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.

September 10-14 marked the annual Branch Week at West Point, where representatives from each of the 17 U.S. Army branches open to cadets after graduation set up displays to talk about branches and answer questions. For Plebes and Yearlings, the week is geared toward educating them on what their options are. Cows, on the other hand, are expected to spend the week talking to branches that interest them and start narrowing down their preferences. Firsties use the week as their final opportunity to ask questions, explore the branches and finalize the rankings that will be used to place them into branch assignments on Branch Night on Nov. 14. Full story. Watch USMA Branch Week video. USMA photos.

On September 17, WPAOG hosted a luncheon for cadet Class Officers from the USMA Classes of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. At the luncheon, cadets met with various members of WPAOG as well as staff members from the Academy with whom they will work (Directorate of Cadet Activities, the Cadet Hostess, Officers in Charge, and Advisors) in their officer roles. Following the luncheon, breakout sessions led by WPAOG representatives were held for each class. The goal of the luncheon is to provide class officers the opportunity to interact with WPAOG staff and engage in meaningful discussions on how WPAOG serves them, as well as how they can serve their classmates now and in the decades ahead. Photos.

On September 11, Cadets carried an American flag while running through West Point from reveille to retreat (6 a.m. until 5 p.m.) to honor those who perished during the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the hero passengers who prevented the plane from crashing into a more populated area by crashing it into a field in Shanksville, PA. The West Point community also gathered to remember and honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. After bells tolled marking the time at which the two planes struck the towers, a West Point firefighter rang the final bell in honor of the first responders who died. A moment of silence was followed by four cannon blasts in remembrance of the four planes that crashed on 9/11. Full story. Remembrance Day ceremony photos.

Parents, grandparents, and family members are invited to attend Family Weekend to learn more about cadet life and West Point. The weekend will include academic presentations, tours, cadet demonstrations, information on athletics and clubs, the Army vs. Miami (OH) football game, and more! Several Parent Clubs will be hosting tailgates and WPAOG will host the Welcome Center coffee hour. Cadets will escort their families and provide a view of West Point from the cadet perspective unless they have other requirements such as classes or other duties/responsibilities. Please check the West Point Parents webpage and the WPAOG Parents Resources webpage for more details, coming soon!

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. View the Class of 2019 Ring Melt Video.

As part of USMA 2019 Ring Weekend at West Point, a record turnout of more than 800 family members, cadets and friends participated in the 3rd Annual Ring Run, co-sponsored by WPAOG and FMWR. After completing a 5K Fun Run, participants were treated to a celebratory breakfast at the West Point Club. Prizes included 1st Parent/Cadet Combo, 19th Firstie, and Goat of the Race. Participants also had the opportunity to make a donation in conjunction with the event, and a check was presented to WPAOG in the amount of $10,000 for the West Point Parents Fund. Thank you to all who contributed to the Ring Run, including the West Point Glee Club for opening the event with the singing of the National Anthem. See photos.  View Ring Run video.

The U.S. Military Academy’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity and the West Point Association of Graduates hosted the 16th annual Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Conference Sept. 5-7. Participants included staff, faculty, alumni and cadets. During the conference, discussion topics included sessions on moving beyond the racial divide and the art of the inclusion. Guest speakers included LTG(R) Gen. Mark Hertling ’75, former commanding general, U.S. Army Europe; retired CSM(R) Michele Jones, president and CEO of the Bones Theory Group, LLC and 9th Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Reserve; and Rod Woodson, Pro Football Hall of Famer. Cadets from the Jewish Chapel Choir and Gospel Choir sang at the conference dinner at the Herbert Alumni Center. Full story. Watch video of Cadets: “What do diversity and inclusion mean to you?” USMA Photos.

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!

This week Centurion Pins were presented to 17 captains of Cadet Competitive Club Sports, recognizing the accomplishments and dedication of competitive club team captains and the student athletic club coordinator. The DCA team and club experience is made possible thanks to your support of the Margin of Excellence and helps develop cadets into the future officers who will lead our country. Full story. Photos.

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!

WPAOG welcomed members of the Superintendent’s Circle on September 7-8 for Superintendent’s Circle Weekend. This event is held every year during football season and this year featured the exciting Army vs. Liberty game. Over 100 people attended the Friday evening barbeque with members of the USMA Leader Team. The Superintendent’s Circle recognizes all donors who make annual gifts of $1,000 or more to the Superintendent’s Annual Fund or the West Point Parents Fund within the calendar year (January 1 – December 31). This exclusive invitation comes with our thanks for strengthening the Margin of Excellence and supporting the Corps of Cadets!

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!

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.