As Commencement Weekend 2026 comes to a close and we’re all off to summer break, we’d like take a moment to reflect on the state of Norwich’s independent student-run newspaper—which, for the first time in 8 years, we have the distinct privilege of actually calling it a physical “newspaper”.
Last week, 1,000 copies of our special commencement print issue were distributed all across the Norwich campus: the library, the WCC, and every dorm hall lobby/dayroom. And in preparation for this weekend, our staff went around to restock every one of these locations yesterday morning with the remaining 1,000 copies. Additionally, we were able to visit Jackman Hall and deliver papers to several of the offices there.
We dropped a few copies off in the Alumni Associations Office, a stack in the Board of Trustees conference room, and visited both Colonel William Passalacqua and Brigadier General William McCullough to personally deliver a copy.
It was an absolute honor and pleasure to be able to make the first paper run for The Guidon since 2018, but the fact that we’ve gotten this print issue spread so far across campus means so much more than just getting getting my steps in.
Although we’ve struggled in recent years to rebuild to the standards and reputation we once held, this print issue has been the first successful step in getting The Guidon back out there on campus—and with it, a new era of student journalism at Norwich. Which couldn’t have be possible without so many Norwich students, staff, faculty, and all of our loved ones picking up a copy of their own this past week.
Every time I passed one of the locations where we put out the papers, the stacks kept getting lower and lower. On behalf of The Guidon staff, I truly thank you all for reigniting the interest in and demand for student journalism at Norwich University.
I wrote about a similar idea in my editorial for the commencement print issue, but to reiterate—”student voices are absolutely vital for the wellbeing and function of a campus community, as the heart and soul of every good collegiate institution lies in the student body allowing the system to thrive in the first place“. We hope that the overwhelming support shown for the The Guidon this past week will continue into the Fall 2026 semester and beyond so the most vital piece of democracy can thrive even more.
For any inquiries, story ideas, or general communication, you can reach out to us at [email protected]. This is our only official email address for The Guidon. We hope you have a great and safe summer break, and we look forward to serving and interacting with the Norwich community once again in the fall.
