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Gathering under this year’s theme, “Norwich Together, Norwich Forever,” 362 students representing 13 online graduate programs will participate in virtual capstone and culminating academic work, conferences, and commencement and Academic Recognition Ceremonies at Norwich University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies (CGCS) annual Residency Conference June 21-25.

Also, 209 online bachelor’s degree students representing six bachelor’s degree completion programs are expected to receive their degree in 2021.

Although the Residency Conference is traditionally hosted at Norwich University’s Northfield, Vermont campus, the 2021 version will be held virtually for the second year in a row. This way, students, alumni, and friends and family of the graduates can participate in these culminating events while remaining safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Joining the 202-year Norwich legacy with the culmination of their programs at the Residency Conference, the Class of 2021 graduates include active-duty and veteran military personnel, health care professionals, law enforcement officers, special agents, entrepreneurs and educators.

2021 Residency by the numbers:

• 362 graduate students representing all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and four international countries: Canada, Czech Republic, Peru and Saudi Arabia.
• 43% of the graduating class has served or is serving in the military.
• 15% of students have more than one degree from Norwich University; 12 are legacy students with family members who are Norwich alumni.

Acclaimed radio and podcast personality Guy Raz will deliver this year’s Residency keynote presentation at 7 p.m. ET June 23 as part of the Norwich University Todd Lecture Series. Raz, described by The New York Times as “one of the most popular podcasters in history,” will share his in-depth knowledge of entrepreneurship that he gained from interviewing some of the world’s top innovators. This virtual lecture is free and open to the public. For more information on the keynote speaker, visit the Residency Event website.

For many students, commencement serves as the most momentous experience when earning their degrees. Norwich is hosting a virtual 2021 Commencement Ceremony at noon ET June 25, recognizing the hard work students make to achieve this accomplishment. Norwich will honor each 2021 Norwich University online graduate; family and friends are encouraged to attend this memorable event to celebrate their achievements. Those wishing to attend the 2021 Commencement Ceremony may register at the Residency Event website.

CGCS is honored to welcome U.S. Army Col. Christopher P. Costa (retired) as this year’s Commencement speaker. Costa served as the special assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism on the National Security Council (NSC) from 2017-18.

Before his work on the council, Costa deployed on multiple contingencies and to combat operations in Panama, Afghanistan and Iraq; his last assignment with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) was as program director in the Operations Directorate. Before USSOCOM, Costa was a Department of the Navy civilian at the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, working with U.S. Navy SEALs. He also served as a senior adjunct instructor with Norwich University's Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis Program. 

Master’s students in business administration and leadership disciplines will apply concepts learned throughout their studies in a collaborative research project. In this research project, students will analyze local Vermont businesses in project and resource management, marketing, leadership, operations and finance.

To test their hard-earned skills, Norwich master’s students in civil engineering; criminal justice; history and military history; information security and assurance and cybersecurity; nursing and public administration will participate in live presentation sessions led by their peers that showcase capstone projects in their unique areas of research. Students in diplomacy and international relations will participate in virtual case studies and interactive poster presentations relevant to their fields. General sessions are free and open to the public; please visit the Residency Event website for more information on registering.

Visit residency.norwich.edu for more information and ongoing updates on the 2021 Residency Conference.