Norwich University

As part of the Greatest Generation, Jack Hughes left his mark on the world in a number of big and small ways, At Norwich, he majored in Business graduating in the Liberal Arts Course and made the Dean's List his junior and senior years. He was a member of Sigma Tau Epsilon fraternity. An avid athlete, Hughes played basketball for four years, serving as the captain for two. He also ran track for four years and played on the football team as well. Hughes' widow, Eleanor, whom he met on a blind date while in school, recalled he "enjoyed Norwich very much."
After graduating, Hughes joined the army and fought in World War IIU. He was stationed in the Pacific theater in New Guinea. Returning to Vermont and Northfield, Hughes owned a local cinder block company with his brother Carl, also Norwich alum. 
After the company closed, he went to work for the State of Vermont Highway department as a highway engineer in 1955. Hughes was largely responsible for helping to create and execute the I-89 interstate from Montpelier to Burlington. Daughter Libby Dwinell has fond memories of visiting him at the Middlesex stop during the construction. 
Hughes intended to retire in 1968 when he and Eleanor moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Instead of retirement, though, he was employed by state of Florida as a highway engineer and helped build I-95 interstate system there. Hughes returned to Poultney, Vermont in 1978 after retiring and becoming ill. He passed away listening to his beloved New York Yankees in 1979. 
An avid sports fan, both Eleanor and Libby recall his fondness for viewing sports events Hughes has been honored by Norwich with a named library chair as well as an inscription on the Harmon Wall.