Inspired by Tradition, Bound by Values

Norwich University has shaped leaders through a steadfast commitment to character, service, and honor for more than two centuries. Captain Alden Partridge founded the nation’s first-ever private military college in 1819, and has since held the ideal that leadership is not conferred by rank alone, but earned through discipline, integrity, and devotion to something greater than oneself. These principles are codified in Norwich’s Guiding Values and Honor Code, which challenge every student to live with accountability, respect, and moral courage — on campus, in the community, and far beyond The Hill.

Nowhere are those ideals more visibly tested and forged than within the Norwich University Corps of Cadets. From the moment Rooks arrive in August, they enter a tradition defined by shared hardship, high standards, and an unwavering expectation of personal responsibility. Rookdom is deliberately demanding, designed to strip away comfort and cultivate resilience, teamwork, and trust. Through repetition, discipline, and collective effort, recruits learn what it means to belong to an organization that values service before self.

Its culmination, Recognition, is among the most meaningful rites of passage at Norwich. It is not simply the conclusion of Rookdom, but a formal acknowledgment that these students have met the standards of the Corps and earned a place within its ranks. Recognition marks a shift in identity and responsibility: from learning standards to upholding them, from being led to leading, and from individual perseverance to collective accountability. In that moment, Rooks become cadets, bound to one another and to a legacy that spans generations.

At its core, Recognition affirms what the Corps of Cadets exists to produce—citizen-soldiers grounded in honor, prepared for leadership, and committed to service. It reinforces the idea that the privilege of wearing the uniform carries enduring responsibility, and that every action reflects not only on the individual, but on the Corps, the university, and the communities Norwich serves. It is a reminder that tradition at Norwich is not preserved through ceremony alone, but through daily choices that uphold its values.

Cadet leaders C/COL Matthew Ober '26 and C/CSM Kalvin Moise '26 are heavily involved with each Rook’s life throughout Rookdom. The pair spoke at Recognition and their remarks are shared below, preceded by C/COL Ober’s letter to both the Norwich and Northfield communities. Their words, both penned and spoken in the moment, underscore the gravity of the transition from Rook to cadet.

C/COL Ober, to the Norwich and Northfield communities regarding Recognition for the Norwich MCV Class of 2029:

I am pleased to announce the MCV Class of 2029’s formal recognition into the Norwich University Corps of Cadets to the Norwich and Northfield communities. It is with great pride that I share that from Dec. 4 forward, the Rooks of the MCV Class of 2029 are full members of the Norwich University Corps of Cadets, signifying the culmination of events they not only completed but excelled in, the leadership growth they have demonstrated, and the overall display of commitment to the Corps.

These young men and women have genuinely earned their place among the ranks of thousands of successful cadets who have passed through this institute. This milestone begins a lifelong bond with their peers, the legacy, and the values that define Norwich University and the Military College of Vermont.

Since their arrival in August, they have faced challenges designed to test their strength, shape their character, and forge their discipline. These recognized Rooks learned and demonstrated what it means to show up, stay the course, and commit to something greater than themselves.
In this moment of reflection on their perseverance over the past four months, I would also like to highlight the strength of the Norwich and Northfield communities. As Norwich has for decades, the MCV Class of 2029 actively participated in numerous community initiatives this year, such as volunteering at local events and supporting civic projects in town. 

On behalf of the Corps of Cadets and my institution, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to our community members for their continuous support of our mission to produce citizen-soldiers — individuals committed to leadership, stewardship, and honor. Together, we forge an immeasurable bond that strengthens both our institution and the community we proudly serve and support.
When you see our new cadets around campus and in town, please feel free to congratulate them on this milestone; they deserve it! Congratulations, cadets. Welcome to the Corps!

Norwich Forever,

Matthew S. Ober '26, Cadet Colonel, NUCC Regimental Commander

C/COL Matthew Ober, at Recognition:

Good evening, MCV Class of 2029.

Tonight is a night of tradition. Tonight is a night of honor. Tonight is a night you will remember fondly for the rest of your lives.

16 Aug. 2025, 416 of you started, many feeling uncertain, many apprehensive, and every one of you was challenged in some way. Over a series of tests, long days, and repetition, you each learned and grew as individuals, followers, and eventually into a family focused on group success. 368 of you stand here today.

You have met the bare minimum requirements expected of all Norwich cadets. Those of you who did not, do not lose motivation. Let this serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the areas in which you need to focus your attention to meet my standards.

To the cadre: your hard work over the last three and a half months has paid off. You served as guides, directing your recruits to the standard and helping them to deserve to become cadets. Take this time to congratulate yourselves, but come back prepared for the next phase of your leadership experience. Some of your recruits failed to meet the standards, and now remedial action must be taken, and as your cadre did for you, you must now mentor the Class of 029 into not only followers, but citizen-soldiers worthy of higher leadership responsibilities.

Recruits, Recognition is a milestone, not a destination. From this day forth, your responsibilities and the expectations others have of you grow. I said it the second night you were here, before your indoctrination into the Corps began: live by the Norwich motto.

Do this, and you will find motivation and value in your endeavors. Fail, and you will regret your lack of effort. Carry on the legacy of thousands of cadets before you.

The privilege of wearing the unform of a recognized Norwich cadet comes with responsibility. You will no longer be expected to simply follow the standards. Instead, you will be required to uphold them through all of your actions. Not to simply follow orders, but to lead when it is not your billeted job to do so. Most importantly, you will be tasked with representing not only yourself, but the Corps and Norwich University in everything you do. Your conduct on and off this campus matters. Set the example for those around you.

Your remaining time at Norwich will challenge you again and again — academically, physically, mentally, and morally. You will experience success, likewise you will encounter failures. Through these hardships, you will learn that true leadership is not about authority, it is about service, responsibility, and trust.

You will be forced to truly know the meaning of balance — prioritizing based on your goals and the demands of life is necessary. You should have a strong foundation; however, this is when your testing truly begins.

I challenge each of you to remain outside your comfort zone — if you thought Rookdom was easy, then ensure you find your calling in being part of an organization greater than yourself.

Compromising, complacency, and ceasing one’s effort is the only way you will wholeheartedly fail. Enough is not enough — giving every day your absolute best effort and constantly seeking growth is what every Norwich cadet is called to do. Do not be one of those who fails to act.

Before you leave here tonight, reflect upon your personal journey. Where did you truly succeed, putting forth 100% of your effort, and where did you fail?

By the authority vested in me, as of 4, Dec. 2025, I formally recognize the Military College of Vermont Class of 2029, thereby granting all privileges of a first-year Norwich cadet to the newest Norwich University Corps of Cadets members who have met the standard.

Congratulations, cadets. Welcome to the Corps.

Cadre, present the epaulettes.

C/CSM Kalvin Moise ’26, at Recognition:

Class of 2029,

Tonight is the night you stop living in the shadows. For months, you’ve been challenged in ways most people will never understand. You’ve been cold, exhausted, frustrated, overwhelmed and pushed to your breaking point more times than you can count.

Recognition is not a celebration. It is proof. Proof that you did not quit. Proof that pressure did not crush you. Proof that you refused excuses, silenced your doubts, and chose every day to fight.
You didn’t earn this moment through comfort. You earned it through suffering with purpose, and that is what separates a Norwich cadet from everyone else.

Look around you. These aren’t just your classmates. These aren’t just people in the same uniform as you. These are the men and women who saw you at your breaking point, and pulled you forward. They carried you when your legs shook. They reminded you who you were when your mind tried to forget, and you did the same for them.

But listen closely, because this is where most people mess up: Recognition is not the top of the mountain. It is the base.

The real tests start now. From this day forward, you will not be Rooks, you will be cadets. The Corps will expect more from you. Your peers will look up to you. Your leaders will push you. Younger classes will come after you and watch your every move.

You don’t get to hide anymore. You don’t get to be average anymore. You don’t get to blend in anymore.

You have to uphold the standard. You have to lead. You get to carry the weight of 206 years of Norwich legacy on your shoulders. And every cadet who came before you is watching to see what you do with that responsibility.

I want you to remember something for the rest of your lives: this institution does not create comfort. It creates character. It creates discipline. It creates leaders who can run toward the sound of chaos when everyone else runs away.

Feel this moment in your chest. Feel the pride. Feel the fire. Feel the gravity of who you have become.

Because whatever storms your future holds, this night proves you can handle all of them.
Class of 2929: stand tall; lead fiercely; honor this legacy; and never forget the price you paid to earn that single word, cadet.

Congratulations. Now, get ready. Your real journey starts tonight.

Photos by C/CPL Ian Chasteen '28 and C/CPL Rae Lawing '28.