Zack Bennett
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Articles by Zack Bennett
S-STEM Scholars on the National Stage
Seven Norwich University S-STEM Scholars, along with project leaders Dr. Darlene Olsen and Dr. Mike Gangone, traveled to Washington, D.C., Oct. 9-11 to attend the 2026 S-STEM Scholars & PI Meeting. The scholars’ travel was funded by the AAAS following their nomination by Olsen.
To the Sahara and Back: The 2026 Olmsted Expedition
Student-planned and student-led, the field study in Morocco took Norwich cadets from the Medinas to the desert and taught them what no classroom can. Watch the Olmsted Expedition make their way through Morocco. In Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara, C/2LT Jayden Lavecchia ’27 swung onto a camel and rode into the desert with his Norwich classmates. It was the kind of place that belongs in a movie scene. “That’s not something everyone does.
Norwich hosts Vermont ASCE Geo-Institute meeting
Norwich University brings Vermont engineers, faculty, and students together to explore geological challenges, emerging technologies, and advances in geotechnical research. Norwich University recently welcomed nearly 40 engineers from across Vermont for a meeting of the Vermont American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Geo-Institute, bringing together professionals, faculty, and students from Norwich’s civil engineering and construction management programs.
Architecture in Action: Students Present During Homecoming
Architecture students present their work during Homecoming, one of the University's busiest weekends on campus. The School of Architecture and Art hosted the Norwich community during a special Homecoming program celebrating the many directions a Norwich education can take on Oct. 16 in Chaplin Hall for an afternoon that brought together alumni, faculty, and students to explore the connections among education, professional practice, creative thinking, and research.
School of Architecture + Art to host John Cays
A subject-matter expert brings his expertise to Chaplin Hall on the Northfield campus. The School of Architecture + Art is pleased to welcome John Cays on Nov. 6th at 1 p.m. in the Chaplin Hall Gallery. Cays is a professor of practice in the New Jersey School of Architecture at NJIT Hillier College of Architecture and Design. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Arts Philedelphia and a Master of Architecture degree from Princeton University.
2026 Military Writers’ Symposium: How Cinema Shapes Our Perception of War
Two days of programming on media and war features student research, expert panels, and a look at Darby’s Rangers. Historian David Lyle Williams, winner of the 2026 William E. Colby Military Writers’ Award, presented his book, “The Road to Cisterna: Darby’s Rangers and Their Most Consequential Battle in World War II,” on Oct. 6 at the Norwich University Military Writers’ Symposium, capping two days of discussion on how cinema shapes the way the world understands war.
Norwich claims title at inaugural AMCSUS Patriot Games
Norwich University finished in first place at the inaugural Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS) Patriot Games "King of the Hill," a multi-day competition hosted on campus Sept. 25-27. Teams from Norwich, Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, Texas A&M University, and the University of North Georgia took part. Virginia Military Institute placed second, followed by The Citadel in third, North Georgia in fourth and Texas A&M in fifth.
Norwich hosts senior military college leaders and cadets for AMCSUS conference
Cadets and staff from across the spectrum of senior military colleges and beyond gather on the Northfield campus for the exchange of knowledge. Senior leaders and cadets from the nation's senior military colleges gathered at Norwich University Sept. 27-29 for the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS) Senior Military College Conference, three days of shared learning on leadership, training and the future of military education.
RDML Brett Mietus meets Cadet football team, tours campus
A U.S. Navy rear admiral who once coached college football told Norwich University players this week that their time on the field is fleeting and they won't understand what they had until it's gone. RDML Brett W. Mietus, commander of Joint Region Marianas, delivered the message during a visit to the Norwich football program as part of Burlington Navy Week. "Enjoy this and take every moment that you have to just breathe it in and take it for what it is," RDML Mietus told the team.
Norwich ASCE Students Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
Norwich engineering students take their talents into the real world through a local service project. Members of the Norwich University American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter recently spent part of their weekend volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in Northfield. The service project gave civil engineering students an opportunity to work together outside the classroom while giving back to the local community.
The Constitution: What Does It Mean to You?
Each Sept. 17, the nation celebrates Constitution Day, the anniversary of the 1787 signing that established the framework for American self-governance. At Norwich University, that framework isn't an abstraction — it is lived daily in the University's founding purpose: preparing citizen-soldiers and citizen-leaders who understand that rights carry responsibilities, and that a republic depends on informed, engaged participants to sustain it.
Ells’ pick-six returns Maple Sap Bucket to Norwich
A dramatic rivalry victory for the Norwich University football team carried into the new week with conference and national recognition, as the Cadets reclaimed the Maple Sap Bucket with a 17-10 win over Vermont State University Castleton before junior defensive lineman Harry Ells ’28 was named New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Defensive Athlete of the Week. Harry Ells (center, 98) hoists the trophy following his last-second heroics. Photo courtesy of Jacob Pierce.
Two Futures, One Stage
Gavin Meuse '30 and Wade Plaskiewicz '30, both Eagle Scouts and Rooks, were among four scouts nationwide selected by Army Cadet Command to receive ROTC scholarships at the National Jamboree — a coincidence neither Meuse nor Plaskiewicz expected to discover on-site. Meuse (left) and Plaskiewicz meet at the Jamboree. "I was invited to attend the 2026 National Jamboree for my ROTC scholarship," says Meuse.
CGCS marks historic milestone with academic director faculty promotions
A group of professors make history as the first individuals to hold the rank of academic director while also remaining academically active. Four academic directors within Norwich University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies are being recognized for faculty promotions, marking an important milestone in the continued growth of academics within the College.
Women Kicking Glass: Dressing for Success
Future generations of Norwich graduates are outfitted in professional attire through the work of Women Kicking Glass. Norwich University has long been a place of firsts since Captain Alden Partridge's founding educational vision. That legacy of opportunity continues today through Women Kicking Glass, whose Dressing for Success program equips students with free, donated professional attire for internships, job interviews, business settings, and military social events where uniforms aren't required.
Beyond the Screen: Norwich Takes Experiential Learning to Europe
For Norwich University Online students, the classroom can be almost anywhere. This summer, for a group of graduate students, that classroom extended to Germany, where weeks of online preparation led into intensive in-person experiences built around international collaboration, applied learning and complex real-world scenarios.
Tom Griffing ’66: A Quiet Devotion, A Quiet Gift
A cadet colonel who never stopped carrying Norwich in his heart ensures that future cadets will benefit from the same foundation and direction he was given. For some, their time in college is just another four years. For Tom Griffing, Class of 1966, his time at Norwich became the architecture of an entire life.
Drill Company: Summer Spotlight
Students continue their experiential learning during the summer, spending their free time improving themselves through real-world practice.
The Archival Antidote to AI Fatigue
If you are exhausted by the overabundance of AI discourse, you are not alone. Not only are we constantly confronted with news stories either touting the good or the harm that AI is perpetually bringing to every aspect of life, but no digital task, no matter how simple, can be accomplished without being prompted by a website or an app to let AI assist us in performing it. Historical repositories, such as the Norwich University Archives and Special Collections, are not immune to the AI movement.
“I Will Try”: Maj Andrew Kemp’s Journey of Service, Leadership, and Lifelong Learning
When Maj Andrew James Kemp M'26 looks back, everything starts in Vermont. He grew up in Williamstown and later moved to Northfield, just a few miles from Norwich University. The cadence of campus life was always nearby. The cannon at sunrise, the shouts during Rook Week, and the crowd noise from Kreitzberg Arena were part of his everyday world. “I grew up going to Norwich hockey games with my dad,” says Kemp. “We could hear the cannon every morning.
Reaching Beyond the Sky
Watch to see how one alumna wants to take Norwich to the moon. Amrutaa Vibho ’26 did not arrive at Norwich University by taking the expected route. Growing up in New Delhi, India, Vibho was originally drawn toward music and percussion. She attended Trinity College London’s institution in India to pursue those interests before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her plans and pushed her toward a different future. “COVID happened to everything I had planned,” says Vibho.
An American Institution: Norwich featured as part of USA TODAY’s America’s 250th celebration
America 250: Founded in Service Norwich University has been highlighted as part of USA TODAY'S America250 documentary series, a national campaign marking the 250th anniversary of the United States by spotlighting organizations that have shaped the country's past, present, and future.
Students Gain Rare Clinical Exposure Through Global Healthcare Maymester in Coimbra, Portugal
Students gain firsthand clinical experience in Portugal through Norwich University’s Global Healthcare Immersions Maymester, shadowing physicians across multiple specialties while exploring global approaches to healthcare. Students from Norwich University are expanding their medical horizons this summer through an intensive “Maymester” Global Healthcare Immersions course that I teach through the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.
Scholars Succeed: Norwich University President’s List for Spring 2026
A cadet shares his story during a speech at commencement, reflecting on the loss of his father and how the Norwich community held him up.
2026 Commencement: BG William McCollough '91, VSM
I will earnestly try in the next few minutes to convey the wisdom of this place of ours on behalf of the many thousands of Norwich Graduates that have come before us — I speak on their behalf. In doing so I hope to adequately explain why I’m so moved by having the distinction to join you in receiving a Norwich diploma today.
The Meaning of a Norwich Diploma
Good afternoon, Norwich and the Class of 2026. I want to start with two statements. Think about which one resonates with you. Norwich was easy. Norwich was difficult. A combination, right? If you described this place to a prospective student, you’d probably say there are days of incredible highs and crushing lows. Whether you wore the uniform or not. Whether you walked across the Upper Parade Ground at 0500 to PT, attended online, or drove up to The Hill for evening classes after work.
Connections and Culture
At a peace and security forum in Palermo, Italy, Norwich cadets built lasting connections with international military students while gaining valuable insight into global leadership and cooperation. During my time in Palermo, Italy, for the International Forum on Peace, Security, and Prosperity, I was able to gain valuable new insight and perspective to a wide range of cultures and viewpoints.
The Outdoor School: Future Fueled by History
At Norwich University, the rhythm of the academic experience has always extended beyond the traditional classroom. From its founding in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge, the institution has emphasized a model of education rooted in both intellectual development and physical experience. Today, that philosophy continues to take shape in new and meaningful ways through the University’s new immersive Partridge School of Learning. The summer of 2026 represents a significant step in that evolution.
Finding Yourself on The Hill
The outgoing student body president reflects on his time at Norwich and passes along words of wisdom to future generations of students. A common phrase I heard before arriving in Norwich was that these four years go by faster than high school. Although I trusted this guidance, I still underestimated it deeply. With graduation around the corner and four years on The Hill behind me, I offer my reflections in hopes that others may find insights that help them enhance their own Norwich path.
The Next Generation: 2026 Commencement and Joint Commissioning
Norwich University will mark the achievements of the Class of 2026 with a series of ceremonies that reflect both tradition and purpose — honoring graduates from the Corps of Cadets, on-campus civilians, and online students from the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies (CGCS) as they prepare to step into lives defined by service and leadership.
The Value of Endowed Scholarships
Good evening, members of the Board of Trustees, distinguished faculty, staff, and the visionary donors who make the Norwich mission possible. My name is Jose Velasco, and I am a junior biochemistry major from Elkridge, Maryland. I transferred to the University as a junior from the New Mexico Military Institute, where I was enrolled in the Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program. Unlike my peers at the New Mexico Military Institute, I didn’t commission within two years.
The Start of Something Special
The first-year coach of the women's hockey program reflects on the season that took his team to the Frozen Four. My first season as head coach of the Norwich women's hockey program was as meaningful and memorable as I could have imagined. Being hired on April 2, 2025, gave me the full spring and summer to build a new coaching staff, get to know our players, and establish the foundation of our identity, standards and goals.
Norwich Delegation Explores Careers at ERN Conference
STEM students take their talents into the real world at the Emerging Researchers National Conference. Demonstrating our dedication to high-impact undergraduate development and experiential learning, Norwich University sent a delegation of 10 students to attend the Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM in Atlanta, Georgia.
It Matters More Than Ever: The Todd Lecture Series Nearly 20 Years Later
An open forum like the Todd Lecture Series provides students, faculty, staff, and the community a chance to challenge ideas and explore thought-provoking topics in Northfield. When the Norwich University Todd Lecture Series was established in 2008, the world was already in motion.
Chameleon Literary Journal to unveil new edition in April
Norwich University's student journal's newest edition will go public next month. On April 23rd, Norwich University's Chameleon Literary Journal will unveil its newest issue in the Kreitzberg Library's Multipurpose Room from 5-6 p.m. — join the celebration! The Chameleon is a student-run literary and arts magazine that has been published since 1962, making it the longest running literary magazine in Norwich University history.
Learning in Action: Biochemistry Seniors Present at National Conference
Students turn thoughts into action as they present research during one of the world's largest scientific gatherings. Four senior biochemistry students proudly represented Norwich University at the Spring 2026 meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), held in Atlanta from March 22-26, 2026. Centered around the theme “Collaborate, Innovate, Transform,” the conference brought together a global community of scientists to share research, foster partnerships, and explore the future of chemistry.
Excellence on Ice: Alex Leslie Wins Elite Scholar-Athlete Award
Alex Leslie '28, though used to success both in the classroom and on the ice, did not expect her name to be called during the awards ceremony on the women's ice hockey team's Frozen Four road trip in Wisconsin. Leslie earned the NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete Award, which is given to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative undergraduate GPA at each championship site. Leslie, a biochemistry major, holds a 4.0 GPA — the highest among all the competitors in attendance.
More Than a Moment
The moment was fleeting as a puck found its way through traffic just over a minute into the game — it crossed the goal line and gave Norwich a lead it would never relinquish. What followed was nearly an hour of pressure, sacrifice, and resolve displayed on the ice.
Dr. Tara Kulkarni named fellow at Environmental and Water Resources Institute
A Norwich faculty member earns recognition on the world stage. Dr. Tara Kulkarni, associate provost for research and chief research officer, has been named a fellow of the Environmental and Water Resources Institute. This recognition reflects her strong contributions to water resources and environmental engineering. It also highlights her leadership, mentoring, and continued service to the field.
African Union ambassador to keynote Norwich summit on conflict and global rivalry
Norwich University's John and Mary Frances Patton Peace & War Center will host its 7th Annual Peace and War Summit on March 23-24, bringing together scholars, policymakers, military professionals, and students to examine the evolving dynamics shaping Africa's security landscape.
Back on the Big Stage
Playoff hockey has returned in full force, and with it, a familiar standard of excellence. Both the Cadets men’s and women’s hockey teams have advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals, each now just one win away from the Frozen Four. It marks a special moment not only for two impressively successful teams, but also for a new chapter under first-year head coaches who have quickly embraced the weight — and pride — of Norwich hockey.
Norwich hockey teams punch tickets to LEC championships
This link takes the reader to an external article. By Norwich Athletic Communications Norwich athletics celebrates the student-athletes who have earned recognition in the classroom. 2 min read By Norwich Athletic Communications Allen, Bylow, Laitala, and Wettig highlight weekend of dominant performances.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
Norwich University student-athletes continued their tradition of academic excellence during the fall 2025 semester, combining for a 3.29 department-wide GPA while placing 306 Cadets on the Dean's and President's Lists. A total of 238 student-athletes earned Dean's List honors (3.4–3.9 GPA), while 68 Cadets achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA to land on the President's List.
A Different View of The Hill: Sam Eckholm Tells the Norwich Story
From muddy boots at the Dog River Run to conversations with campus leaders, Air Force veteran and internationally known content creator Sam Eckholm immerses himself in Norwich life to capture the spirit, discipline, and “I Will Try” mindset that define the student experience. A preview of "Access Granted" featuring Norwich University. Tune back in on Saturday for the full-length feature.
Norwich University names Dr. Lea Williams as Provost and Dean of the Faculty
Lea Williams, Ph.D., has spent the past 20 years in Norwich University’s unique academic environment. Now, as she officially assumes the role of provost, she brings with her a deep institutional knowledge, a commitment to academic excellence, and a long-standing connection to the Norwich community. Provost Williams’s appointment places a familiar and experienced leader at the helm of the University’s academic enterprise.
Award-winning architect Aaron Cayer '12 returns to speak at Norwich
An architecture alumnus returns to his alma mater for a guest lecture. Norwich University’s School of Architecture + Art lecture series continues Friday, Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. in Chaplin Gallery with a lecture by alumnus Aaron Cayer ’12. The event is free and open to the public. A livestream will also be available to view online. Cayer’s research has been recognized and supported by international awards and fellowships.
Dressing for Success returns for third year
Cleaning out your closet? Donate to Norwich’s Dressing for Success! If your New Year resolution is to clean out or pare down your wardrobe, consider donating your business wear to Dressing for Success. An initiative of Women Kicking Glass, the third annual event provides students with donated business attire free of charge to prepare them for internship and job interviews, and professional social events.
228 N Concord St, Gilbert, AZ 85234, US
Operating Expenses Recurring costs required to maintain and manage a rental property, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, utilities (if paid by the owner), property management fees, and other day-to-day expenses. Calculation: Insurance + Property Taxes + Property Management + Repairs & Maintenance + Capital Expenditures + HOA Fees
Lander University Holds Tree Lighting Event
Story by Zack Bennett Lander University and the local Greenwood community kicked off the holiday season with the lighting of the Holiday Tree on the plaza on the evening of Tuesday, November 16. Students, faculty and staff, and local families enjoyed a variety of holiday-themed activities, including a movie on the front lawn, performances by The SassyCats, Leputation and The Lander Players, karaoke and a Ferris wheel by the fountain.
Abby Pilgrim is the “heart of the Academic Success Center”
She loved how during the tour, her tour guide knew a lot of people on campus, students and professors alike. “I realized that if I wanted something more personable that I needed a smaller school,” she said.
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