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.





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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).