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As the Class of 1990’s Class Agent and a member of the , I am keenly aware how Norwich’s fundraising efforts can directly benefit students. The annual NU Giving Day campaign is the perfect vehicle for classes across the entire Norwich community to engage in a little friendly competition while making a significant difference in the lives of our students. 

While preparing for the 2026 Giving Day campaign, our team had to make sure we “set the hook” with a personally meaningful campaign to our classmates. Coming off a highly successful 35th reunion fundraising effort that saw our class, also known as “First in Grey," raise an amazing gift of over $1 million, we knew the campaign needed to be personal and meaningful. 

Making campaign videos atop my grey mare, Independence, with Shannon riding Freedom and operating the camera while we chased around another grey mare, it dawned on me the connection was right in front of me — it was the color grey. 

In 1986, Norwich transitioned to the current cadet grey uniform with the arrival of the class of 1990 for Rook Week. The remainder of the classes would wear the greens and dress blues as Norwich fazed in the cadet grey; while modified over the decades since, it is what the wears today. 

Not only did 1986 mark a significant transition for the Corp’s uniform, but it also marked the day 40 years ago when the classmates of “First in Grey” met for the first time, joined teammates on the athletic fields, and supported our Rook buddies as we navigated the shock of the first weeks, and began a real and meaningful lifelong relationship with Norwich. 90 is 40.

The Class of 1990 has a long history of leading when it comes to the Development Office’s Giving Day efforts. Working hand in hand with in the Development Office, who tirelessly supports our class each year, we created a marketing campaign to win the day and see another Giving Day battle streamer attached to the '90 Guidon we carry with pride each Homecoming.

It is not just about '90. It is about having some fun as a class, creating some competition among other classes, and communicating the importance of Giving Day across our class and the Norwich community.

As a Patridge Society Director, I can tell you that every dollar given to the supports the University’s most urgent needs and directly supports students. There is power in numbers. When your contribution to the Norwich Fund is combined with the support of other donors, it creates a significant and meaningful impact. Gifts to the Norwich Fund represent the largest source of unrestricted funding that the university receives. A gift to the Norwich Fund demonstrates a commitment to the financial stability of the university and helps secure the future of the Norwich experience for the next generation. 

Returning to campus this April to meet with the Partridge Society and Alumni and Development Office leadership, I was able to spend time with numerous recipients who rekindled my family’s passion to give.   

As part of the leadership of “First in Grey”, I want to say “thank you” to this great class for your support of our students.

As a Partridge Society Director, I want to say “thank you” to the entire Norwich community for your participation this year and challenge every class to make events such as these a priority in the years to come.