A few minutes after 10am on June 13, the West Point Band began to play as members of the Class of 2020 stepped off from the sally ports along Washington Hall and began to march onto the Plain that serves as the centerpiece of the Academy. It was a full-circle moment for the members of the class, for it was on the Plain almost four years ago where they had officially joined the Corps of Cadets during the Acceptance Day parade. It also marked the first time since 1977 that a commencement ceremony had been held on the Plain instead of in Michie Stadium. Due to public health concerns, the socially-distanced ceremony was closed to guests, who instead were able to watch via livestream. West Point alumni from across the country contributed through WPAOG to fund a world-class graduation special program so that families, friends, and the entire nation could celebrate with the graduates. The broadcast celebrated the Class of 2020, highlighted West Point, and had special messages from the USMA leader team, 50-year affiliate class members, and notable graduates. Full story. USMA Photos. Watch the 30-minute Graduation Special Pre-show video. Watch the full Graduation Ceremony video.

In 2020, the WPAOG Nominating Committee will nominate graduates for five Director positions and six Advisor-at-Large positions. To apply for a nomination, please see the instructions posted on the WPAOG website. The deadline for graduates to submit their completed applications (to include a nomination letter from another graduate) is July 1. The 2020 election process will conclude on November 17 at 5pm EST, at the Annual Meeting of the Association of Graduates at Herbert Alumni Center. Interested graduates may email Laurie.Fontana@wpaog.org or call 845.446.1523 for more information. Watch this video from fellow grads to learn more about what it’s like to serve on these Boards.

We are preparing for the seventh annual All Academy Challenge from August 16 – 20, an event that takes on special significance this year as we join together with the other military academies to support the future leaders of our nation. It truly is 5 Teams. 5 Days. 1 Mission. For more information, call 845.446.1657 or email allacademychallenge@wpaog.org.

May 28 marked the 40th anniversary of the first women to graduate from West Point. The Academy recognized these women, and those who have followed, with a three-part article series written by Brandon O’Connor. The first article focuses on the women in the Class of 1980. The second article focuses on some of the many accomplishments of female graduates. The third feature discusses current cadets and the opportunities open to them in today’s Army.

Over the course of a few weeks during the second semester, the Glee Club worked under the direction of Connie Chase to put together a virtual choir performance video. Throughout the effort, DCA and PAO provided great support. Working with a professional production crew, the cadets all sang from their homes, combining the individual videos into a full ensemble that brings forward a message of hope and inspiration. It was especially poignant as 14 of the voices on the video were transitioning back to West Point for graduation when the video was released. West Point’s Glee Club and the production of this video are made possible by donors supporting the Margin of Excellence--thank you!

We are proud to announce that two WPAOG programs received Circle of Excellence Awards from the Council for Advancement and Support for Education. In 2020, there were 2,752 entries (from 587 institutions in 28 countries) and 441 total awards. WPAOG Career Services program received a Gold Award (of 130 awarded), and the 150th Anniversary Video received a Bronze Award (of 139 awarded). These awards reflect the efforts of our 2019 150th Anniversary theme, as they are great examples of “honoring the past and preparing for the future.”

Did you know Grad Link can make your relationship with the Long Gray Line stronger and easier than ever before? Grad Link is now integrated with the Sallyport application to enhance your connections to the West Point family by using one single profile. Get ready to explore your alumni network from any computer or mobile device in the world! Activate your account now with the same email address where you are receiving this newsletter!

Graduation season at West Point has always been a time to remember cadet days, past graduations, and everything in between. As we welcome the Class of 2020 to the Long Gray Line, fill your glasses, stand up in a row, and share memories from your Rockbound Highland Home. Celebrate with our exclusive line of merchandise, designed by and sold only at the WPAOG Gift Shop. Shop online. 24/7 or by phone at 800.426.4725.

Father’s Day is quickly approaching, and the donation of a brick or paver would make a thoughtful and unique gift! Orders placed by July 1 will be installed in the Fall. You will receive a certificate at the time of ordering to present to your loved one. For more information and to place your order, please visit our website or contact us at brick@wpaog.org. Do you already have a brick? Find it quickly using our new Locator Map.

TAPS, the official memorial magazine of the Long Gray Line, contains the fascinating and inspiring life stories of West Point graduates. Advance orders for the 2020 edition may now be placed online. We are now accepting Memorial Articles for the 2021 edition. Guidance on submitting articles may be found online or by calling 845.446.1647.