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Forged in Tradition, Innovating the FutureBy Jane Anderson, WPAOG Editorial ManagerAbout 150 United States Military Academy graduates, veteran entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors from across the globe shared experiences, ideas, and advice during the Entrepreneur Summit held September 14-16 at West Point and Manhattan.For the first time since 2019, the Summit was held at West Point. Spea

Twenty-one members of the Long Gray Line appear on Forbes’ 2026 list recognizing 250 successful U.S. military veterans—representing 8.4 percent of the list. The West Point graduates span nearly five decades of classes, from 1967 to 2014, and have made an impact across business, technology, healthcare, professional sports, military leadership, and public service.Created in recognition of America’s

By Leigh C. Gust, WPAOG Development Communications ManagerOn Friday, September 11, the Department of Chemical and Biological Science and Engineering hosted the unveiling of the LTC Paul J. Finken ’89 Memorial Endowment Plaque in support of the Pre-Medical Scholars Program. The dedication honored the legacy of service, leadership, and generosity that defined the life and career of LTC Paul Finken ’

John G. Powers ’88 has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2027.  Mr. Powers is a partner in the Litigation Department. He routinely appears in federal and state courts as well as arbitration on complicated civil matters to advocate for the interests and causes of his clients, which include municipalities, business corporations, universities and individuals.The Best Lawy

BG Joseph C. “Clete” Goetz II ’97 assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division in a ceremony held September 3 at the Sacramento Public Library in Sacramento, Calif.The ceremony was hosted by LTG William H. Graham Jr., commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.Goetz assumed command from BG John P. Lloyd, who has served as South Pacific Division Commander since Augu

By Leigh Gust, WPAOG Development Communications ManagerOn Friday, September 4th, West Point celebrated the dedication and ribbon-cutting of the Michie Stadium Preservation Project, marking a transformational moment for one of the Academy’s most important and iconic landmarks.The day was a spectacular kickoff to Army’s home opener for the 2026 football season, held the following day. The ceremony b

On September 1, 2026, 33 members and guests of the West Point Society of Annapolis (WPSOA), including five members of the 50-Year Affiliation Class of 1978, conducted an Affirmation Dinner and Ceremony for the ten exchange cadets from the Class of 2028. The exchange cadets are at the U.S. Naval Academy for the Fall 2026 semester.The ceremony took place at O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern in A

Members of the West Point community and local U.S. Military Academy graduates gathered before sunrise on September 8 for From Darkness to the Light—a walk from darkness into the morning light and a visible expression of our shared promise that no one walks alone. The West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG)’s Veterans Services coordinated the event, which reached beyond West Point to other stat

A steel beam from the World Trade Center was the centerpiece of a ceremony at West Point on September 1 that commemorated the tragic attacks on 9/11.The Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2TF)’s Steel Across America, a 10,500-mile nationwide journey, stopped at the Malek West Point Visitors Center on its way back to Ground Zero in lower Manhattan, from where it launched in May. The steel-and-concrete b

Members of the Long Gray Line continue to demonstrate the leadership, character, and commitment to service developed at West Point. Promotion marks an important milestone in an officer’s career, reflecting increased responsibility and continued growth in the Profession of Arms.WPAOG is proud to recognize the most recent list of graduates from the Classes of 1993 through 2023 who have been selected

Ten members of the USMA Class of 2028 participating in an exchange semester at the U.S. Air Force Academy marked an important milestone in their West Point journey by taking the Affirmation Oath during a ceremony hosted by the WPS of Pikes Peak at Polaris Hall.Cadets Kevin Jud ’28, Antonio Leandres ’28, Cameron Griffin ’28, Jackson Biancheri ’28, Waylon Li ’28, Henry Paul ’28, John Sarager ’28, Ca

Long Gray Line Teammates,When I assumed command as Superintendent four years ago, I likened the Academy to a fast-moving train that most of us jump on and try to hang on. Since then, I have come to appreciate that what fuels that train is the incredible energy that runs through this place, generated by the dedication and hard work of all those who serve here, and more importantly, the motivation a

As members of the Long Gray Line, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable service of Lieutenant General Steve W. Gilland ’90 and his wife, Betsy ’90.  Leading the United States Military Academy is a strategic and significant responsibility, one that LTG Gilland embraced with character, intellect, passion, and a deep commitment to service. As the 61st Superintendent, he guided West Point

CPT (R) Eric Rudberg ’05 successfully lobbied for a Purple Heart-design license plate in Washington, DC.Each of the 50 states in the nation offers a Purple Heart specialty license plate for veterans who have been awarded that medal. Washington, D.C. now offers that option for its resident Purple Heart medal recipients, thanks to the efforts of a 2005 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy.“We live

On August 16, 2026, the West Point Society of Annapolis (WPSOA) hosted its annual Welcome Picnic for West Point cadets participating in the fall exchange program at the U.S. Naval Academy. Nearly 40 Society members and guests gathered at the Fairwinds Community Pavilion in Severna Park, Maryland, to welcome the Class of 2028 cadets to the Annapolis community.Among those attending were two members

“Earned Not Given”On August 21, the Class of 2027 marked its transition into Firstie year by receiving West Point class rings —enduring symbols of their shared experience and connection to generations of graduates who came before them.The rings carry the legacy of 1,035 class rings donated by members of the Long Gray Line through the West Point Association of Graduates’ Ring Memorial Program. Melt

MG James B. Bartholomees III ’95 was promoted to lieutenant general and officially took command of the U.S. Military Academy as the 62nd Superintendent, succeeding LTG Steven W. Gilland ’90, during a change of command ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 17, in Eisenhower Hall.A 1995 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Bartholomees most recently served as Commanding General, 25th

By Erika Norton, Senior Multimedia JournalistWith the nation beginning its next 250 years, West Point Association of Graduates volunteer leaders gathered August 11–15 for Leaders Conference 2026 to strengthen the connections and character that will carry West Point and the Long Gray Line into the future. Held at the Windrose on Hudson and West Point under the theme “Courage. Commitment. Character.

USMA announced the names of the cadets from the Class of 2027 selected to lead the Corps of Cadets during the academic year. The brigade cadet leadership roles are the top positions in the Corps of Cadets charged with carrying out the responsibilities of leading the Corps. These cadets assumed their leadership duties on August 14, prior to the start of the academy’s fall academic session.“This yea

By Erika Norton, WPAOG Senior Multimedia JournalistEmbodying “Duty, Honor, Country” in every step, Old Grads marched alongside the Class of 2030 as the newest members of the Long Gray Line completed their 12-mile journey from Lake Frederick to West Point, marking the culmination of Cadet Basic Training and the start of their first academic year at the Academy. More than 400 West Point graduates—th