Class of ’57 at Founders Day

Our Society

The West Point Society of the District of Columbia has a relatively short history. Nevertheless, the dedicated work of many West Pointers in the Washington area has enabled the Society to become a strong organization with a comprehensive program and membership. Today, it is the largest of the 120 West Point Societies worldwide.

The Society's objectives are to lend support to the United States Military Academy, conduct programs to attract the highest caliber of candidates for admission, and provide a social focus for graduates and former cadets in the greater Washington Metropolitan area. We do this by maintaining the following programs:

Admissions: Our volunteer National Capital Region Admissions Field Force continued its success in respect to filling the USMA Class of 2013. Locally, more than 70 young men and women accepted and were admitted to the Academy on R-Day. The Field Force is already active in the admissions cycle for the Class of 2014. Demand for admission continues high.

Career Advisory: Our Career Advisory Service has helped a score of local graduates either in entering the civilian work force, or in placement in another position once within the work force. We have grown so successful that we receive numerous solicitations from companies with job offers, looking for graduates.

Social and Professional Gatherings: Annually, we host 3 luncheons, a Founders Day Gala, an Army-Navy Luncheon and Football Rally, three golf tournaments, two Career Networking Sessions and a Job Fair. Our initiative to host events for the younger classes has been very successful, and we continue to expand the effort. For the luncheons and football rally, we feature notable speakers from the top level of the military and government - key lawmakers, distinguished graduates, officials at the secretariat level, service chiefs, and senior JCS officials.

Awards: The Society presents both the Castle Memorial Award and the Distinguished Member Award to deserving recipients each year at the Founders Day Gala. We look forward to repeating this recognition of service related to the Academy in the tradition of "Duty, Honor, Country" again in 2009.

Cadet Support: Each year, the Society contributes funds to assist cadet clubs or activities which are not now supported by appropriated funds. This year, we continued our efforts, and have contributed $41,700,00 for a state-of-the-art scoreboard for the swimming team and $10,000 to cadet clubs or activities. In addition, annually we present the Maxwell D. Taylor Leadership Award at the USMA Prep School.

Leadership and Ethics: Annual conference at which high school juniors, seniors and faculty address current challenges ethics, integrity and leadership.
Newsletters. The Society publishes at least 5 newsletters each year which highlight Society activities. In addition, e-mail through the AOG is used for timely announcements to all alumni in the area with an AOG e-mail address.

Directory: The 2009-10 Directory was mailed to all members in October '09.

Website: We have our excellent website www.wpsdc.org. It is current and a great assist in keeping up to date on Society activities.

Our 2010 membership stands around 1,350, although some 4,000 USMA graduates and former cadets live in the greater Washington Metropolitan area. The Society hopes to reach more of these potential members to encourage their participation in its significant activities.

In 1995, the Board of Governors expanded the formal title of the Society to West Point Society of D.C. and the National Capital Region to reflect the larger demographic area encompassed by the membership. The original title will continue to be used in most correspondence.