Landers Symes ’87
The first time Landers Symes ’87 visited the Sullivan Museum and History Center he was stunned. “I'd been hearing about it and hearing about it, and then to go in there…it was way beyond what I expected it would be.” Landers, for whom one of the museum display cases is now dedicated, is proud to have his name associated with the new facility. “There have been a lot of people who have gone to Norwich who have come out and been very successful, and the museum really showcases that.”
The Sullivan Museum is just one example of the tremendous impact the Norwich Forever! campaign is having on the University, and Landers is excited to be a part of it, because he knows what it means for Norwich’s future. “In order to attract students, you need to have modern facilities. You want to be right up there with everybody else in what you offer.”
Landers also knows that it takes financial backing to keep a University vibrant and growing, which is why, in addition to serving on the Partridge Society Board, he has made a $50,000 pledge to the campaign. “I’m a big believer in the mission and ideas of Norwich. I think that Norwich has a place in our country and in our history and in the future. I believe in Norwich and I want it to continue.”
We’re in business and we’re in business to make money, but we’re going to do it honestly and be fair with people. That’s a big thing that Norwich pushes where other schools don’t necessarily.
~ Landers Symes ’87
Aside from to wanting Norwich to thrive in its third century of service, Landers is motivated by a desire to give back to the school that is in part responsible for his own success. Following six years of active duty in the Army Medical Service, Landers joined a real estate development and construction company of which he is now president. He credits Norwich with instilling in him the values he applies every day in the work place.
“We’re in business and we’re in business to make money, but we’re going to do it honestly and be fair with people,” Landers says. “That’s a big thing that Norwich pushes where other schools don’t necessarily. We often go out of our way—above and beyond what the norm is—to make sure that we are honest and truthful with people. A lot of that came from my training at Norwich.”
