At Norwich University, history is not only preserved; it is lived. John and Karen Broadmeadow, both members of the Class of 1983, have returned to the place where they met as students. They now serve as visible leaders in a new chapter of the university’s story. For the first time, a pair of Norwich alumni resides in the President’s House. Their personal journey and the university’s evolution are deeply connected.

 Captain Alden Partridge's educational vision remains central to Norwich University's implementation of academics..The Corps has produced many national leaders—now, the Broadmeadows play a role in molding them. LtGen Broadmeadow holds a unique place in Norwich University's history as the highest-ranking Marine to graduate from The Hill.

John, a retired lieutenant general in the U.S. Marine Corps, became Norwich University’s 25th president in May 2024. Karen, who grew up in Montpelier, serves as Chair of the Partridge Society Board of Directors and Interim Chair of Women Kicking Glass 2.0. After four decades of service, travel, and transformation, they have come home.

Karen’s Norwich experience began with a change in plans. “I had initially planned on attending another school in Vermont, but discovered quickly that it just wasn’t the right fit,” she said. Enrolling at Vermont College and later earning her bachelor’s from Norwich, she found a sense of community that would stay with her through years of military life.

 Karen and John spent much time in Woodbury Hall as students, never knowing it would be their future home

“I remember riding the red school bus between campuses, studying in Harmon Hall, and events like the Regimental Ball and Mountain Day,” she said. “Vermonters are known to be tough, resilient, and self-reliant. I leaned on those traits when I married John and stepped into the life of a military spouse.”

Now living just a few miles from where she grew up, Karen feels the strength of returning. “The Northfield and Norwich communities have been very welcoming,” she said. “I’ve run into so many people who knew my family or had my mom as a teacher. It feels familiar in the best way.”

She and John first crossed paths in their later college years, connected by a series of shared statistics classes. “I affectionately say we were number nerds together,” Karen said. Their relationship began just before graduation, when John invited her to the Junior Weekend Formal. “We’ve been together ever since.”

Their bond, rooted in Norwich’s academic halls, grew across continents and decades. John’s military career took them around the globe, while Karen built a career in human resources and led support efforts for military families. Through it all, Norwich remained a steady anchor.

John credits the university with shaping both his leadership and his life. “It is a special honor to return to my alma mater,” he said. “I credit much of my professional and personal successes to the values I learned here. I’m happy to give back to this special institution.”

John becomes the first Norwich graduate in more than thirty years to serve as president. His appointment continues a legacy that feels deeply personal. “Karen is the most important element of my life,” he said. “That life together started here. It will always be special because of that.”

 John, Karen, and Quincy enjoy life on The Hill where it all began.

Living in the President’s House brings that sentiment into focus. “Woodbury Hall was the senior class club when we were here. It was where we started our first formal date,” John said. “Our first photo together was taken right in front of this house. Returning to live in it forty years later is very special.”

Karen sees similar threads of continuity. Today, civilian students and cadets share the same campus, which she views as a significant change from her time. “It’s interesting to observe the deeper integration of the two lifestyles,” she said. “But the learning environment and the faculty’s dedication to Norwich values are just as strong as ever.”

Together, the Broadmeadows are engaged in university life. Karen supports student leadership and alumni programming. John keeps his door open to cadets and civilians alike, eager to hear how Norwich is shaping their stories.

 The Upper Parade Ground, overlooked by Jackman Hall, is an iconic Norwich location that is home to trainings, events, and impactful moments.

John’s leadership style reflects both his military background and his understanding of higher education. “Academic environments require a good deal of empathy,” he said.

“The varied experiences from my time in the Marine Corps helped me understand the needs and challenges of much of our community.”

Looking to the future, he remains optimistic. “Norwich is in good shape to weather the current turmoil surrounding higher education,” he said. “We have wonderful employees and faculty, a beautiful campus, and a dynamic curriculum.”

 

Jackman Hall and the huge American flag draped in front of its pillars in its iconic display. 

What excites him most is the student body. “They have drive, intellect, and a strong desire to lead,” he said. “They live our mission statement. They want to be citizens who make a difference.”

When asked what advice he would give today’s students, John echoed Vermont Governor Phil Scott’s recent commencement speech. “Be active citizens in your community, our nation, and the world,” he said. “Use the advantages Norwich gave you for good.”

Karen hopes that today’s students form the same lasting connection she did. “I hope they appreciate the uniqueness of Norwich and that their experiences will guide them back to the Hill year after year.”

 

Captain Alden Partridge founded the school and continues overseeing its success both in spirit and from his statue in the heart of campus.

From red school buses to campus leadership, from statistics classes to strategic planning, the Broadmeadows have lived the Norwich story in full. Their return is not only a personal homecoming but a renewal of the university’s mission, strengthened by those who remember its roots and now help shape its future.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORWICH UNIVERSITY