Jack Abare ‘57 has long expressed a genuine interest in NU’s rooks. He has been hosting “The Abare Farm Rook Dining Out” at his Union Brook Road farm since 1985 and more recently has been hosting a Milano Ballroom dinner in February for those rooks who make the Dean’s List.

So it was “fitting,” Norwich University President Richard Schneider noted, that the rook dining hall be named The Abare Family Dining Room in honor of Abare, the rook’s unofficial champion.

Speaking in the dining room before a small gathering of employees, rooks, alums and Abare’s friends and family on Monday, Oct. 22, Schneider praised Abare for “reinforcing positive behavior” by allowing the rooks to take over his farm for a day of relaxation.

"On behalf of all our students, we say thank you," Schneider said.

Schneider also took the opportunity to introduce the small audience of alums to the new Wise Campus Center (WCC). He pointed out the brick wall on the left upon entering is part of the now demolished Harmon Hall; NU’s heritage is still a part of the campus center, he said.

“All rooks have walked past this wall for ages,” said Chrissie Eastman, donor relations officer. “And in addition to this great wall, the whole building is also 90 percent recyclable, which to me, is so cool.”

Abare agreed. “It’s gorgeous up here,” he said while looking around with outstretched arms.

He and his wife, Lona, took the stage for the presentation of the brass compass, which is given to benefactors who make a minimum donation of $100,000. The compass points north towards Norwich and is “the logo of the campaign,” Schneider said. “It reminds us of Partridge and his journey.”

A wood plaque inscribed “The Abare Family Dining Room is Made Possible by the Generosity of Jack and Lona Abare, Norwich University, Class of 1957,” was also mounted prominently on the wall where rooks exit.

But this year’s freshman class doesn’t need a plaque to know that Abare is looking out for them—memories from September’s Rook Dining Out are still fresh in their minds.

“He really understands the rook experience and really cares,” said rook James Young.