WPAOG is pleased to announce that Patrick Ortland ‘82 has joined us as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining WPAOG, Ortland worked for over 27 years at IBM, most recently as the Senior Real Estate Program Manager for the Northeast Region, where he managed the acquisition, disposition and build out of IBM leased properties, including negotiating real estate leases and managing construction. While at IBM, he held a number of management positions in real estate, site operations, contracts, business operations and strategic space and financial planning. Ortland also has substantial experience in leadership and governance of not for profit organizations. He has served as President of the West Point Class of 1982, and has also served as both Chairman and a Trustee for a local not for profit community hospital. Upon graduation from West Point, Ortland served as an Engineer officer. He holds an MS in Engineering Management Systems from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Project Management Professional License from the George Washington University.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the U.S. Military Academy as the #1 Top Public School in its 2019 Best Colleges rankings. USMA also ranked #4 for Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, #2 in Civil Engineering, #7 in Electrical / Electronic Engineering and #10 in Mechanical Engineering. West Point also ranked #2 as a High School Counselor Top Pick and #18 among National Liberal Arts Colleges. View Rankings. Press release.

On August 24, members of the Class of 2019 received their “crass mass of brass and glass” in a ceremony on Trophy Point. USMA 2019’s class rings include gold from graduates’ rings donated for WPAOG’s 18th annual “Ring Melt” held on February 24 in Warwick, RI. This year marked the largest number of rings (69) donated to the Class Ring Memorial Program since it began. We also had a record turnout for the 3rd annual Ring Run 5K where 800 cadets and family members participated in a fun run co-sponsored by WPAOG and FMWR. Later, at a celebratory brunch, parents presented a check to the West Point Parents Fund in the amount of $10,000! Photos. View theClass of 2019 Ring Melt Video.

With the buildings that were once their stables and the field where their horses once galloped during training as a backdrop, the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers at the U.S. Military Academy was honored September 2. The last Buffalo Soldier to have served at West Point died two years ago, but with his widow and granddaughter in attendance, the lasting impact of SSG(R) Sanders H. Matthews Sr. and his fellow Buffalo Soldiers was honored with a ceremonial wreath laying near Buffalo Soldier Field. The 9th and 10th Cavalries, known as Buffalo Soldiers, served at West Point from 1907-46, and trained cadets in horsemanship. Full story.

Since the launch of our newest initiative, Grad Link, we have received tremendously positive feedback on this personal networking tool, and now have over 5,700 users! Check out our FAQs, and access this secure platform today through the Google Play Store, Apple App Store or with your web browser. Grad Link is your gateway to networking with fellow graduates!

Football season has officially started! At a tailgate or on the sidelines, WPAOG’s Gift Shop has what you need to cheer on the Brave Old Army Team! With loads of new styles, you’ll be able to find something for everyone. Place your order with us by calling 800.426.4725, or shop online at WPAOGGiftShop.com 24/7 to secure your game day gear!

West Point is now providing a way for grads and others to engage with USMA's academic innovations, the faculty and staff that bring USMA to life, and our wonderful Corps of Cadets. Check out the Dean’s new official presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. What a fun way to learn new things about West Point through features such as West Point Word Wednesday (#WPWW,) #FacultyFriday, and more!

Join grads, parents, friends, and fans prior to all home football games at WPAOG’s Open House rallies. For three hours prior to kickoff, we’ll be cheering the Army West Point football team to victory at Herbert Alumni Center! WPAOG provides complimentary refreshments and drinks, and the West Point Club offers a concession stand in the back patio area for heavier tailgate fare. Hope to see you here!

Considering a career change? Don't miss the next Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) in San Antonio, TX November 1-2! SACC is the only career fair exclusively for Federal Service Academy graduates, and offers a great opportunity to learn about a variety of companies, industries, and post-graduate opportunities. Registration is now open! Learn more about the San Antonio SACC.

The Rockbound Highland Home Grad Insider Tour allows graduates to share unique experiences of West Point with their families and guests. Take an exclusive guided tour of the Cadet Mess in Washington Hall, Jefferson Library, Thayer Award Room, Army Sports Hall of Fame in Kenna Hall/Kimsey Center, Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center (ACPDC), or the Cadet Uniform Factory. Book your tour online today!

Reserve your space in the Winter 2019 West Point Authors Bookshelf, a special advertising section in West Point magazine showcasing books by West Point affiliated authors. Check out the West Point Bookshelf in the Summer 2018 issue to discover & support books written by fellow members of the Long Gray Line. Learn more about this and other WPAOG advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

Becoming a sponsor of the WPAOG Army-Navy Tailgate, our largest event of the year, gives your business great promotional opportunities! Use this forum to showcase your product or services to more than 1,000 Army fans. As an added bonus, your sponsorship is viewed as a charitable (tax-deductible) gift. Individual, non-corporate sponsorships are also available! If you are interested in one of our sponsorship packages, please contact us now.