Norwich Legacy: The Personal Story of Alan R. Porretti ’70 and Michael Nadeau ’25

Legacy 
(ˈle-gə-sē) 
Noun
-    Something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past
-    A candidate for membership in an organization who is given special status because of familial relationship to a member
Community has always been a staple of life at Norwich University. The shared bonds formed by students and families who believe in Captain Alden Partridge’s vision run deep; often, these bonds are forged throughout generations in families.

Norwich University proudly acknowledges the sustained lineage of legacy students, including significant families like the Plumleys, Gibsons, and Ransoms. Many locations around campus bear their names in recognition, such as Plumley Armory, a staple of the Northfield campus. The incorporation and recognition of legacy students serves to further strengthen the existing bonds within the Norwich community while providing valuable guidance to current undergraduate students navigating the complexities of life during their time on The Hill.

One of the most significant times in a legacy family’s Norwich journey falls on Parents and Family Weekend. Each year, a new group of legacy students takes part in the annual Legacy Pinning, adding their names to the long list of deeply interconnected family members sharing this special Norwich connection.

One such legacy bond is Alan R. Porretti ’70 and his grandson, Michael Nadeau ’25. The current senior in the Corps of Cadets eloquently conveyed, in his own words, the shared experience between him and his grandfather. 
 

My experience at Norwich University has been nothing short of extraordinary, and being a legacy has enhanced that journey immeasurably. Balancing life as a student-athlete on the Football team, a member of the Corps of Cadets, and pursuing my studies in Exercise Science has presented challenges that I've tackled head-on, teaching me invaluable lessons in resilience and perseverance. From the day I graduated high school to now serving as a Senior in the Corps, I've grown immensely.

I am honored to be appointed as the Regimental Master Fitness Trainer and Football Cadet Athletic Liaison, roles that underscore my commitment to both physical fitness and leadership within our Corps of Cadets. Concurrently, I am steadfast in my pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, specializing in Physical Therapy, with aspirations to become a Naval Physical Therapist. Alongside these academic and leadership endeavors, I am entering my fourth season on the Football Team under the guidance of my recruiter, Head Coach Bill Russell.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, coaches, professors, and friends. My grandfather, Alan R. Porretti, a 1970 Norwich graduate and former Infantry Officer in the United States Army, has been a particularly profound influence. His excitement when I was recruited for Norwich Football was palpable, yet he wisely let me make my own decision. His stories of Norwich, shared after I completed Rookdom, painted a vivid picture of camaraderie, dedication, and the transformative power of the Norwich experience.

Through his experiences, I learned that being a Norwich man is earned through dedication and hard work, values that resonate deeply with me. While my grandfather's path at Norwich differs from mine, our shared connection to the university has deepened our bond significantly. It has enriched our conversations, and I frequently seek his counsel and share my milestones with him—whether it's recognition night, my first start on the Football team, or academic achievements.

Having traveled from Southern California to Vermont, I can confidently say that choosing Norwich has been a decision without regrets. My grandfather taught me that it's the people who make a place special, and I've come to appreciate that immensely during my time here. Norwich has not only shaped me academically and athletically but has also enriched my understanding of community and commitment.