Norwich Establishes The George And Ann Turner Scholarship

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Norwich University President Richard Schneider announced today the creation of the George and Ann Turner Scholarship Fund to honor two of the longest serving employees in school history.

The Scholarship Fund was created in conjunction with the Vermont Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association (VSSA) and is designed to honor more than 80 years of combined service by George and Ann Turner to the Norwich University community. The Turners still live on the edge of campus in Northfield.

"Of all the great things that Norwich University has done for us over the years-and the school has done so many great things for us-this is the crowning tribute," said George. "We are so delighted to be associated with this scholarship."

George R. Turner joined the Norwich faculty in 1959 and even after being named Professor Emeritus of English in 1991, continued to teach at the university. He also doubled for many years as the Director of Public Relations and Sports Information, providing game reports, hometown features and more to newspapers, wire services, radio and TV stations throughout the country and Canada. His articles have appeared in many newspapers and magazines. George Turner's work helped put Norwich University on the map. His work was honored with various awards, including from the College Sports Information Directors Association, the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference and the Norwich University Board of Fellows. 

Ann Turner joined Norwich as a reference librarian in 1965 and rose to become head librarian in 1974. Even after becoming Librarian Emerita in 1990, she continued to provide valuable service to the library and the community. Ann Turner was an expert in her field and was called upon by the American Library Association to provide critical testimony before Congress.  She was a founder of the Friends of the Library, which has helped ensure Norwich has the needed educational resources for its students, faculty and guests. Ann Turner also helped established the Fall Rook Dining Out program, an annual event that welcomes rooks into the homes of Norwich faculty and staff.

George and Ann Turner both hold honorary degrees from Norwich University and George Turner was also inducted into the Norwich Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985.

George Turner was active for many years in the VSSA, including serving as the first chairman of its Scholarship Committee. The VSSA, at the urging of President Schneider, has held the Vermont "Athlete of the Year" Banquet in the historic Plumley Armory on campus for the last seven years.

Under the Turner scholarship:

Preference will be given to a student from Vermont majoring in Communications

• Recipients must demonstrate an interest in sports information...either as a journalist, player or manager.
• All recipients must demonstrate the attributes so important to George and Ann Turner -- character, integrity and commitment.
• Awards will be made to students who show a need for financial aid.

Norwich has established a special account in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to accept donations for the scholarship fund. Those who wish to contribute money to the fund, should send a check payable to Norwich University/Turner Scholarship, to David J Whaley, Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations, Norwich University, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, Vt., 05663.

"The VSSA has always had a wonderful relationship with Norwich University," said VSSA Executive Director Mike Donoghue. "It continues today starting at the top with President Schneider, and goes all the way through the entire institution. That is why the VSSA wanted to do something as a lasting act to remember these two wonderful people."

 **Special thanks to Mike Donoghue of the Burlington Free Press for contributing to this release**