Why West Point?
The New Visitors Center Will Answer
“In an era of declining Department of Defense resources and potential reductions in our military, we will be asked to restate in the most eloquent and cogent manner the national value of West Point.”  So says Lieutenant General David Huntoon ’73, the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, when asked about the need for a new facility to introduce visitors to West Point.  “A new West Point Visitors Center can serve as a principal means to respond to that question by telling our story in a compelling way to everyone who comes to the Academy.” Read more.

Private Money for Public Purposes
It is an enduring question that needs a new answer every so often: why do our public institutions need our private contributions? In his article “Spartan Donors,” appearing in the Spring 2012 edition of Philanthropy magazine, author Karl Zinsmeister offers several refreshing reasons as to why would-be philanthropists should support military academies.  In doing so, he highlights the inspirational giving stories of notable West Point donors (including George Olmstead ’22, Fred Malek ’59, James Kimsey ’62, and Bob McDonald ’75) and details the remarkable programs their dollars funded. Read the entire article here.  

Christening Chances for Lacrosse Center
Construction is set to start on the new Lacrosse facility, and you can become involved with the plans. Army Athletics and WPAOG are currently identifying naming and recognition opportunities. For more information about becoming part of the Lacrosse Center, contact Zach Hurst at zach.hurst@wpaog.org or 845.446.1553. 

Finding and Refining Diamonds
“I will tell you that there are ‘diamonds’ in every community,” says retired Major General Ronald Johnson ’76, the Senior VP of Referee Operations for the National Basketball Association, “and one way we can ‘mine’ potential talent is to not only get the word out about West Point, but to bring the talent and their influencers to this place where diamonds are cut, polished, and made ready.” General Johnson is making this happen by endowing one candidate for the Minority Visitation Program. Read more about the Minority Visitation Program.

Leading by Example
Now through the end of July, an anonymous graduate has generously offered a 1-to-1 match for donations made from retired West Point general officers to the Long Gray Line Endowment.  A solicitation letter signed by retired Generals Dan Christman ’65, Larry Jordan ’68, Buster Hagenbeck ’71, and Bill Lennox ’71 states: “As general officers, we understand that leadership comes from the top. As we set the example with our own giving, our classmates will be inclined to follow our lead.” Support at the $350 level would translate into $250,000, and with the donor match, the Long Gray Line Endowment would be increased by $500,000.

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