Norwich University ‘s 2025 Family Weekend came to an end this past Sunday, which was especially bittersweet for the first-year students who reunited with their loved ones for the first time in months.
College for many is a major stepping stone in life, as it is usually the first time a young adult leaves the home to truly be out on their own away from family. This effect is only magnified by the experiences of rookdom and the strict military tradition that Norwich University is renowned for.
Last weekend, recruits not only got to be with their parents and family but also experienced being off campus for the first time since Rook Arrival Day. Whether heading downtown into Northfield for the first time or leaving with their parents to another city like Burlington, this break from the recruit lifestyle came as a great relief for all rooks.
“[Seeing my family again] was a breath of fresh air, I was overwhelmed with happiness when I got to finally see them”, said Kaylie Petullo, 18, a freshman recruit majoring in Criminology from Gorton, Massachusetts.
Aeden Kerr, 18, a freshman recruit majoring in Political Science, said that seeing his family “felt great after such a long time apart, especially for them to see me play and win in a college rugby game against the Coast Guard Academy.”
The Norwich Cadets rugby teams swept the competition dominating the field [Graveyard Pitch]. Then the Norwich B team came out first with a victory against the University of Vermont B, with an overall score of 36-10. In addition, the Norwich A Team scored an overall 63-0 against the Coast Guard Academy.
“I was happy and sad at the same time… the feeling of having that small bit of freedom kind of messed with me… It was kind of nice to have a small distraction from everything around me, and it was nice to just be [with my family]”, said Nicholas Green, 18, a freshman recruit Criminal Justice major from Hilton NY.
Family Weekend also creates the unique opportunity for recruits to be able to find enjoyment in the little things that are easily taken for granted in day-to-day life.
After going this long away from their loved ones, a majority of recruits spent this time “catching up” with them. Watching movies, having conversations, enjoying delicious meals, exploring Vermont, and enjoying the small moments. “I was definitely overwhelmed with emotions since it had been seven weeks, the longest I’ve ever gone without seeing my family,” said Audrey Campbell, a freshman recruit majoring in Criminal Justice.
Back on campus, things were just as lively as they were beyond the hill. On Saturday, the Norwich Cadets took the field once more to play against Worcester Polytechnic Institute, ending with a score of 7-14. In addition to both the football game and the rugby victory mentioned earlier, other sporting events included Swim, Cross Country, and more; all being lived streamed for families that couldn’t make it to campus this weekend
Furthermore, the freshman rook platoons competed in drill and banner competitions in front of their families to show what they have learned and done. On the Friday leading into the weekend, Regimental Commander, Cadet Colonel Matthew Ober, announced that the freshman class has earned the privileges of not wearing white nametapes on specific uniforms, going to the campus’ Dunkin Donuts, and to have a 5-by-3-inch photograph on their desk.
Last weekend also saw the first annual baptisms of this academic year, which were held at Dog River by Reverend Wick. In total, three members of the Christian Church were baptized—2 recruits and 1 civilian student. Families and friends were of course in attendance to watch and be a part of a new beginning for these students.
Like with every year past, 2025’s Family Weekend was one full of emotions—and a much-needed breath of fresh air, according to some. Now as midterms begin, signaling the halfway point of the Fall semester—there are still just as many exciting events to look forward to.
