First Class Gift
USMA First Class cadets have a long tradition of leaving a class legacy and paying it forward to future members of the Long Gray Line. The Class of 2026 Gift Fund provides the class the opportunity to present a collective gift for Margin of Excellence programs at its 10th Reunion.
1. What is the Margin of Excellence?
The Margin of Excellence includes:
Hands-on and out-of-classroom leadership experiences
Semester abroad opportunities
Clubs and athletic team endowments
Renovation and improvements to West Point, the landmark
Academic centers for cadets, the U.S. Army, and the nation
Margin of Excellence programs that go beyond the core education elements allow the Academy to remain competitive in attracting high-quality cadet candidates and enable cadets to achieve their highest potential.
Such opportunities make the West Point education like no other, and they are made possible through gifts from cadets, graduates, families, corporations, foundations, and other friends of West Point.
2. Where will the Class Gift go?
Gifts to the Class of 2026 Gift Fund, regardless of the amount, will be pooled and invested, growing until the 10th Reunion Gift is presented.
At the 5th reunion, the class leadership will work with WPAOG Class Giving to determine how the Class of 2026 Gift Fund will be allocated to best support the class’s goals and the Superintendent’s strategic priorities. This is accomplished through a class-wide vote, followed by a fundraising campaign leading up to the 10th Reunion.
3. History of the First Class Gift
The Class of 1994 was the first USMA Class to collectively solicit financial support for the Academy prior to graduation, a tradition that continues today.
Class reunion gifts have greatly transformed the landscape of West Point over the years.
4. How long do I have to make my gift?
Gifts can be made from now until graduation—and beyond! Monthly gifts through military allotment make the greatest impact.
5. Five Largest 10th Reunion Gifts
#1
$750,000
Class of 2009
- Cyber & Engineering Academic Center
#2
$710,000
Class of 2006
- Modern War Institute
- Cyber Research Center
#3
$550,000
Class of 2004
- Malek Visitor Center
- Academy Scholars Program
- Semester Abroad
#4
$525,000
Class of 2007
- DCA
- Academy Scholars Program
- Leadership Center
#5
$520,000
Class of 2002
- Cemetery Development Project
6. First Class Gift Leaderboard
Classes with the Highest Participation
#1
75%
Class of 2004
#2
68%
Class of 1999
#3
64%
Class of 2006
“My husband and I, proud classmates, give back to West Point because we want future cadets to enjoy the same enriching 47-month experience we had. As a Glee Club member, participant in overseas AIADs, and frequent traveler on club trip sections, I’m deeply grateful to those whose generosity made those opportunities possible. My husband, Mark, feels the same about his time on the Wrestling team and involvement in Civil Engineering projects and the Catholic community. It will take us a lifetime of giving to repay even a fraction of what West Point has given to us and our classmates.”
— Katherine Metz, President Class of 2025
Mark and Katherine Metz ’25