Prepared to Serve

Norwich University formally marked a transition in student leadership on March 30 as newly elected members of the Student Government Association (SGA) were recognized during the annual Inaugural Banquet, a ceremony underscoring the institution's emphasis on leadership in action.

The event highlighted the assumption of duties by the incoming student body president, vice president, and senators, who were sworn in during the proceedings. The banquet served not only as a ceremonial transition, but a reflection of Norwich's long-standing commitment to developing principled leaders prepared to serve both the campus community and broader world following graduation.

Leading the new administration is Student Body President Mason Jakober, Class of 2029, who is majoring in political science. A member of the Corps of Cadets on a four-year Army ROTC scholarship, Jakober has articulated a focus on strengthening student representation, enhancing institutional accountability, and ensuring that student government remains responsive to the needs of the Norwich community.

Serving alongside Jakober is Vice President Brendan Macking, Class of 2028, a sophomore mechanical engineering major. A Navy-contracted NROTC midshipman pursuing naval aviation, Macking has emphasized accessibility and effectiveness within SGA, aiming to ensure that all students view the organization as a reliable resource.

The incoming class of senators reflects a diverse cross-section of Norwich's student body, each bringing unique experiences and ambitions to their roles.

Sen. Brianna Vitale, Class of 2027, enters her fourth year of service as a senator. She majors in environmental science, with minors in environmental criminology, intelligence and crimes analysis, and geospatial intelligence. An Environmental Science Weintz Research Scholar, Army ROTC cadet, and member of the Norwich softball team, Vitale brings a broad academic and extracurricular background to her role.

Sen. Robert Hiser Jr., Class of 2028, is an international business major and contracted Air Force RTOC cadet. Active in organizations including I5 Space, Silver Wings, and the Scouting Association, Hiser also works with the International Center and the regimental S5 section as an international cadet coordinator. His experience engaging with exchange students and international military cadets informs his goal of expanding SGA's collaboration across campus organizations and strengthening its role as a representative body.

Sen. Jordan Wager, Class of 2028, a criminology major with a minor in leadership, will serve while also holding responsibilites within the Corps as a cadet sergent, regimental runner in Headquarters Company, and Drill Company tab holder. Navy contracted, Wager aspires to become a Navy pilot and is focused on representing the class while contributing to SGA intitiatives.

Sen. Ryan Cross and Sen. Finn Johnson will serve as Class of 2029 representatives. Cross, a civil engineering major, enjoys spending time in the kitchen and outdoors where he embraces the Norwich way of life; Johnson, a political science major, enters his role with a commitment to representing his class and supporting student-focused initiatives.

Together, the newly installed leaders represent Norwich's enduring mission to produce graduates who lead with integrity, service, and purpose. As they assume their roles, the Inaugural Banquet stands as both a milestone and a starting point, and a reminder that leadership at Norwich is not simply a title but a responsibility carried forward in action.