If the past year has proven anything, it is that the Norwich community takes “the impossible” and makes it very much possible. In June 2020, we set out to raise $9 million in new commitments for our Shoulder-to-Shoulder fundraising initiative. Twelve months later, we ended the fiscal year with a remarkable $10,576,457. As we all navigated a global pandemic—and Norwich adjusted to remote teaching, a period of mandatory dormitory quarantine for students, and a new president—this achievement could have been deemed implausible. Instead, the Norwich family stepped forward, empowering the university to not only meet its fundraising goal but to exceed it.
As Norwich looks ahead, it is crucial to build on our foundation of excellence. In the words of Dr. Mark Anarumo, our 24th president, we must “innovate or perish.” We must take bold, forward-thinking action to keep pace with current and future needs. This requires ensuring that the academic experience remains innovative, relevant, and affordable, and that Norwich graduates have the technical savvy and cultural acumen to thrive in all industries, whether the military, government, business, or service sectors. The challenges and opportunities of the 21st century might look different from those when Norwich was founded in 1819, but our mission remains the same: shaping the highest caliber of leaders and global citizens.
That is why our Shoulder-to-Shoulder fundraising initiative is paramount to our continued success. Launched last October, Shoulder-to-Shoulder aims to raise $28 million by May 2023 to make Norwich more affordable and keep it on the cutting edge. As of May 31, 2021, we are at $12,497,700 and off to a strong start, yet the work continues. Shoulder-to-Shoulder represents how each and every one of our gifts adds up to something spectacular. Whether you are a brand-new alumnus or graduated four decades ago—or you are a student, parent, faculty or staff member, or community partner—your participation lifts us into our third century of distinction.
In the following pages you will find stories of committed Norwich supporters who have invested in Shoulder-to-Shoulder, bolstering its five priorities: the Norwich Fund, Scholarships, Technology Endowment, Academic Enhancement, and Planned Giving. Among these priorities, our focus is on the Norwich Fund, which provides flexible resources to address the university’s most urgent needs. I hope you are inspired by these examples of generosity in service to our next generation and our nation.
On behalf of us all at Norwich, thank you once again for your partnership and your continued commitment. By standing Shoulder-to-Shoulder, we will continue to exceed expectations and blaze new trails for our students, country, and world.
Norwich Forever!
Alan DeForest ’75
Chair, Norwich University Board of Trustees