The Class of 2022 received their West Point Class Rings at Trophy Point on August 27. Family and friends gathered on the hillside facing the Amphitheater, ready to celebrate with the firsties. Several of the Ring Donors who donated West Point Class Rings to WPAOG's Ring Melt program were also in attendance. Gold melted during the Ring Melt was incorporated into the Class of 2022 rings. The Ring Weekend Banquet followed the event on August 28 inside Washington Hall. WPAOG presented a video to the Class of 2022 and their friends and family to mark the occasion. Full story. Photos. Video.

Distinguished Graduates will receive their awards on September 11. This annual award has been bestowed upon those West Point graduates whose character, distinguished service and stature draw wholesome comparison to the qualities for which West Point strives, in keeping with its motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.” The Distinguished Graduate Medallions will be presented after the Alumni Exercises. The 2020 recipients are Mr. Richard A. Nowak ’64, Mr. William H. Roedy Jr. ’70, LTC (R) Andrew F. Krepinevich ’72, LTG (R) Kenneth W. Hunzeker ’75, and GEN (R) Curtis M. Scaparrotti ’78. The 2021 recipients are HON Michael W. Wynne ’66, Mr. Randall M. Pais ’67, Mr. Thomas C. Shull ’73, GEN (R) Stanley A. McChrystal ’76, GEN (R) David M. Rodriguez ’76, and LTG (R) Herbert Raymond (H.R.) McMaster Jr. ’84. In addition, the classes of 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 are returning to their Rockbound Highland Home this weekend to celebrate their reunions. Click here to read more about the Distinguished Graduate Awards.

In this AOG exclusive interview, Rich DeMarco, the Associate AD & Radio Play-by-Play Broadcaster for the Army Black Knights, interviews the USMA Director of Athletics, Mike Buddie to discuss everything from his early childhood in Ohio to becoming a professional pitcher for the New York Yankees. Mr. Buddie also reminisces on his post-professional baseball career leading into his current role at West Point, the Army Athletics COVID-19 response to over the past year, NCAA conference realignment, name/image/player likeness plus pro-opportunities for Cadet Athletes, the Michie Stadium Preservation Project, and much more. Stream the whole interview here. Follow the podcast online to get alerts when new monthly episodes are released.  To listen on your mobile device, download the app here!

During the annual Club Night event, plebes beginning their first academic semester after enduring the trials of Cadet Basic Training were given the option to explore 137 clubs offered. Each club has a unique quality that allows it to stand out amongst the others. Whether a cadet wishes to explore the ancient but never aging game of chess, join the boxing team, or delve into Women’s Team Handball, cadets were given the opportunity to discover what appealed to them the most during Club Night. Full story.  Complete List of Clubs

A new program has been launched—free for all service academy alumni—focused specifically on advanced education. The experience begins with a series of pre-recorded webinars available beginning September 8, followed by a series of weekly live Wednesday webinars and a virtual admissions fair on October 6.

The Virtual Advanced Education forum offers a slate of different opportunities geared toward service academy alumni at different stages in the education planning process: Learn more.

Join us on October 15 at 7pm EST for a virtual wine tasting class with Brooklyn Winery. The first 25 registrants will receive a West Point wine glass. All registrants will receive three wines, three tasting glasses, a wine opener, and tasting notes as part of registration. Please review the planning ahead details before registering for shipment details. Register today.

The fourth annual WPAOG Entrepreneur Summit will take place November 3-4 in Austin, TX. Click here to register and make a hotel reservation. Only graduates we have coded in our system as Entrepreneurs will receive invitation announcements, so be sure your business information is up-to-date. Would you like to sponsor this event? Or know someone who may? See our sponsorship brochure. Contact us with any questions.

One of WPAOG’s priorities is supporting the upcoming West Point Women’s Conference, “West Point Women at the Forefront: Breaking Barriers,” April 7–9, 2022. The conference will bring together West Point Women to connect and inspire each other and hear from speakers such as Madeleine Albright, LTG (R) Nadja West ’82, and Alex Gorsky ’82. For the upcoming April 2022 event, the goal is to fully fund the Women’s Conference Endowment, which will ensure that this extraordinary conference can live on in perpetuity. To support the Long Gray Line Fund or the Women’s Conference Endowment, visit us online or call 845.446.1657. For more information about the 2022 West Point Women’s Conference, click here. Registration will open in February 2022.

The WPAOG Gift Shop is proud to pay tribute to the history of the Buffalo Soldiers at West Point. Drawing inspiration from the monument unveiled on September 10, we present a line of products to honor the legacy of these fine soldiers. Our limited-edition Buffalo Soldier Collection includes a jersey, hat, coin, and glass and is available for pre-order now. Shop at WPAOGGiftShop.com or call 800.426.4275 during normal business hours to reserve yours today (M-F/10am-5pm).

WPAOG’s all-new sponsorship packages give you broad reach through related promotional opportunities for months prior to the event, as well as at the event. In addition to the promotional opportunities, your sponsorship is also a tax-deductible gift—minus a portion associated with tangible benefits such as event tickets. (Sponsor may waive any or all tangible benefits.) Contact WPAOG’s new POC for event sponsorships Austin Hunt at 845.446.1582 or email us if you have questions. Visit our website for more information.

Join us in taking part in the 3rd annual Army Spirit Button Design Contest. One winner will receive 2 free tickets to attend the GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY TAILGATE! The winner’s button will be handed out to 1,500 attendees at the tailgate. For instructions regarding the button design content, click here. Digital entries only.

The Vanderbilt Bass Military Scholars Program offers scholarships and programming for honorably discharged military veterans pursuing graduate and professional degrees. Vanderbilt University established the program in 2018 with a gift from the Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation to honor the leadership traits and commitment to service embodied by current and former members of the U.S. military. Recipients are: Joseph Behrendt ’14 from Peabody College of Education and Human Development, and Megan Gemar ’16, Lucas Hodge ’16, Ryan Leadbeater ’15, Joshua Martin ’12, John Menges ’16, Kyle Ulses ’13, from the Owen Graduate School of Management.