Over three days from June 26-28, USMA welcomed approximately 1,225 new cadets, around 400 each day, from across the nation who were taking a huge leap into unknown territory on Reception Day. During the three-day R-Day, West Point accommodated public health guidelines to stagger the new cadets and their families to safeguard their health and welfare. The days marked the beginning of Cadet Basic Training and the transition from civilian to new cadet as a member of the Class of 2025. The three days culminated with the Oath Ceremony, where USMA Class of 2025 stood on the Plain and took the Oath of Allegiance administered by the USMA Commandant of Cadets, BG Mark C. Quander ’95. R-Day photos. Ceremony photos. Full story.

Join us on July 28 at 2pm ET for our second virtual series, “Updates from Inside the Gates,” featuring Michael Chase, Executive Chef, Mess Hall. Come and learn more about the new “Go for Green” program with an exclusive behind the scenes footage of a cooking demonstration. Sign up today. Registration closes on Monday, July 26 at 5pm ET.

Class of 2024 Cadet Field Training Graduation was held June 29 at Camp Buckner. During the ceremony, plebes were promoted to yearlings, and individual cadets were recognized for outstanding achievements during the training process. Representatives of the 50-Year-Affiliation Class of 1974 attended the ceremony and gifted the new Yearling Class of 2024 with a beautiful class flag mounted on a brass-tipped staff that will remain with the class for a lifetime. CFT photos. Flag ceremony photos. Full story.

WPAOG is pleased to announce that Dr. Mae C. Jemison will receive the 2021 Sylvanus Thayer Award on October 7 at West Point during ceremonies hosted by LTG Darryl A. Williams ’83. Once a year the Sylvanus Thayer Award is given to a U.S. citizen whose outstanding character, accomplishments, and stature in the civilian community draw wholesome comparison to the qualities for which West Point strives, in keeping with its motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.” Full story.

WPAOG invites 2025 Parents to attend a West Point 2025 Parent Webinar. This is an opportunity to hear from WPAOG Parent Giving Officer, Shelisa Baskerville, on ways to enhance your cadet’s experience, become involved with the West Point community, and more. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. Please register for one session only, capacity is limited. To register for a session, please do so here: Monday, July 26th at 7:00pm ET, Wednesday, July 28th at 12:00pm ET or Wednesday, July 28th at 7:00pm ET. If you have any questions regarding the event, please contact Development Events at developmentevents@wpaog.org or 845.446.1641.

West Point’s AVRAD (Autonomous Vehicle Research and Development) Team took second place in the Self-Drive Challenge of the 28th annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) held June 4-7. Hosted by DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center and Oakland University, teams from around the world competed in a series of tasks such as lane following and pedestrian detection on a fully autonomous electric vehicle. The Dean of the Academic Board, BG Shane Reeves ’96, viewed the vehicle on June 10 at West Point. Full story.

WPAOG’s R-Day Ice Cream Social for the parents and guardians of the Class of 2025 was held on June 26-28 in front of the Malek Visitors Center at West Point. WPAOG staff was on hand to offer information on how families can help support their cadets over the next four years. The WPAOG R-Day Ice Cream Social was also made possible by the 50-Year-Affiliation Class of 1975. Photos.

The WPAOG Brick and Paver Program allows parents and friends of West Point the opportunity to etch a meaningful inscription on a brick or paver that will be placed on the historic grounds surrounding the James K. Herbert Alumni Center. Visit WPAOG Brick and Paver for more information on the program or to place your order today. Please email us at bricks@wpaog.org if you have any questions. Brick and Paver purchases are tax-deductible.

Be the first to see our Fall 2021 Catalog, available virtually now at WPAOGGiftShop.com. In it you will find some fan favorites like Vineyard Vines, Tommy Bahama and Adidas, and also some new lines and product. Check out our Katie Kime collection, the perfect Christmas gifts for all the ladies in the family. Add some Army Spirit to your front door with our new door mat and wooden porch leaner. If bling is your thing, our Cameo Collection is a must! Shop with us 24/7 online or give us a call M/F, 10am-5pm at 800.426.4725. Also, open Football Saturdays again!

Army West Point Athletics was well-represented among the Patriot League's 2020-21 Academic Honor Roll, as 235 cadet-athletes were tabbed to the list that was put out by the league office on July 19. In order to be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.20 GPA from the spring 2021 semester. Full story.