Scott N. McKay
The overall feel of the campus was the most impressive feature of the University. The campus was preparing for Junior Ring weekend and the energy on campus was contagious. I was also thoroughly impressed with the Math and Science Center that offered the latest in scientific technology and dedicated Faculty.
~ Scott N. McKay
Can you recall what made you choose Norwich for your higher education?
The challenge of a military education that Norwich offered.
Did you visit Norwich before matriculating? Can you remember what your first impression of the school was? If you did not visit the campus, can you remember what your arrival experience was like?
I was able to visit the campus in the spring before I graduated from high school. The overall feel of the campus was the most impressive feature of the University. The campus was preparing for Junior Ring weekend and the energy on campus was contagious. I was also thoroughly impressed with the Math and Science Center that offered the latest in scientific technology and dedicated faculty. I was also drawn to the small class sizes and student-to-professor ratio.
If you could choose one word to describe Norwich and your time spent here, what would it be and why?
Discipline is the word I would use to describe my time at Norwich. The Corps lifestyle provided structure and a challenge. I was able to transition and succeed at Norwich because of the discipline that was instilled in me as a Rook.
How has your Norwich education benefited you in your personal life? Professionally?
The Norwich experience gave me a unique combination of a quality education and an environment to develop my leadership skills. The other skill that is most tested at Norwich is time management. Time management skills that I developed at Norwich, trying to balance my Corps of Cadets responsibilities and my academic endeavors, has simplified my life in the armed forces.
I can think of no other university where the faculty are as dedicated to its students. Your professors will go above and beyond to help you in every way.
~ Scott N. McKay
What would you say to a prospective student contemplating attending Norwich for their higher education?
Norwich will be a difficult time that will test you in many aspects, but the rewards and the friends that you will make there greatly outweigh the hardships you face. I can think of no other university where the faculty are as dedicated to its students. Your professors will go above and beyond to help you in every way. You will have the benefit of small class sizes and in some cases one-on-one instruction. As a junior and senior I rarely had a class that had more then 10 students. With the small classes and the quality of the faculty at Norwich, you will have more opportunities than you would if you chose a traditional college.
Is there any one memory from your time at Norwich that you feel characterizes the school and its values?
The Rook swearing-in ceremony my senior year stands out in my memory. Standing in front of the incoming freshmen class with their parents behind them and my classmates and underclassmen around them as they swore to uphold the Honor Code and the traditions that we had all done three years prior.
As an alumnus, can you describe a favorite tradition that occurred at Norwich in your time that continues on campus today?
Alumni weekend is a tradition that still occurs at the Wick. Alumni weekend gave us, the students, time to meet with and learn from those that came before us. It provides students the opportunity to meet with those who have successfully completed their education at Norwich and moved on to be successful leaders in all aspects of life.
