By Erika Norton, WPAOG Senior Multimedia Journalist

To mark the 50th anniversary of President Gerald Ford signing Public Law 94-106 opening enrollment to women at all U.S. service academies, women graduates rang the New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell on October 7, 2025, in celebration of the historic occasion. 

Dorian Price, West Point Class of 1999, and Gretchen Cook, United States Air Force Academy Class of 1987, joined by Lynn Martin, President, NYSE Group, rang the closing bell. They were joined by women graduates from the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and United States Coast Guard Academy at the podium, while over 100 graduates celebrated on the NYSE floor. 

“It was exhilarating to share this moment with so many wonderful women,” Price said. “It was truly memorable and I felt even more connected through our shared sisterhood.”

Debbie Edelen, West Point Class of 1992 graduate and Senior Director for Alumni Support Engagement at the West Point Association of Graduates, joined fellow service academy graduates on the NYSE floor. 

“Being on the floor of the NYSE to commemorate this milestone was a powerful experience,” Edelen said. “As one of our nation’s oldest and most iconic institutions, the NYSE stands as a symbol of American excellence and possibility. It was a fitting place to celebrate the breakthrough legislation that gave women the chance to lead, serve, and shape the future of our military through our service academies.”

Women around the globe are gathering this month to celebrate 50 years of women at U.S. service academies, not just in New York. Check out a list of an events here.

(Photos and video courtesy of NYSE)