Hall of Fame
Linda Mitchell left her indelible mark on the Norwich Athletic department by serving as the Athletic Secretary for 25 years, from 1977 to 2002. She notes working with the staff and students was "always pleasurable." Mitchell was renowned for her great memory and ability to remember tasks throughout the year, as well as her expression "Holy Hanna!"
Tony Mariano, Director of Athletics, remembers Mitchell as a "true professional, always on time and willing to do anything you asked her to do." During her tenure at NU, she worked with three Athletic Directors and according to Mariano, was able to "train us all.: He notes that "she loved to rearrange the furniture in the office so when I would go on vacation and come back, the office was always different."
Mitchell is an avid supporter of the Norwich athletic program. she is a long time member of the Blue Line Club, regularly attends NU hockey games and volunteers at NU Football games. She also volunteers for political campaigns and works to support US troops with donations.
Still in touch with students, Mitchell recalled one student who offered to build her a retirement home after his graduation. After realizing later he couldn't afford to build the home, the student called her and said he'd be happy to build a ramp to his own house so Mitchell and her husband could live with him!
A native Vermonter and lifelong resident of Northfield, Mitchell attended Castleton Teacher's College and graduated from Montpelier City College Business School. She lives with her husband, Roger, and has two daughters, Anna Blackwell and Valerie Mitchell. Son-in-law Bobby Blackwell, is a Norwich alumna from the class of '86 and President of GS5 company. They have two grandchildren, Olivia and Sydney.
