Norwich University Commencement Weekend Schedule and Keynote Speakers

Norwich University is delighted to announce the upcoming annual Master’s Hooding, Commencement, and Commissioning Ceremonies. The graduation weekend opens with the celebration of the Master’s Hooding Ceremony on Friday, April 26. The subsequent Commencement and Commissioning Ceremonies are slated to occur on Saturday, April 27. This year, Norwich University will proudly inaugurate more than 920 graduates into the next state of their professional journeys.

The graduating class of 2024 will have the opportunity to hear from two distinguished four-star Air Force generals.

Retired United States Air Force General Lori Robinson will be the keynote speaker for the 2024 Norwich University Commencement. Gen Robinson’s storied 36-year career began through Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in 1982. Throughout her career she served in a variety of positions up to and including Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM).

“A distinguished military leader, General Robinson’s remarkable career has exemplified dedication, leadership, and service to our nation,” said Norwich University Provost & Dean of the Faculty, and Acting President, Dr. Karen Gaines. “As the first woman to lead a major Unified Combatant Command, her groundbreaking career will inspire graduates to embrace challenges with resilience and determination.”

In 2016, Gen Robinson became the highest-ranking woman in U.S. military history as Commander of NORAD and NORTHCOM. While leading NORAD/NORTHCOM, she was responsible for 1,600 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and civilians from both the United States and Canada. Additionally, she worked alongside governors from every state in the union and their adjutants general to coordinate the actions of 300,000 National Guard forces. In this role she reported directly to the President of the United States and Prime Minister of Canada where she was responsible for early warning and engagement of air and space threats to the United States and Canada.

United States Air Force General Thomas A. Bussiere ’85 will be the Joint Commissioning Ceremony keynote speaker for the graduating class of 2024. A distinguished graduate of Air Force ROTC from Norwich University, he has held a variety of flying, staff, and command assignments during his career. Currently, Gen Bussiere is the Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and Commander, Air Forces Strategic – Air, U.S. Strategic Command.

“Norwich University provided a tremendous foundation which formed the values and goals that shaped me as a leader and continue to serve me today as a commander responsible for two-thirds of the Nation’s nuclear triad,” explained Gen Bussiere. “I’m eternally grateful to my amazing alma mater, Norwich University, for not only providing that training and formative experience but also for connecting me with cadets and students who became life-long friends and mentors. I look forward to returning to Norwich to watch the next generation of officers and student graduate as they prepare to take this important next step in their life journeys.”

The command pilot has logged more than 3,400 hours in multiple platform types. During operations Southern Watch and Vigilant Warrior, he led F-15C combat missions while also leading B-2 combat missions as part of operations Allied Force and Iraqi Freedom. His current command is comprised of more than 33,700 professionals operating at two numbered air forces; 11 active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve wings; and the Joint Global Strike Operations Center.

Additional information regarding the ceremonies, including complete schedules, is available at: Commencement and Commissioning.

Hooding, Commencement, and Joint Commissioning Ceremony schedules:

Friday, April 26, 2024:
4:00 p.m.
Master’s Hooding Ceremony (Shapiro Field House)

Saturday, April 27, 2024:
10:00 a.m.
Commencement 2024 (Shapiro Field House) 
Norwich Commencement 2024 live stream is also available for those unable to attend in person

3:00 p.m.
Joint Commissioning Ceremony (Shapiro Field House) 
ROTC Joint Commissioning live stream is also available for those unable to attend in person

4:30 p.m.
Air Force Commissioning Ceremony (Mack Hall Auditorium)
Naval/Marine Commissioning Ceremony (Plumley Armory)
Platoon Leaders Course Commissioning (Plumley Armory)
Army Commissioning Ceremony (Shapiro Field House)
Army Commissioning live stream is also available for those unable to attend in person