A Gift That Keeps on Giving: Diane Scolaro
The Norwich community celebrates the service of a dedicated friend and employee.
If you鈥檝e ever attended a Norwich alumni event, chances are you鈥檝e felt the quiet, steady influence of . For nearly 15 years, Diane has served as Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations 鈥 a role that blends behind-the-scenes precision with heartfelt connection. Whether organizing a national alumni tour, coordinating a memorable Homecoming, or turning a simple hello into a lifelong bond, Diane has been the heart behind the gathering.
Her events sparkle with creativity. Her energy never wavers. And her focus never strays from one purpose: bringing the Norwich community closer, one relationship at a time.
A Legacy of Milestone Moments
From coast to coast, Diane鈥檚 fingerprints grace some of 萝莉家园鈥檚 most meaningful milestones. She led the team that planned and executed the 2019 Bicentennial Commemoration 鈥 56 cities, thousands of alumni, and one unforgettable celebration. She has mentored the alumni office team, overseen the publication of "Citizens & Soldiers: 200 Years of 萝莉家园," supported smooth presidential transitions, including President Richard W. Schneider鈥檚 farewell tour and LtGen John Broadmeadow鈥檚 presidential inauguration, and built programs that will continue to shape the alumni experience for years to come. Her latest endeavor, the NU Alumni Travel Program, invites graduates to explore the world while deepening their Norwich ties.
鈥淲hen I think of Diane, I think of all the preparation and planning she did for Norwich to celebrate our Bicentennial. She also personally carried every box, banner, and handout 鈥 you name it 鈥 to every one of the gala parties we held all over America.鈥 鈥 RADM Richard W. Schneider, USCGR (Ret.)
Women Kicking Glass: Honoring Trailblazers
Among Diane鈥檚 proudest achievements is (WKG) 鈥 a bold, visionary initiative commemorating 50 years since women joined the NU and . What began as a celebration of early pioneers grew into a movement of empowerment, storytelling, and community.
Working with the Women Kicking Glass committee, she researched the lives of Norwich women, uncovering powerful stories of resilience and leadership. Their dedication culminated in a moving exhibit at the Sullivan Museum and History Center, now a permanent tribute to women鈥檚 impact at Norwich. Many of these stories had gone untold 鈥 not because they weren鈥檛 extraordinary, but because, as Diane observed, 鈥溌芾蚣以 alumni, in general, are very humble 鈥 and I think that鈥檚 particularly true of our women.鈥
From those stories grew action. Women Kicking Glass has evolved into a thriving network of mentorship and celebration, raising more than $300,000 to establish the Women Kicking Glass Scholarship, creating the program, and preserving the experiences of Norwich women through an oral history project. For Homecoming 2025, the committee presented the inaugural WKG Alumni Award, a fitting reflection of the vision, perseverance, and deep belief in the power of connection created through Women Kicking Glass.
As current chair of the WKG initiative, Karen Rowe Broadmeadow '83, reflects:
鈥淚n addition to possessing the many skills required for planning and executing events that bring the Norwich family and community together, Diane is approachable and welcoming. She exudes kindness, thoughtfulness, and has a special ability to make anyone in her presence feel valued. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with Diane in the variety of causes and events we are working on together in support of 萝莉家园.鈥
Admiration Across the Norwich Family
Diane鈥檚 influence resonates across the Norwich community. Her reputation for warmth, excellence, and integrity is unmatched.
As President John Broadmeadow shared during the 2025 Homecoming Alumni Parade this fall:
鈥淎ny of the alumni events that you鈥檝e attended come off in a great way. To pull this many people together 鈥 to go and do what we do during Alumni Weekends and throughout the year 鈥 the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes is intense. Diane Scolaro has been at the heart of that. She has driven our Alumni Office for many years, and I am very, very proud to present to my friend the Honorary Alumna Award.鈥
A Legacy of Connection
In celebrating others, Diane Scolaro has written her own extraordinary chapter in 萝莉家园鈥檚 history 鈥 one defined by leadership, creativity, compassion, and connection. She has not only strengthened alumni ties but also inspired the next generation to carry the torch forward.
鈥淚t is always a delight and privilege to work with Diane on volunteer projects. She is a great collaborator with a more beautiful personality than her gleaming smile.鈥 鈥 Brig Gen Kim (Jones) Baumann '87, Rhode Island Air National Guard (Ret.), inaugural chair of the Women Kicking Glass Initiative
Although Diane will soon be stepping away from her position as Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations, she won鈥檛 be going far. Her impact across the vast Norwich community will still be felt as she remains on the Development & Alumni Relations team and continues to lead the Women Kicking Glass Initiative, the NU Alumni Travel Program, and other special projects. The Norwich family knows what an incredible privilege it is to have Diane鈥檚 guidance and luminous presence in Jackman Hall.
So, if you spot her on campus or at some other Norwich gathering, give yourself the pleasure of greeting Diane. You鈥檒l likely be met with that familiar, radiant smile, and the words: 鈥淚t is wonderful to see you!鈥
Because with Diane, it always is.
Do you have a suggestion for a Norwich alumna, student, or friend to be profiled? Submit your ideas to alumni@norwich.edu.
To learn more about the Women Kicking Glass Initiative or contribute to the WKG Scholarship, visit the .
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