Jimmy Luong
It was a challenge. I wanted to find leadership and take on something new.
One University, Two Brothers, and Two Different Paths
For Jimmy Luong, Norwich University was never part of the original plan.
The first introduction came through his older brother, Daniel.
While attending a college fair in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Daniel learned about Norwich University and became interested in the opportunities it offered through the Corps of Cadets. The university's history, leadership development, and reputation as the nation's oldest private military college immediately stood out. A year later, Jimmy followed him to Northfield, taking a very different path through the university.
Daniel entered Norwich as a cadet. Jimmy chose the civilian student experience. Both would eventually graduate from Norwich, creating a unique chapter in their family's educational journey.
“It was a challenge,” Jimmy said when describing what initially attracted him to Norwich. “I wanted to find leadership and take on something new.”
Growing up in Atlantic City, Jimmy developed interests that would eventually shape much of his college experience. He enjoyed music, communication, and working with people.
Long before earning his degrees, he spent time developing skills that would later help him both academically and professionally.
One of those interests was music.
An accomplished piano and organ player, Jimmy found opportunities at Norwich to continue pursuing that passion. During his undergraduate years, he performed at White Memorial Chapel, participated in the Catholic Choir, and became involved in the university's musical community. Some of his favorite memories of Norwich came from time spent practicing, performing, and working alongside fellow students who shared similar interests.
Later, encouragement from friends in the Regimental Band led him to join the ensemble during his senior year. Drawing on skills he first learned in high school band, Jimmy played mallet percussion and participated in performances at campus events, football games, and hockey games. The experience gave him another opportunity to connect with fellow students while contributing to campus traditions that remain among his favorite Norwich memories.
His connection to Norwich extended beyond music.
As a Communication and Media Studies major, Jimmy developed skills that would prove valuable both professionally and personally. Public speaking courses helped him become more comfortable communicating with others, maintaining eye contact, and presenting himself confidently during interviews and professional interactions.
Those skills proved valuable both inside and outside the classroom.
Throughout college and after graduation, Jimmy worked in several library positions, including roles at Norwich and within the Atlantic City public library system. Whether assisting patrons, helping children in youth services programs, or supporting daily library operations, communication remained at the center of the work.
His favorite experience came through youth services, where he enjoyed helping children navigate resources, develop computer skills, and find the information they needed. The role combined customer service, communication, and a desire to help others, qualities that have remained consistent throughout his educational and professional experiences.
Another opportunity emerged through Norwich's radio program.
As a communication student, Jimmy enrolled in radio courses and later served as a radio intern, gaining firsthand experience with broadcasting and audio production. The experience introduced him to live radio and allowed him to explore what remains one of his dream careers.
“My dream job is to be a radio show host,” he said.
Preparing and hosting live radio shows required careful planning, organization, and attention to detail. Selecting music, managing time slots, and creating an engaging experience for listeners gave him a deeper appreciation for the profession while allowing him to combine his interests in communication and music.
After graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in 2023, Jimmy considered several possible next steps. Initially, he thought about spending more time in the workforce before returning to school. As he evaluated his options, however, he found himself returning to a familiar place.
Norwich.
Although he explored graduate programs at other institutions, he appreciated the experience he had as an undergraduate and ultimately decided to continue his education through Norwich's online Master of Business Administration program with a concentration in Finance.
His decision was driven less by a specific job title and more by a desire to continue learning and create new opportunities for the future. Even though Norwich did not offer the exact graduate program he initially considered, the university's reputation, familiarity, and positive experiences as an undergraduate made the decision easier.
One course that stood out during the MBA program was Managerial Finance. Jimmy particularly enjoyed the mathematical and analytical aspects of the course, which allowed him to strengthen his understanding of financial concepts and develop skills that may support future professional goals.
The flexibility of Norwich's online format also played an important role in his graduate experience. Having already adapted to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic as an undergraduate, he appreciated the ability to complete coursework asynchronously while balancing other responsibilities. The format allowed him to continue pursuing his education while maintaining the flexibility needed to focus on future career opportunities.
While much of his graduate experience took place online, Jimmy still feels a strong connection to the Norwich community. He hopes to return for future events such as Homecoming, reconnect with faculty and staff, and visit the places that played such an important role in his college years.
For Jimmy, Norwich provided more than two degrees. The university gave him opportunities to grow as a communicator, develop leadership skills, explore interests in music and broadcasting, and build lasting relationships through campus activities and student involvement.
Norwich also became a shared experience for the Luong family. Two brothers discovered the same university, followed different paths, and ultimately achieved the same goal.
Daniel found his experience through the Corps of Cadets. Jimmy built his through music, communications, student employment, and graduate education.
Both journeys led to a Norwich degree.
Looking back, Jimmy believes Norwich continues to offer students an opportunity to challenge themselves, develop as leaders, and pursue their goals in ways that reflect their own interests and ambitions. His experience demonstrates that there is no single path through Norwich. Students can shape the experience around who they are, what they enjoy, and what they hope to achieve.
Those paths looked very different for Jimmy and Daniel. The destination, however, was the same: an education, a community, and an experience that continues to influence the future they are building.
