On March 23, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter visited West Point and spoke to cadets about the complex challenges facing tomorrow’s army officers.  He also visited a quantum physics classroom in Bartlett Hall where he discussed projects with cadets in PH 366.  Read more. View the full text of Secretary Carter's remarks.

The 49th annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition was April 8-9. In a two-day event, 61 teams, including 12 international teams and 37 teams from West Point, maneuvered a course of over 30 miles, challenging themselves in 14 events. Teams from across the world grew to learn about and respect one another as they prepared for and executed this intense competition.  Read More.

On March 31, Army West Point’s newest live mule reported for duty. He even had his own R-Day, to include reporting to the “mule in the red sash” and a trip to the barber shop. Let us introduce you to Paladin who will experience his own A-Day on September 10.

Congratulations to the USMA Cyber Defense Team for winning the 16th Annual Cyber Defense Exercise (CDX). CDX is a cyber security competition in which students from the U.S. service academies design and build computer networks and defend them against intrusions by the National Security Agency/Central Security Services (NSA/CSS) Red Team (Red Cell). Read more.

The first Zengerle Family Lecture in the Arts and Humanities was given by Harvard University president Drew Gilpin Faust on March 24. The series, endowed by the Honorable Joseph (USMA Class of 1964) and Lynda Zengerle will bring leading figures in the arts or humanities to West Point each year to enhance cadet and faculty intellectual development, foster interdisciplinary scholarship and bridge the civilian-military divide. Read More. View full transcript of the lecture on "Literature and Leadership."

Eight members of the West Point Model United Nations team traveled to Rome, Italy during spring break to compete in the Harvard World Model United Nations Championship. Between an audience with Pope Francis and tours of the Colosseum, the cadets debated and negotiated with 2,400 college students from over 110 countries on topics ranging from the European refugee crisis to the reunification of Cyprus, to water-borne diseases and non-state terrorist groups. The team earned a very close 2nd place finish out of all small delegations.

WPAOG is pleased to host a Graduation Breakfast on May 21 for parents, family and friends of the Class of 2016. Treat yourself to a full breakfast buffet in Herbert Hall, just steps away from Michie Stadium. Breakfast will be served from 6am-8am. Space is limited, so don’t delay—register now! This year's graduation speaker is Vice President Joe Biden, so arrive early to avoid delays.

We’ve made it easier to shop for all of your West Point events! Check out our great gifts for graduation, weddings, mom, dad and Old Grads. From now until the end of April, mention our “fresh, new look” in the comments section at check out, and receive 10% off any regularly priced items (sorry, special orders and sale items are excluded).

Next week, more than 250 cadets will present their senior theses and capstone projects during the Academy’s annual Projects Day. As many cadet projects incorporate travel abroad, internships, and state-of-the-art technology, they are a prime example of how gifts to West Point can enhance cadets’ academic experience. The West Point Parents Fund supports these opportunities, among many more, and strengthens every aspect of the Margin of Excellence—those experiences that go above and beyond the core elements of cadets’ education and training to ensure that they develop to their highest potential.

Since 2012, the West Point Parents Club of New Jersey (WPPCNJ) Challenge Coin Project has succeeded in raising almost $100,000 for the class funds. From small beginnings of $3,600 to this year’s gift to the Class of 2016 for $30,595, each year’s donation has grown ever larger. Bob Mosera, parent of a 2012 graduate (Taylor) and Joel Boroff, parent of a 2011 and 2014 graduate (Alexander and Austen), initiated the effort and remain Co-Chairs of the Challenge Coin project for the WPPCNJ. Given the volunteer effort, every penny of profit goes directly to each class fund. Each coin design features the West Point Crest on one side and the current year’s graduating Class Crest, along with their Class Motto and graduation date on the other.

After a five year hiatus, the 75th Edition of the Register of Graduates & Former Cadets is here! The book that started it all has been comprehensively updated in a new, limited edition. More history, more tradition, more Long Gray Line than ever before! Inside is a wealth of information on service to the nation by all 72,413 West Point Graduates since 1802, including 218 graduating classes, genealogical relationships, USMA leadership, Medal of Honor Graduates and more! Order yours today at the WPAOG Gift Shop!