Former US Secretary of State and retired four-star US Army general Colin L Powell will observe Veterans Day at Norwich University and deliver the Fall 2014 Todd Lecture Series talk on campus at 7 pm in Shapiro Field House. Both Tuesday, November 11 events are free and open to the public. Distinguished by his public service over the course of his 50-year career, Powell has held senior military and diplomatic positions across four presidential administrations.
From 1987–1989, Powell served as President Ronald Reagan’s national security advisor. He served from 1989–1993 as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for both President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton. President George W. Bush appointed Powell the 65th Secretary of State, a nomination unanimously confirmed by the US Senate.
Since leaving public office, Powell has focused on improving educational opportunities for young people and issues of national economic development and efficient energy use.
The author of two best-selling books, “My American Journey” and “It Worked for Me,” he currently serves on numerous boards, including the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York (his alma mater) and the Council on Foreign Relations.
On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Norwich University will honor all veterans in a remembrance ceremony to be held at 3 p.m. on campus on the Upper Parade Ground. Events will include a review of the Corps of Cadets. General Powell will serve as the reviewing officer, and he will receive special honors. Powell will also accompany undergraduate Cadet Colonel Regan Steen, NU’15, in placing a memorial wreath.
The ceremony will include special remarks by Army General Gordon R Sullivan, (USA Ret.) and President Richard W. Schneider. Sullivan ’59, serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Norwich. All veterans, family members and their supporters are invited to attend. Accessible parking and seating are available.
Later that evening, Powell will present “Leadership: Taking Charge,” the Fall 2014 Todd Lecture Series talk at 7 p.m. in Shapiro Field House. The event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. Seating will be first come, first served. Doors open at 6 pm.
Norwich University’s Todd Lecture Series is named in honor of Army Maj. Gen. Russell Todd (USA Ret.) and his wife, Carol, in gratitude for their dedicated service to the university. Todd ’50, serves as Norwich President Emeritus. With this series, Norwich brings the nation’s foremost thought leaders from the worlds of business, politics, the arts, science, the military and other disciplines to campus. All events are free and open to the public.