Watch the inaugural Bonds of Gold Ring Melt:
The Norwich ring symbolizes pride and perseverance, triumph and tradition. It is a lifelong reminder of the Hill and the guiding values of honor, respect and integrity.
In celebration of Norwich University Corps of Cadets’ 100-year ring tradition, we have established Bonds of Gold. This program invites alumni and their families to donate class rings back to Norwich. Rings will be melted down and mixed with new gold to forge class rings for the next generation of Norwich Cadets. Two ingots will be formed, one that will be used in the production of rings for the current Junior Class, and one that will be used in future ring melts, carrying forward gold from all the rings previously donated.
Through this program, generations of Norwich alumni will unite with the men and women who have most recently earned the honor to wear the MCV ring. This process will continue in perpetuity, linking donors with generations that will follow in their footsteps.
Interested in Donating?
To participate, alumni or family members in possession of a deceased alumnus/alumna’s ring will complete the Bonds of Gold Donation Form and include it with the ring and any appraisal documentation. Please send to:
Bill Passalacqua, Commandant’s Office
158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663-1035
We recommend requesting your jeweler remove the stone from your ring while it is being appraised. The ring cannot be used in the melting ceremony if it has a stone.
If you wish to take a charitable tax deduction for the value of your ring donation, please consult the Internal Revenue Service Publication #561, Determining the Value of Donated Property. Obtaining an appraisal of the ring is the responsibility of the donor, not Norwich University. You may want to utilize your personal property/homeowner’s insurance appraisal to determine the fair market value (FMV) of the ring at the time the contribution is made.
For more information on the Bonds of Gold program, contact Bill Passalacqua ’88, Commandant’s Office, at (802) 485-2101 or wpass@norwich.edu.
Ring donations must be received by August 15, 2023 to be included in the inaugural ring melt.