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Alumni in the News

At Norwich, you developed leadership traits — discipline, integrity, confidence, loyalty, and honor — for you to excel in any profession.

Read below, and follow the external news source links, for stories of Norwich alumni demonstrating leadership and WickGrit in their work or service lives.

Alumni Spotlight

William Cuervo '14
William Cuervo '14

In a recent social media post, William Cuervo '14 of 3YourMind wrote, “As I make my way to the airport to head to the U.S. Navy’s Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Danville, Va., I am nothing but grateful that I found an industry that allotted me to do what I’ve always wanted to do—support the needs of our nation and contribute to the national security mission.”


Cuervo's statement should come as no surprise to those who’ve had the pleasure of meeting Cuervo. This one-time Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadet has a mission:  to support the United States warfighter with advanced manufacturing technology.


Read the full story at www.sme.org/.../articles/2024/january/cuervos-gold/

 


Kürt Blomquist, P.E. '85 Kürt Blomquist '85
February 26, 2024 
The New Hampshire Engineering Societies has named Kürt Blomquist, P.E. as the 2024 Engineer of the Year.  He was nominated for this prestigious award based on his impressive contributions to the engineering and public works profession, his dedication to public welfare, and his service to the community through numerous volunteer activities. See the full article (links to news site). 


Billy Whaley '17Billy Whaley '17
February 20, 2024 
Congratulations to Billy Whaley '17 on his 2024 induction as one of seven standout student-athletes to the Vermont Principal's Association Hall of Fame! As the VPA's press release states "Whaley was a standout athlete from Northfield High School [where] it was baseball where Whaley left an indelible mark. Notably, he boasted a staggering 18-1 career pitching record... a career batting average of .389, and a slugging percentage of .582, [earning] recognition as the Times Argus Baseball Player of the Year in both 2011 and 2012. He went on to a standout career at Norwich University where he is now an assistant coach." See the VPS press release (Billy is listed near the end of the release) or see our Facebook post. 


Daniel M. Lay, Esq. '83Dan Lay '83
January 31, 2024 
Daniel M. Lay, Esq. was named President of HM Payson & Co. at the annual meeting of Company shareholders in January. Founded in 1854, HM Payson is the oldest investment firm in the country still operating under its original name and oversees more than $6.5B in client assets from offices in Portland, Brunswick and Damariscotta, Maine. Dan, a 1983 graduate of Norwich, is also parent to a Cadet in the Class of '26. 


Brigadier General Matthew Braman '95BG Matthew Braman '95
January 26, 2024
Congratulations to Matthew Braman '95 who has been promoted to U.S. Army Brigadier General. In a highly anticipated ceremony, BG Braman was formally pinned to the rank of Brigadier General by his two sons, sister, girlfriend, and additional close friends and family. We are proud to honor and celebrate his 28 years of service that has led to this achievement. See the full article (links to news site).


BG Tracy Poirier '96 (third from left) at Theresian Military Academy where she, representing Norwich University, and Austrian counterparts signed an agreement establishing a student exchange program for cadets.
BG Tracey Poirier '96

January 25, 2024
In a significant demonstration of support for the strengthening relationship between the Vermont National Guard and Austria, Gen. Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, joined Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, The Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, and Brig. Gen. Tracy Poirier, Director of the Joint Staff, in key meetings with the Austrian Bundesheer leadership. The visit to the Theresian Military Academy was a cornerstone event, where Brig. Gen. Poirier, representing Norwich University, and Austrian counterparts signed an agreement establishing a student exchange program for cadets. See more (links to news site).


Maj. Alex Redznak '14
January 16, 2024
Maj. Redznak is currently serving as a Nuclear Operations Officer from Nuclear Disablement Team 3, and recently had the privilege to accompany the members of the U.S. Army Nuclear Disablement Teams on a visit to the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station. "Their training center provides a wealth of knowledge to empower the NDTs on reactor systems," said Redznak. "If we continue this relationship, the NDTs will integrate frequent visits to Peach Bottom into their future training plan." See the full article (links to www.army.mil site).


Andrea DeLaBruere '93Andrea DeLaBruere '93
November 28, 2023
Andrea DeLaBruere, who has led the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) for almost two years, will become the second-in-command at the State of VT Agency of Digital Services, charged with modernizing and simplifying the state’s IT systems. See the full article (links to news site).


Sgt. Michael Filipek '09Sgt. Michael Filipek '09
November 10, 2023
Congratulations to Sgt. Michael Filipek '09, patrol commander and acting lieutenant at the St. Albans, VT Barracks. Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police, announced the move Wednesday, Nov. 8. Lt. Filipek has worked with the state police at the St. Albans Barracks since graduating from the Vermont Police Academy in November 2015, with brief stints in the Field Force Division to the Criminal Division as a detective trooper assigned to the Williston Barracks, and the Lamoille County Special Investigations Unit. See the full article (links to news site).


William Onofrio M'10William Onofrio M'10
October 14, 2023
Join us in congratulating William Onofrio M'10; October 16 was his first day as deputy police chief in Hamden, CT. Onofrio has served Hamden police for nearly 19 years, starting as an officer and climbing the ranks to his current position as captain. See more (links to news site).


Dr. Neil J. Campbell 1982Dr. Neil Campbell '82
October 10, 2023
Congratulations to Dr. Campbell who was appointed as President and CEO of Blue Water Biotech, Inc. Dr. Campbell has more than 35 years of experience with public and private companies focused on biopharmaceuticals, health technologies, nanotechnologies, artificial intelligence and super-computing. He currently serves as chairman of Mosaigen®, a commercial development company, and Patriax Industries™, a protective device company. See more (links to industry news site). 


LTC Alyssa Y. Astphan, ARNG '02LTC Alyssa Y. Astphan, ARNG '02
October 5, 2023
Alyssa was recently named Inspector General and Title IX Coordinator at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). She commissioned as an ordnance office into the U.S. Army immediately after graduation and was active duty for five years, including being stationed in Korea. After her time in the U.S. Army, Astphan began serving in the Virginia Army National Guard (VAARNG), continuing to advance her career. See more (links to VMI news page).


GEN Muhamad A. Perkasa M1999GEN Muhamad A. Perkasa M'99
October 4, 2023
Former Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General (ret.) Andika Perkasa is in consideration as a Vice Presidential candidate to join Ganjar Pranowo's Indonesian Presidential run.
Andika has held multiple strategic positions in the Indonesian military including Commander of the TNI and Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army. See more (links to Indonesian news site).


Bianca Klepper '232LT Bianca Klepper '23
October 2, 2023
New US Army 2LT Bianca Klepper '23 chose US Navy veteran Scott Caulfield, Norwich University Director of Strength and Conditioning, as her first salute. The honored tradition of a first salute acknowledges the respect accorded the new rank and position as well as recognizing an enlisted person who provided significant help and support throughout the officer training program. See more (links to Facebook post).


Sean Patrick Kalletta '17Sean Patrick Kalletta '17
September 25, 2023
Congratulations to Carnegie Medal recipient Sean Patrick Kalletta '17, who will receive the honor for saving a couple and their dog from a house fire. The Carnegie Hero Fund awards the Carnegie Medal to individuals from throughout the US and Canada who risk themselves to an extraordinary degree saving or attempting to save the lives of others. It is considered North America’s highest civilian honor for heroism. See the full article (links to news site).


Colm Walker '05Colm Walker '05
September 10, 2023
Colm, Skeleton Crew Watch Captain, leads an all-veteran crew set to participate in the 2023 Ocean Globe Race representing the US. The military veterans will circumnavigate the globe, without using GPS or location technology, in the largest ocean sailing race in the world. See the full article (links to news site).


William Tucker '04William Tucker '04
September 8, 2023
Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. is pleased to announce that Counsel Attorney William Tucker has been accepted into Class VI of the Florida Fellows Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). See news on Bressler, Amery & Ross site.


Dennis Fleming '90Dennis Fleming '90
August 31, 2023
Former major with the Rhode Island State Police and current Lincoln resident Dennis Fleming has accepted the role of police chief in Lincoln, RI. “I’ve lived (here) since 2000, I raised my kids here, I’ve been a Little League coach. I just love this community, and now I get to be part of it in a different way,” he said. See the full article (links to news site).


George Fuller '84George Fuller '82
August 30, 2023
Around 30 years ago, a young George Fuller moved to what was once a small-town community of 37,000 residents. That town was McKinney, TX. A business owner, musician and developer, Fuller has worn several hats throughout his time in McKinney. See more in the article "More than a mayor: How McKinney Mayor George Fuller developed a love for his community"


Ryan Kelly '11Ryan Kelly '11
August 23, 2023
Ryan, a four-year member of both the Norwich University football and baseball teams, was recently promoted to Athletic Director at Long Island University (LIU). "I am forever grateful for my time at Norwich," Ryan said. "It has been the essential qualities of leadership and foundational skills from Norwich that have had the greatest impact on my career. Those qualities are at the core of who I am..." See the full article (links to Norwich athletics site).


John Kleinhans M’16John Kleinhans M'16
August 15, 2023
Congratulations to John on being named the new Assistant Director of Finance for the City of Danbury, CT. Prior to his appointment, Kleinhans served as the city’s government affairs and communications advisor. See Facebook post.


Steve Gagner '03 & M'17
August 15, 2023
Gagner, the former battalion commander of the Army Mountain Warfare School and founder of 14th Star Brewing Co., has served in the Army for the past 28 years. He retired Friday, Aug. 11, to start a new career in academia as a member of the teaching faculty of the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business. See the full article (links to news site).


Aliah Curry '15Aliah Curry '15
August 13, 2023
Eight years after capping off one of the most historic careers in Norwich athletics history, Aliah Curry '15 was formally inducted into the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Hall of Fame. See the full article (links to Norwich athletics site).


SGT MAJ Michael Weimer '15SGT MAJ Michael Weimer '15
August 4, 2023
Congratulations to SGT MAJ Michael R. Weimer on his recent appointment as the new Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army. As the service's top enlisted leader, Weimer oversees the force and assures they are ready for war. His new role also requires Weimer to serve as the face of the U.S. Army, along with supervising personnel issues within the branch. See the full article (links to Norwich news site).


Doug Farnham '11Doug Farnham M'11
August 3, 2023
Vermont Governor Phil Scott announced that he has appointed Doug Farnham as chief recovery officer, following the catastrophic July flooding. Farnham has served as the deputy secretary of the Agency of Administration (AOA) since December 2021. In his new role, Farnham will incorporate and coordinate Vermont’s flood recovery efforts with the ongoing historic community revitalization work that is underway as the result of pandemic-era recovery funds. See press release
and Facebook post.


 

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