Through the Lens: Dan Luciani ’26 Earns Best Senior Producer Award

At Norwich University, some of the most impactful storytelling happens quietly.

It unfolds behind the camera, in editing suites late at night, on the sidelines of ceremonies and traditions, or in the careful selection of a shot that captures a feeling words alone cannot express. For recent graduate Dan Luciani ’26, that work helped shape how thousands of people experienced Norwich University, even if they never realized a student was behind the lens.

At the end of the 2025-26 academic year, Luciani was recognized for that work, earning the Best Senior Producer Award from the Department of Global Humanities. The honor reflected not only his technical ability as a videographer and producer, but also the creativity and growth that defined his time at Norwich University.

Professor Christopher Wiersema, who nominated Luciani for the award, saw Luciani’s potential early in his Norwich career.

“Dan was one of my first students when I started teaching here at Norwich and in a way, he really set the standard of what I knew students were capable of producing,” says Wiersema. “It's been great having Dan in my classes the past few semesters, talking about films and media production techniques. Dan has important traits that will keep him growing professionally and making great work: enthusiasm and an artistic voice.”

Those qualities became increasingly evident through Luciani’s growing portfolio of work, much of which became familiar to students, alumni, and families across the Norwich community through various social media platforms.

Many people likely encountered his videos without ever realizing they were created by a civilian student balancing coursework with countless hours of production work behind the scenes.

In one of the most recognized pieces, he explored a more imaginative direction with a project centered around a compelling question: What if acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan directed a movie about Norwich University?

The concept demonstrated a willingness to experiment creatively while showcasing Luciani’s evolving understanding of cinematic storytelling techniques. Rather than simply recording events, he worked to shape mood, tension, and atmosphere through editing.

Another standout piece focused on the Cadre Oath ceremony, documenting one of the most significant leadership moments experienced by Corps of Cadets students. Through pacing, composition, and attention to detail, Luciani conveyed the seriousness and responsibility tied to the moment as Cadre stood before the incoming Rook class.

In what has been described as one of the most patriotic videos, he highlighted the University’s Color Guard, combining footage from various ceremonies and campus events with a rendition of the national anthem performed by Norwich’s own Sydney Brown ’26. The production captured both the pageantry and emotion associated with Norwich traditions while presenting them with a cinematic style that elevated the familiar into something memorable.

Associate Vice President of Campus and Athletic Communications Marc Kolb remembers the beginning of that progression clearly.

“As a freshman in 2022, Dan was a student photographer for Athletic Communications and was developing his own style. At the time, almost all of his experience had been in photography, but there was clearly something more there waiting to be developed. I asked if he would be interested in helping capture video of the 2023 Labor Day Parade, and that project became his first opportunity to work alongside Senior Videographer Harry Dwinell. Watching the two of them talk about camera movement, pacing, production techniques, and coloring, you could almost see the spark ignite in real time. From that moment forward, Dan immersed himself in the craft, partnered with Harry and the Marketing & Communications Office, and never looked back.”

That willingness to embrace a new challenge reflected the spirit of Norwich’s “I Will Try” motto.

Luciani approached video production with curiosity and determination, dedicating substantial time to learning every aspect of the process. Working closely with Dwinell, he developed not only technical skills, but also the instincts necessary to tell stories visually in ways that resonated emotionally with viewers.

Over time, his work became an increasingly important part of how Norwich presented itself to external audiences.

His videos helped prospective students and families gain a better understanding of campus life, traditions, leadership development, and the distinctive atmosphere that defines Norwich University. Through his lens, viewers experienced moments that members of the Norwich community understand deeply: the intensity before ceremonies, the pride associated with tradition, and the shared sense of purpose that connects students across campus.

Those qualities are difficult to capture authentically. Luciani consistently found ways to do so.

Part of what made his storytelling effective was his perspective as a civilian student. While many of his projects centered around Corps traditions and ceremonies, his work reflected an appreciation for the larger Norwich experience and the way the University’s different communities intersect and shape one another.

That perspective allowed him to document Norwich in a way both genuine and accessible.

For Senior Videographer Harry Dwinell, seeing Luciani receive the Best Senior Producer Award carried special meaning. In a full-circle moment, Dwinell was able to speak during the presentation, reflecting on the growth he had witnessed firsthand throughout Luciani’s time at Norwich.

The recognition represented years of commitment and artistic development.

At Norwich, achievement is often associated with leadership positions, military success, academics, or athletics. Luciani’s journey demonstrated another important form of impact, one rooted in creativity and storytelling.

His work became part of the University’s visual identity.

In higher education, video increasingly shapes how institutions connect with audiences. For many prospective students, a video serves as their first introduction to campus culture and tradition. Luciani helped create those introductions, producing content that reflected the authenticity and spirit of Norwich rather than simply documenting events.

More importantly, his work communicated something that students, faculty, staff, and alumni already knew.

Norwich is different.

There is a distinct culture, one built on challenge, service, leadership, and tradition. Through his creativity and commitment behind the camera, Luciani helped audiences outside the University begin to understand that difference for themselves.

Now, as he begins the next chapter following graduation with the Class of 2026, the impact of his work will continue across campus and beyond. His videos will remain part of the University’s storytelling efforts, preserving moments and traditions while continuing to introduce future students to the Norwich experience.

For Dan Luciani ’26, the Best Senior Producer Award recognized far more than technical skill. It honored a student whose creativity, dedication, and artistic vision helped tell the story of Norwich University in a way that connected with people both on and off The Hill.

Norwich Forever.