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Table of Contents

Tours

1. Welcome Home

   Follow the Path of the Past Pioneers and walk the steps supporting Norwich in the present day.

   Stops

   1. Philantrophy Tour Start

      Welcome to Norwich University, a place where tradition meets excellence and where our community has flourished for generations. We are here to revisit some of the incredible places that made the college experience here at Norwich unforgettable and to see firsthand the impact that gifts have made all across the university.

   2. Sabine Field

      We begin this journey at the heart of our campus’s athletic spirit—Sabine field. This multipurpose field with its lush green expanse has always been more than just a sporting facility, but a testament to our rich heritage and commitment to athletic excellence. Here, students have experienced the thrill of football victories, … soccer plays, … rugby matches and countless other moments that have shaped the university experience.

       

      Dedicated on October 8, 1921, with Commandant Frank Tompkins, George Sabine and President Charles Plumley, Sabine was built to serve as the primary outdoor athletic facility for the university. It existed to provide a dedicated space for athletic events as well as a venue for significant university ceremonies such as commencement parades. During this time the field was considered the best athletic field in the state.

       

      The field underwent a major renovation in 2013, transforming it into the multi-sport, multipurpose, all- weather stadium we know today. Following the renovation, Sabine field was rededicated at the Haynes Family stadium in honor of Fred Haynes and his wife RoxAnn who significantly supported the university.

   3. Plumley Armory

      With the dedication to military training and physical fitness, Plumley Armory was envisioned as a comprehensive facility, aimed at supporting the diverse needs of the Corps of Cadets. Constructed in 1929 and named after an esteemed alumnus and former president Colonel Charles A Plumley, from its inception, Plumley Armory provided a robust environment for military training and athletic activities, housing the largest fitness center on campus.

       

      This 27,000 square feet facility offered a state-of-the-art fitness center, basketball court, running track, the Goodyear pool and an indoor space that complemented outdoor training grounds like Sabine, catering to a wide range of physical activities.

       

      Beyond Fitness, Plumley serves as a major event space, accommodating quite a number of people. It is a venue for key university ceremonies, such as ROTC commissioning, Regimental Ball and special events like Women Kicking Glass Gala.

   4. Milano Ballroom

      Housed in Crawford Hall is one of the university's crown jewels, Milano Ballroom. An elegant venue that has made great contributions to Norwich’s social life since the 1950s. Named in honor of the Milano Family, this ballroom stands as a testament of their generosity and support to the university.

       

      This facility was established to provide a central Norwich community space for a variety of events. Over the years Milano has hosted formal dinners, alumni gatherings and ceremonies, becoming a beloved venue for students and faculty. The ballroom has also been known to host events such as Junior Ring Ceremony, Graduation dinners, Homecoming celebrations, Student Orientation sessions, Alumni gathering and a lot more.

       

      As you look around, imagine the countless gatherings that have taken place here, each adding to the legacy of this distinguished space. These events highlight the importance of Milano to the Norwich community.

   5. Mack Hall

      Moving on, we take a look at a building that stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. Completed in 2018, lies one of the newest additions to the Norwich ecosystem, Norwich University’s Mack Hall.

       

      Named in honor of Robert B Mack '64, a long-time supporter of the university whose generosity and vision made it possible to have this state-of-the-art facility, Mack Hall was designed to serve as a central academic and administrative hub, providing cutting edge facilities to meet the needs of modern students and faculty members. Upon entering, you immediately notice the spacious lobby with natural light radiating through the large windows creating a warm atmosphere and further complementing the contemporary architecture.

       

      The building is home to the School of Business Management and the Computer Security and Information Assurance (CSIA) programs. Mack Hall is a mixture of modern and traditional lecture halls with flexible spaces for learning, interactive classrooms, digital forensics lab, cybersecurity research lab, E-sports room, War room, Bloomberg lab, an auditorium and performing arts center.

      
      
      
      

   6. Bicentennial Stairs

      The Bicentennial Stairs, built in honor of Norwich University's 200th anniversary was meticulously designed and constructed to serve as both a functional passage and a commemorative monument.

       

      As we continue with the tour, we briefly pause at the base of the stairs where you will notice the carved names in the rise of steps embedded in the stonework. Each one tells a story, highlighting significant milestones and bears the names of important individuals in the university’s history. From its founding by Captain Alden Patridge in 1819, to its evolution into the leading military college you see before you today. These steps are a nod to important people and their care for the university. Many names are reminders from the past and some continue to support the university now.

   7. Upper Parade Ground

      The Upper Parade Grounds showcases ROTC(the Reserve Officer's Training Corps) and has been a beacon of military and civilian education for over two centuries witnessing countless parades, ceremonies and drills serving as a stage for discipline and academic excellence.

       

      This historic site was not always the UP we know and love today.

       

      In 1898 with the construction of Old Jackman Hall, the first Norwich University structure ever erected in Northfield, marking the beginning of the Upper Parade Grounds.

       

      Adding to the growing landscape of the campus, Old Dodge Hall was erected in 1892 and these buildings served as the forefront of the university, laying the foundation for future expanses.

       

      In 1902, Dewey Hall was built, soon followed by Carnegie Hall in 1904 which would later be renamed to Chaplin Hall in 1953. With the completion of these buildings, the Upper Parade Ground started to look more and more as what we know today.

       

      By the early 20th century, the Upper Parade Grounds had become a vibrant part of the campus.

       

      Tragedy struck in 1925 when Dewey Hall suffered severe damages in a fire, but this failed to shake the Norwich essence. The community remained strong, continuing to rebuild and expand. Following a rousing speech by Dr. Godfrey Lowell Cabot, Cabot Hall was constructed in 1938 designed to address the shortage in student housing. The building was later renamed Dodge Hall in 1964 to honor the original structure and that remains its name to date.

       

      Hawkins Hall followed in 1940, built to accommodate the continual growth of students which had increased from 377 to 465. This building showed the university’s motivation to provide a comfortable atmosphere and supported its capacity for growth.

       

      As we move on to the 1950s, we see the addition of Ransom Hall in 1952 where the cornerstone was laid by Dr. William D. Hassett. Goodyear Hall followed along and was constructed in 1956, closing the south end of the Upper Parade Ground.

       

      The late 1950s and early 1960s saw further expansion with the addition of Adams Tower in 1957, Patterson Hall in 1958, Willson Hal in 1961 and Gerard Hall in 1963 as the final dormitory to be built on the Upper Parade Grounds. Old Jackman was demolished and replaced with a larger New Jackman contributing to the evolution of campus and concluding the enclosure known as the Upper Parade Grounds.

   8. Chaplin Hall

      Chaplin Hall stands as a testament of Norwich University’s ability to adapt and grow while preserving its historical roots. This building has undergone numerous transformations before it became what you see in front of you today and holds a special place in the university’s history.

       

      Constructed in 1908, Chaplin Hall was established on Norwich soil. At the time it was known as Carnegie Hall thanks to the generous donation from Andrew Carnegie. With the introduction of Carnegie Hall, the building initially served dual purposes. The upper floors housed the University’s library that provided students with the resources to support their educational needs. This leaves the lower floors which were dedicated to the electrical engineering department.

       

      Funded by local businessman and university trustee, Henry Prescott Chaplin, the building underwent significant renovation in 1953 and in recognition of his contributions, the building was renamed the Henry Prescott Chaplin Library. The university continued to grow and to meet up with the changes, Chaplin Hall was expanded in 1962. The original building nearly doubled in size, ensuring that it was able to accommodate the increasing demands. But this was not the end of the changes as not long after a new building was introduced that caused a shift, leaving Chaplin Hall vacant of its purpose. This building was the Kreitzberg library and with its construction in 1991, Chaplin was no longer the primary library.

       

      Chaplin was not forgotten because in 1993, a student competition was held to redesign the former library into a new facility and the winning design led to a massive $2 million renovation. Today, Chaplin Hall is now home to the School of Architecture and Arts.

   9. Bicentennial Stairs

      In celebration of the university’s bicentennial in 2019, this stairway was constructed. Engraving the 78 individuals who made significant contributions to the development of the university, these monumental stones contain names of Norwich leaders, alumni and others from military and civilian careers.

       

      The Bicentennial Stairs are more than just a means to navigate the campus—they are a tribute to Norwich University's rich history, a celebration of its present achievements, and an inspiration for its future endeavors. As you walk these stairs, you are walking in the footsteps of countless others who have contributed to the legacy of this remarkable institution.

   10. Kreitzberg Library

       In 1993, the Kreitzberg Library opened its doors. Together, Barbara and Fred Kreitzberg '57 provided the university with a generous donation for the library’s construction.

        

       This academic facility, spanning six floors, quickly became a sanctuary for students featuring spaces for individual and group activities with computer labs, media rooms and study halls catering to the diverse needs of students and faculty alike. The fifth floor housed the Norwich University Archives, a unique collection documenting the rich history of the university and offering resources for research and study.

        

       The Kreitzberg library also provided access to an extensive array of online databases, journals, and electronic books making it an indispensable resource for students both on and off campus. This ensured that students regardless of location could tap into the abundance of knowledge stored within the library's walls. 

        

       Take a few minutes, step into the library and enjoy the surroundings.

   11. Statue of Alden Partridge

       The statue of Captain Alden Patridge was unveiled in 1955. This monument, a gift from the Norwich Alumni Association, commemorates the foundational role of Alden Patridge in the establishment of the university and his contributions to military education.

        

       Alden Patridge who founded Norwich University in 1819, looked to create an educational model that combined liberal arts with military training. This concept remains a core part of the university’s curriculum till today with the introduction of programs like the ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) showing his commitment to the establishment.

        

       Over the years the statue has become a focal point of the university symbolizing respect and continuity of the values instilled.

   12. Wise Campus Center

       Constructed in 1955, Harmon Hall came at a pivotal time in Norwich University’s history, marking the post-war expansion and modernization efforts. The building was named in honor of General Ernest N Harmon, a man who served as the university’s president from 1950 to 1968. General Harmon was a significant figure and a major contributor in the development and expansion of Norwich University’s infrastructure with his leadership and dedication leaving a lasting impact on the campus.

        

       Stepping into the Wise Campus Center, you immediately sense its role as the center of campus life. Named in honor of Cliff Wise, a relative of Norwich Trustee Emeritus Robert Mack, the Wise Campus Center came into place as a renovation of the original Harmon Hall. Resulting in an impressive 72,000-square-foot facility radiating with a warm, inviting atmosphere, welcoming both students and visitors alike.

        

       The architectural beauty of a building served as a central hub for student activities, creating a community space where friendships are formed.

        

       The building is home to the Sodexo Cafeteria, this Norwich dining hall is known for its diverse and healthy food options. Here students can enjoy freshly made meals with multiple nutritious options that are carefully labelled to avoid allergies. For those in a hurry, the Mill snack bar and Dunkin’ Donuts offer quick bites and coffee making it easy for students to grab a quick meal between classes. The campus center also consists of facilities like the bookstore, post office and the recently introduced Nook.

   13. White Chapel

       Built to provide a spiritual and contemplative space for students, faculty, staff and the community, White Chapel, also known as White Memorial Chapel is a place where people can come together for worship, meditation and religious ceremonies.

        

       Constructed in 1941, the Chapel was named after Eugene L. White ’14. It was initially built to be a multi-purpose building, serving as a dining facility, lunchroom and college store with a recreational room but it was designed with the foresight to eventually be converted into a chapel. This came to be after the completion of Harmon Hall in 1955.

        

       Inside, the Chapel is a sanctuary. The main hall is bathed in natural light, with stained glass windows depicting images that inspire self-contemplation and reflection, creating an atmosphere that encourages a sense of unity among those who gather here. The design of the hall is simplistic and unlike most grand cathedrals, it is understated, focusing on creating an environment where visitors can find solace and clarity.

   14. Kreitzberg Arena

       In 1998, another Fred and Barbara Kreitzberg gem emerged on the Norwich soil – the Kreitzberg Arena. A testament to the dedication of longtime supporters of the university. Their contributions to the arena’s construction were significant and it soon became the home of Norwich University’s ice hockey culture.

        

       This Olympic sized modern facility created an atmosphere were athletes trained rigorously and competed fiercely providing fans with electrifying moments and performances. Kreitzberg Arena was more than just a sports venue. It aided the local community, offering public skating sessions and hosting youth hockey programs building a spirit of good health and community engagement.

        

       The Kreitzberg family’s legacy at Norwich University is a story of unwavering support and dedication. Their contributions have benefitted the campus, fostering a beautiful community where learning and sports thrive. As you walk through the doors of both Kreitzberg buildings, you are reminded of the lasting impact of their family’s generosity, inspiring future generations and contributing to the Norwich legacy.

        

       You are able to witness how others who have walked the hill have provided amazing facilities for students of today. Plans for a new fitness center are underway and should be complete by fall of 2024 due to the Class of 1984 reunion project. The contributions of various alumni have made enormous differences in supporting the future of Norwich University.

        

       As we have walked through campus and noted the generosity of past donors, will you join me in making a gift today?

       https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/29921/donations/new

        

        

       Together we can ensure that future generations of students have the same wonderful opportunities.

        

       Norwich Forever.

   15. Thank you

       Thanks for joining us on this tour!

       We wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for joining us on the Norwich University virtual tour. It was a pleasure to reconnect with you and share the exciting developments happening at your alma mater.

       Your continued interest and support mean the world to us. As alumni, you are an integral part of the Norwich community, and we're honored to have you stay engaged with the university. We hope the tour brought back fond memories and gave you a glimpse of the ongoing progress and tradition of excellence that define Norwich University.

       Thank you for being such an important part of our history and future. We look forward to keeping in touch and hope to see you at future events, whether virtually or in person.