West Point READY Campaign Case Statement

West Point Ready is a $600.5 million comprehensive fundraising campaign designed to advance modernization and innovation at West Point. Complementing the $3 billion government infrastructure investment embedded in the USMA 2035 facilities plan, West Point Ready calls on all of us—as graduates, families, and friends— to invest in the future of West Point as the premier leader development institution in the world. Together we stand Ready to Serve. Ready to Lead.

READY TO SERVE.

READY TO LEAD.

I am honored to serve as the Chairman of the West Point Ready Campaign Cabinet. Serving alongside me are many distinguished graduates and friends of the Academy committed to furthering West Point’s mission: “to build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation.” With your support, the West Point Ready Campaign will strengthen the Margin of Excellence for our cadets—those additional developmental programs that go beyond the core elements funded by the government. The campaign seeks to broaden intellectual capital, enhance military agility, embrace the competitive edge, and inculcate the ethos of living and leading honorably in our Corps of Cadets. It touches every part of the Academy to ensure that every cadet, every program, and every department will benefit from your support.

THE HONORABLE ROBERT A. McDONALD ’75 Chairman, WPAOG Board of Directors Former Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs Retired Chairman, President & CEO, Procter & Gamble 2017 Distinguished Graduate

Steeped in our Nation’s history. Prepared for the complex challenges of today. Ready to lead into the future. West Point is a singular institution. The lessons learned and sacrifices made by centuries of West Point graduates continue to influence and inspire current and future leaders. West Point’s rich history gives it a unique vantage point, allowing it to adapt to new circumstances and remain agile in uncertain times. It learns from its history, it evolves, and new leaders are developed. West Point will always occupy a crucial role in our Nation’s founding. It will always reflect the ideals and values our Army and Nation hold most dear, and it will always honor the timeless traditions that define the West Point experience. But, this treasured institution must also represent our future. It must ensure our cadets and graduates have access to modern, innovative, and exceptional facilities and offerings. It’s not enough for the Academy to just meet the needs of our Nation’s future leaders; it must elevate itself to unprecedented levels. It must maintain its competitive edge over other elite institutions and continue to forge new territory within all domains of leadership development. It must invest in its future as much as it honors its history so that it continues to evolve, attract the Nation’s best and brightest, and develop the next generation of great leaders. West Point Ready is a $600 million comprehensive fundraising campaign designed to advance modernization and innovation at West Point. Complementing the $3 billion government infrastructure investment embedded in the USMA 2035 facilities plan, West Point Ready calls on all of us—as graduates, families, and friends— to invest in the future of West Point as the premier leader development institution in the world. Together we stand Ready to Serve. Ready to Lead.

ONE VISION

West Point Ready is aligned with the vision and priorities set forth in the Academy’s Strategic Plan as well as its USMA 2035 Facilities Plan, a 15-to-20-year roadmap to address the needs of the Academy as well as the Army and to elevate West Point’s prestige to new levels. It includes the development and expansion of academic, military, and physical developmental facilities, and the expansion of capabilities that ensure that departments and programs are organized and aligned to maximize efficiencies, collaboration, and impact.

This endeavor will ensure that our cadets and graduates have access to everything that makes the West Point experience second to none—state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, innovative cadet experiences, and a dedicated team of staff, faculty, and coaches firmly committed to the development of our Nation’s future leaders. Before us is one, bold vision for the Academy and the Corps of Cadets. Together, we can bring this vision to fruition and ensure that our future leaders remain ready to achieve, compete, inspire, serve and lead.

The Academy and the West Point Association of Graduates collaborated to develop West Point Ready so that it is fully nested within the USMA 2035 facilities plan. The funding needs included within West Point Ready’s $600 million campaign were identified by the Academy to address pressing needs and priorities and to advance its long-term strategy and vision. The private funding secured through this comprehensive fundraising campaign will go above and beyond the government’s investment to propel modernization efforts to unprecedented levels.

MARGIN OF

Collecting data on-the-ground in Liberia to evaluate its legal system. Working alongside leaders at the Supreme Court and FBI. Visiting the sites of war crimes in the former Yugoslavia to fully grasp the significance of humanitarian law. Presenting research to cadets, faculty, and esteemed leaders at conferences hosted by nationally recognized academic centers. The opportunities are vast, the impact is undeniable, and the source of these experiences is you. These unique opportunities are only made possible through gifts from graduates, parents, and friends of West Point. This is the Margin of Excellence, additional developmental programs and facilities that go above and beyond the core academic elements to create an unparalleled 47-month experience. Federal funding supports core programs—those programs that constitute the requirements to earn a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the United States Army. The Margin of Excellence includes cultural immersion opportunities, prestigious academic centers, participation in nationally recognized competitions, and endowments that support the long-term and ongoing needs of clubs, teams, and academic departments.

When we think of the West Point experience, we often think of the Margin of Excellence. We think of these one-of-a-kind opportunities that allow cadets to gain leadership experience outside of the classroom and give them insight into other cultures and perspectives. We think of the diverse and vibrant cadet club offerings and the national recognition many of them receive. We think of the state-of-the-art technology and equipment accessible to academic departments and athletic teams. West Point Ready is an opportunity to support the Margin of Excellence and elevate it to new and inspirational levels. It bridges private and federal funding, acting as a force multiplier for the investment already committed by the federal government. Together, we will strengthen the Margin of Excellence for our cadets, advance the Academy’s modernization, and sustain West Point as the premier leader development institution.

You have to find within yourself your reason for giving. I suspect that for most, the animating force is gratitude. The vast majority of us believe our West Point experience made a material difference in our lives. I would ask graduates to explore what that means for them and how giving connects them to that gratitude and connects them to the institution’s continued vitality. And, for those who may think their gift wouldn’t be significant enough to matter — every gift matters. JILL SCHURTZ ’86 Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer, Minnesota State Board of Investment

EXCELLENCE

READY TO

Cadets pursue studies in a variety of disciplines, including both the humanities and the sciences, allowing for a comprehensive and well-rounded education. From state-of-the-art labs and technology, to sophisticated research projects, to cultural immersion opportunities, cadets are offered a myriad of unique experiences that deepen their academic and leadership development. Their pursuits are supported with the guidance and mentorship of West Point’s dedicated faculty and often reflect the interdisciplinary nature of a West Point education. West Point Ready will enhance these academic opportunities while strengthening collaboration between academic departments. Academic centers like the Math & Systems Engineering Center and the Cyber & Engineering Academic Center will offer cadets

the chance to work across disciplines in high-tech laboratories and pursue project-based learning in adaptable, collaborative spaces. West Point cadets are among the top performing undergraduate students in the country, and Academy graduates have a long, proud history of earning scholarships across many disciplines. The West Point Consolidated Scholarship Program provides intensive mentorship and preparation to compete for prestigious technical, pre-med, and graduate scholarships such as Rhodes, Marshall, National Science Foundation, Schwartzman, and many more. Together, we can create and sustain opportunities for innovation and enrichment so that our future leaders are always ready to achieve.

West Point gave me more than I can ever give back. And even when I give back what I can, I find myself richer for it. It brings me immense joy to strengthen the Long Gray Line. FRANCIS HOANG ’95 Founding Teams: FH+H, MAG Aerospace, boodleAI

ACHIEVE

READY TO

COMPETE

Throughout their 47-month experience, cadets have the opportunity to compete in 30 Division I athletic programs, participate in 16 competitive clubs, and join more than 100 extracurricular activities. They compete internationally, achieve state, regional, and national titles, and capture the admiration of graduates and fans throughout the Nation. Indeed, West Point’s Athletic Teams and Cadet Activities not only elevate the cadet experience but celebrate Army pride at large. The Michie Stadium Preservation Project is a prime example of the innovative and multifaceted initiatives

included within this campaign. This project will reconstruct the East Stands, create a new, upgraded experience for spectators, and consolidate Army Athletics into one centralized area. This modernized and expanded facility will honor and reflect Army pride while preserving this nationally recognized stadium. West Point Ready will ensure that cadets remain ready to compete today and for generations to come.

The foundation of leadership I learned as a cadet not only shaped me as a player and a coach, but also as a son, a brother, a husband, and a father. More than 50 years after graduation, I firmly believe that West Point is the greatest leadership school in the world. As cadets, we were exposed to so many leadership styles. The Corps led the Corps and that peer-to-peer leadership is, I believe, the most effective way for teams to be successful. MICHAEL KRZYZEWSKI ’69 Former Head Coach, USMA Men’s Basketball, Duke University Men’s Basketball and U.S. Men’s Basketball Team; 2005 Distinguished Graduate

READY WITH Academy leadership has established a bold vision for the future that honors West Point’s heritage, modernizes its capabilities, and addresses strategic needs of the Army. As part of this vision, the Academy has integrated and strengthened military training and character development across all domains of cadet leadership. Such alignment reflects West Point’s development from nationally renowned researchers and practitioners; they will then have the chance to implement such practices for the Corps of Cadets to elevate, promote, integrate, and lead character development across every Academy program— military, academic, physical, and extracurricular.

Join us in expanding and elevating cadet leadership development in unprecedented ways, ensuring that future generations of leaders remain ready to lead with honor.

comprehensive approach to leadership development and allows for new, groundbreaking opportunities. Consider a host of new cadet internships focused specifically on character development. Cadets will observe and research best practices in character

I am deeply grateful for the fundamental impact West Point had on my life, my career, and the person I am today. Every visit back to the Academy feels like coming home, as I’m reminded of the transformative experiences I had and the lasting friendships I made. It’s an honor to give back to a place that means so much to me and support all the ways West Point shapes cadets into leaders of tomorrow. ALEX GORSKY ’82 Executive Chairman, Johnson & Johnson; 2022 Distinguished Graduate

HONOR

READY TO

RESPOND

West Point has been an integral part of my life, shaping not only my career but also my family’s legacy. As a graduate, parent of graduates, former admissions officer, former professor, and now Vice Chair of the WPAOG Board, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the Academy. My continued involvement, including serving on the Campaign Cabinet, is driven by a deep commitment to ensuring future generations of leaders receive the same exceptional education and opportunities that have been so pivotal in my own journey. HERMAN E. BULLS ’78 Vice Chairman & International Director, Jones Lang Lasalle, Americas

A sense of service and a desire to contribute to something larger than yourself. This is what calls so many promising young leaders to apply to West Point. It’s what motivates a new cadet through those first weeks of training; it’s what encourages cadets to achieve academic, athletic, and military excellence over the next 47 months; and it’s what inspires graduates to pursue leadership roles throughout their careers. This enduring sense of service—to the Academy, to the Army, and to the Nation—is what sets West Point apart from any other institution. The more than 55,000 living graduates that make up the Long Gray Line embody this sense of service. They carry on the traditions and connections that unite generations of graduates around the world

and inspire the Corps of Cadets. Their service to each other and to West Point is supported through the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG). WPAOG’s vision is to be the most highly connected alumni body in the world. Its programs and services are designed to meet the expectations of graduates and support its extensive network. For instance, initiatives like the Hudson Valley Program will improve the vibrancy of local surrounding communities and help us attract the best cadets, staff, and faculty. Grads Helping Grads facilitates greater interaction between graduates, offers assistance to graduates in their myriad of pursuits, and provides support through significant life changes.

READY TO

While the Academy’s core academic, military, and physical development programs receive federal support, many valuable programs and opportunities fall outside of this core designation and require private funding. Therefore, the generosity of our graduates, parents, surviving spouses, and friends plays a pivotal role in supporting the Margin of Excellence and enriching the West Point experience—from cadet clubs, athletic teams, and training facilities to academic centers, cadet research projects, and travel abroad opportunities. Each and every gift helps to ensure continued excellence for our cadets.

Your generosity will advance the West Point experience and demonstrate the steadfast commitment amongst our graduates and friends, who are always ready to support this treasured institution. Cadets and graduates will always share an unwavering commitment to service—a desire to contribute to something larger than themselves. West Point Ready is an opportunity to do just this and to honor West Point’s legacy of service.

I feel indebted to West Point for the lifelong friends I made and the positively memorable adventures I shared with them. The Academy experience was an integral part of my personal life and professional career. Looking back, I have come to appreciate how fundamental the four years were to stimulating my intellect, expanding my world view, and developing my character. I am inspired to give back to West Point to help it continue on its inimitable and successful mission of developing the next generation of leaders while strengthening the Long Gray Line. JAMES CRICHTON III ’92 Principal, Hitchwood Capital Management, L.P.

SUPPORT

Just as the Corps is strengthened by the dedication of each cadet, the impact of West Point Ready is strengthened by the commitment of each graduate, family, and friend. Our collective commitment can lead to a transformative impact for West Point, reaching every cadet, in every aspect of leadership development, throughout the 47-month experience.

To ensure the success of West Point Ready, we must be ready to commit to the Corps of Cadets; ready to share in the vision for the future of West Point; ready to lead together.

P 845.446.1650 | 698 Mills Road, West Point, New York 10996 WestPointReady.org

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