By Donna Brazil, Class of 1983
Mark your calendars for July 2026! We are excited to share that West Point is in the early stages of planning for a year-long celebration commemorating 50 years of women in the Corps of Cadets. The celebration will officially begin on July 7, 2026, exactly 50 years from the day that the first 119 women entered the Academy on R-Day for the Class of 1980. An exciting array of events celebrating this historic milestone will continue across the Academy throughout the academic year, culminating in the spring of 2027.
The vision and intent for commemorating this anniversary is that it is not a single day or a single event, but rather a year-long celebration, which will fully encompass the history and achievements of women at West Point over the last half-century. Over the course of the year, organizations across the Academy will reflect on and celebrate the ways in which West Point has changed since the historic day that those courageous and trailblazing women first stepped on the field at Michie Stadium for R-Day. We will acknowledge the challenges that the early classes of women faced as the Corps of Cadets integrated women into its ranks, and we will also celebrate the many incredible successes that they have achieved over these last 50 years. The year’s commemorative events will be united by the theme of recognizing and celebrating the integration, progress, and incredibly bright future of women in the Corps of Cadets and the Long Gray Line.
Through the generous support of an alumna, several commemorative publications will be produced throughout the year as part of the celebration. These publications will include a collection of creative writings from women within the Corps of Cadets and the Long Gray Line, tracing the journey of women at West Point through both prose and poetry. Another significant part of the anniversary celebration will be the West Point Press publication of a historical pictorial monograph that will capture the experience and progress of women in the Corps of Cadets across the last 50 years. As a USMA-wide enterprise, expect to see all aspects of cadet life represented in these publications and in all celebrations of this historic period. By exploring the legacy of women in the Corps of Cadets in this way, we will acknowledge the many incredible ways that women have shaped and strengthened the Academy’s rich history, while also setting the stage for the continued growth of women in the Corps of Cadets across the next 50 years and beyond. From the Association of Graduates to the Malek West Point Visitors Center, from academic departments to athletic teams, and from the Corps of Cadets to the greater West Point community, all are invited and encouraged to join in the celebration.
Superintendent LTG Gilland ’90 appointed Donna Brazil ’83, as the project coordinator. If you have any suggestions, if you would like to assist in the celebration, or if you would like to provide support for the various events that will commemorate this historic milestone, please contact her at Donna.Brazil@WestPoint.edu.
