WPAOG is pleased to announce that Dr. Mae C. Jemison will receive the 2021 Sylvanus Thayer Award on October 7, 2021, at West Point during ceremonies hosted by LTG Darryl A. Williams ’83. Once a year the Sylvanus Thayer Award is given to a U.S. citizen whose outstanding character, accomplishments, and stature in the civilian community draw wholesome comparison to the qualities for which West Point strives, in keeping with its motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.” Full story.

Over three days from June 26-28, USMA welcomed approximately 1,225 new cadets, around 400 each day, from across the nation who were taking a huge leap into unknown territory on Reception Day. During the three-day R-Day, West Point accommodated public health guidelines to stagger the new cadets and their families to safeguard their health and welfare. The days marked the beginning of Cadet Basic Training and the transition from civilian to new cadet as a member of the Class of 2025. The three days culminated with the Oath Ceremony, where USMA Class of 2025 stood on the Plain and took the Oath of Allegiance administered by the USMA Commandant of Cadets, BG Mark C. Quander ’95. R-Day photos. Ceremony photos. Full story.

WPAOG earned two Gold Stevie® Awards, one Silver Stevie Award, and one Bronze Stevie Award in the 19th Annual American Business Awards®. WPAOG’s Gold awards were for the USMA 2020 Graduation Video and the 10th Anniversary Issue of West Point magazine. The Silver Award was for Non-profit of the Year, and the Bronze award was for the Virtual Entrepreneur Summit Speaker Series. “We are especially proud to be recognized, for three years running, in the Non-profit of the Year category,” said Todd Browne, President and CEO of WPAOG. “These awards are dedicated to our team members serving the outstanding men and women of the Long Gray Line who are guided by Duty, Honor, Country.” Winners were celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony on June 30. See video.

WPAOG’s R-Day Ice Cream Social for the parents and guardians of the Class of 2025 was held on June 26-28 in front of the Malek Visitors Center at West Point. WPAOG staff was on hand to offer information on how families can help support their cadets over the next four years. The WPAOG R-Day Ice Cream Social was also made possible by the 50-Year-Affiliation Class of 1975. Photos.

Class of 2024 Cadet Field Training Graduation was held June 29 at Camp Buckner. During the ceremony, plebes were promoted to yearlings, and individual cadets were recognized for outstanding achievements during the training process. Representatives of the 50-Year-Affiliation Class of 1974 attended the ceremony and gifted the new Yearling Class of 2024 with a beautiful class flag mounted on a brass-tipped staff that will remain with the class for a lifetime. CFT photos. Flag ceremony photos. Full story.

West Point’s AVRAD (Autonomous Vehicle Research and Development) Team took second place in the Self-Drive Challenge of the 28th annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) held June 4-7. Hosted by DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center and Oakland University, teams from around the world competed in a series of tasks such as lane following and pedestrian detection on a fully autonomous electric vehicle. The Dean of the Academic Board, BG Shane Reeves ’96, viewed the vehicle on June 10 at West Point. Full story.

Join us on July 28 at 2pm ET for our second virtual series, “Updates from Inside the Gates,” featuring Michael Chase, Executive Chef, Mess Hall. Come and learn more about the new “Go for Green” program with an exclusive behind the scenes footage of a cooking demonstration. Sign up today. Registration closes on Monday, July 26 at 5pm ET.

The WPAOG Brick and Paver Program allows graduates and friends of West Point the opportunity to etch a meaningful inscription on a brick or paver that will be placed on the historic grounds surrounding the James K. Herbert Alumni Center. Visit WPAOG Brick and Paver for more information on the program or to place your order today. Please email us at bricks@wpaog.org if you have any questions. Brick and Paver purchases are tax-deductible.

Career Services invites you to register and attend the 2021 Virtual Service Academy Career Conference. More than 20 company-sponsored webinars and panel discussions will be held August 16-18. You won’t want to miss these great events! The fair will be held Friday, August 20 from 12pm-5pm ET. Join us by registering today!

Time to Cease Work and relax with the latest T-shirt in our series paying tribute to the unique jargon of West Point. Our Cease Work T-shirt is a spin on the often-used term to announce that time has run out on a writ, WPR or TEE. Hopefully, the only TEE you have this summer is in your golf bag! Reserve your size now at WPAOGGiftShop.com or call 800.426.4725 during business hours: M/F, 10am-5pm. We welcome your ideas for our next design! Send your suggestions to giftshop@wpaog.org.

The Army West Point Football Team saw two members of the offensive unit earn 2021 Preseason All-Independent Team honors from Phil Steele Publications recently. Running back Jakobi Buchanan '23, and lineman Connor Finucane '24 were recognized as second team honorees by the publication. Full story.