From the Nominator

Richard W. Schneider, RADM, USCGR (Ret.) became the 23rd president of Norwich University in 1992, retiring in 2020 after 28 years of dedicated and dynamic service. A man of uncommon integrity, deep compassion, great humility, and boundless energy, President Schneider grew enrollment by 62% and the endowment fivefold during his tenure. He oversaw multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns that allowed the renovation of every campus building, and the construction of several new ones. He expanded academic majors, championed undergraduate research programs and study away/study abroad programs. He expanded the Corps of Cadets, established five centers of excellence, online degree completion, and masters' degree programs. From 2014-2019, he lead Norwich's bicentennial countdown and celebration, launching his Norwich After Next strategic plan to poise the university to prosper for years to come. The list of his accomplishments goes on and on. It was clear that his vision, leadership, and remarkable impact on the university should be celebrated in a meaningful way upon his retirement.

With his departure planned for May 2020, a four-city, seven-event farewell tour was slated for March-May. Open to all, these events offered an opportunity for students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and community members to thank and celebrate President Schneider's achievements and legacy. 

In conjunction with the events, the board of trustees named and dedicated an academic building in President Schneider's honor, and established a scholarship, the Schneider Legacy Project, to recognize President and Mrs. Schneider's dedication to ensuring Norwich will remain strong and affordable into the future.

From the Judges

Great program. We liked the plan of a tour to get alumni involved geographically, and then to have speakers from different alumni stages. (Board, student, young alum, etc.) Combining it with a scholarship drive made the expenses easy to justify. Good job pivoting to share things digitally.