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CAMPUS

The Norwich Guidon
October 16, 2003

Norwich buys Northfield National Guard Armory

By Sara Davis
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

On Aug. 12, 2003, Norwich University received the keys to the former Vermont National Guard Armory located in the center of Northfield.

The university purchased the armory for $50,000 with plans to house graduate programs and the new National Center for the Study of Counter Terrorism and Cyber Crime.

The 12,000 square foot armory is now being converted into an academic complex under the supervision of David Magida, Norwich's Chief Administration Officer. Magida, along with Tom Aldrich, the director for the Center, and Dr. Fred Snow, head of the Online Graduate Program, are using the 81-year-old building to fulfill the growing needs of the university.

"Since these two areas are critical to the university, but do not directly impact our undergraduate programs on campus, the decision was made to locate them in a space that would allow for continued growth while remaining in the community," said Phil Susmann, Norwich Vice-President for Technology and Strategic Partnerships.

The building increases the ability of Norwich to handle more online graduate students.

Since the university was named a National Center for the Study of Counter Terrorism and Cyber Crime in October 2002 by the National Security Agency, it was necessary to find adequate room to maintain the Center.

Companies such as Electronic Warfare Associates, a partner of the center, can use the facility to test and finish projects.

The programs are currently working out of the front offices on both floors of the old armory.

According to Dean G. Mudgett, Assistant Director of Public Affairs, there is a huge amount of space that has not been developed, yet.

"The way that those two programs are going, I think that they are going to need the space soon, which is good," Mudgett said.

The Vermont National Guard moved into the Readiness and Regional Technology Center in May 2003, making it operational.

They have been cooperating with the university by allowing students to use their training facilities, including the tank simulators.

Most of the training for the National Guard is held on the weekends, leaving the building free for students to use during the week.

The student body is currently helping to rebuild the NU tank armor platoon, as well as engaging in other learning experiences.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.