Editor's Note: The following letter was submitted to The Norwich Guidon by the Norwich University Men's Rugby Club as a letter to the editor.

To the Norwich community:

This letter is in regards to the Norwich University Men's Rugby Club incident that occurred this past fall. As many members of the university are already aware, the Rugby club was found to be in violation of the Norwich University Alcohol Policy while on an away visit to the University of Connecticut.

As a result of what happened, the University immediately terminated the remainder of the fall season. The suspension of the Rugby club will carry on through the spring season of 2001. Many members of the team faced individual punishments from the University, which have since been fully served.

As a result of this incident, the leaders of the club for the 2001 fall season, with the assistance of the University, are creating a plan to ensure that such actions will not occur in the future. The University and the Rugby Club have undertaken a search for a new head coach - a leader who will guide the program's development and help us to build upon our previous success.

All members of the NURFC understand that our actions during this past fall season were improper. We have accepted full responsibility for this behavior and are currently taking positive measures to correct the situation. We would like to extend a sincere apology to the entire Norwich community for any discredit and embarrassment caused by this incident. We hope that we will be able to regain your respect and support in the seasons to follow.

Sincerely.
Norwich University Men's Rugby Club

As a senior, I was dreading walking around and speaking with the numerous different departments on campus about how to finalize my degree. I was incredibly happy when I found out that the senior salute was available to us. This made it extremely easy for the seniors to get organized and find out more about their financial status and graduation information. It was not only easier and efficient for us, but also to the many departments that were there. I just want to thank whoever organized that event for trying to make our lives a little bit easier during this very hectic time.

Candace Bushey

I would like to commend President Schneider, the board of trustees, and the faculty and staff at both Norwich University and Vermont College for their courage and optimism during the separation process of these two institutions. There is always some concern, and sometimes negative connotation, during times of change. This is especially true when it involves two entities so steeped in tradition and pride for what they represent.

These faculty and staff are the people who work to reach the goals of these institutions and in doing so work to benefit the students who attend them. At times this can mean making difficult decisions about big changes.

There is always an element of risk involved in this type of transition, but these people look to the future with confidence. In speaking with some of those who are the leaders in this new effort to graduate the two colleges into separate entities, there is a great sense of excitement and hope for what lies ahead.

There is also a wonderful sense of stewardship to do what is best to maintain what values each holds so dear. In seeing this first-hand, I thought it best to bring it to the attention of the university communities involved.

In doing so, I hope to encourage my fellow students, students at Vermont College, and other faculty and staff, to both support these institutions through this transition period, as well as applaud the efforts of those involved in upholding the missions of both schools.

Jessica Dunkel

I was stunned at the news of Major Abraham being hired as the new Chief of Security. Major Abraham has been my assistant commandant for the past three years, and I feel that this will be a loss to the corps. As over-qualified as he is to be the new chief of security, I feel that I speak for all seniors, who have known him for the past three years, when I say that this stinks.

Major Abraham has been such a tremendous asset to the Corps of Cadets; he has helped produce wonderful cadets and civilians under his leadership. Major Abraham has always stood behind and supported the special units of the corps, such as the Regimental Band, MP, Artillery, and the Regimental Men's Choir. His support has helped carry the corps into the 21st century. Although he will only be across the campus in the security office, the UP will not be the same without "Major A." His perfectly-pressed uniform and perfectly-shined combat boots will be greatly missed. I wish him the best of luck and wish that he only knew how much we appreciated his presence in the commandant's office.

Sincerely,
Hilary McElroy

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