Superintendent’s Annual Fund: Why I Give

A Letter from LTG (R) Robert L. Caslen Jr. ’75, 59th USMA Superintendent

Returning to West Point this past year for my 50th Class Reunion was a profoundly moving experience. As you know, there is something truly special about reconnecting with classmates, sharing stories of our time, and seeing how the bonds forged at the Academy endure across decades. Last spring, as I wrapped up my 50-year affiliate class experience and joined the West Point Ready Campaign Cabinet, I was reminded of the privilege—and responsibility—of staying connected to this extraordinary institution.

When I was asked to once again serve West Point by reaching out to you today to join me in supporting the Superintendent’s Annual Fund, West Point’s #1 funding priority, I did not hesitate. Through WPAOG, each of us can stay linked to the Academy, support its mission, and ensure that the next generation of leaders is equipped with the character, competence, and confidence to succeed in any mission.

Ever since I graduated in 1975, I have been drawn back to this place time and again. Whether serving as a TAC officer, Commandant of Cadets, or as the 59th Superintendent, I have continually been inspired by the caliber of officers the Academy develops—leaders prepared to meet the complex demands of warfighting and service to our nation.

I look back on my years as a cadet with a combination of gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. The Academy prepared me to do what our country asked of me. My West Point experience molded me into the leader I am today, simply because West Point’s motto, Duty, Honor, Country, embodied into each of us the values the American people demand, whether we serve wearing the cloth of our nation, or service in the corporate world, or even within our communities.

Today’s cadets are serving in an ever-complex, multi-faceted, digitally-engaged, global environment. They are as patriotic as any generation has ever been, and they are ready to bring their expertise to the fight. They have the courage and tenacity to rise to the occasion and take their turn to serve.

Government appropriated funds provide for the minimum standards, but if we want our future leaders to experience academic, military, physical, and character programs that will make them the best leaders of the world’s armies, then we need to seek additional support, which we refer to as the “Margin of Excellence.” While serving as the Superintendent at West Point, I witnessed firsthand how necessary the Superintendent’s Annual Fund is to support the Margin of Excellence and how it truly sets West Point apart from other top-ranked universities and produces the leaders our nation needs today.

Top funding priorities include academic and military enrichment programs and centers, cadet internships and overseas experiences, research, and capstone projects. These invaluable experiences are shaping well-rounded cadets who bring critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, leadership, character, and real-life experience to our Army, our nation, and to our communities.

It cannot be overstated just how much the Academy relies on annual support from donors like each of us. Supporting the Superintendent’s Annual Fund not only helps to maintain the excellence of West Point’s military, academic, character, and extra-curricular programs, but it is also critical in attracting and retaining the best and brightest students.

As members of the Long Gray Line, each of us has a role in shaping an even brighter future for today’s cadets and those yet to come. I invite you to reflect on your own West Point experience, the opportunities it gave you, and the lessons it taught, and to join me in continuing your support for the Academy and the leaders it develops.

Thank you for considering a gift to the 2026 Superintendent’s Annual Fund. Together, we can ensure that West Point will have the necessary resources to continue graduating the very best leaders our nation needs.

Beat Navy!

Sincerely,
LTG (R) Robert L. Caslen Jr. ’75, DBA

LTG (R) Robert L. Caslen Jr. ’75,
59th USMA Superintendent,
2019 Distinguished Graduate Award Recipient, Married to Shelly Caslen & proud father of Robert, Jeffrey (USMA ’09), and Nicholas