The USNA Council of Class Presidents meets twice a year to discuss issues of importance to the Naval Academy and its alumni. Below are highlights from this fall’s meeting, held virtually in early November:

Comments from guest speaker LTGEN Dave Beydler, USMC (Ret.), Co-Chair, Special Committee on Alumni Culture, Diversity and Inclusion:

  • Committee conducted weekly two-hour meetings with input from alumni this summer and fall
  • Preliminary recommendations support fostering greater appreciation of each other, greater transparency, and expansion of diversity participation and engagement
  • An all-Alumni survey is forthcoming

Comments from the US Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation:

  • Chapel Dome memorabilia sales are greater than $1.2 million, providing support to the Midshipman Activities Fund
  • Hopper Hall Cyber Security Center ribbon cutting was held on 15 October
  • The Naval Academy Campaign closed in September with more than $500 million raised
  • The Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) experienced 20 percent increase in alumni attendance
  • More than 4000 alumni participate in the Alumni Mentoring Program (AMP)

Update on the Alumni Center Project:

  • The project is on budget, expected completion summer/fall 2022
  • The Center will be a 68K square foot building with on-site and nearby parking for more than 100 vehicles
  • Class giving opportunities at the $250K and $100K levels
  • Individual plankowner opportunities for those who pledge $12,500 by December 2022

Guest Speaker VADM Sean Buck, Superintendent:

  • Social distancing protocols continue in place on the Yard
  • Random COVID testing weekly for 10 percent of the USNA population
  • 372 midshipmen are housed in St. John’s College dormitories to permit establishment of isolation rooms in Bancroft
  • Midshipmen will start winter break after the Army Navy game; the Brigade will return 5 January 2021
  • Midshipman 1/C Standage case: currently under litigation
  • Diversity:
    • Racism not systemic at USNA, a task force established to take a top-down look
    • Changes to the names of buildings will only come from top-level Navy leadership
    • There’s been a temporary pause on painting Tecumseh due to feedback from the Midshipmen Diversity Team

Update from Mr. Chet Gladchuk, Jr, Athletic Director:

  • There’s been a loss of revenue due to COVID constraints
  • We need to do all we can to sustain our athletic programs
  • Football team will play Army at West Point this year

Take care, friends, and have a wonderful December!

Now’s the Time, 89!

Denise

’89 Class President