Dear Fellow Graduates,
The last year (actually, the next to the last year) of the 20th Century was a great year
for the AOG. Service to USMA, the Corps of Cadets, and to West Point graduates reached an
all-time high. Our goal today is to maintain this high level of service.
As we move toward the 21st Century, the AOG now manages assets of $110+ million. Last
year's revenue was $40+ million from donations, gift shop sales, fees, etc. with the
majority of these funds earmarked for specific Bicentennial projects or endowments. I am
humbled by your generosity; you have answered West Point's call with great commitment and
loyalty. As your assets continue to grow, the Board of Trustees (BOT) is mindful of its
responsibility to manage your funds prudently. You will receive a detailed financial
report later this year.
Army Sports. Rick Greenspan, the Directorate of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA), has a
vision for Army's NCAA athletic program. This vision is built on winning and winning
within the rules.
The AOG leader team has pledged to support this vision. One immediate goal is to raise our
athletic program up to a par with Navy's. I was astonished to discover that only once in
the last 30 years has Army won the majority of its annual contests (football, basketball,
baseball, etc.) with Navy. THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO ME, and I hope to you. In order for the
Army Athletic program to improve, the AAA will need financial resources. Obtaining those
resources is, in part, the responsibility of the AOG, and we are focusing on that task.
Army Football Coach Todd Berry is a key player in Greenspan's vision. Todd is a dynamic
and experienced coach, and he knows how to win. The AOG welcomes Todd and his staff to
West Point. His comment, "I want to go 11 - 0!" is reminiscent of GEN Ridgeway's
comment when he arrived in Korea: "Where are your plans to attack?" Winning
begins in the mind!
Memorial Articles. The BOT will meet about 7 - 14 days before you receive this issue of
ASSEMBLY. One of the issues for Board discussion is the distribution of memorial articles.
The question is whether to continue publishing the memorial articles in the ASSEMBLY or
shift the articles to the Register. I have appreciated your comments, and I am confident a
solution can be reached that will accommodate the feelings of graduates.
USMA/AOG Memorandum of Understanding. Last year, USMA and the AOG signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) establishing a policy to finance the cost of development. Development
is a business, and like most businesses, it must have a sustained cash flow to support its
costs. This MOU will accomplish this need.
Y2K. The AOG experienced no problems with Y2K issues. Tom Mulyca '73, Vice President of
Information Systems, and his staff did a superb job preparing the AOG for the new year.
Alumni Support. The Thayer Award Committee, chaired by The Honorable Dr. David Abshire
'57, selected The Honorable Dr. Henry A. Kissinger to receive the Thayer Award. Dr.
Kissinger will address the Corps of Cadets in September at the Thayer Award presentation.
AOG Vice Chairman Tom Dyer '67 chaired the Distinguished Graduate Award Committee in
mid-January. Ramos '50, Aldrin '51, and Franks '59 were selected as Distinguished
Graduates. There will be more about these fine men in the next issue of ASSEMBLY.
MG Joe Franklin '55 chaired the Nominating Committee. Selecting 12
trustees-at-large from the outstanding list of graduates nominated by societies, classes,
and alumni was a tough assignment for his committee. The slate of trustees is on page 49
of the print issue and on-line at www.aogusma.org/vote/2000.
The voting materials for the Association's annual meeting is enclosed with the print
issue. PLEASE VOTE. The ballot contains not only the slate of trustees, but also the
recommendations of the BOT to implement improvements in the AOG's governance. Management
encourages your participation. These issues are important to you. In my book, if you don't
vote, you forfeit your right to complain.
On 7 Apr 2000, South Auditorium will be named General Roscoe Robinson Auditorium. GEN
Robinson '51 had a great career in the Army. He was selected a Distinguished Graduate in
1993, and he was the first African American graduate promoted to the four-star rank in the
Army. This fine man loved the Army and the Academy, and this recognition is well deserved.
The 2000 West Point Society Presidents and Class Leader Conference is scheduled for 22
- 24 Jun 2000. This conference provides a forum for dialog between AOG trustees, officers,
staff, and the assembled leaders.
Development. Your mind-boggling generosity in 1999 propelled the West Point Fund's
(WPF) results to an unbelievable level. I salute you, the many donors and volunteers, as
well as the WPF staff. You made this great achievement possible! The names of all
contributors will be published later this year, but I wish to single out three men who
were integral to the success of the Bicentennial Campaign: Pete Dawkins '59, Tom Dyer '67,
and Mike Mahan '70.
Please examine the information below. Note that 15,306 donors gave $32+ million: an 18%
increase in donors and 34% in dollars. The increase in donors moves us to 33%
participation among our alumni. This result is a magnificent reflection of our graduates'
loyalty to West Point.
Categories of Giving '97 '98
'99
Class Giving $4.4
$ 4.1 $ 5.4
Major Giving $4.2
$13.3 $13.3
Corp/Foundation Giving $2.6 $ 1.5 $ 6.7
Planned Giving $ .5 $
4.2 $ 4.1
Annual Giving $2.7
$ 2.1 $ 3.3
TOTAL
$18.7 $24.6
$32.8
# of Donors 12,745 12,947
15,306
Because of your willingness to support West Point, our alma mater will enter the 21st
Century committed to excellence.
Thank you for your continued support. The AOG leader team awaits 2000 with quiet
confidence and high expectations.
John A. Hammack '49 |
