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<p><em>Michael William “Mike” Mahan</em> was born and raised in Clinton, MA the son of Chief Warrant Officer 4 William and Florence (Scarpa) Mahan. He was an athlete, Eagle Scout, and dedicated student before graduating from St. Johns High School in 1966 and entering the United States Military Academy at West Point in the Class of 1970. At West Point, he continued to excel. He was on the dean’s list all four years and provided generous service to the <em>Howitzer </em>and Scoutmaster’s Council as a cadet. He took part in numerous activities, including Dialectic Society, Goat-Engineer Football, and Scuba Club. He was an E-2 “Dawg” for four years and a stalwart in company intramurals. Not a dull cadet, he was always looking for a trip section or hosting his high school sweetheart and future wife, Dorothy Seymour, for a weekend at West Point.</p>
<p>Mike and Dorothy married June 4th, the day after graduation, at the Catholic Chapel and embarked on a decorated 21-year military career. After officer basic, airborne, and Ranger training at Fort Benning, GA, Mike reported to 2d Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment in Mannheim, Germany with the 8th Infantry Division. There for 38 months, he was a platoon leader, company executive officer, S-3 (air) and S-3. Following his Germany tour and the advanced course, Mike went to the 7th Infantry Division at Fort Ord, CA, where he served as company commander, division protocol officer, and finished his three years there as division assistant G-1. Mike was selected to be a USMA chemistry professor and went to MIT to earn his master’s in chemical engineering. After his three years at West Point, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College and went on to Fort Ord again, where he was instrumental in standing up the first light infantry battalion. He then served as a battalion executive officer and G-3 (training) as the 7th Infantry Division completed the transition to light infantry table of organization and equipment. Following that field assignment, Mike returned to West Point as the Chemistry Department executive officer and associate professor before retiring in 1991 as a lieutenant colonel.</p>
<p>After retiring, Mike was hired by the Association of Graduates as a fund raiser and spent 16 years there before retiring again in 2007 as senior vice president, Development Department. In Mike’s career at AOG, he raised over $350 million, resulting in numerous improvements to West Point, including 15 structures and numerous program improvements.</p>
<p>Mike continued his non-profit career in service to others as vice president of advancement for Cal State University Monterey and then director of a Northern California hospital foundation. Mike served his community and California veterans as director of advancement for the Veterans Transition Center of California, which takes homeless veterans off the street and transitions them to self-sufficiency.</p>
<p>Mike’s service to West Point was substantive and impactful. When Mike returned to West Point as a chemistry professor, he embarked on a 30-year focus on teaching and learning about leadership in the classroom and coaching cadets in what was then club squad rugby. He was eventually honored with Army Rugby’s First Brothers Legacy Award in a stirring tribute to the longest-tenured rugby coach at West Point. The Army Rugby Advisory Committee presented the award to Coach Mike Mahan ’70. His multi-decade leadership for both the men’s and women’s programs at West Point is without equal. Mike’s focus on humility, hard work and brotherhood is fully recognized by all who have worked with him. His efforts were the key to developing the Army Rugby program as the Army sport with the highest percentage of wins and securing the Anderson Rugby Complex project. In 2015-16, the new varsity team under Mike won the MacArthur Award (sponsored by the Class of ’70) as best varsity sport. He coached collegiate rugby and Division I men’s rugby for over 30 years. Mike also served as the coach for the All-Army rugby team, U-25 combined service rugby team, and on the executive board for USA Rugby. Under his leadership, Army Rugby made 10 appearances in the final four of the collegiate rugby national championship. He was instrumental in creating the culture of service, sacrifice, and camaraderie among the players, which has been his most enduring legacy. Mike’s legacy includes both his ability to develop winning teams and to make a profound impact through the mentorship and development of countless successful cadets and officers. Mike was extremely proud that Army Rugby players were more likely than their West Point classmates to select Infantry, Armor, or Aviation as their commissioning branch, as well as to serve in a Ranger regiment, Special Forces, or special operations. His former players have among themselves one four-star and three three-star generals.</p>
<p>Mike revered his 53 years with wife and life partner, Dorothy; his son Matt and Matt’s wife, Sarah; and cherished granddaughter Niko.</p>
<p>Michael William Mahan was a dedicated soldier, loving family man, and passionate coach. He left a legacy of service, leadership, and camaraderie. Mike’s life was marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep love for his country and community.</p>
<p><em>— COL Richard Rutledge ’70 (Retired) and Dorothy Mahan, Wife</em></p>
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