LtGen John J. Broadmeadow inaugurated as 25th Norwich University president

Norwich University inaugurated its 25th president on the afternoon of April 24. Though the inauguration has only just taken place, LtGen John J. Broadmeadow, USMC (Ret), Class of 1983, has been leading the University in this role for the past year and shares a deep personal connection to Norwich University considering his time as a student and Board of Trustees member.

LtGen Broadmeadow is the first Marine to take the mantle of president and the first Norwich alumnus to lead the school in this role in more than three decades, as well as the highest-ranking Marine officer to ever graduate from the University. He had a distinguished 36-year career in the United States Marine Corps, during which he held various command and staff positions, including service in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The inauguration began with a processional led by longtime professor and pillar of the Norwich community, Dr. Frank Vanecek, H’10. The faculty led on stage by Vanecek were shortly followed by the inauguration’s platform party: Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alan DeForest ’75; LtGen John Broadmeadow, USMC (Ret), 25th President of Norwich University; and Provost and Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Karen Gaines.

LtGen Broadmeadow was additionally joined on stage by a host of faculty and Corps of Cadets leaders alongside his wife, Karen Rowe Broadmeadow ’83, and brother, Paul Broadmeadow.

Gaines was first to the podium and welcomed the crowd to the Northfield campus. “Good afternoon, distinguished guests, faculty, students, alumni, and friends of Norwich University,” she said. “It’s my great honor to stand before you today as we celebrate a momentous occasion in the life of our institution, the inauguration of LtGen John Broadmeadow as the 25th leader of Norwich University, our nation’s first senior military college.”

“The presidency of Norwich carries immense responsibility,” said Gaines. “It requires vision, character, and deep understanding of our values. We found that leader in John Broadmeadow.”

Gaines then invited Paul to the podium to read a letter written by LtGen Broadmeadow’s son, United States Marine Corps Maj Benjamin Broadmeadow. He was unable to attend the inauguration as he is currently stationed in Stuttgart, Germany.

“My nephew Benjamin asked me to read an introductory letter for him, which kind of surprised me because I am not a professional speaker,” said Paul. “I would beg your indulgence if emotion creeps into my voice.”

Benjamin began his letter by ensuring his parents that he and his family would be watching via livestream from Germany and highlighted their bond as family and servicemen. “Besides my mom, I think I may know John Broadmeadow the best, having known him all my life. I share a kinship with him not just as a son, but also as a United States Marine,” wrote Benjamin. “It’s a heartfelt honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to provide these introductory remarks and share with all of you a more personal perspective on my father.”

“While my father had the aptitude, the expertise, and a good heap of luck and fortune to advance to and attain the rank of lieutenant general in the United States Marine Corps, he will be the first to say that the root of his military career began at Norwich University,” he wrote. 

Benjamin continued, reminiscing about his parents’ Norwich story and his father’s service, and highlighted his lifelong commitment to Norwich University, its values, and its mission. “Today, Norwich University inaugurates as its president a man dedicated to this institution,” he wrote. “My dad understands and loves Norwich for its history and mission, in part because of how intertwined Norwich University was – and remains – an integral part of his own history as husband, father, grandfather, Marine officer, and leader.”

“Take it from someone who benefitted from John Broadmeadow’s lifelong mentorship and dedication, he is a man always faithful to his family, to his country, and to Norwich University,” wrote Benjamin. “I am confident that he will continue to serve Norwich University with the greatest capacity he can muster, and he’ll do it with a proud smile. Congratulations, father, and Semper Fi.”

As Paul stepped away from the podium, DeForest was introduced to the crowd and took his place. “We’re gathered today in this historic place in the shadow of Paine Mountain, with the spirit of Captain Alden Partridge guiding us, to witness a proud and solemn tradition: the formal installation of a new president," he said. “Today we install LtGen John J. Broadmeadow, USMC (Ret), as our 25th president of Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the nation and our proud birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.”

“This moment is not only ceremonial, it is a declaration of confidence and leadership, a commitment to duty, a renewal of our sacred mission to educate citizen-soldiers prepared to serve and lead with integrity, honor, and perseverance,” said DeForest, who then invited LtGen Broadmeadow and Karen to join him at the podium.

LtGen Broadmeadow, holding his wife Karen’s hand, then swore to the pledges read aloud by DeForest, officially beginning the inauguration.

“Today we gather to celebrate a new chapter in Norwich University’s storied history, but also to uphold a time-honored tradition that symbolizes the responsibility and trust, and enduring legacy of leadership, at this institution,” said DeForest. “The presentation of the Norwich University Presidential Medallion is a solemn and significant moment in the inauguration ceremony. The medallion represents the authority of the Office of the President and the continuity of Norwich’s mission.”

DeForest then invited Faculty Marshall David Blythe to come forward to present the Presidential Medallion. Once presented with the Medallion, DeForest bestowed it upon LtGen Broadmeadow on behalf of the Corps of Cadets, the faculty, staff, students, and alumni. “This is a symbol of your office and our trust, and may it serve as a constant reminder of the charge you now bear: to lead with strength, serve with humility, and inspire with purpose,” said Deforest.

LtGen Broadmeadow, with the Presidential Medallion around his neck, took to the podium. “Provost Gaines, thank you, for all you’ve done as my partner over this last year in your term as interim president,” said LtGen Broadmeadow. “You have helped me understand the enormity of what it means to be an educator. Thank you for all that you’ve done over this past year.”

He additionally thanked DeForest and thanked the crowd for attending and coming home to The Hill as he continued expressing his gratitude to those in attendance. “To the Board of Trustees — especially our chair, Mr. Alan DeForest — thank you for the trust that you have placed in me. I promise to steward our University in a way that is befitting your dedication,” he said, continuing by offering a special thanks to President Emeritus Richard Schneider. “Since our first meeting in California during the early years of your tenure, you’ve been a friend to Karen and me. Now, you are one of my most trusted advisors. I can think of nobody better to learn from.”

LtGen Broadmeadow continued his remarks and highlighted his thoughts surrounding Norwich. A sense of community was key to his insights, as well as commitment to the University’s Guiding Values. “As has been stated many times today, Karen and I both benefitted from a Norwich education,” he said. “Most importantly, we can both say that Norwich’s Guiding Values, those that we learned here at Norwich, shaped both our personal and professional lives.”

He ended his thoughts by ensuring the community that he will lead in the fashion that Norwich expects. “It is now my job to understand that we must continue to accomplish our mission. I understand and I accept that profound responsibility you have now entrusted in me as the president of Norwich University,” LtGen Broadmeadow said. “’I Will Try,’ to ensure that we remain Norwich forever.”