Naomi Rinaldo ’19
Major: Political Science
Current City: New York, New York
Investigations Analyst at The Estée Lauder Companies
“During my sophomore year I had the privilege of being a part of the Norwich EMIT (Extremist Mimicry Interception Tool) team that won first place in the Peer to Peer: Challenging Extremism competition sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security. The goal of the project was to counter the spread of violent extremism using an online platform. Upon winning the competition, we presented our work throughout Washington, DC. Our success would not have been possible without the support of the Peace and War Center leadership and countless faculty members. Thanks to my Norwich experience, I got a job working as an Investigations Analyst with Estée Lauder in New York City. Norwich truly changed my life.”
Ethan Hagstrom ’20
c/Col, Norwich University Corps of Cadets
Hometown: Bedford, New Hampshire
Major: Communications
“During my time here at Norwich, the opportunities to serve have been abundant and extremely gratifying. My freshman year, I got involved with the Norwich University Legacy March, a 50 mile, three-day foot march to raise funds and awareness for The Veterans’ Place, a local non-profit that provides support services to Vermont veterans in need. Junior year, I was honored to become the President of the Legacy March Committee.
Additionally, I participated in both the Student Government Association and the Honor Committee, which provided insight into the various governance systems at Norwich.
These experiences culminated in my selection to be the 2019-2020 Regimental Commander. This is a title I am proud and humbled to bear, and one I intend to use to make a lasting, positive impact on not only the Corps, but the school as a whole. Norwich has changed my life, and for that, I will be forever grateful. Thank you for investing in students like me.”
Destanie Decius ’20
Major: Chemistry and Education
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Post-Norwich Plans: Attend the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program
“Aside from all of the great people I have met at Norwich, I have had the opportunity to serve the community in more ways than I could imagine. Through the Center for Civic Engagement, I attended a three-week service trip to Tanzania during the summer of 2019, working with a non-profit organization called Upendo Mmoja.
The opportunities here are endless and our faculty and staff make sure each student gets not only a top-of-the-line education, but the full Norwich experience. Thank you for investing in students like me.”
Marissa Perrotti ’19
Hometown: Moultonborough, NH
Major: Criminal Justice
Post-Norwich Plans: Pursue career in federal law enforcement
“Growing up, I always wanted to study criminal justice, which made Norwich a perfect fit. After my freshman year I received a coveted internship with the Department of Homeland Security. Norwich gave me the skills and knowledge to thrive in the workforce and separated me from the pack. Since the Homeland Security internship I worked on a sociological undergraduate research project and was inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma (National Criminal Justice Honor Society). In addition, I am a four-year athlete on the Norwich Women’s Varsity Volleyball Team.
I truly believe I would not be where I am today without all the help and support Norwich University has given me. Thank you.”