A PUBLICATION OF WPAOG FALL 2014 SHAPING THE FUTURE OF WEST POINT AND BEYOND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WPAOG Announces SUPERINTENDENT’S PRIORITIES in the Final Stretch of the For Us All Campaign

With a little more than a year to go in fundraising goal of $350 million. “We are thrilled to have reached Ensuring a strong financial future for West Point and the For Us All Campaign, the West Point our fundraising goal ahead of the campaign’s completion,” WPAOG is a primary goal of the campaign, but this says Sorenson. “This success is a testament to the strength of campaign is also meant to rally support from the entire Long Association of Graduates (WPAOG) the Long Gray Line, and we are sincerely grateful for everyone’s Gray Line and increase the graduate participation rate. is focusing on the Superintendent’s top support and participation. We look forward to continuing Participation rates are important because they are one of the campaign priorities: this campaign through December 31, 2015, as intended, so measures used in college rankings to reflect the health and that we can exceed this goal, increase graduate participation, strength of the institution, as well as the degree to which 1. Visitors Center and deepen the campaign’s impact on the Academy.” graduates are engaged. “We know that graduates give back to 2. Lacrosse Center “It’s important that we don’t rest on our laurels,” says West Point in so many different ways,” says Sorenson, “and “Our commitment to 3. Arvin Annex Campaign Co-Chair Fred Malek ’59. this campaign provides an opportunity to tap into that see this campaign through 2015 and to support the commitment and enthusiasm and set a new standard in 4. Academy Scholars Program Academy’s Margin of Excellence remains as strong as ever, fundraising and participation at West Point.” 5. Cadet Semester Abroad and especially since there are still underfunded needs to “West Point has never attempted a campaign of this 6. Athletic Team Endowments address, including those currently listed as priorities by the magnitude before,” says WPAOG President and CEO Robert 7. Cadet Activities Superintendent.” McClure ’76. “We are excited to drive toward its 2015 TheFor Us All Campaign is designed to sustain and advance completion and include all graduates, families, and friends in 8. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives the Margin of Excellence at the United States Military Academy this historic endeavor.” 9. Academic Centers: Center for the and to strengthen the Long Gray Line. Gifts of any size to any The Bicentennial Campaign, which occurred between Study of Civil-Military Operations fund made from January 1, 2009 until December 31, 2015 are 1997 and 2002, is West Point’s only other fundraising and Cyber Research Center included in the campaign. To date, the campaign has received campaign. It raised $218 million and 48 percent of graduates gifts ranging from multimillion cash and planned gifts to participated in the campaign. The For Us All Campaign “Every gift to every fund counts in this campaign,” says monthly installments of $20 from graduating cadets in has already set new records by exceeding its goal of $350 WPAOG Vice President of Development Kristin Sorenson, support of their academic department or class gift fund. million with the help of 42,265 donors, 65 percent of whom “but we encourage graduates and donors to learn more about “The needs included in this campaign are varied,” says are graduates. these specific campaign needs when deciding where to direct Campaign Co-Chair Jodie Glore ’69. “But that is representative “On behalf of the Campaign Cabinet, we thank all of their gift, as General Caslen has determined them to be of the diverse opportunities offered to cadets throughout their our donors for helping us achieve such great success to date,” strategic priorities for the Academy.” 47-month experience. This campaign is meant to elevate says Malek and Glore. “We look forward to sharing many The focus on these priorities comes at a critical time within cadets’ West Point experience to allow them to develop to more records and highlights over the next 18 months of the For Us All Campaign, which recently reached its their greatest potential.” the For Us All Campaign.” Building Team WhenAmerica’s it comes to issues of diversity and inclusion, Lieutenant General Robert Caslen ’75, West Point’s Superintendent, is concerned that the United States Military Academy is at risk of losing the trust and confidence of the American people.

“There is a growing divide between the military demographic themselves as neither part of a majority or a minority, and the American people,” Caslen says. Statistically speaking, but rather as members of the same team. To that end, he non-Caucasians make up approximately 37 percent of the has appointed the Academy’s first Chief Diversity Officer, nation’s population, but they comprise less than a quarter of Dr. Don Outing, former USMA Professor of Mathematics the Corps of Cadets at West Point. In addition, women make and Director of the Center for Diversity and Leadership in up more than half of the U.S. population, but USCC is less Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). than 20 percent female. “The U.S. Army and the Academy As part of For Us All: The Campaign for West Point, the West must reflect the diversity of the nation we serve,” says Caslen. Point Association of Graduates is committed to supporting “West Point already has geographical representation through this team through Margin of Excellence programs. A top our admissions process; now it is imperative that it leverages priority is to build the Diversity & Inclusion Endowment, all aspects of our nation’s diversity to create and sustain an which supports funding for minority recruiting and retention candidates through its various programs. One example is the inclusive organization that attracts the best the United States and programs and activities such as REAL (Respect, Ethics and Minority Visitation Program, which funds highly qualified has to offer.” Inclusion is the key. Not only does Caslen want Leadership), Cadet Diversity Clubs, domestic internships minority candidates and an accompanying parent to travel to to increase West Point’s numbers when it comes to diversity, such as the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Civil Rights West Point and see cadet life with their own eyes. he wants to create an environment in which groups see Staff Ride. West Point Admissions also aims to attract diverse [ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 ] FALL 2014 WESTPOINTFORUSALL.ORG 2 For Us All Campaign Setting New Standards With little more than a year to go before the end of the For Us All Campaign, we thank you for helping to secure more than $358 million for the Academy and the Long Gray Line. Your Campaign Highlights participation in this campaign has helped the West Point To date, the For Us All Campaign has raised $329.9 million for the Academy and $28.8 million Association of Graduates set a new standard in fundraising for WPAOG. Other campaign highlights include: and will allow West Point to ensure an exceptional 47-month • 12,500 first time donors experience for its cadets, now and in the future. • 6,770 parent donors While we have much to be proud of within this campaign, • $69.5 million raised for annual funds (Superintendent’s Annual Fund, Long Gray Line, we still have a long way to go. As you’ll see from several of and Army A Club) the articles included in this newsletter, many campaign • $34 million raised for class gift campaigns needs remain under-funded and require greater levels of • 84 new endowments established support in order to fulfill their missions. In addition, General Caslen has announced his top campaign priorities, each of which impacts a distinct aspect of the cadet experience and strengthens the overall Margin of Excellence. We urge For the Cadets everyone to look at these needs more closely to determine how they can best help the Academy accomplish its goals. We’d also like to take this opportunity to recognize former Cadet Scholarships Graduate Scholarship Program Campaign Cabinet member Robert McDonald ’75, who Academy Scholars Program History of Warfare Textbook (funded) • Cadet Research Professional Military Ethic was recently appointed as U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs. • Cultural Immersion AIADs Education Leadership (reserved) Bob made many significant contributions through his volunteer • Domestic Internships AIADs Technology Insertion work as well as personal philanthropy to the For Us All Campaign Admissions Thayer Honors Program over the last six years, and while we will miss his leadership • Cadet Public Relations Council Academy Centers and service to the campaign, we look forward to the many • Minority Visitation Program • Cadet Advanced Science & Technology contributions he will make to the military and nation in this • Summer Leaders Experience Learning Environment (CASTLE) new position. Cadet Semester Abroad Program • Center for Physical Development Excellence Again, thank you for your participation in and support of Staff Rides (Site visits to historical battlefields) • Center for the Study of the For Us All Campaign. We look forward to marking the Endowments Civil-Military Operations final year of this campaign with an even greater level of energy Academic Enrichment Program DMI Digital Textbook & Toolbox and commitment than with which we began. You are critical (13 departmental endowments) to this effort, and we are sincerely grateful for all that you have Athletic Teams (22) Labs and Studios • done and all that you continue to do for West Point. Cadet Activities Unrestricted Astronomy Observatory • Cadet Clubs – Non Sports Cadet Fine Arts Forum Studio (funded) • Cadet Competitive Club Sports Cadet Robotics Program • Cadet Glee Club Cessna Flight Lab • Cadet Sport Parachute Team Computer-Aided Design Lab • Cultural Arts Concrete Technology Lab • Cadet Conferences and Symposiums Energy Conversion Lab • Chair for Character Development (funded) Football Training Simulator (funded) • Dean’s Teams (academic competitions) Historical Weapons Shoot

MR. JODIE GLORE ’69 MR. FRED MALEK ’59 Campaign Co-Chair Campaign Co-Chair

For Us All Campaign Cabinet

CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS Mr. James Kimsey ’62, Founding Chief Executive Officer Mr. Joseph DePinto ’86, President and Chief Executive Mr. Jodie Glore ’69, Retired President and Chief and Chairman Emeritus, America OnLine, Inc. Officer, 7-Eleven, Inc. Operating Officer, Rockwell Automation Mr. William Mounger ’48, Owner/President, Mr. William Foley II ’67, Chairman and Chief Executive Mr. Frederic Malek ’59, Founder and Co-Chairman, Delta Royalty Company, Inc. Officer, Fidelity National Financial Thayer Lodging Group Mrs. Eric Shinseki, Board Member, Military Child Mr. George Gilmore ’71, Retired President and Chief Education Coalition; Member of Board of Managers Executive Officer, Exelon Enterprises HONORARY CAMPAIGN CABINET MEMBERS of The Army Emergency Relief Mr. Michael Grebe ’62, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Mr. Lee Anderson ’61, Chairman, API Group, Inc. CAMPAIGN CABINET MEMBERS LTG (R) Franklin Hagenbeck ’71, Former BG(R) Peter Dawkins ’59, Founder and Senior Partner, Superintendent, USMA Flintlock Capital Asset Management, LL C Mr. Joseph Anderson ’65, Chairman and Chief Mr. Ed Harshfield (former ’62), Senior Advisor, Mr. Thomas Dyer ’67, Owner/President, Executive Officer, Tag Holdings LLC Acquiline Capital Corporation Dyer Enterprises LTG(R) Daniel Christman ’65, Senior Counselor, Mr. Ken Hicks ’74, President and Chief Executive Ms. Frances Hesselbein, Chairman and Founding United States Chamber of Commerce; Former Officer, Foot Locker, Inc. President, Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute; Superintendent, USMA 2009 West Point Class of 1951 Chair for the Study of Leadership FALL 2014 WESTPOINTFORUSALL.ORG 3 For Us All For Us All Campaign $350 Million Goal Co-Chaired by Fred Malek ’59 & Jodie Glore ’69

For West Point, The Landmark

Arvin Annex* Gillis Field House* Arvin Gym Functional Fitness Room Hockey Videoboard (funded) Baseball Press Box (funded) Lacrosse Center (funded) Cadet Chapel Organ Michie Stadium Scoreboard (funded) Catholic Chapel A/C (funded) Morgan Farm Indoor Equestrian Facility $358 million Cemetery Development (funded) Soccer Stadium (funded) Raised as of October 24, 2014 Coaches Housing (funded) Softball Complex Constitution Island Visitors Center Leadership Donors Foley Turf Field Project* *project still in development

For Our Today (Unrestricted) $500,000+ Gifts of $500,000 and above since Jan. 1, 2009 Superintendent’s Endowment/Annual Fund in support of Academics, Athletics & A Club, Military Leadership, and Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Mr. and Mrs. Don E. Ackerman ’56 Jerry and Peggy Lodge ’54 James and Patricia Anderson Denny and Mary Long ’48 Mr. Joseph B. Anderson Jr. ’65 Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Luster ’81 Lee and Penny Anderson ’61 Fred and Marlene Malek ’59 Mr. Joel D. Aron ’48 Paul D. Mango ’81 and For the Nation Eugene D. Atkinson ’66 Dawn S. Rucker ’82 Dr. David C. Bangert PhD ’65 LTC (R) Darrell and Cheryl Massie Tom and Tosh Barron ’65 Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. McDonald ’75 Center for Leadership & Diversity Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies Harry Bettis ’48 Nancy and Dana G. Mead ’57 in Science, Technology, Engineering, Cyber Research Center Robert and Joan Beveridge ’53 Michael and Linda Mewhinney ’66 COL (R) Harry F. Boone USAF ’42 COL (R) Lee and Julianne Miller 1934 and Math (STEM) Grand Strategy Program (funded) Herman and Iris Bulls ’78 (P) Mr. and Mrs. William D. Miller ’73 (P) Center for Oral History National Conference on Ethics in America Dr. James C. and Dorothy P. Castle ’58 William D. and Jan Mounger ’48 Center for the Rule of Law Network Science Center Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Chitty ’66 William F. Murdy ’64 Combating Terrorism Center West Point Leadership Center COL (R) Richard L. Curl ’56 Ron and Suzanne Naples ’67 Richard L. and Kathryn W. Dalzell ’79 Anthony and Kristin Noto ’91 Bill and Mary Deatherage ’73 Dick and Marie Nowak ’64 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. DePinto ’86 MG (R) Douglas J. O’Connor ’54 and Mr. Douglas C. Doan ’79 Jeanne O’Connor For the Long Gray Line Mr. and Mrs. John L. Drew ’78 Mr. and Mrs. Steven Perryman ’64 Tom and Gloria Faulds ’64 Bernard Petrie ’46 Bill and Carol Foley ’67 COL (R) Nicholas E. Powel USAF ’32 In Long Gray Line Endowment/Fund Gary and Tanya Giglio ’89 Memory of his mother, Fallen Graduates Memorial Scholarship Endowment (funded) George and Maureen Gilmore ’71 Lelia Dent Powel Jodie and Sandy Glore ’69 Bob and Marcia Randall ’56 GEN (R) and Mrs. Alexander M. LTC (R) Allan P. Scholl ’50 Haig Jr. ’47 (P) Roland and Lynne Smith ’78 (P) Color Key for Campaign Needs as of October 24, 2014 Jack and Gloria Hammack ’49 COL G. Sidney Smith ’61 (P) Tom and Char Hand ’82 COL (R) and Mrs. John H. Stokes III ’57 Superintendent’s Priority Edward G. Harshfield, former ’62 Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Sullivan, Mark W. Hebrank ’76 former ’83 James and Christine Heldman ’62 Thomas and Sandra Sullivan Mr. H. Hugh Hickok LTC (R) and Mrs. Jack Teague JUN ’43 Ken and Lucy Hicks ’74 Robb and Lydia Turner ’84 Dr. Ted and Laura Hromadka Jim and Florrie Tuthill ’48 Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Johnson Mr. Timothy C. Tyson ’74 and Mr. and Mrs. Rupert H. Johnson Jr. Mrs. Amy J. Tyson LTC (R) Louis R. Jones ’48 Vinnie and Teresa Viola ’77 E. Douglas and Jean C. Kenna ’45 Mr. Absalom T. Webber Jr. ’51 Mr. and Mrs. Edward Knapp Bill and Ann Willoughby Jr. ’60 Marshall and Susan Larsen ’70 Mrs. Margaret A. Zipp (W ’53) Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Lichtenberg Anonymous (8) Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lichtenberg italic = deceased CORPORATIONS & FOUNDATIONS Ambrose Monell Foundation The George & Carol The Boeing Company Olmsted Foundation Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Smith Richardson Foundation, Inc. The John D. and Catherine T. USAA MacArthur Foundation Anonymous (1) LTG(R) Larry Jordan ’68, WPAOG Chairman; Honorable R. James Nicholson ’61, Former Secretary Morgan Stanley Retired Senior Vice President, Burdeshaw of Veterans Affairs Associates, LTD Mr. Anthony Noto ’91, CFO, Twitter; former CFO, LTG(R) William Lennox ’71, Former Senior Vice National Football League President, Goodrich Corporation; Former Superintendent, USMA FORMER CAMPAIGN CABINET MEMBERS Mr. Dana Mead ’57, Chairman Emeritus, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; GEN(R) Alexander Haig Jr. ’47, 59th United States Retired Chairman and CEO, Tenneco Secretary of State Mr. William Murdy ’64, Chairman and Former Chief Mr. Robert McDonald ’75, Retired Chairman, , Executive Officer, Comfort Systems USA, Inc.; President and Chief Executive Officer, 42 265 Donors to the Campaign, Chairman, Thayer Leader Development Group Procter & Gamble Company Mr. Ronald Naples ’67, Chief Accountability Officer including donors to Class Gifts, for the State of Pennsylvania; Retired Chairman A Club, SUPT’s Fund, Long Gray and Chief Executive Officer, Quaker Chemical Corporation Line Fund, and restricted accounts. ALL GIFTS ARE CAMPAIGN GIFTS! FALL 2014 WESTPOINTFORUSALL.ORG 4

The Massies: Avid Army Fans When LTC Darrell Massie was a mechanical engineering instructor here at the flexibility to direct funding to address unexpected challenges the Academy, he was asked one day by two of his students to attend their and opportunities for cadet-athletes from all programs. basketball game. While Darrell and his wife Cheryl were regulars at Army “[Unrestricted giving] has an impact on numerous cadet- athletes across the board,” says Darrell. “We’re not going to Football games and avid college sports fans, they had never before attended be coaches anytime soon, so we’re going to support these a women’s basketball game at West Point. They didn’t know what to expect cadet-athletes in the best way that we can.” going in but, as Darrell put it, they “were amazed by the speed of the game and the talent of the players.” Indeed, the Massies continue to do just that. As local After that first game, they became courtside seat holders for the campaign. They chose to support the team’s endowment residents, they attend many athletics events throughout the year. the remainder of the year and have remained an active presence because they saw it as a long-term investment in the program Whether cheering on the Women’s Basketball Team, inviting at games ever since. A few years ago they noticed that the — one to which others could contribute and that will impact friends to Army Football games, or spending time with the opposing team was wearing pink uniforms in support of cadet-athletes in perpetuity. “Establishing the endowment Golf program, the Massies’ passion for Army Athletics remains breast cancer awareness month. When they asked why West allows for more people to come in with additional support as strong today as it was during that first basketball game more Point’s team was not wearing pink uniforms, they learned to continue to build this program for the future,” explains than a decade ago. Although Darrell is no longer a full-time that the program didn’t have the budget for it, prompting Darrell. Moreover, Darrell and Cheryl recognized a specific instructor, both he and Cheryl remain connected to many of Darrell and Cheryl to take action. West Point’s Women’s need among women’s sports programs at West Point: “Women’s the cadets that they have met and sponsored throughout the Basketball Team now wears pink uniforms every February in sports don’t have the same history and alumni base as many years. “These are lifelong relationships,” he says, and so, to support of breast cancer awareness. of the men’s programs here, so it’s important to support these them, it only makes sense to invest in these cadets, who, as he The Massies’ enthusiasm for and commitment to the programs to ensure a successful future.” describes, are “all high-quality young men and women.” women’s basketball program has only grown since then. But this doesn’t mean that the Massies’ support has been “It’s the best investment you can make,” says Darrell. Recently, they made a For Us All Campaign commitment to restricted to women’s sports or basketball. In fact, the Massies “We’re investing in the future of these cadets and we enjoy establish the Women’s Basketball Team Endowment, one of have also made commitments to the Army Golf program and being a part of the experience. It’s a win-win.” 22 teams that WPAOG is currently seeking to endow through make unrestricted gifts to the athletic department, providing it

SUPPORTING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE General Caslen recently approved two new needs within the For Us All Campaign — the USMA Graduate Scholarship Program and the Thayer Honors Program. Though these are two distinct programs, they are mutually supportive of one another and fall underneath the Academy’s umbrella to provide additional academic opportunity for cadets of outstanding potential.

“The Graduate Scholarship Program and Thayer Honors “The Graduate Scholarship Program and the associated Program both offer high-performing cadets systematic and extra-curricular experiences I was afforded through the sustained intellectual challenge while affording and program completely changed my professional goals,” says encouraging opportunities outside the typical curricular path,” Alexander Brammer ’14, a past participant of the Graduate says Brigadier General Tim Trainor, Dean of the Academic Scholarship Program and 2014 Marshall Scholarship recipient. Board. “These programs are powerful instruments to attract, “It was through the Graduate Scholarship Program that I retain, and develop young leaders of the highest caliber.” realized my passion for development and poverty alleviation. Cadet Nathan Thomas ’17, a Thayer Honors Program participant, Cadets selected for either of these programs are top Specifically, my work with the non-governmentalorganization studied with the Fulbright Summer Institute last summer. performers across all of West Point’s developmental pillars. Operation Crossroads Africa in Ghana confirmed for me that They combine a record of exceptional academic achievement my life’s work would be focused on economic development, with strong leadership performance in military, athletic, and poverty alleviation, and women’s rights in developing countries.” extra-curricular programs. Similarly, the Thayer Honors Program offers a path beyond WPAOG is seeking a total of eight million dollars to the normal cadet experience for high-performing cadets. But support these programs with full-time staff who can help rather than focusing on individual cadet goals, this program increase the quantity and quality of cadet experiences and is focused on developing and supporting small, rigorous implement long-term initiatives and strategic goals. Private learning communities that can challenge cadets to a greater funding will significantly enhance both programs and allow degree than a typical classroom setting and delve more deeply West Point to better compete with other colleges and into subject matter. universities that increasingly offer these types of programs to In order to ensure the greatest impact, 25 cadets are selected for the Thayer Honors Program during the fall of their first high-performing students. year. Over the next three-and-a-half years, this group of cadets The USMA Graduate Scholarship Program is an intensive systematically and collaboratively pursues core courses and mentorship program consisting of a formal course sequence out-of-classroom opportunities, ensuring close and continuous and out-of-classroom experiences that help high-achieving interaction throughout their 47-month experience. The cadets prepare for scholarship competitions and develop a program also permits scheduling flexibility and strong faculty long-term intellectual and professional vision for their service MJ Cantrell ’14, recipient of the 2014 Rotary Scholarship, reads with mentorship for participating cadets, and participants are two Ghanaian school boys during her summer abroad with the Graduate to the nation. Each year, between 20 and 30 cadets are selected Scholarship Program. allowed to declare their major in their first year. to become part of this elite program in their junior year. As the Army emphasizes its need for competent and Cadets participate in a series of academic offerings, including committed leaders and as competition among institutions of Graduate Scholarship Program and Thayer Honors Program the Critical Thought course sequence and individualized higher education increases, it is more important than ever support the Academy’s and the Army’s strategic goals and help summer plans. These opportunities not only strengthen before for West Point to further invest in its top performing develop cadets into well-prepared leaders whose expertise and cadets’ scholarship applications but serve as critical leadership cadets and the programs that support them. Both the perspective extend beyond the military domain. development experiences and hone professional goals. FALL 2014 WESTPOINTFORUSALL.ORG 5

The Massies: Avid Army Fans inClass For some graduates, classes and academics may not make up their fondest memories of West stPoint. But for Dr. Harry Van Trees ’52, it was everything. “Once academics started,” says Van Trees, thinking back to his first weeks as a Plebe, “West Point opened up a whole new world.”

By the end of his first semester at West Point, Van Trees was the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer 1first in his class in math and military topography and graphics. Science (EECS). “Its ranking among the top undergraduate He even tutored several classmates on the Plebe football team, EECS departments in the country is well deserved,” he says. and they all passed. At a Saturday morning inspection, his His affinity to West Point’s EECS program has led him and tactical officer said to him, “Mr. Van Trees, you should try his wife Diane to establish the Harry and Diane Van Trees and be first in your class. You know that you don’t have to be Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Endowment. first in all the subjects,” recalls Van Trees. “As an impertinent This endowment will support Margin of Excellence activities 17-year old, I replied, ‘But it will be easier that way.’ I spent within EECS, to include capstone projects and out-of-classroom Dr. Van Trees received nine academic awards at graduation, but he says the rest of my four years trying to make that happen.” experiences, which Van Trees believes to be “important learning that his “tenth prize” was a first date with “a lovely southern girl” Diane Enright, who would become his wife of 61 years. The photo above, which And did he ever. Van Trees graduated first in his class and experiences” that will also attract more cadets to pursue studies shows Harry displaying his academic awards for Diane, appeared in ranked first in eight subject areas: mathematics, mechanics, in EECS. The endowment also establishes a Harry and Diane newspapers around the country the next day. military topography and graphics, chemistry, physics, military Van Trees Professional Development Award to the graduating engineering and history, electricity, and military psychology cadet whose accomplishments best exemplify achievement and leadership. In total, he earned nine out of the 14 academic and initiative in professional development. awards—the second largest number of academic awards in “The electrical engineering, computer science, and West Point history. information technology majors provide graduates with the “It was the proudest moment in my life up to that time,” technical background that is essential in the current defense remembers Van Trees. “I had achieved what I had set out to environment,” remarks Van Trees. “Almost every military do back in the Fall of Plebe year. It was an honor that will follow weapon or system has a computer embedded in it. We need me the rest of my life. More importantly, I had brought honor officers who understand how they work and are capable to my parents, Harry and Ethyl Van Trees, who had nurtured of managing the programs to procure them.” my intellectual growth.” “Harry and Diane Van Trees’ very generous gift will be a While Van Trees certainly gained the skills and knowledge tremendous benefit to the professional development of cadets needed to excel in his career, his West Point experience also in their chosen academic disciplines,” says Colonel Eugene Dr. and Mrs. Van Trees met with General Caslen and Colonel Ressler to instilled determination and discipline, which influenced Van Ressler ’78, Head of the Department. “Travel to confer with explain the goals of their endowment and reinforce their belief in the Trees far beyond his 47-month experience. “My success in the brilliant luminaries of their fields, engage their peers who excellence of the EECS Department. various positions is due to my West Point education,” says Van are doing similar work, see and work in world class facilities, Trees, who pursued a successful career in science and national and interact with ‘customers’ of the cadets’ own engineering Academic Enrichment Program was an ideal match to my security, to include Professor of Electrical Engineering at the projects are a few examples of the life-changing experiences technical background and interests.” He encourages others to Massachusetts Institute of Technology; author of a 4-volume set that the gift will allow.” find their own way to thank the Academy and stay involved of books on “Detection and Estimation Theory” that educated Establishing this endowment was also a way for Van Trees with its programs. “Giving is much more rewarding if you can three generations of engineers on the signal processing to remain connected to the Academy and the Corps of Cadets. be involved. There are 13 academic departments. Pick the one in most radars, sonars, and missile defense systems such as Dr. and Mrs. Van Trees look forward to hearing about the that is close to your interests and get involved.” AEGIS and Iron Dome; Chief Scientist for the Defense opportunities afforded to cadets through their endowment Though Dr. Van Trees has had many academic and Communications Agency and the U.S. Air Force; and Principal and hope to inspire cadets to do the same one day. “I want cadets professional achievements, he says, “My and Diane’s proudest Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, to realize that an old graduate is helping them out,” he notes, achievement is our wonderful family of seven children, 19 and Communications, and acting ASD (C3I). “so perhaps they will do the same later in their career.” grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Our message Van Trees is impressed with the talent and sophistication “We felt establishing an endowment was an appropriate way to new graduates is that they can have both career success and of the Academy’s current academic program, and particularly to thank the Academy,” says Van Trees. “The department’s a successful family life.” A Lifetime of Service With 35 years of service to our nation as an His first knowledge of West Point came from his mother. I had already published three books in military history. All Army officer, Lieutenant General Dave R. During World War II, she worked in an Army ammunition royalties benefit the Superintendent’s Annual Fund, and I plant in upper state New York. The commander of the plant have continued that with my other publications.” And now, Palmer ’56 understands what it means to was a West Point graduate, and someone whom she admired through his CRUT, Palmer is ensuring that others can share give back. Fortunately for West Point, the tremendously. “When I told her I planned to attend Texas his academic passion, as proceeds will help fund the Charles Academy has been the beneficiary of much A&M, then an all-male and all-military school, she suggested B. Ewing ’51 Chair in Military History Endowment. of his dedication and service. West Point,” recalls Palmer. “It changed my life. As a professional LTG Palmer has experienced the benefits of philanthropy soldier, I had a career I loved. My two aims in life quickly became to West Point from both perspectives: as a donor and as the When Palmer established a charitable remainder unitrust to be a battalion commander and teach military history at leader of the institution. As Superintendent, he saw firsthand (CRUT) for him and his wife, Lu, he discovered yet another West Point.” He achieved both of these goals and more. After the power of graduate support. And as a donor, “you get a way to give back, while also ensuring financial stability for his his time at the Academy as a cadet and later as an instructor in great sense of gratification. In my case, there was a major family. “It is a win, win, win,” explains Palmer. “First thing I got military history, his last assignment as an officer was as the economic pay back when putting together my retirement out of it was a major avoidance of taxes for the sale of property, 53rd Superintendent of the United States Military Academy package, and by supporting West Point you create something and second, we receive quarterly payments for as long as we from 1986 to 1991. lasting — for your country, for your Army. live. Finally, the remainder of the investment goes to West Palmer’s love of military history led him to author several Point, and it makes me feel good to support the Academy.” books in the genre, many of which are required reading in His roots may lie out West (Oklahoma and Texas), but college history programs. “When I became the Superintendent, Palmer has called the Academy home many times over the years. FALL 2014 WESTPOINTFORUSALL.ORG 6

Classes Commit Over $6 Million to West Point For anyone who has ever wondered about the impact of their contribution to their class gift fund, take a look at these numbers from this fall: The Class of 2004 raised $550,000 from 727 class members for its 10th reunion gift; the Class of 1989 raised a total of $600,000 from 327 class members; the Class of 1984 raised $1.1 million from 392 class members; and the Class of 1974 raised a record-breaking $4,074,074 for its 40th reunion gift with the help of 535 class members.

In total, these four classes each recently presented gifts that “We are excited to play a lead role in the development of “Class campaigns make a significant impact on West totaled over $6,300,000. These gifts make a significant impact the new Visitors Center,” says Class President Robert Mixon ’74, Point,” says WPAOG Vice President of Development Kristin for West Point and support several needs from General Caslen’s whose class raised the largest class gift ever presented to West Sorenson. “Furthermore, they engage class members and help campaign priorities list. Point. “The Visitors Center might be the only impression increase the graduate participation, which is a goal of the The Class of 2004’s made its first reunion gift to West an individual has of our Alma Mater when he or she leaves For Us All Campaign. We greatly appreciate the leadership, Point in October and set new records in both the size of its gift Highland Falls. It has to be memorable, and that is why the energy, and support that each and every class contributes.” and in the participation of class members. Its gift of $550,000 Class of 1974 has stepped up again.” beat the Class of 2002’s previous gift record of $520,000 and In recognition of its gift, the Class of 1974 will name rallied 76 percent of its class to participate in its reunion gift the atrium in the Visitors Center while the Class of 1984 campaign, beating the Class of 2003’s previous participation will name an exterior arch. Additionally, the Class of 1984 record for a 10-year reunion with 65 percent participation. made a gift of $100,000 to the Fallen Graduates Memorial The Class of 2004 chose to designate its gift to three specific Scholarship Endowment. campaign priorities: the Visitors Center, the Academy Scholars The Class of 1989 designated its gift of $600,000 to Program, and the Semester Abroad Program. The Class of the Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) in memory of 2004’s gift to the Visitors Center was an important commitment classmates LTC Paul J. Finken and LTC James J. Walton. to a campaign need that the Superintendent has deemed his The CTC is one of the Academy’s most robust academic number one priority and that will benefit the entire West Point centers and one of the foremost counterterrorism centers in community and its approximately one million annual visitors. the nation, offering educational programming, research and General Caslen accepts the Class of 1974’s gift from (left to right): LTC (R) The Classes of 1974 and 1984 also designated their gifts to analysis, and strategic guidance to local, state, and federal Frank Prindle ’74, Class Fundraising Chair; COL (R) Frank Janoski ’74, Class Memorialization Chair; MG (R) Robert Mixon Jr. ’74, Class President; the Visitors Center, providing significant support for the governments. The Class of 1989’s gift will support the center’s GEN (R) Walter “Skip” Sharp, Honorary Fundraising Chair; and COL (R) development and construction of this new 15,000-square foot endowment, providing the CTC long-term financial stability. Robert McClure, WPAOG’s President & CEO. facility, which is a $19-million campaign need. Domestic Internships Broaden Cadet Education West Point appears on several 2014 “Top 10” lists concerning U.S. colleges and universities: #1 “Most Accessible Professors” (Princeton Review), #3 “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs” (U.S. News & World Report), and #9 “America’s Top College” (Forbes). Yet, USMA is conspicuously missing from one list —“Best any one of the cadets who participated this summer and they Given its concentration of law, government, and politics, Internships.” Then again, technically, USMA does not offer will gladly tell you that thanks to the generosity of donors, the greatest concentration of domestic internships logically traditional internships: instead, it has the Academy Scholars USMA’s AIADs are #1. takes place in Washington, DC. Whether it’s on Capitol Hill, Program or Academic Individual Advanced Development Cadet Evan Gunn ’17 interned at 7-Eleven headquarters with the State Department or at an independent, nonpartisan (AIAD) program. This past summer, more than 1,000 cadets in Kent, Washington, this summer, observing the day-to-day institution, these opportunities give cadets exposure to topics participated in these programs offered through USMA’s operations of this Fortune 500 Company. Gunn acknowledges relevant to Army officers, and many of the cadets may soon various academic departments. Roughly 400 traveled abroad, learning several lessons during his time there: some related to find themselves at these agencies again after graduation. but the majority spent their three weeks in the United States. learning, some related to leadership, and some related to life. Cadet Peter Basnight ’16 (pictured, bottom left), who worked From New York to California, D.C. to Dallas, these domestic The culminating event of Gunn’s experience was to present a in Senator Jack Reed’s ’71 office this summer, says that his internships provided cadets with valuable field experience to 4-Step Action Plan to 7-Eleven’s COO Daren Rebelez ’88, DC experience helped him capture the “big picture,” seeing complement the learning they do in the classroom. And ask which stressed two of this AIAD’s West Point Leadership how all the pieces of the U.S. government fit together. In Development System outcome goals: making sound and timely addition to lessons on government, cadets participating were decisions under stress as well as understanding ambiguous exposed to the variety of views and the immediacy of issues situations and solving complex problems. Perhaps, Gunn’s that comes from being in such an international and influential greatest lesson came on his final day. He was presenting his hub as the nation’s capital. “I developed a better critical tool project to 7-Eleven executives and members of the company’s set by comparing all different perspectives,” says Cadet Peter Pacific Northwest Zone and kept referring to himself as a “kid” Sienko ’15, who interned with the Bureau of Economic & out of habit. Afterwards, Human Resources Leader Mark Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. “The Tucker corrected Gunn, reminding him that he was viewed experience improved the way I now think about current issues as an adult by all present. “I realized my thoughts and opinions and events.” Cadet Michael Giles ’17 (pictured, top left) agrees, were respected,” says Gunn, “and my views toward the civilian crediting his AIAD at the U.S. Institute for Peace (USIP) workforce completely changed, motivating me to become a with helping him form a global perspective. “Given that USIP better cadet and future officer.” is a hub for ideas to be exchanged between governmental The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer offices and NGOs, I have begun to see the world through Science sent two cadets to Menlo Park, California, the home other people’s eyes,” Giles says. “There is a big emphasis on office of Facebook, Inc., to participate in the social media leadership,” says Cadet Nicholas Rodriguez ’15, who worked giant’s “Capture the Flag” contest. Cadets Michael Thorpe with the Bureau of Counterterrorism at the U.S. Department and Jinny Yan, both Class of 2016, worked side by side with of State. “My days were spent figuring out the resources on security engineers from Facebook’s eCrime Team and learned hand and prioritizing tasks based on the commander’s how to identify threats and protect systems from advanced mission and the overall grand strategy.” cyber attacks. “The work they had us do opened up a new area Speaking about the importance of supporting the Academy of computers and cyber security that I never knew existed,” Scholars Program, Rodriquez says, “AIADs are what says Thorpe. “Working at Facebook inspired me to take my distinguish a cadet’s time at West Point, and cadets realize that, education further than the classroom and to challenge myself thanks to the generosity of donors, these are opportunities to learn as much as I can about computers.” they could not get anywhere else.” FALL 2014 WESTPOINTFORUSALL.ORG 7

Classes Commit Over $6 Million to West Point Grand Strategy Program Addresses the Big Picture This past June, nearly 100 scholars, practitioners, legislators, Established in 2012 with a Colonel Suzanne Nielsen ’90, Director of the Grand Strategy Program, sits with General Charles Jacoby ’78 and private sector leaders gathered at West Point to discuss gift from Mr. Charles Johnson, (left) and General Vincent Brooks ’80 (right) at the 2014 Grand Strategy Conference. emerging trends in national security and their long-term son of Rupert H. Johnson ’21, “implications for the Army. Over a three-day period, discussions the Johnson Grand” Strategy addressed the economic, political, and social dimensions of Program has already achieved many successes to date in each experience included a series of instructor-led lectures and this topic area in order to develop a comprehensive dialogue of its key focus areas: teaching, cadet development, faculty seminars, cadet presentations, and visits to archaeological and set of recommendations. This conference was not only development, and outreach. The program’s teaching focus is sites and museums in and around Athens, Greece, as well as an impressive accomplishment for the Academy and the meant to enhance the academic program by developing new Williamsburg, Virginia. Participants examined the social, Department of Social Sciences, which facilitated the conference, courses explicitly focused on the study of grand strategy as political, and economic influences of ancient Greece and but a milestone in West Point’s new Rupert H. Johnson ’21 well as integrating new lessons into the existing curriculum. examined how America’s strategic vision and behavior across Grand Strategy Program, the mission of which was exemplified Last year, the program began offering two new courses: its history compared to that of ancient Greece. by this conference. XH397 Grand Strategy Field Study and SS457 Advanced “I gained a greater appreciation for the significance of “The Johnson Grand Strategy Program aims to provide a Studies in Grand Strategy. These courses involve an intense understanding grand strategy—as a military decision maker, broad, strategic education for cadets by integrating and study of theory, history, and practice from multiple disciplinary historian, and citizen,” says past participant Erin Mauldin ’14. synthesizing curricula and academic experiences from all perspectives and include labs and lectures taught by faculty “Being able to see that larger strategic picture is useful for disciplines,” says Program Director and Deputy Head of the from different academic departments. military decision makers who must act in ambiguous situations, Department of Social Sciences Colonel Suzanne Nielsen ’90. These two courses serve as a foundation for the recently where intent as defined by grand strategy may be the only thing Grand Strategy is the purposeful application of all of the established academic minor in grand strategy, which is available known and the how of achieving it is unclear.” elements of national power to serve the national interest. for cadets in the Class of 2016 and onward. “This minor offers The Johnson Grand Strategy program has also impacted While West Point’s curriculum has always addressed the cadets and faculty a unique intellectual community that draws Academy faculty through its recently established Scholars many individual aspects included within the study of grand from the best in an undergraduate liberal education in order Research Grant Program, which awards research grants to strategy, prior to the establishment of the Johnson Grand to refine their judgment as our next generation of visionary Academy faculty. The endeavor is intended to stimulate and Strategy Program, the Academy lacked a single mechanism strategic leaders,” explains says Benjamin Mitchell, course support the scholarly study of grand strategy among West Point to integrate these lessons into one overarching curriculum director for the Johnson Grand Strategy Program. Cadets faculty. To that end, this program provides funding for travel, that addresses the “big picture” that is grand strategy. “Grand selected for the Grand Strategy Program, and who will conference participation, and related research expenses for strategy explicitly needs history, political science, economics, pursue this minor, are top performers and must go through a selected projects. When possible, the Scholars Program will also geography, and many other areas of study,” continues Nielsen. competitive application process to be selected. Those selected offer publication opportunities to participating scholars. “When we look at a topic like nuclear proliferation, we need this past spring have an average GPA of 3.73 and represent The progress and achievements made by West Point’s new those studying nuclear engineering and physics in the room.” a diverse range of academic majors, including nuclear Grand Strategy Program are only likely to continue in the The curriculum developed through this new grand strategy engineering, geography, American politics, and physics. coming months and years, as the program expands through the program, which is housed in the Department of Social This cohort of cadets participates in selected courses while selection of new cohorts of cadets, refines its central capstone Sciences, considers this interdisciplinary and strategic nature pursuing a minor in grand strategy. These cadets also partake course, and hires full-time staff to lead the program and pursue of some of the nation’s most pressing challenges and offers a in a summer enrichment opportunity; in one example, the long-term goals. Most recently, the Academy welcomed Erica D. platform of opportunities through which cadets and faculty Johnson Grand Strategy Program recently executed a new Borghard as the new executive director for the program. In this can pursue such studies. world-class summer experience that examined grand strategy role, she is responsible for teaching grand strategy courses and in ancient Greece and the United States. This three-week overseeing the program’s academic opportunities for cadets.

In just two short years, the Rupert H. Johnson Grand Strategy Program has developed into a robust offering of academic experiences that impacts cadets and faculty, as well as those outside the gates of West Point, as seen from the conference last spring. It has had an immediate impact on the Academy and on those who have participated in it, but for a program that studies grand strategy, it is only fitting to address the “big picture” of its impact as well. “This program prepares cadets for their careers and future leadership roles, and it empowers junior military faculty who will return to the field with even more strategic perspectives,” says Nielsen. Therefore, the program’s long-term impact will be seen in the years to come as cadets and faculty apply their knowledge and experience to influence the Army and nation.

Building America’s Team [ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ] Major General Ronald Johnson ’76 (USA, Retired), a major Army through a series of nationwide events involving cadets, With support from donors to the For Us All Campaign’s donor for this program, says, “No one from my childhood faculty, and middle school students. Through its work, the diversity and inclusion needs, these initiatives will help West neighborhood knew of the opportunities at West Point, center endeavors to play a leading role in reforming and Point attract top talent from all across America and support which it is why it is important to not only get the word out enriching diversity within STEM to more accurately reflect that talent while at the Academy. Upon graduation, this talent about this place but to bring the talent and their influencers the needs of our nation’s changing society. Finally, through will reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the Army they will lead to the Academy.” On the academic side, the West Point its West Point Diversity Leadership Conference, which aims and the American citizenry they will protect. “Diversity is Center for Leadership and Diversity in STEM carries out a to be a nationally recognized annual summit for diversity very important to West Point for a lot of reasons,” says Caslen, range of programming that provides outreach, guidance, and professionals and leaders, the Academy seeks to support the “and the United States Military Academy is fully committed resources to encourage and prepare cadets from underrepresented Army Diversity Roadmap, identify leadership challenges to to creating an environment both rich in diversity and minority populations to pursue studies in STEM. It recently inclusion practices at operational levels, implement diversity inclusive to all.” In doing so, USMA’s Diversity and Inclusion received a two-year grant of $270,000 from the Toyota USA training and education programs to meet the demands of Strategy will build a team of which America can be proud. Foundation that will allow the center to build and maintain Army leaders in the 21st century, and create and maintain an a pipeline of STEM-specialized talent for West Point and the inclusive environment that enhances Army mission readiness. West Point Association of Graduates NONPROFIT ORG. United States Military Academy U.S. POSTAGE 698 Mills Road, West Point, NY 10996-1607 PAID WATERBURY, CT PERMIT NO. 186 This newsletter is dedicated to highlighting ways that private giving is shaping the future of West Point and beyond. It is a publication of the WPAOG Development Office. The West Point Association of Graduates is the alumni association of the United States Military Academy. Its mission is to serve West Point and its graduates.

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Editor: Samantha Soper Associate Editors: Christine Shields & Keith Hamel Design: Impel Creative Contact: [email protected] or 845.446.1541 Giving For more information about how you can help shape the future, please contact Vice President of Development Kristin Sorenson or Campaign Director Vivian K. Shannon to discuss a personal approach to giving to West Point. [email protected] 845.446.1561 [email protected] 845.446.1542 West Point Pride

The Gold Standard for Military History The West Point History of the Civil War is now available to the public through iTunes. This interactive book used by West Point cadets and faculty includes animated battle maps and timelines, annotated soldier illustrations, full-length biographies of key Civil War figures, primary source documents, and more. Civil War Hero Receives Medal of Honor The Academy recently hosted a joint ceremony honoring 1st Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing as a Medal of Honor recipient, while dedicating the Memorial Room in the newly renovated Cullum Hall. Cushing’s name was added to the wall in both the Medal of Honor and the Civil War section of the Memorial Room. For Valor at Arms CPT Kevin W. Mott ’07 received the 2014 Nininger Award. Mott received a Silver Star for his actions in Afghanistan as a platoon leader with the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, Duty, Honor, Country 101st Airborne Division during Operation Strong Eagle III. Dr. Condoleezza Rice spoke to cadets and graduates upon “The great Americans we call Soldiers are our nation’s sons and receiving the 57th Annual Sylvanus Thayer Award: “And daughters,” said Mott. “They deserve the very best training, you, the men and women of West Point, will help to inspire equipping, and inspiration you can muster.” us. You will inspire us by the traditions of this place that has inspired you. You will inspire us by the heritage to which you are the rightful heirs. And you will inspire us because you believe in Duty and Honor and Country.”