FAQs for the 50-Year Affiliation Program

The 50-Year Affiliation Program formally connects each entering cadet class with the alumni class that is fifty years its senior. Throughout the next four years, 50-Year Affiliates will represent their class and the West Point Association of Graduates by celebrating and supporting their affiliated cadets at significant Academy events.

The purpose of the program is to strengthen the ties between the graduates of yesterday and the cadets of today as both groups work together to strengthen the Long Gray Line as it serves our nation.

The Program began in 1999, when the Class of 1949 presented the Class of 1999 with engraved 2LT bars at graduation. Since then, the 50-Year Affiliation Program has grown and gained the admiration and respect of the Academy, Old Grads, and cadets. Currently, the Program includes eight USMA-approved events:

• R-Day
• A-Day
• Class Crest Unveiling
• Class Flag Presentation
• Affirmation
• Ring Weekend
• Branch Night
• Graduation

Currently, the Program and includes eight USMA-approved events:

• R-Day
• A-Day
• Class Crest Unveiling
• Class Flag Presentation
• Affirmation
• Ring Weekend
• Branch Night
• Graduation

Yes. There are a number of customary costs associated with the Program and many classes choose to spend above and beyond. As an officially approved WPAOG need, the funding source for the 50-Year Affiliation Program is the class gift fund. Please see the 50-Year Affiliation Funding Policy for further information.

We encourage classes to begin preparing for their affiliation at their 40th reunion. In order for your class to be better informed about the Program, please utilize the 50-Year Affiliation Toolkit on Sallyport. In addition, our 50-Year Affiliation Manager can schedule a call, or Zoom meeting, or brief your class during the class business meeting at your reunion.

The answer to this question varies by event. For instance, only two 50YA reps are invited to attend the crest unveiling, but as many as 20 50-Year Affiliates are encouraged to participate in R-day. Most events welcome spouses, but at least one (the Flag Presentation) does not permit them. For the most up-to-date list, please visit our 50-Year Affiliation Toolkit on Sallyport. If you have specific questions, please email 50YearAffiliation@wpaog.org.

No. All expenses (travel, lodging, meals. etc.) are the responsibility of the individual and not the class or WPAOG. Your commitment to your class and your affiliation class contributes to the deep connections that are the strength of the Long Gray Line. We know your time, energy, and accommodation all come at a cost. Thank you for your generosity in building this next generation of our nation’s leaders.

Each graduate class curates their own relationship with their 50-Year Affiliation cadet class. If you have read the event descriptions on the website and want to know how your class plans to participate, please contact 50YearAffiliation@wpaog.org or your class leadership. More detailed information is available on request. If you’d like to throw your hat in the ring to be a part of your class’ program or a specific event, please use this form.

Start early (at your 40th reunion) and drum up the interest and excitement of your classmates! We recommend one overall lead (or POC) for the affiliation program who will work closely with WPAOG’s Class Services Team. In addition to the overall POC, your class may also want POCs for R-day, March Back, Affirmation, and Branch Night).

Currently, collaboration with the United States Military Academy Preparatory School is not an official part of the 50-Year Affiliation Program. However, many classes do choose to pursue an early connection with the cadet candidates at USMAPS through building relationships with Army staff. For an up-to-date point of contact, please reach out to 50YearAffiliation@wpaog.org and our Class Services Team will be happy to assist.

Get involved now! Talk to your class leaders to see if there is already someone tapped as 50YAP POC and/or if they need your assistance. If you need to be put in touch, please email 50YearAffiliation@wpaog.org. If you would like to volunteer for one, or all, of your Class’ 50-Year Affiliation events, fill out this form. Sign into Sallyport and build community with your classmates, other Old Grads, your local society, and your nearby parents groups! The legacy of the program is the strengthening of the Long Gray Line. The four years your affiliate class is at West Point is a poignant, but short-lived opportunity to foster powerful relationships.

Please direct any inquiries to your Association of Graduates’ Office of Class Services at 845.446.1614 or 50YearAffiliation@wpaog.org.

Thank you for your interest in your West Point Association of Graduates’ 50-Year Affiliation Program!