LONG GRAY LINE ENDOWMENT

Since 1869, the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) has worked to strengthen the bonds between USMA graduates and bring them together in support of their alma mater.  In 1995, the Association opened its doors at the beautiful James K. Herbert Alumni Center, which serves as a “home away from home” for graduates returning to the Academy. Support operations for West Point Societies, USMA Classes, and individual graduates worldwide are housed in the Alumni Center, located just south of Michie Stadium on the Academy grounds. A non-profit, tax-exempt corporation, the WPAOG helps perpetuate the national treasure that is West Point.

The annual interest generated by the principal of the Long Gray Line Endowment provides valuable operational support to the WPAOG by funding existing programs for alumni and the Corps of Cadets.  It helps enable the WPAOG to provide world-class alumni services, to take advantage of advances in information technology to improve the speed and quality of communications with members, and to enhance services to graduates around the world.

Some Examples of WPAOG Support for Alumni:

Graduate Guide

A small pamphlet full of helpful information (for USMA graduates) on topics from purchasing items in the cadet store to replacing lost Academy rings.

Class Leaders’ Handbook

A guide and reference for USMA class leaders, published both in hard copy and on-line. It offers substantial help to those leaders in conducting class business. Hard copy circulation is ~ 600 annually. 

 Society Leaders’ Handbook

A reference for West Point Society leaders, published both in hard copy and on-line. It offers substantial help to those leaders in conducting the business of their organizations. Hard copy circulation is ~ 2,500 annually to society presidents and key officers. 

Reunion Support to Classes

Online registration, printing service (programs, nametags, etc.) for all class reunions.

Alumni Publications

Assembly Magazine, Register of Graduates, Taps

Career Services

Career transition resources available to every West Point graduate.

Alumni Travel Program Support

WPAOG administrative program expenses to provide supervision and memorabilia for travelers.

WPAOG Death Notification Program

E-mail notification to all graduates living in the geographic area of each West Point Society of the death of graduates who resided in that area. In addition, notification to all classmates with e-mail addresses in WPAOG database. Letters of condolence from President/CEO sent to next of kin. Condolence cards from Chairman presented to next of kin at funeral or memorial service, as practical.

Support for Cadets

Several activities are provided for cadets including:

Reception Day Open House for New Cadet Parents

“Cow” Affirmation Ceremony

Graduating Class Officers’ Banquet

Graduating Class WPAOG Packet

Other Programs

Gift Shop Operation (located in Herbert Alumni Center)

Distinguished Speaker Program

Army Football Away Game Tailgates

Sylvanus Thayer Award

Distinguished Graduate Award