This generous contribution will provide vital resources to advance the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) and its alumni.
Taylor’s gift will establish an endowment for academic excellence at USNA, ensuring long-term investment in current and future educational programs. Additionally, the contribution will provide essential support for AA&F daily operations at the Fluegel Alumni Center, ensuring its continued role as a home for alumni engagement for generations to come.
“There is nothing more impactful and more wholesome than giving back to the U.S. Naval Academy,” said Taylor. “I fundamentally believe in what the Alumni Association & Foundation is doing to support our alumni and the Academy now and in the future. Philanthropy will always be critical for continuing the “margin of excellence,” which funds important programs that allow our Midshipmen the opportunities they need to become leaders of character and consequence for our nation.”
Michael Wilson Taylor received a Bachelor of Science degree (with distinction) from the United States Naval Academy in 1986. He served as a Naval Aviator before leaving the Navy for the civilian sector as a Lt. Commander.
Michael received his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1995 and later served for several years with Morgan Stanley’s investment banking division.
In 1998, he joined HarbourVest, an independent, global private markets firm with over 42 years of experience and more than $138 billion assets under management. He remains at the firm as a Senior Advisor.
Taylor made his first gift to the Naval Academy Foundation in 2006. He has been a longtime alumni leader in the Boston and Singapore communities and became a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors in 2019. He approached the Alumni Association & Foundation in April 2024 about making this transformational gift to the Naval Academy.
He maintains his Airline Transport Pilot rating and currently resides in Singapore.
As an organization, the AA&F serves 69,000 living alumni and the broader USNA community, ensuring that Midshipmen and graduates alike have the resources and opportunities to lead and serve at their highest potential for the nation’s benefit. The philanthropy of alumni and donors enhances the Academy’s core mission, supplementing federal funding with crucial support.
“Our alumni are instrumental to our success at the Naval Academy, and commitments like Mr. Taylor’s help us provide exceptional programs, opportunities and support to the Brigade and other projects around the yard,” said Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy Vice Adm. Yvette Davids, Class of 1989. “This remarkably generous gift will have a profound and lasting impact on the Academy. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Taylor for his leadership, vision, and support."
In recognition of Taylor’s generosity, the event wing of the Fluegel Alumni Center will be named in his honor. The Center has become a vital gathering place for alumni, and this dedication further solidifies its role in fostering the enduring legacy of the Naval Academy community.
“Michael Taylor’s generosity and presence as an alumnus, volunteer leader and Foundation board member are emblematic of the loyalty and dedication of our alumni to their alma mater,” said Jeff Webb, President and CEO of the Alumni Association & Foundation. “I sincerely thank Michael for his leadership and generosity. Support like Michael’s is vital for advancing the Naval Academy as a premier institution of leadership, higher learning, and warrior development.”
The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and the United States Naval Academy Foundation are two independent, not-for-profit non-stock Maryland corporations operating as an integrated organization in support of the Naval Academy and its mission with more than 69,000 members, 77 active alumni classes, and 102 chapters around the world. For more information, visit www.usna.com.