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
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