2024 Richard S. Schultz ’60 Symposium Fellows announced

Lilian Lu, a junior, is the first of two Norwich University students named Richard S. Schultz ’60 Symposium Fellows for 2024-25. A remarkable student from Tucson, Arizona, Lu’s academic journey at Norwich has been one of distinct achievement and commitment. Currently, she is pursuing an intensive 4+1 Accelerated Master’s program in Computer Science and Information Assurance with a concentration in Digital Forensics. Lu’s intellectual versatility and dedication are shown through her triple minors in Chinese, Information Warfare, and History in Naval Studies.

Lu maintains an active campus life beyond the classroom as well. As a key member of the Women’s Rugby team and a dedicated writer/editor for the Norwich Guidon, she contributes to campus life in multiple ways. Lu is also engaged in the Cyber Leader Development Program (CLDP) – a program aimed at honing future leaders in Cyber Security. Apart from these time intensive involvements, the Corps of Cadets member is diligently working towards securing an Amry Intelligence contract, with future aspirations to serve in a three-letter agency.

As a distinguished Richard S. Schultz ’60 Symposium Fellow, Lu is undertaking research regarding the ethical dynamics of real-time news media through the lens of open-source intelligence on “the Gospel.” This research’s focal point is AI targeting technology in the current Israel-Gaza conflict.

Senior Lucia Frezza has also been named a recipient of the Richard S. Schultz ’60 Symposium Fellowship. The Wintersville, Ohio native excels in her major, Computer Science and Information Assurance and has a concentration in Digital Forensics. Additionally, her minor in German enhances her worldview and provides an exceptional cross-cultural understanding.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Frezza participates in the CyFER program as a fellow and a member of the Cyber Leader Development Program. She plays a significant role in various cybersecurity initiatives on campus, continuously enriching her expertise, experience, and leadership in the cybersecurity realm. Her research predominantly concentrates on the threat profile of cyber actors and how they use perception as a gateway into the minds of independent cyber threat actors.

The two Schultz ’60 Fellows will combine for an afternoon presentation during the 30th anniversary Military Writers’ Symposium on October 7. The only program of its kind at an American university, the Norwich University Writers’ Symposium convenes authors and experts in the fields of military history, intelligence, and current affairs to offer important perspectives on pressing global concerns. This year’s theme is “Perceptions Wars: The Battle to Control Reality.”

The Richard S. Schultz ’60 Symposium Fellowship was established in 2017 as an endowed fund in honor of “Dick” by his wife of fifty years, Myrna L. Schultz, their children, Marni and Alan, and his classmates and friends.

The fellowship enables Norwich undergraduates, from any academic discipline, the opportunity to pursue areas of inquiry and experiences that will promote and expand their understanding of the past and how it impacts the present and future. Through research, travel, and inquiry the Schultz Fellow and faculty advisor will offer perspectives for us to face the future with better understanding and confidence.

After a wide solicitation and competitive selection process, this annual fellowship is granted by the Norwich University Peace & War Center to an undergraduate student for a single project that may involve additional Norwich undergraduate students. The award includes a $3,500 grant.