your university. Treat the campus with the same care and respect that you treat your own home.

Last week I had an opportunity to speak with the cadet freshmen class. During the conversation I asked these students to think about what kind of leaders they would like to be.  At some point, one of these freshmen will be the Regimental Commander. 

Looking further ahead into the future, many of these young men and women may be leading other soldiers on the battlefield, or staff members in a corporate setting.  Now is the time to begin developing the leadership skills that you will use for the rest of your lives.  Our second Guiding Value states, "We are dedicated to learning, emphasizing teamwork, leadership, creativity, and critical thinking." I encourage you to work on living this value every day to reach your highest potential as a leader.

By the time you are reading this column we will have concluded the 15th annual Colby Military Writers' Symposium at Norwich. The theme for this year's symposium was "America at the Crossroads: The Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan." 

Carlo D´Este, executive director, put together a wonderful panel of guests that guaranteed dynamic discussions both in the classroom and at the popular Public Session. 

We are also in the middle of the spring Todd Lecture Series (TLS). Four TLS events have been held so far. The final two lectures scheduled will be architect Jeanne Gang on March 31 and Lt. Gen. David Deptua on April 6.

We are very fortunate to have both the Colby and the TLS events at Norwich. The speakers that we bring onto campus help us gain insight on certain topics, and provoke intellectual dialogue and discussion about a variety of issues. I encourage all students to make the time to hear these speakers.

It is hard to believe that we are already into the month of March. The end of the semester is quickly approaching. I hope that you have a safe and relaxing Spring Break, and come back energized and ready for the final push of the academic year.