Norwich University Women Kicking Glass celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first women to live on the Northfield campus and the first to join the NU Corps of Cadets.
“Being a female at a male dominant school, it’s exciting that we are going to be celebrating this many years,” said Jennifer Zarycki, Committee Member, Class of 2020. “I know I would not be the woman or leader I am today if I didn’t go to Norwich.”
In 1972, Norwich University and Vermont College signed an agreement to merge schools. This merger was the first time women were allowed to enroll at Norwich University – two years prior to the other U.S. service academies. Although enrolled, these first women were housed at the Vermont College campus in Montpelier and bused to Northfield every day.
In the Fall of 1973, women petitioned to be allowed to live on the Northfield campus and join the Corps of Cadets. By 1974, the first female women moved into Gerard Hall, and women were finally allowed to join the corps of cadets.
Before the merger, women from Vermont College were highly sought-after dates for dances and formals on the formerly all-male campus. So, this merger came as a shock to many who previously attended the all-military academy. Women were required to wear dresses or slacks as a standard uniform.
In 1971, enrollment had dropped from 1,200 to 1,000, but by the fall of 1979, after the merger, enrollment had doubled. Among these students were Nancy (Young) Fillip, Mary (Chambers) Merhi, Roberta (Moskos) Watson, and Diane (Gionet) Halliday, the first women to join the corps of cadets. These ladies later became cadre to incoming rooks.
Norwich University Women Kicking Glass is an alumni group highlighting female trailblazers throughout Norwich history. This year, the alumni group is celebrating the 50th anniversary of women at Norwich.
“For me, having the women there as my rook sisters and as my peers, it’s super important because it helped shape my experience at Norwich,” said Joey Mac Dizon, committee member and Class of 2011. “A lot of them became a part of my life. I keep in contact with them or have great memories with them.”
Norwich University Women Kicking Glass continually sends emails containing biographies of women who made an impact during their time at Norwich, coining the name “trailblazers.” These women range from the first female cadets and civilians to present day female students and alumni.
“I’ve heard great feedback from both male and female alumni who felt many women alumni have been overlooked,” said Brig. Gen. Kimberly Baumann, committee member and class of 1987. “Capturing stories and artifacts for the Norwich archives and Sullivan Museum has already been a fruitful effort. Hearing about Norwich women’s experiences and generating forums for reconnection has been fulfilling.”
In addition, the group has hosted several events to strengthen the female community at Norwich.
Some of the upcoming events include “Supporting Women Veterans & Active-Duty Military” on March 6, which consists of a luncheon and panel discussion, and “Dressing for Success” on March 18 and 19, an on-campus event, which is geared towards helping female students dress and prepare for professional occasions.
Most notably, the group is excited to announce that they will be hosting a gala celebrating the 50th anniversary on September 20 during alumni weekend.
“There’s still plenty of work to be done,” said Zarycki.
“It is enlightening to see past barriers broken and hear the backstories of the trailblazers and the many people who enabled those paths,” said Baumann. “I am excited to see the school become more inclusive, expanding the Norwich family and opportunities for all. [Our alumni group] is for all Norwich grads and undergrads, civilians and corps, and friends of Norwich near and far.”
