Norwich University

Bernard Wilkes made his mark on Norwich University athletics in several ways. A three sport athlete during his time at Norwich, Bernard took a leadership role in the development of programs which became well established at the school.
Soccer was a club sport during Bernard's freshman year but with his leadership and the enthusiastic efforts of other players, soccer reached varsity status before the start of his sophomore year, playing every game from his sophomore through his senior year. He served as co-captain of the team during his senior year. 
In addition to being one of the founders of the Norwich soccer program, Bernard worked very closely with Les Hurley in the development of the Norwich ski area. He was involved in replacing the rope tow with a Poma-lift (and later a chair-lift), the building and staffing of the original lodge, and worked as the Ski Patrol Leader. As the patrol leader, he was responsible for teaching First Aid and "hill" training. Under Bernard's leadership, the Norwich Ski Patrol was first certified by the National Ski Patrol. 
After graduation, Bernard served over three years active duty with the United States Army Corp of Engineers and later returned to school to earn a master's degree in business administration. He continued his military career in the Army Reserves obtaining the rank of full Colonel. Bernard commanded a military intelligence unit which was activated to support Operation Desert Storm and later completed an assignment as the Commandant of the First Army Reserve SChool-Intelligence at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts. He was decorated with several medals of honor including the Army Achievement Medal and the National Defense Medal with bronze star during a U.S. Army Reserve career which ended in July with over 30 years of honorable service.
For the past 25 years, Bernard has worked for the University of Massachusetts. He is currently the Associate Director of the Campus Center at the University. The campus center is one of the nation's largest on-campus facilities of its kind. 
Bernard and his wife, Angie, currently reside in Amherst, Massachusetts.