THE UNDERGRADUATE academic year is rapidly winding down at the University. The last day of classes is Friday, May 7 and exams run from May 9-14.

Award ceremonies continue to fill schedules of students, faculty and staff. On April 22nd, the Center for Civic Engagement held its annual Service and Service-Learning Celebration and Showcase. Over 70 individuals were recognized for their outstanding commitment to service. Awardees included AmeriCorps team participants, Alternative Spring Break and NU VISIONS Abroad program volunteers, student youth mentors and the faculty and students who organized and participated in academic service-learning projects.

Other prizes awarded were the “Community Partner of the Year Award” given to the DREAM Youth Mentoring Organization. Professor Susan Yesalonia received “Service-Learning Program and Faculty Member of the Year Awards in Service” and student Ashley Potvin won “Volunteer of the Year” Award for her role in fundraising and relief efforts for Haiti.

Six graduating seniors who have made service to others a top priority during their time at Norwich were also recognized –Sarah Kennedy, Samantha Johnston, Brian Boyer, William Furnari, Ashley Gavin and Kyle Robidas.

Another annual event for the Corps of Cadets is the Military Service Awards Ceremony, which was held on April 27. A number of honors, trophies and prizes are awarded from all service-branches.

One of the most prestigious honors is the “Lewis E. Perry Memorial Award” that is given to the “senior Cadet who has made the greatest contribution to all aspects of life at Norwich University.” President Schneider presented this award to Cadet James Young.

Additionally, following the Board of Trustees meetings on April 15- 17, the Board voted to approve and congratulate this year’s list of professors who were promoted and/or received tenure. In the school of Art and Architecture Wendy Cox was promoted to Associate Professor and received tenure. In the school of Business and Management John Hurd and Robert Rotundi were promoted to Professor Emeritus and William Jolley received tenure. The school of Humanities promoted Christopher (Topper) Morris to Professor Emeritus and Judith Stallings-Ward to Associate Professor and tenure. The school of Social Sciences awarded Kevin Fleming tenure.

Commencement will be on Sunday, May 16 when Norwich congratulates and celebrates the achievements of the class of 2010.