COL Mark Elfendahl, Executive Vice President of the Olmsted Foundation, visits Norwich University

The Olmsted Foundation has been a steadfast sponsor of annual cultural immersion trips over the past decade by Norwich Cadets. Recently, a group of 10 students embarked on a journey to the Philippines under the leadership of Dr. Travis Morris, Director of the Norwich University Peace and War Center. Earlier in March, Cadet Wil Bazant ‘25 and Cadet Matthew Reinfurt ‘25 conducted a detailed personal briefing to the Olmsted Foundation. Their insightful presentation earned praise by retired U.S. Army MG Bruce K. Scott, the President and CEO of the Olmsted Foundation. 
Recently, COL Mark Elfendahl, the Executive Vice President at the Olmsted Foundation, conducted an official visit to Norwich University. The primary objective of this visit was to communicate the continuing mission of the foundation, liaise with significant stakeholders at the University, and to acquire additional understanding pertaining to the achievements of the preceding expedition to the Philippines. 

“Olmsted Field Studies in Peace and Conflict are transformative experiences and are true to Norwich’s DNA,” said Morris. “Captain Partridge wanted his cadets to learn by traversing terrain and learning by doing. His vision continues today, however, domestic terrain has been replaced with overseas geography funded by the Olmsted Foundation. Cadets have a once in a lifetime experience to work as a team and advance their ability to interact effectively with other cultures, lead others through unfamiliar territory, and increase their cross-cultural intelligence. After completing the Olmsted Field Study, our cadets are better prepared as junior military officers to lead overseas and expand their understanding of global complexities. It has been an honor to partner with the Olmsted Foundation.”

COL Elfendahl had an engaging and packed day interacting with various sectors of the Norwich campus and community. He had constructive conversations with each of the leaders of the various ROTC units, during which he presented the merits of the Olmsted Scholars Program to the U.S. Army ROTC Military Science II class. The working lunch served as an opportunity to connect with other members of the recent cultural immersion trip to the Philippines, including Thy Yang, the Assistant Vice President of International Education. The afternoon further allowed COL Elfendahl to deepen his understanding of Norwich University through a guided tour of the Sullivan Museum and History Center. Afterwards, he also had vital meetings with BG Karen Gaines, VSM, Provost and Dean of the Faculty,

 and BG William McCullough ’91, VSM, Vice President of Student Affairs and the 56th Commandant of Cadets. The day culminated with Regimental Commander Sophia Righthouse ’25 and Cadet Wil Bazant ‘25 presenting a comprehensive briefing about the expedition to the Philippines to COL Elfendahl, LtGen Broadmeadow ’83, and Dr. Morris.

Applications for the upcoming Olmsted Foundation trip will be accepted by Dr. Travis Morris.