NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University men's basketball program will honor the life and legacy of former Cadet athlete Raheem Berry '02 with the first annual Raheem Berry Memorial Alumni Game, set for Saturday, Sept. 20 at 6:00 p.m. in Andrews Gymnasium as part of the University's 2025 Homecoming Weekend festivities.

Hosted by the Norwich men's basketball team, the alumni game will bring former players together in remembrance of Berry, who passed away unexpectedly in November 2024 at the age of 46.  A proud 2002 graduate of Norwich and a criminal justice major, Berry was a standout member of the Cadet basketball program and a beloved figure both on and off the court.  His impact as a teammate, leader, and friend has remained deeply felt within the Norwich basketball community.

The memorial game builds upon a tribute held this past winter, when the Cadets paused for a moment of silence in Berry's memory during the Ed Hockenbury Classic on Dec. 7, prior to the men's team's Saturday night matchup against Elmira College.  The moment drew a full house at Andrews Gymnasium, including many of Berry's former teammates, and highlighted Berry's connection to the program he helped shape.  In the words shared that evening, "Raheem was a tremendous athlete who made a difference.  His passion for the game and for higher education was unquestioned."

Raised in Philadelphia and nurtured by a close-knit family and the loving guidance of his grandparents, Berry carried forward the values of faith, hard work, and empathy instilled in him from a young age.  Known affectionately as "Heemi," he brought those same values to Norwich, where he built lifelong friendships and emerged as a leader among his peers.

Berry transferred to Norwich from Penn State Schuylkill at the urging of his close friend and teammate Paul Curry, joining a tight-knit trio of Philadelphia natives, including Sunsieray Pierce, who became inseparable on and off the court.  In a 2000 Times Argus feature, Berry reflected with laughter on the transition to Vermont, joking that he cried in his dorm room before lacing up in Andrews Gym: "I thought, 'What am I doing here?'  But when we got into the gym, it was time to play ball."

Following his time in Northfield, Berry returned home to Philadelphia, where he devoted his life to education and mentorship.  As Dean of Students and Athletic Director at Mastery Shoemaker, he became a pillar of his school community: guiding, coaching, and inspiring countless students through his compassion, resilience, and belief in their potential.

"I am heartbroken over the passing of Raheem Berry.  He was taken from us far too soon," Head Coach Paul Booth shared.  "Raheem was a tremendous player and ambassador for Norwich, but more importantly, he was a great husband, father, and role model.  I'm grateful for the time we shared, on the court and off, and I'll always cherish those memories.  He was a remarkable person, and we will all miss him dearly.

It means a lot to our program to host this memorial alumni game in his honor.  Our hope is that it becomes a tradition, not just to remember Raheem, but to bring alumni back together and celebrate the lifelong connections formed through Norwich basketball."

Berry is survived by his wife Lisa and their son Raheem II.  His legacy of faith, service, and love continues to resonate through the many lives he touched as an athlete, educator, and leader.

The Norwich men's basketball program hopes the Raheem Berry Memorial Alumni Game will serve not only as an annual celebration of his life, but as a reminder of the lasting bonds formed through Cadet basketball.

Additional details on alumni participation and event logistics will be shared with former players and the wider Norwich community in the coming weeks.