As some of you are aware, the Norwich University Alumni Association has launched an exciting new series of events. Titled “Legacy of Learning,” the series is designed to encourage alumni to continue their education and professional development through Norwich, despite having left the Hill.
While many NUAA events bring alumni together from a common class year or geographic area, the Legacy of Learning draws alumni from within a specific career field. More than mere networking socials, Legacy of Learning events present emerging issues in the field, best practices, and business development, followed by time for participants to network.
The first event in the series was held this past January at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C. Keynoter BG Steve Spano, USAF (Ret.) ’83 presented “Managing Chaos in the Information Age” to 55 cyber-security professionals. Spano is the General Manager, Defense and National Security, for Amazon Web Service’s Global Public Sector.
Another distinct feature of the series is the inclusion of non-alumni participants. This deliberate facet of the Legacy of Learning allows Norwich to showcase the proficiency of its alumni and the quality of their Norwich education, thus spreading the reputation of the school and its programs to a broader audience.
A second Legacy of Learning event took place in Washington, D.C., in August, and a third is scheduled for this fall. On Thursday, October 30, architects, engineers, and construction managers are invited to Boston for a panel discussion on “Increasing cooperation between the three disciplines.” Chuck Pappalardo ’87, Senior Director, Global Facilities and Safety for Illumina, Inc., and Patricia Leavenworth ’87, Chief Engineer for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, will be the panelists. The event will take place at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. For details, visit alumni.norwich.edu/events.
Future events will encompass law enforcement, nursing, and other careers, with the goal of eventually including Norwich alumni from every occupation. Plans are also under way to make Legacy of Learning events accessible online, along with an archive of past events. The NUAA hopes the Legacy of Learning series will give alumni yet another reason to value their ongoing relationship with Norwich.
In other news, many of you are still feeling the excitement generated by the official launch at Homecoming of the five-year countdown to Norwich’s Bicentennial. This incredible milestone presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate all things Norwich, and the NUAA wants you to be a part of it! Check the alumni website at alumni.norwich.edu for the latest on events that you won’t want to miss!
Lastly, this column will be ongoing in the Record. Remember, the NUAA Board represents you, so feel free to reach out to us atalumni.norwich.edu/NUAA to share your ideas, opinions, and concerns; and celebrate your milestones and life successes. Above all, keep in touch.
Yours in Service,
The NUAA Board of Directors