The Norwich class ring is now available to CGCS graduates! The Norwich ring is the most prized of an alumni’s worldly possessions, and much effort goes into earning the right to wear it.
The ring tradition at Norwich began in the spring of 1923, when the senior class adopted a class ring for each member of the class who would graduate in June. It was expected that each class would follow the precedent of the class of 1923. In time, the process of ring design and presentation shifted to the Junior year. However, it was not until the mid-1960s that a policy for standardization of the ring design was in place.
Now we offer a class ring specifically for CGCS students and alumni to be a treasured symbol of our experiences at Norwich
The Norwich Side
Eagle
Surmounted on the Norwich shield, the eagle is symbolic of strength and courage in its depiction of both our school and our national symbol.
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Superimposed on the eagle, the proud name of our institution.
Norwich Shield
Depicts a cannon and an engineer’s transit in the foreground of our nearby mountain ranges. The rays of the rising sun represent our beginning and hope of fulfillment. The cannon represents the military heritage of the institution; the engineers transit represents our academic mission.
The Class Side
Rising/Setting Sun
The sun in the design symbolizes the dawn of opportunities for our class and the end of our time at Norwich. The view that our class witnessed in the early mornings of our academic days and the late evenings of our social lives. The sun peaks at the height of the mountains, just as we have peaked as a class in the pride we carry for our accomplishments thus far at Norwich.
Eagle
The symbol of our nation. The Eagle stands ever vigilant, willing to defend our country and the freedom of others if need be. It represents the patriotism, determination, and perseverance of our class. The bald eagle, with its outstretched talons grasping its prey, represents our great nation and the zeal with which all graduates will undertake their future endeavors.
Mountains
The mountains in our design illustrate the venerable foundation upon which our university rests. This foundation comes both in the form of Green Mountains as the physical foundation and the principles and ideals that Norwich was founded upon as the ideological foundation. Norwich has continued to uphold to this day these principles and its graduates will carry them forward long into the future with the help of our class and those classes to come.
Hillside
The hillside is emblematic of the challenges we have faced at Norwich, and those we will overcome during the reminder of our time here. The hillside sloping into the distance signifies future opportunities as we continue to press on to greater distinction and honor. The downward slope reminds us of the challenges of the past and the need to hold steady to avoid a fall from the achievements that we have already attained.
Bridge
The Class of 1959 Bridge is a crosswalk most of us use or pass underneath when on campus. It is a tangible symbol of life at Norwich, uniting our student body and community. The foundation at Norwich has been set in stone by our predecessors and we have girded them in iron with our accomplishments so far. Our strengthening of the already solid foundation of the institution by our current work and our future endeavors cannot help but to ensure that our connection to our alma mater will not fail.
Alden Partridge
The founding father of Norwich University whose values and visions still hold true today. Regardless of the lifestyle chosen, Norwich offers the opportunity for achievement in the Alden Partridge tradition. He stands at the center, a beacon of servant leadership, a central figure for all to aspire to be.
“I Will Try”
It was said to have been used as a rallying cry by a former president of the university, Truman Bishop Ransom, before his death as he charged a hill at the Battle of Chapultepec during the Mexican War. It conveys the spirit of the University and has been adopted as our motto: “I will try." Our motto is a constant reminder to always try, putting forth an effort in every venture to live Capt. Partridge’s ideals to be useful citizens.
Centennial Stairs
The Centennial Stairs mark the significance of Norwich’s past and present. As rooks, earning the privilege to descend the Centennial Stairs is a rite of passage, which is symbolized by the stairs being connected (joined) with the rook piece at the bottom of the ring. The stairs are a reminder of those who have ascended before us. Their collective accomplishments contribute to the legacy that is Norwich University and represent a long and storied history of excellence and service to others.
Bicentennial Stairs
In commemoration of Norwich’s Bicentennial in 2019, a stairway constructed between the southeast corner of the Upper Parade and the Sullivan Museum and History Center memorializes 78 individuals who made significant contributions to the development and legacy of the University in its second century. Norwich’s leaders, distinguished alumni and others from military and civilian careers and those who represent “firsts” at Norwich are represented on these monuments. These stairs serve as a tribute and daily reminder of those who personify Capt. Partridge’s ideals and exemplify Norwich’s mission “to make moral, patriotic, effective and useful citizens.”
Goodyear Gates
The open gates welcome us back whether in spirit or actuality. The gates remind us of the paths taken by those who came before us and connect the CGCS students with the heritage of Norwich University.