Please join us in congratulating WPAOG’s 2020 Distinguished Graduate Award recipients. The Award is given to graduates of the United States Military Academy whose character, distinguished service and stature draw wholesome comparison to the qualities that West Point strives for, in keeping with its motto “Duty, Honor, Country.” The DGA award ceremony will take place on May 19 at West Point.

Mr. Richard A. Nowak ’64
Mr. William H. Roedy Jr. ’70
LTC (R) Andrew F. Krepinevich ’72
LTG (R) Kenneth W. Hunzeker ’75
GEN (R) Curtis M. Scaparrotti ’78

On January 24, WPAOG hosted the 20th Class Ring Memorial Program event, informally known as the “Ring Melt,” in West Point’s Haig Room. West Point cadets, graduates, and families of ring donors gathered as 41 West Point class rings, each with its own story and its own spirit, were placed in the crucible to be melted and used in the making of the Class of 2021’s rings. Full story. Photos. Video.

WPAOG won five 2020 CASE District II Accolades Awards: two golds, a silver, a bronze and an honorable mention. CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, is the premier global non-profit association dedicated to educational advancement. The Accolades Awards celebrate institutional accomplishments in alumni relations, development, communications, events, and program development. WPAOG received the following awards:
SPECIAL EVENTS: INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
GOLD: Ring Melt – Tangible Connection Between Cadets and West Point Graduates
VIDEO FEATURES: GENERAL INFORMATION VIDEOS
GOLD: Celebrating 150 Years of West Point AOG in Three Minutes
HONORABLE MENTION: Telling the Story of the West Point Ring Melt
SPECIAL EVENTS: EVENT SERIES
SILVER: 150 Years of Serving West Point and the Long Gray Line
ALUMNI RELATIONS EVENTS AND AFFINITY PROGRAMS
BRONZE: West Point Entrepreneur Summit: Exploring Professional Service after Selfless Service

Transitioning? Ready for a career change? Register for the next Service Academy Career Conference to:

• Meet with top industry and Forbes 100 companies
• Explore advanced education opportunities
• Connect with fellow alumni

Hotel reservations are available at the SACC rate. Employers will be accessing SACCentral in advance, so be sure to create or update your profile and upload your resume by March 6 to be included in the printed resume book. Email WPAOG Career Services or call the career services team at 845.446.1618 for more information.

Thank you to everyone who made a gift of $1,000 or more to the Superintendent’s Annual Fund in 2019. You are now a member of the 2020 Superintendent’s Circle. Members of the Superintendent’s Circle are invited to save the date for these special events in 2020: Projects Day (April 30) and Superintendent’s Circle Weekend (October 16 – 18). The Superintendent’s Circle benefits have been elevated for 2021. To learn more about WPAOG’s Recognition Circles and Superintendent’s Circle benefits, click here. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Annual Giving at 845.446.1657.

BG(R) Tony Smith ’58 grew up in a military family. His father graduated from USMA in 1926, and his older brother in 1953. In this interview, he talks about his childhood, his family, and his West Point and Army experiences. He highlights his work both as an engineer and in international relations, ranging from his graduate program in Paris to teaching in the Department of Social Sciences and working at the highest levels of the U.S. government. He discusses his career after leaving the military, and concludes by describing what his service means to him. Learn more about the West Point Center for Oral History.

Now that our 150th Anniversary celebration year has ended, we’ve moved the popular On This Day timeline to our online History Portal. We’ve also updated the AOG History page to include the West Point magazine four-part series of articles written in 2019. We continue to honor our past as we prepare for the future of the Long Gray Line.

Former WPAOG Director Darcy Anderson was appointed as a new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army during an investiture ceremony in the Perot Building January 8. The Honorable Ryan D. McCarthy, Secretary of the Army, selected Darcy Anderson to represent Texas (North). “Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army are an integral part of sharing the U.S. Army story,” Anderson said. “I am proud to be appointed as it will allow me to continue serving my country and assist both the secretary and key Army leaders. I look forward to using my network and platform as a business and community leader to build bridges of understanding between the U.S. Army and the public.” Full story.

All of the Class Notes submitted in 2019 are now completely archived. Remember that you have to login to WPAOG to see Class Notes and all graduates can see every class. So check in with those classes you know and love (not just your own) to see what’s going on!

Stay up to date on the latest West Point alumni news! We’ve almost got enough followers to get the “swipe up” feature! From exclusive photography to information on upcoming alumni events, like and share our posts and videos with fellow Old Grads.

Reserve your space in the Summer 2020 West Point Authors Bookshelf, a specially-priced advertising section in West Point magazine showcasing books by West Point affiliated authors. Check out the latest West Point Bookshelf in the Winter 2020 issue to discover and support these books. Learn more about this and other WPAOG advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

Take a trip back in time with our throwback pullovers. Once you wear this sweatshirt, you will never want another style again. The heavyweight cotton fabric brings new meaning to the word comfortable. Adorned with a locker tab-style name tape on the back which can be customized with your name, year group or (the always appropriate) "Beat Navy." Space on the tape is limited, so keep it short. Available in crewneck and hoodie styles. Pre-orders close March 14. Order online at WPAOGGiftShop.com, or by phone at 1.800.426.4725.

The Alumni Golf Outing at West Point is June 11-13. If you are a golfer, this is a great way to reconnect with alumni, former classmates, and your alma mater. The event includes two rounds of golf, all meals, a boat cruise, and some great prizes! All graduates and their guests are invited! Sign up now if you'd like us to notify you when registration opens in the spring.