West Point Association of Graduates

Did you catch the 2026 Spring issue’s “Class Quotes”? Now it’s your turn to add to the story. For the 2026 Summer issue, we’re looking for the stories behind West Point nicknames—the ones that followed you through cadet life and beyond. Who gave you yours? What’s the story behind it? And how has it shaped your identity over time? Some nicknames were hard-earned. Others just stuck. All of them mean something. Be part of the next “Class Quotes” feature and help capture this shared tradition. Send your response to [editor@wpaog.org](mailto:editor@wpaog.org) Photos welcome! Your nickname has a story. Let’s hear it. Check out "Class Quotes" from the last edition: https://bit.ly/3OUy9nv

⭐Thank you to all the Old Grads, parents, and friends who participated in the 2026 #WestPointChallenge this week and encouraged others to join!⭐ With gifts totaling $6.3 million, every part of West Point will be positively impacted. 368 different funds received #MarginOfExcellence gifts from 15,300 donors, enhancing the experience of 4,400 cadets! Congratulations to the Class of 1977 who had the highest active class participation, and the Class of 1997 who had the most donors. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, the Crew team, the Men’s Lacrosse team, and Company I-3 took the top spots in our academic, club, athletic, and cadet company leaderboards. Army Navy ticket winners will be contacted. Learn more about all the Challenge contest winners, the final full class standings, and additional results: https://lnkd.in/eJikYQ8E

In your mailbox or online - check out the Spring edition of the West Point magazine! Featuring inspiring stories and photos that highlight the strength and resilience of the West Point community and the #LongGrayLine: https://bit.ly/49mttvY

There is no shame in the GOAT GAME! The last donor to the #WestPointChallenge earns GOAT status, and directs $1000 in bonus funding to the fund of their choice. Last year, PANE claimed it. This year, it’s up for grabs. Make your move by 11:29pm TONIGHT, May 7. Hit it last and you decide where the Goat Money goes! Give now: https://bit.ly/4dpXuPp

The #WestPointChallenge isn’t over until TWO participants win TWO tickets to the 2026 Army-Navy Game, presented by USAA December 12, 2026 | MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford, NJ. Each donor is entered in the drawing. Already gave? You’re in. Haven’t yet? There’s still time. Two chances to win: • One pair open to all participants • One pair reserved for Young Grads (Classes of ’11–’25) One of last year’s winners, Kim Walker P’26 said, “Experiencing the Army-Navy Game for our son's Firstie year was one of my favorite West Point memories. Receiving the call caught me by surprise. Nothing compares to the pride, American spirit, and camaraderie in that stadium. I am grateful beyond words for that experience thanks to AOG.” Be part of something unforgettable. Make your gift before 11:30 PM ET to be included. Winners announced next week: https://bit.ly/4dpXuPp

Extracurriculars are a defining part of the West Point experience! Right now, two generous old grads will match gifts to the Black & Gold Obstacle Course Team (Sandhurst) Fund up to $20,000 during the #WestPointChallenge! Sandhurst is just one example of how cadets lead, compete, and grow beyond the classroom. From debate to robotics, these competitive experiences foster leadership, sharpen teamwork, and push innovation while allowing cadets to pursue their passions. The club with the most donors during the Challenge will earn an additional $5,000 in bonus funding. The Crew Team currently sits at the top, but there is time to shift the leaderboard before May 7. There are many match opportunities from Alpine Skiing and the Judo Club to the Marathon team, SCUBA, Women’s Wrestling, and more. Show up for the team that matters to you and help move them forward: https://bit.ly/4dpXuPp

West Point remains one of America’s top public institutions because of the programs, opportunities, and facilities made possible through private support. Last month’s #ProjectsDayResearchSymposium highlighted the depth and innovation of USMA academics. To keep these opportunities growing, support academics during the #WestPointChallenge. The department with the most donors will receive a $5,000 bonus! Explore all academic match opportunities here: https://bit.ly/4dpXuPp

Class competitions are heating up on the leaderboard today! Do you know where your class currently stands? Check out the current leaderboard standings https://bit.ly/42dOHdi The class with the most alumni donors by May 7 will win up to $5,000 in bonus money for their class fund! Give here: https://bit.ly/42dOHdi

Parents of Cadets, this is your moment to make a real impact during the #WestPointChallenge. When you give to the West Point Parents Fund, you’re supporting cadets and you’re helping your cadet’s company compete for bonus funding that directly enhances campus life. Brian & Rose Esterly P’24 and ‘29 will donate $5000 if 500 or more donors donate to the West Point Parents Fund. “Through USMA our children will serve our country and continue our family military tradition dating back to the Revolutionary War. It is the best leadership development program in the university system— giving generously is the least we could do.” The three cadet companies whose supporters give the most will earn additional funds for the Company Activities Fund: 1st Place: $5,000 2nd Place: $2,500 3rd Place: $1,000 Every gift counts. Every dollar strengthens the Margin of Excellence and helps build unforgettable experiences for our cadets. See the company leaderboard: https://lnkd.in/ekvufyJ5

Army West Point Athletics competes at the highest levels. Together, we empower our Corps Squad athletes with the resources they need to compete and WIN. This year, generous benefactors are stepping up in a big way, mobilizing matching gifts to amplify everyone’s support. The athletic fund that mobilizes the most donors will earn an additional $5,000 in bonus funding. Which team will be singing second during the #WestPointChallenge? Step up, make your impact, and BEAT NAVY. Explore all matching opportunities: https://bit.ly/3HS2trY