We are preparing cadets for
the challenges they will face as future officers. The Army Vision speaks
to the need for officers who are creative and adaptive problem solvers, who can
deal with complexity, uncertainty, and ambiguity. Officers must be
self-directed, life-long learners who can anticipate and respond effectively to
a changing world. They must be able to operate effectively in an
information-rich environment. And, they must be able to work effectively
in joint and combined operations; they must be able to collaborate with others
from diverse backgrounds in order to ensure mission accomplishment.
In many respects, learning processes have changed dramatically in order to meet
these challenges. At West Point, we are leveraging technology in creative
ways to support cadet learning. We have one of the most wired campuses in
American higher education; we have installed a wireless infrastructure
supporting portable computing from anywhere in the cadet area (not to mention
the bar in the First Class Club). Cadets are working together on complex,
open-ended projects that are directly relevant to Army needs. Jefferson
Hall will be a state-of-the art library and learning facility in the center of
the cadet area that brings together the resources and people to promote
intellectual and professional development.
Jefferson Hall will house the Library, Center for Enhanced Performance, Center
for Teaching Excellence, and some IT and multi-media capability. The
project includes 148,725 square feet of new construction. The new building
will also contain 10 group study rooms, several conference rooms, four high-tech
classrooms, and a high-end reading room that can also be used for ceremonies and
social functions. The Congress has approved $60 million for the
construction of the Jefferson Hall, beginning in this fiscal year (FY2005) and
$12.5 million for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. In addition, USMA
will raise private funds for margin of excellence enhancements, such as terrazzo
floors, interior granite walls, limestone window surrounds, exterior medallions,
and floor and furniture upgrades. Thanks to the generous pledge from the
Class of 1968, we (West Point) are well on our way to achieving our margin of
excellence goal. For our gift, the Class of 1968 will be recognized on the
first floor of Jefferson Hall with class crests in the terrazzo floor on the
east and west wings, display cases in both wings for class artifacts, and a
bronze plaque on the wall. The rotunda of Jefferson Hall and the adjacent
passageways in which our class crests and memorabilia are going to be displayed
will be the most frequently used public space at West Point for at least the
next 50 years. The pictures (displayed on our Class website) show the
final configuration of the building, the expansive nature of the rotunda, and a
glimpse at how another portion of this extraordinary facility will look.
We are at 100% design of Jefferson Hall. We expect to award the
construction contract in January 2005 and complete the new construction by June
2007. Therefore, we need to meet our pledge by year end so we can
incorporate into the construction from the outset the enhancements that our
class will provide.
Class Gift & Fund Reps & Status
Page Last Updated: October 23, 2004