Aside from the fact that both Middlebury College and Norwich University are located in Vermont, that they are private institutions of higher learning, and that they are arch rivals in men's ice hockey, both schools also have a strong Russian connection.
In the fall of 2000, Norwich University decided to close its Russian School after 43 summers of instruction. Founded in 1958, the Norwich Russian School in its heyday was a center for Slavic study for nearly 300 students. Intensive instruction in the language, fully-staged theatrical productions, stimulating films and lectures, and special guests like Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn were the hallmark of the School. Even during its final summer with 45 students in the year 2000, the Norwich Russian School continued its tradition of excellence.
Upon the closing of the Norwich Russian School, Middlebury College -- which has had its own summer School of Russian since 1946 -- decided to preserve some of Norwich's traditions, Middlebury and Norwich reached an agreement to ensure that a measure of Norwich's annual events, teaching materials, costumes, and memorabilia will be enjoyed by future generations of students of Russian. The Norwich Russian School's Literary Symposium has continued to thrive at Middlebury. Some of the Norwich faculty have begun teaching at Middlebury; some American-born teachers teaching at Middlebury have studied at Norwich, including Middlebury School of Russian Director, Karen Evans-Romaine.
Middlebury wrote Norwich Russian School alumni about the Norwich traditions continuation on the Middlebury campus, and some of them responded: "Thank you for carrying on the Norwich tradition."
-- K.A., Salem, NH
"As an alumna (1972) and professor who has sent many students to Norwich, I hope that Middlebury will endeavor to foster the warm familial atmosphere of the Russian enclave that was Norwich every summer."
-- N.T., Binghamton, NY
"Don't forget the Russian Festival!"
-- J.E., Larchmont, NY
"I am interested in Abroad programs particularly anything East of the Urals."
-- J.P., Las Vegas, NV
"Please note that my husband died in February 2001. I know he would be pleased that the Norwich Russian Program is being carried on by you."
-- J.N., Bloomfield, CT
"I am sorry to hear about Norwich, however I am happy that Middlebury is continuing the tradition."
-- M.N., Buena, NJ
"Thanks for keeping the program alive! We met at Norwich 16 years ago. We got married and are currently teaching Russian to our children."
-- S.P. and C.P., Arnold, MD