As a result of Dutch Hostler's recent election as Director, West Point Association of Graduates (WP AOG), I was given the opportunity to serve as the Class of 1968 Class Advisor to the AOG, as we usually call this group, for the balance of Dutch's term, specifically for the year 2008, our reunion year.

On Monday evening through Wednesday noon this week, I participated, along with other newly elected or reelected Directors and Advisors (Class, Society, and At Large) in an orientation held at West Point.

The agenda included a discussion of the WP AOG organization (of which our classmate, John Calabro, is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer), its history and the role of board members; a tour of donor-funded facilities; a discussion of finance and investment activities; a discussion of programs and activities that support individual graduates, classes, and societies; an ODIA briefing; an update on admissions; a discussion of development activities; and a discussion concerning the Centers of Excellence that have been formed at our alma mater in recent years.

A key take-away, so to speak, that I gained from my time at this orientation was the critical importance of donor contributions, of whatever size, in enriching the life style and experience of today's cadets. When we were cadets, just a few (nearly 40 now) years ago, our experience was paid for in full with government funding. Today, only the "core requirements" to keep college accreditation are paid for by government funding. It's the quality of life activities (clubs, sports, academic enrichment activities) that cadets would not enjoy without the ongoing generosity of the Long Gray Line. The WP AOG has assumed the key fund-raising role in filling that gap, since the active duty leaders at the Academy are prohibited by law from doing so. In my mind, this provides an opportunity for all of us to be a part of keeping the Academy and the graduates it produces at the highest levels - - in the best interests of the Army and the nation.

The WP AOG has assumed this role of chief fund-raiser for West Point while continuing to provide a wide variety of services to graduates.

As our class advisor to the WP AOG, feel free to contact me with questions and/or concerns. I can be reached at <mailto:dalewhansen@nyc.rr.com>dalewhansen@nyc.rr.com

<mailto:dalewhansen@nyc.rr.com>, 732-738-6500 (W), or 212-595-4086 (H).

I thank our class leadership, and all of you, my classmates, for the opportunity to serve our great class as a Class Advisor to our West Point Association of Graduates. Go Army! Beat Navy!

Dale W. Hansen