Home Page       Society Info       Events       News       West Point       Related Links

Constitution   -   By-Laws   -   Strategic Plan   -   Board of Governors   -   Past Presidents   -   Membership

West Point Society of Michigan

 2019 Strategic Plan

(Updated December 15, 2018)

 Mission  

The mission of the West Point Society of Michigan, a non-profit 501c3 organization, is to promote the mission and values of West Point, and to support and serve its graduates, cadets, former cadets, and their families throughout the state of Michigan and where they may be serving in defense of our country.  

 Vision

To be recognized as one of the most distinguished West Point societies based on its success in promoting the mission and values of West Point.

 Values

Aligning with the WPAOG values, we do everything with Respect, Integrity, Trust, Teamwork and Excellence in all our areas of operations and outreach.

Strategic Goals and Objectives

1. Membership. Ensure an enthusiastic, cohesive and growing membership of USMA graduates throughout the state of Michigan dedicated to the values embodied in West Point’s motto, “Duty, Honor, Country”.

a)       Maintain membership list

b)      Grow dues paying membership by 10% a year

c)       Monitor Distinguished Society criteria to ensure we qualify

2. Cadet Recruiting. Aggressively support recruitment of highly qualified and diverse men and women to West Point through Society communications and through participating in local and West Point recruiting-related activities.

a)       Coordinate with local high schools to better promote and recruit for West Point

b)      Coordinate with and support local recruiting efforts of Field Force

c)       Support recruiting efforts in SE Michigan with donations where appropriate, e.g., visits by local candidates to West Point, support for Academy Information Briefs, CPRC cadets.

3. Programs and Events. Conduct programs and events to engage Academy alumni, cadets, and cadet families in the promotion of the values of West Point, and to support Society fundraising efforts.

a)       Sponsor annual Founder’s Day Dinner

b)      Sponsor quarterly luncheons to provide a forum for fellowship, networking, and information of interest to members

c)       Hold “fun” events for members and families (e.g., Tiger’s game, Ft Wayne picnic, golf)

d)      Support Army athletic events (e.g., annual Army-Navy game, away football games in AO, WPPCMI Annual picnic at a home game, other teams and clubs in our AO)

4. Governance/Strategic Planning.  Develop and maintain the strong organization, Board governance, and strategic planning necessary to support accomplishment of the Society’s mission and vision.

a)       Maintain effective governance tools: By Laws, constitution, 501c3 reporting. 

b)      Maintain an active Nominating Committee to ensure new board members and officers are recruited

c)       Hold Society annual meeting to conduct key business and elect board members and officers

d)      Update Strategic Plan annually

e)       Select member to attend annual West Point Leadership Conference

f)       Nominate someone for the AOG Regional Advisory Board when opening occurs.  Support them on 3 meetings annually at West Point.

5. Finance:  Provide the financial resources necessary to support the Society’s mission and vision; and support fundraising and make charitable donations, as appropriate, consistent with the mission and values of West Point.

a)       Develop an annual budget for approval by the Board

b)      Maintain bank accounts and financial records including annual 990

c)       Develop a process and guidelines for fiscally responsible fundraising and charitable donations

d)      Maintain an active prioritized list of deserving recipients of Society donations consistent with the Society’s mission

6. Community Relations and Partnerships.  Establish and maintain strong working relationships with organizations supporting the values of West Point including the West Point Association of Graduates, the West Point Parents Club of Michigan, other West Point societies and military/non-military associations as appropriate (e.g., Arvin events, Wounded and Fallen Soldiers, TACOM, AUSA, VFW, American Legion)

a)       Coordinate with and support Parents Club activities

b)      Coordinate with AOG and West Point

c)       Coordinate with other SE Michigan organizations as appropriate

7. Community Outreach.  Reach out to underserved and underprivileged groups in SE Michigan to improve their opportunities to succeed and their quality of life.  This initiative includes West Point programs such as LEADS and STEM camps.

8. Information and Communications.  Ensure the activities and accomplishments of the Society are effectively communicated to Society members, other societies, friends of West Point, and the public.

a)       Prepare media releases and provide camera/video coverage of society activities as appropriate

b)      Ensure members are kept informed of Society programs and events, e.g. monthly newsletter and periodic emails via Mailchimp

Officers:

1. President: Tom Lynch
2. Vice President: Jim Suhay
3. Treasurer: Temple Cumiskey
4. Secretary: Jon Tellier

Standing Committees

1. Membership. Co-chairs:

a)       Jon Tellier: Correspondence with graduates to include newsletter and website, and with West Point to include the annual DSA application.

b)      Temple Cumiskey: Collection of dues and maintenance of list of WPSMI members.

2. Admissions Coordinator. Chair: Tom Lynch
3. Programs and Events. Co-Chairs: Rob Ells and Chris Haag

a)       Founder’s Day: Jim Suhay

4. Governance/Strategic Plan. Co-Chairs: Tom Lynch and Jim Suhay
5. Finance. Chair: Treasurer--Temple Cumiskey

a)       Fundraising: Harlene Coutteau

6. Information and Community Affairs. Chair:  Harlene Coutteau, Deputy:  Lloyd Sutton
7. Community Outreach.  Chair:  Doug McDowell (non-Board member)

a)       Deputies: Willie Lacy, Lee Davis, Jim Suhay and Lloyd Sutton

8. Publicity and Communications. Co-Chairs: Scott Noble and Kim Sokol
9. The complete WPSMI Officer Roster is contained in the 2018 DSA application provided to WPAOG