A few minutes after 10am on June 13, the West Point Band began to play as members of the Class of 2020 stepped off from the sally ports along Washington Hall and began to march onto the Plain that serves as the centerpiece of the Academy. It was a full-circle moment for the members of the class, for it was on the Plain almost four years ago where they had officially joined the Corps of Cadets during the Acceptance Day parade. It also marked the first time since 1977 that a commencement ceremony had been held on the Plain instead of in Michie Stadium. Due to public health concerns, the socially-distanced ceremony was closed to guests, who instead were able to watch via livestream. West Point alumni from across the country contributed through WPAOG to fund a world-class graduation special program so that families, friends, and the entire nation could celebrate with the graduates. The broadcast celebrated the Class of 2020, highlighted West Point, and had special messages from the USMA leader team, 50-year affiliate class members, and notable graduates. Full story. USMA Photos. Watch the 30-minute Graduation Special Pre-show video. Watch the full Graduation Ceremony video.

The graduating class typically comes together along with their families to share one final dinner in the cadet mess hall during the graduation banquet and prepare for the conclusion of their cadet careers the next day. This year, the Class of 2020 was able to hold a banquet Friday June 12, but it was closed to families and friends because of social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the few guests in attendance was the banquet speaker, Chief of Staff of the Army GEN James C. McConville ’81 who told the class, “You will be leading extraordinary people in extraordinary times.” Full story.

Each year, on the Thursday before the graduation ceremony, West Point holds the Superintendent's Awards Convocation. It is during this time that the Academy honors cadets who have stood out from their peers with outstanding achievements in academic, military, and physical endeavors. This year’s ceremony was streamed live on June 11 from a dinner at Washington Hall. Watch video.

May 28 marked the 40th anniversary of the first women to graduate from West Point. The Academy recognized these women, and those who have followed, with a three-part article series written by Brandon O’Connor. The first article focuses on the women in the Class of 1980. The second article focuses on some of the many accomplishments of female graduates. The third feature discusses current cadets and the opportunities open to them in today’s Army.

Over the course of a few weeks during the second semester, the Glee Club worked under the direction of Connie Chase to put together a virtual choir performance video. Throughout the effort, DCA and PAO provided great support. Working with a professional production crew, the cadets all sang from their homes, combining the individual videos into a full ensemble that brings forward a message of hope and inspiration. It was especially poignant as 14 of the voices on the video were transitioning back to West Point for graduation when the video was released. West Point’s Glee Club and the production of this video are made possible by donors supporting the Margin of Excellence--thank you!

We are proud to announce that two WPAOG programs received Circle of Excellence Awards from the Council for Advancement and Support for Education. In 2020, there were 2,752 entries (from 587 institutions in 28 countries) and 441 total awards. WPAOG Career Services program received a Gold Award (of 130 awarded), and the 150th Anniversary Video received a Bronze Award (of 139 awarded). These awards reflect the efforts of our 2019 150th Anniversary theme, as they are great examples of “honoring the past and preparing for the future.”

Graduation season at West Point has always been a time to remember cadet days, past graduations, and everything in between. As we welcome the Class of 2020 to the Long Gray Line, fill your glasses, stand up in a row, and share memories from your Rockbound Highland Home. Celebrate with our exclusive line of merchandise, designed by and sold only at the WPAOG Gift Shop. Shop online. 24/7 or by phone at 800.426.4725.

As restrictions for COVID-19 ease up in some parts of the U.S., CPT Dymon Boeckmann ’12 is taking time to make sure soldiers under her command have steady training and employment. Boeckmann commands the 355th Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Company near Las Vegas, NV. This is where she started implementing a plan that would keep soldiers trained, facilities supplied and soldiers paid. Full story.

USMA has extended the Public Health Emergency aligned with the State of New York and surrounding counties. This declaration reflects the severity of the danger facing our community. Current operations have focused on protecting the force with a goal of mitigating the spread of the virus by following recommended preventive measures such as social distancing, frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. West Point continues to prepare to welcome back the entire Corps of Cadets and receive the Class of 2024 in a safe way in order to conduct summer training before beginning the academic year. Find the most up-to-date information on the USMA website.