Norwich officials investigating incident

For Immediate Release                                                     Contact: Daphne Larkin

Dec. 17, 2009                                                                    802-485-2886

                                                                                          dlarkin@norwich.edu

NEWS RELEASE

Norwich officials investigating incident

NORTHFIELD, Vt. (Dec. 17, 2009) – Norwich University officials began an investigation yesterday into an incident involving cadets that occurred on December 6 on campus.

Yesterday afternoon Norwich officials received information of an occurrence that appears to violate our rules and possibly Vermont law. Norwich has notified the Northfield Police and will cooperate with their investigation. 

Norwich officials have begun the process of collecting statements, retained an outside investigator and will take appropriate administrative action as necessary.

At this time we will not release any further details because we do not want to prejudice police or internal investigations or students in the process of giving statements pertaining to the event.

We are making this announcement because we want the community to know that we take reports of this nature very seriously and we will pursue the truth and adjudicate any student found guilty of violating our rules or Vermont law.

“This is a message to students: The senior class knows this type of behavior is wrong, and we will respond in earnest to any report like this,” said President Richard Schneider. “Norwich has zero tolerance for any inappropriate behavior. We will not allow the actions of a few to tarnish the accomplishments of thousands of alumni and students over our proud 190 year history.”

Norwich has taken significant steps to address, among other things, the issue of inappropriate training and lack of mutual respect. This fall, the Corps of Cadets underwent a restructuring to provide the best leadership and educational environment. Also cadet leaders and freshmen annually receive extensive training in identifying and reporting inappropriate behavior.

“Norwich University is committed to provide the best possible environment in which we educate women and men to become 21^st century citizen soldiers,” Schneider said. 

˜˜˜

Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

Norwich University observes Veterans Day

For Immediate Release
Nov. 6, 2009
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886
dlarkin@norwich.edu

NEWS RELEASE

Norwich University observes Veterans Day

…To honor those that have served and those in our community preparing to deploy…

NORTHFIELD, Vt. (Nov. 6, 2009) – The Norwich University community and the Corps of Cadets will pay tribute to all veterans with a special remembrance ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 1:15 p.m. on the Upper Parade Ground by the flag pole.

Our guest speaker will be Norwich University Professor of Military Science COL Steven P. Carney '82, USA.

An open reception will follow the ceremony in the Foyer of Jackman Hall.

Members of the Norwich and Northfield communities, area veterans, and those currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States are cordially invited to attend.

The tribute on the UP includes nine minutes of canon fire in the Roll of Wars and a twenty-one gun salute.





Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

Norwich University volunteers give to local community on Alumni National Day of Service

For Immediate Release
Nov. 2, 2009
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886
dlarkin@norwich.edu

NEWS RELEASE

Norwich University volunteers give to local community on Alumni National Day of Service

NORTHFIELD, Vt. (Nov. 2, 2009) – Norwich University and the NU Club of Central Vermont will dedicate Saturday, Nov. 7, to community service in seven different sites throughout the region as part of the first NU Alumni National Day of Service.

Over 80 students, faculty, staff and alumni will give time to one of these sites:

• VT Food Bank: Volunteers will sort food for the Foodbank while earning purchasing credits for CERV, our Northfield Food Shelf.
• VT Cross Trail: Volunteers will be continuing to build a section of the trail in East Montpelier by hand, using no motorized equipment.
• Dog River Clean-up and Invasive Species Removal along the river
• Paine Mountain Clean-up
• Thatcher Brook Primary School: Volunteers will help to build Adventure Course/school playground.
• Northfield Conservation Commission: Volunteers will help to build a lean-to at the top for hikers.
• Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers will help to renovate a home in Orange.


That day the nation’s oldest private military college and birthplace of ROTC will launch its first ever coordinated national day of service with alumni clubs across the country.

“I’m very excited to see this idea come to fruition,” said Nicole DiDomenico, director of NU’s Center for Civic Engagement. “A dedication to serving others before selves is what bridges all of our students – current students and alums, civilian and military, American and international. The choice of incorporating service to others into one’s lifestyle has been a common thread among all NU community members and I believe, truly a unique and a distinguishing characteristic of our alums.”

On Nov. 7 11 alumni clubs located across the country will give time to their local communities.

Here’s a sampling of other events going on across the country:

• 3 Fisher Houses are being adopted (MD and DC Clubs) – we’ll be giving them a good scrubbing and providing bagged lunches for the residents heading out to medical appointments
• The Philadelphia Veteran’s Community Living Center will be enjoying a great lunch and afternoon of bingo thanks to the NU Club of the Delaware Valley
• Toys will be collected for the children of deployed troops in the Hudson Valley of New York and the Boston area
• Books will be collected for Operation Paperback in the Boston area and for the local VFW Book Drive in Central Florida
• An amazing care package is going to be put together for the NU Club of Iraq compliments of the NU Club of the Hudson Valley
• The San Antonio, TX Foodbank will get extra sets of hands thanks to the San Antonio Club
• Extra money will be raised to combat drunk driving and drug use at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, NC
• The Upper Valley Club will be partnering with the Upper Valley Vet Center to host the Mobile Vet Center (MVC) in White River Junction. Veterans will be invited to come out for support, counseling and advice provided by the MVC while Norwich students and alumni will provide food, warmth and listening ears.

National Day of Norwich Service - Central Vermont Chapter

Saturday, November 7, 2009
7:30 am - Meet up at Norwich University, Milano Ballroom
8:00 am - Carpools will disperse to the project of your choice
Afterwards we'll gather together again for some food and to share the stories of our service.

For more information or to register contact:

Nicole DiDomenico, director of NU’s Center for Civic Engagement, at 802-485-2670 or ndidomen@norwich.edu.



Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

Rep. Welch to visit new nursing facility and simulation labs at Norwich

For Immediate Release
Oct. 16, 2009

Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886
dlarkin@norwich.edu

Paul H. Heintz
Communications Director
Rep. Peter Welch (VT-AL)
202.226.8346(o) 202.577.7970(c)



NEWS RELEASE

Rep. Welch to visit new nursing facility and simulation labs at Norwich

NORTHFIELD, Vt. (Oct. 16, 2009) – On Monday, Oct. 19 at 1:45 p.m., Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) will visit Norwich University’s new nursing facility for a tour of the state-of-the-art simulation labs that were funded through a US Dept. of Education grant obtained by Welch.

The $335,000 DOE grant was used to purchase myriad teaching equipment including nine simulation mannequins; associated software to represent evidence based clinical practice; a computer driven medication delivery system to enable students to learn on high technology devices engineered to optimize patient safety in medication administration and various other high-tech equipment.

Norwich invested over $1 million to upgrade the building space to accommodate the brand new facility, which opened this fall serving 145 students in the undergraduate nursing program.

“By investing in this state-of-the-art nursing facility, Norwich University has once again demonstrated its commitment to training future leaders in the nursing profession,” Welch said. “Like many rural states, Vermont is projected to face a critical shortage of nurses in the near future. This expansion will help alleviate that shortage and improve the quality of nursing throughout Vermont.”

The new facility has already had a dramatic effect on the teaching opportunities for future nurses.

“This DOE grant represents more than just the addition of state of the art resources for our program,” said Valerie McCarthy, chair of the nursing department. “Since the start of the semester, the excitement and energy present in the students has been visible. Among our most important goals are to educate nurses for the military services and to alleviate the acute shortage of BSN nurses who will practice in the state of Vermont. We are grateful to Representative Welch for enabling us to contribute to these very important objectives with this wonderful grant.”




Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

Norwich University fully reinstates wrestling and tennis programs

For Immediate Release
Oct. 14, 2009
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886
dlarkin@norwich.edu

NEWS RELEASE

Norwich University fully reinstates wrestling and tennis programs

NORTHFIELD, Vt. (Oct. 14, 2009) – Norwich University officials announced today that due to record enrollments in the freshmen class, the wrestling and tennis programs will not be cut from the university’s varsity sports lineup but will remain fully funded beyond this season.

In December 2008 the University announced it would cut both programs due to budgetary constraints brought on by the national and global economic crisis, which reduced the university’s endowment and strained some students’ ability to pay for college. University officials wanted to cut costs to keep a Norwich education affordable.

Gifts from alumni and friends made to support the programs will be used to enhance these teams’ experience.

Wrestling will remain in Norwich’s varsity sport lineup on the same footing as other varsity sports; there is no roster cap, and Norwich will enhance its recruiting budget to help assure that any loss in team numbers will be overcome, according to university officials.

“I am extremely pleased that we have been able to bring back the two athletic programs that were originally dropped at the end of the school year last year,” said Tony Mariano, athletic director. “Both wrestling and tennis have been successful programs at the university and have had quality student-athlete participation. They will continue in full operation and we look forward to their future success in Norwich athletics.”





Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

For Immediate Release
Oct. 9, 2009
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886
dlarkin@norwich.edu

NEWS RELEASE

Norwich investigating students suspected of assault on another student

NORTHFIELD, Vt. (Oct. 9, 2009) – Norwich University officials have begun an investigation into an incident in which several Rooks (freshmen cadets) allegedly assaulted another Rook after lights-out on Sunday night.

Norwich University officials are cooperating with Northfield Police, who are also investigating the allegations.

The alleged incident involved approximately 13 Rooks, and all students implicated in this event remain on campus.

The incident had been discovered and responded to by a team of cadre leaders on Sunday night.

The incident came to the attention of Norwich officials Monday morning when a member of the training cadre reported it to the Office of the Commandant, at which point Norwich began collecting statements from those allegedly involved.

“We applaud the cadre’s response to the situation Sunday night; they absolutely did the right thing,” said BG Michael Kelley, Vice President for Student Life and Commandant of Cadets at Norwich. “Any reported incident triggers close scrutiny by the administration. I can tell you that everyone, from the students to the senior administration, is deeply disappointed when these kinds of allegations are made,” he added. “This is not our culture and not what we’re about.”




Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

For Immediate Release
Oct. 8, 2009
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886
dlarkin@norwich.edu

NEWS RELEASE

Former US Comptroller, David M. Walker to present at Norwich

…Walker shares with the Central Vermont community his extensive experience as the US Government’s chief auditor and his advocacy for addressing fiscal and sustainability challenges…

NORTHFIELD, Vt. (Oct. 8, 2009) – Norwich University’s Todd Lecture Series presents David M. Walker, former head of the US Government Accountability Office and currently president of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, on Tuesday, October 13 at 7 p.m.

Like a modern-day Paul Revere, Walker warns that while our country’s current fiscal crisis is eerily similar to the downfall of Rome, Americans have a proven historical capacity to overcome any challenge when “We the People” wake up and get going.

Walker shares an engaging historical perspective that takes listeners from Rome to the Founding Fathers’ original intent and from today’s modern-day challenges to tomorrow’s opportunities.

In spite of the fiscal crisis, Walker imparts his faith that Americans will respond with commitment to the sacrifices required to make sure that our future is better than our past.

Audience members will learn: lessons from history and our modern-day financial challenge; how the country arrived at its present condition and the implications of our “status quo” path; measures that must be taken to right the country’s financial ills and the importance of leadership and a call to action for our future leaders.

This event is free and open to the public.



Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

For Immediate Release
Oct. 1, 2009
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886
dlarkin@norwich.edu

NEWS RELEASE

Norwich University celebrates Homecoming 2009 this weekend

NORTHFIELD, Vt. (Oct. 1, 2009) – Norwich University’s class of 1959 (which includes GEN Gordon R. Sullivan, former Army Chief of Staff under President Clinton, and Pierson Mapes, former president of NBC television) enters the ranks of Norwich’s “Old Guard” as they celebrate their 50th reunion on the Norwich campus this weekend.

COVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES:

• Friday, Oct. 2, at 4:15 p.m. family members of three NU’59 classmates who died fighting in Vietnam will receive the “Old Guard” medallions on behalf of their spouses/fathers during a Corps of Cadets parade on the U.P. The class of ’59, which includes numerous Vietnam veterans, raised $10,000 to bring these family members to Norwich this weekend.

• Saturday, Oct. 3 at 3:15 p.m. during halftime of the Homecoming football game President Richard Schneider will announce the early end of the Norwich Forever capital campaign. The goal of the campaign, launched in 2005, was $55 million, and is ending a year early due to unprecedented success in part due to Pierson Mapes’ Mapes Match, which has yielded over $18 million in support to Norwich.



Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

For Immediate Release
Oct. 1, 2009
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886
dlarkin@norwich.edu

NEWS RELEASE

Former NBC official’s giving yields over $18 million to Norwich University

...As Pierson Mapes celebrates his 50th reunion, Norwich University announces record giving by the class of ’59 boosted by the Mapes Match…

NORTHFIELD, Vt. (Oct. 1, 2009) – Former president of the NBC television network, Pierson Mapes, NU’59, offered an opportunity to Norwich University, the institution he credits with instilling in him the integrity that brought him success in the business world, that has yielded support for Norwich totaling over $18 million to date.

As reported in the Wall Street Journal in 2007, Mapes offered to match estate contributions from members of the “Old Guard” – a Norwich tradition recognizing alumni celebrating their 50-year reunion.

He later expanded the offer to include significant cash contributions and a unique match for his own class as they prepared to join the ranks of the Old Guard.

For Mapes, the decision was very simple.

“Ten years ago my wife, Pat, and I decided that we can make a difference at Norwich which would help America,” he said. “I said to myself $10 million will be great when we die but why not leverage this now.”

Mapes said he saw an opportunity to double his gift.

“It’s an incredible gift,” said Norwich President Richard Schneider. “It has had a profound effect on our fundraising because it meant that people could double their money. Norwich alumni are so smart and competitive that when an opportunity is put before them they rise to it, and that’s exactly what Pier Mapes did.”

To date, the class of ’59 has given over $12 million total to Norwich with 92 percent participation – a Norwich record.

This weekend at Homecoming ceremonies, Schneider will announce the early end of the Norwich Forever capital campaign. The goal of the campaign, launched in 2005, was $55 million, and is ending a year early due to unprecedented success.




Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

Norwich University to welcome record number of incoming ROTC scholars

For Immediate Release
August 19, 2009
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886
dlarkin@norwich.edu


NEWS RELEASE


Norwich University to welcome record number of incoming ROTC scholars


…Admissions numbers at the oldest private military college in the country reflect national trend…


NORTHFIELD, Vt. (August 19, 2009) – On Friday, August 21, Norwich University will welcome a record number of incoming students that are scholarship recipients of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).


These 121 distinguished students will arrive prior to the rest of the incoming students. This year Norwich will welcome over 700 incoming freshmen, about 500 of whom will enter into the Corps of Cadets, the largest incoming class at Norwich University in at least three decades.


This number of ROTC scholar winners reflects the national trend of increase, illustrated by the number of incoming Army ROTC scholars, which has increased from 26 last year to 86 this year. The rest of the ROTC scholars represent the other three branches of the Armed Services – Navy, Marines and Air Force.


Students that accept ROTC scholarships agree to serve in their branch of the Armed Services for various numbers of years upon commissioning and graduation from Norwich University.


“It is a very important decision in one's life to commit oneself to serving their country and these young men and women are taking that first step towards supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States,” said Colonel Jon VanGuilder, Commander, AFROTC Det 867. “Norwich University has always been a part of this important commitment, and each one of them will follow a long list of distinguished NU grads that have served in peacetime and in war.”


ROTC scholars arrive early on campus to begin in-processing, which – depending on the service – includes PT testing and a swearing-in ceremony. There will be a reception at 5 p.m. on Friday, August 21, with a celebratory dinner to follow in Plumley Armory with former Vermont Adjutant General Martha Rainville as keynote speaker.


All 121 ROTC scholarship students will assemble on the steps of Jackman Hall in front of the Garrison Flag at 4:45 p.m. Friday for a photo.






Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

For Immediate Release

August 18, 2009

Contact: Daphne Larkin

802-485-2886

dlarkin@norwich.edu

NEWS RELEASE

Norwich University opens new residence hall to be LEED-certified

…Project completed $1 million under budget and three weeks ahead of schedule…

NORTHFIELD, Vt. (August 18, 2009) – Norwich University officials announced the opening of South Hall, a newly constructed residence hall anticipated to receive Gold-level LEED certification and completed $1 million under budget and opening three weeks ahead of schedule.

“We are very happy to complete the project under budget and ahead of schedule, but most important the new dorm will provide a beautiful home for 283 of our students,” said Dave Magida, Norwich University chief administrative officer. “With the design of the building and a wide variety of lounge and study spaces I believe that we’ve exceeded our students’ expectations.”

The $25.2 million project was funded through loans, and the cost savings are a result of a unique arrangement in which Norwich University served as construction manager.

“In this role we were able to negotiate contracts with reputable, experienced contractors and make them part of the design team. This helped to drastically reduce the number of change orders, and resulted in us running into very few problems during construction,” Magida said.

In addition to the efficiency of the actual construction, the building itself was designed according to standards that qualify it to be certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). LEED, a “green” building rating system – developed and administered by the US Green Building Council, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit coalition of building industry leaders –promotes design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being.

The LEED rating system offers four certification levels for new construction—Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum—that correspond to the number of credits accrued in five green design categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

“With the expectation that we will receive Gold LEED certification—our first at Norwich University—this building will serve as a benchmark for all future projects,” Magida said.

The major contractors were Vermont Mechanical; Bates & Murray (electrical); Ziter Masonry; Carrara & Sons (precast concrete); SD Ireland (concrete), and Dubois Construction (excavation).

Highlights of the new dorm:

· South Hall is the largest building on campus to date.

· One hundred percent of the building’s energy use will be offset by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits.

· The building contains recycled content, locally manufactured and low VOC materials and products.

· All bedroom windows will have sensors which shut off the heating system when windows have been left open.

· Efficient water use strategies throughout the building will reduce water usage by over 30 percent for a building of this size and type.

˜˜˜

Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).