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Few American institutions of higher learning as old as Norwich University still closely adhere to the educational principles of its founders. Norwich is one of the exceptions and in a very substantial sense the institution, today, is the lengthened shadow of its founder, Captain Alden Partridge. The educational philosophy of Alden Partridge continues to guide Norwich University and serves as a touchstone by which the university can be measured and appraised.

Partridge's philosophy continues to give direction to the Norwich curriculum with its special emphasis on preparing students to become useful and active citizens. In many academic programs, experiential learning is given a prominent role in order to encourage students to make connections between classroom theory and the surrounding world. The creation, in 1987, of the nation's first Peace Corps Preparatory Program, the expansion of internship programs, and the encouragement of volunteer community service all represent an extension of those aspects of the University mission that relate to experiential learning and social service.

Today, Norwich University still closely adheres to the purposes and precepts laid out by its founder Alden Partridge in 1819. The system of education articulated by Cpt. Partridge was so broad, sensible, flexible, and visionary that it continues to have extraordinary currency.

Gary Thomas Lord
Charles A. Dana Professor of History

Written, 1995, for Norwich University's 175th Anniversary
"Norwich University" (Louisville, KY: Harmony House, 1995).
Used with permission.

Norwich University Chronology:

1819		Founded by Captain Alden Partridge at Norwich, Vermont as "The American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy."
1820		Band organized; oldest collegiate band in the nation. First instruction in Civil Engineering offered in the United States.
1825		Academy moves to Middletown, Connecticut.
1829		Academy moves back to Norwich, Vermont following Connecticut's refusal to grant a charter.
1831		Construction starts on the North Barracks
1834		Academy receives a charter from the State of Vermont recognizing the institution as Norwich University.
1856		The Alpha Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity is founded.
1860		General Alumni Association is formed and chartered.
1866		South Barracks at Norwich, Vermont is burned. Norwich University moves to Northfield, Vermont.
1868		First Barracks built in Northfield, Vermont; named Jackman Hall in 1907.
1880		University name is changed to Lewis College by Vermont Legislative Act. Restored to Norwich University in 1884.
1887		First Commandant and Professor of Military Science and Tactics assigned to Norwich by the United States government.
1898		Norwich designated "The Military College of the State of Vermont" by the Vermont Legislature.
1907		Electrical Engineering Department established.
1910		First Cavalry horses arrive on campus.
1916		Norwich made a Senior Division, Cavalry Unit, of the Reserve Officer Training Corps. Harold "Doc" Martin enters University, the first African-American Cadet.
1919		Centennial Celebration; stairs and gateposts erected.
1923		The class ring tradition starts.
1933		Epsilon Tau Sigma founded as an academic honor society.
1943		Special Commencement in March because of World War II.
1943-1946		University facilities devoted to Army Air Corps Air Crew Training Program, Army Specialized Training Program, and Army Specialized Training Reserve Program.
1945		First veterans return to finish their degrees.
1947		Mountain Cold Weather ROTC program inaugurated. Cavalry unit terminated.
1949		Business Administration major instituted.
1951		Honor System adopted.
1954		South Gateway constructed. Lybrand Ski Area purchased.
1955		Alden Partridge Statue unveiled.
1960		Fraternities abolished. Class clubs instituted.
1972		Merger with Vermont College.
1974		First women enter the Corps of Cadets.
1981		Acquisition of Alternative Education Programs from Goddard College.
1987		Peace Corps Preparatory Program starts as national model.
1990		Five-year baccalaureate degree program in Architecture started.
1993		New Kreitzberg Library opens.
1994		Civilian and Corps campuses merge on Northfield Campus.
1995		Cadet Tracey L. Jones, NU '96, is the first Norwich student to be selected as a Rhodes Scholar.
1997		New Engineering, Math, and Science Complex opens. First online master's degree offered - MA in Diplomacy and Military Science.
1998		Completion of the new Kreitzberg Arena.
2001		Sale of Vermont College to The Union Institute and University. MBA degree offered online.
2002		MSIA degree offered online
2003		MJA degree offered online