The 2020 and 2021 Distinguished Graduates received their awards after the annual wreath laying ceremony at Thayer Statue 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 2020 recipients were 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. Full story. Photos. Wreath laying photos. Dinner photos.

Army General Vincent K. Brooks (Retired) presided over the dedication of a monument honoring the service of the Buffalo Soldiers who served for 40 years at the Academy. The monument is dedicated to the legacy of African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army’s 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments from 1907 to 1947. Gifted to the Academy by the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point, the 10-foot-tall bronze trooper mounted on horseback characterizes the horsemanship expertise provided to future Army officers. Nationally renowned sculptor Eddie Dixon was commissioned for the piece that bears likeness to SSG (R) Sanders H. Matthews Sr., a Buffalo Soldier stationed at West Point. This year marks the 60th year of the Buffalo Soldier ceremony. Full story.

USMA held its 18th Annual West Point Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Conference, on Thursday, September 9. The theme this year was “Developing Inclusive Leaders for Future Readiness.” The event’s keynote speaker was LTG Gary M. Brito, currently the U.S. Army’s 49th Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1. WPAOG President and CEO Todd Browne ’85 also attended and spoke at the conference. Photos.

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 next day, the Ring Weekend Banquet was held 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.

Parents, grandparents, and family members are invited to attend Family Weekend to learn more about cadet life and West Point. The weekend will include academic presentations, tours, cadet demonstrations, information on athletics and clubs, the Wake Forest football game, and more! Please keep an eye out for more details on the West Point Parents webpage and the WPAOG Parents Resources webpage.

The USMA Department of English and Philosophy will host the 2021 Ethics of War and Peace Conference October 13-16.  The theme of this year’s conference, which will be held both at West Point and online, is “The War On Terror Then And Now: Twenty Years After 9/11.”  The United States announced a Global War on Terror in the wake of the attacks on September 11, 2001, taking various shapes over the last 20 years. This conference will reflect on the ethical dimensions of the history of this war, its current state, and its possible futures. Ethically (and pragmatically), there seem to be limits to what military power can do regarding terrorism. Please click here to register.  For more questions regarding the Ethics of War and Peace Conference, email MAJ Derrick Jerke at derrick.jerke@westpoint.edu or call 845.938.2186.

During the annual Club Night event, plebes 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.

Our latest jewelry addition is indeed the star of the show! Check out our stunning collection of West Point/cameo-themed jewelry designed by grads exclusively for the WPAOG Gift Shop. Each piece is Brazilian agate, carved in Germany and set in sterling silver with a white rhodium plating. Order now for holiday delivery. Select from several styles, including an eight-inch bracelet with four individual cameos, post earrings, a set of cufflinks, and a tie tack/lapel pin. Shop 24/7 online at WPAOGGiftShop.com or give us a call at 800.426.4725 (M-F/10 am – 5pm). We are also open on Football Saturdays!

The 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Reports Best Colleges rankings place the U.S. Military Academy No. 2 in Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges and No. 11 in Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. In the Best Engineering Programs category, featuring engineering schools whose highest degree is a bachelor’s or master’s, West Point ranks No. 4 overall. It ranks No. 5 for its civil engineering program in the Best in the Specialties category. Full story.

USMA’s Equal Opportunity Office hosted the West Point Womenʼs Equality Day Observance on August 26 in Washington Hall at West Point. The guest speaker of the event was MAJ Marjana Bidwell ’07 was the first female commander of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment “Old Guard” from 2014 to 2016. Full story.