Best of the Line!  Class of 1969 Presents 40^th Reunion

Class Gift to the Academy

Class of 1969 alumni presented a $3M gift in support of the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic during their 40th reunion on 10-13 September. 

The Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic was formed in 1998 and is located in Nininger Hall.  The Center supervises the Cadet Honor Code and Respect Programs, and develops, coordinates, and integrates curriculum and other activities within USMA on the Professional Military Ethic to promote an understanding of Officership and the development of a professional self concept within all graduates.

(Photo: LTG Buster Hagenbeck '71, COL (R) Robert L. McClure '76, '69 President Mr. Mike McGovern, and COL (R) Wayne Murphy)

The $3M gift was given to establish the Class of 1969 Endowment for Leaders of Character, which will primarily fund the Chair of Officership in the Center for the Professional Military Ethic.  

This gift is an extension of the Class’ support for the Academy’s mission to develop leaders of character over the years. From 1994-1996, prior to the formal founding of the SCPME, they made annual gifts to support the Honor Conference.   In 1997 and 1999, the Class endowed the Class of 1969 Honor Library on the first floor of the old 1st Division.

Since graduation, members of the Class of 1969 have given over $11.5M to West Point; over $4M of that was since their 35th reunion in 2004.  83.4% of the Class has given back to West Point since graduation. Forty years later, the Class of 1969 continues to honor their class motto: Best of the Line!