Press Releases

Letter from the President

Entrepreneurs Summit

June 2025 - Second annual event brings alumni together for inspiration, collaboration.  Mike Taylor ’03 found some basic military behaviors translate well into the business world.

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The co-founder of fitness equipment manufacturer BeaverFit USA said trading information and brainstorming strategies are daily occurrences for those serving in uniform. Those practices are also crucial for business leaders, Taylor said, particularly when confronting common industry challenges.

“While in the military, you’re used to sharing ideas,” Taylor said. “It becomes more natural. We’re used to sharing best practices.”
That shared experience gives military veterans who have transitioned into the corporate world an edge when collaborating, Taylor said during a break of the second annual Entrepreneurs Summit on 18 June. The two-day summit, hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation at the Fluegel Alumni Center, brought together 200 alumni for a series of information sessions, workshops and networking.

Taylor and his partner, Alex Roodhouse, founded BeaverFit North America in 2014. They have become the largest supplier of fitness equipment to the U.S. Armed Forces. BeaverFit, whose equipment if manufactured in the U.S., has some older partners who are looking to exit the company.

After listening to a panel discussion on Successful Exits moderated by Tiffany Gates ’95 moderated with Jeff Chapman ’97 and Tim Newberry ’00, Taylor discovered he had access to tap an invaluable resource.

“That was incredible to hear those stories,” Taylor said. “I don’t have too many mentors who have gone through that process and I’m excited to connect with Jeff, Tim and Tiffany to pick their brains about that process and learn from their lessons.”

U.S. Naval Academy Entrepreneurs Founder Matt Willman ’10 attributed the success of the summit to the unique bonds forged between alumni and their shared commitment to help one another.

“There’s an inherent trust in Naval Academy alumni,” Willman said. “Very quickly, you know who they are and you have a common heritage and it’s easy to connect to people.

“This is a special group of people. There are deep, meaningful relationships that have been forged (at the Academy). Those friendships are hard to replicate and they evolve into professional relationships.”

Willman said the gathered group of alumni entrepreneurs illustrate the summit’s three pillars: Invest. Ignite. Impact. Still in its infancy, the summit has spurred alumni collaborations that include the hiring of board members, raising capital, and hiring key employees.

Buoyed by connections made in 2024, Willman launched his own company, Beechcrest Advisors. He said he might not have made the leap if not for the relationships forged last year.

“Doing that, gave me the courage to take that risk,” he said. “Just by meeting others who are doing it, those who have gone before-that’s what energizes us and keeps us coming back.”

Photo Caption:
Entrepreneurs Summit – Jesse Iwuji ’10 and Mike Steadman ’10 discuss building teams and branding during the second annual Entrepreneurs Summit on 18 June in the Fluegel Alumni Center. Iwuji is a NASCAR driver and a team owner. Steadman is founder of The MisFits, a design and brand strategy company.

Letter from the President

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

13 May 2025—Over the last six weeks, many concerned alumni have contacted me about the removal of books from Nimitz library. 

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I am grateful for our engaged alumni who clearly care deeply for our alma mater. The Alumni Association and Foundation does not take policy positions. In keeping with our non-profit charter, as well as our Enterprise mission to connect and support our Alumni and the U.S. Naval Academy community, we carefully avoid entering political discussion.

I would like to help clarify two topics, however: what happened regarding the books in Nimitz? And what's happening now?

There has been much confusion about the book removal chain of events. The Associated Press article linked here highlights a key action that has not been well publicized - officials in the office of the Secretary of Defense ordered the Naval Academy to remove 381 books from Nimitz library the day before the Secretary of Defense's 1 April Naval Academy visit.

Neither the Superintendent nor the Provost selected the books in question. They simply carried out a lawful order issued by a member of SECDEF's staff. The U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy did not take similar action because they were not given the same order.

Which brings us to what's happening now.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense issued a Memorandum last Friday, 9 May, that formalizes a review process which will apply to all DoD Military Educational Institutions, including the U.S. Naval Academy, Naval Postgraduate School and the U.S. Naval War College.

In that memo, institutions are directed to identify books that are "potentially incompatible" with the "military's core mission" by 21 May, and to remove those books from circulation. At that point, a DoD academic libraries committee will review titles across the entire DoD system to make a final determination on which books can remain.

While USNA has already removed 381 books based on previous direction, it will still need to follow a review process that is detailed in the 9 May memo. In the meantime, the 381 books remain in Nimitz library, out of circulation.

A change in administrations brings new superiors, new policies, and new expectations. I am privileged to have relationships and regular contact with Naval Academy leaders. They are professional, loyal and dedicated. With Commissioning just ten days away, the Superintendent and her team remain focused on getting over 1,000 warfighters across the finish line.

I hope you can join me in offering encouragement and support to USNA leadership during this time of celebration and transition.

Jeff Webb
President & CEO
U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation

DGA Ceremony

AA&F announces official date and schedule for the DGA Ceremony

9 April 2025—The USNA AA&F is pleased to announce the 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) ceremony and recognition events.

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The 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) ceremony and recognition events will be held on the following dates:

• 2025 DGA Medal Ceremony: Thursday, 4 September at 4:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall
• 2025 DGA Banquet Dinner (invitation only): Thursday, 4 September at the Fluegel Alumni Center
• 2025 On-field recognition Navy vs. UAB football game: Saturday, 6 September

In February 2025, USNA AA&F announced the 2025 DGA ceremony, originally scheduled for 21 March 2025, would be rescheduled so DGA recipient CAPT Sunita L. Williams '87, USN (Ret.) could celebrate in-person with her family, friends, '87 classmates and fellow 2025 DGA awardees after her return from the International Space Station (ISS).

This year's honorees, along with their classmates and loved ones, made the collective decision to delay the events so they could celebrate in-person, together.

On 4 September, the following 2025 DGA recipients will be honored with their loved ones and the 4,400 members of the Brigade of Midshipmen:

• ADM Jonathan W. Greenert '75, USN (Ret.)
• VADM Anthony L. Winns '78, USN (Ret.)
• CAPT Sunita L. Williams '87, USN (Ret.)
• Ms. JoAnna L. Sohovich '93

Read the press release sent in December 2024 to discover more about each DGA.

The Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) program honors living U.S. Naval Academy graduates who have made a distinctive contribution to their field or community and have demonstrated sustained, active support for the Naval Academy, Naval Academy Alumni Association, Naval Academy Foundation, or affiliate groups.

Each year up to four graduates are chosen from a field of candidates nominated by their alumni peers for this, the highest honor the Alumni Association bestows on a living graduate and selected by the DGA Selection Panel, chaired by ADM Harry B. Harris, Jr. '78, USN (Ret.).

Nominations for the 2026 DGA award will open on July 1, 2025. For more information on the nomination and selection process for the Distinguished Graduate Award, and a list of past honorees, please visit usna.com/DGA.

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.

DGA Recipients

AA&F Announces the 2025 DGA Recipients

UPDATE 13 February 2025—The 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award ceremony has been rescheduled to a later date to be determined.

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The DGA ceremony was originally scheduled to be held March 21st at Alumni Hall. This schedule change was made so Suni Williams '87 can be present along with fellow 2025 DGAs after her return from space. A new date for the ceremony will be announced later this spring.

ANNAPOLIS, MD (11 December 2024) — The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (USNA AA&F) is pleased to announce the 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award recipients, who will be honored in a ceremony at the Naval Academy. on Friday, 21 March 2025.

ADM Jonathan W. Greenert '75, USN (Ret.)
VADM Anthony L. Winns '78, USN (Ret.)
CAPT Sunita L. Williams '87, USN (Ret.)
Ms. JoAnna L. Sohovich '93

ADM Jonathan W. Greenert '75, USN (Ret.): ADM Greenert was born and raised in Butler, Pa. He attended the Naval Academy, majored in Ocean Engineering, and was commissioned in June 1975. Greenert completed studies in naval nuclear engineering and entered the nuclear submarine force. His service in submarines (FLYING FISH, TAUTOG, NR-1, MICHIGAN (GOLD)) culminated in command of the submarine USS HONOLULU (SSN 718) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. His flag assignments were Commander, U.S. Forces Micronesia; Deputy Comptroller, Dept. of the Navy; Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Commander, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet (Asia); Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Requirements and Resources (N8); Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (Atlantic); and Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Greenert served as the thirtieth Chief of Naval Operations from 2011 to 2015. He retired from military service in October 2015 and currently serves as a director on corporate boards, as a consultant and advisor, and as a volunteer for non-profit and philanthropic organizations. He served as chair of the USNA Distinguished Graduate Award selection panel for the 2020 through 2022 selection cycles. He and his family have enjoyed living in Japan, Guam, Hawaii, Bangor/Seattle, San Diego and Washington, DC.

VADM Anthony L. Winns '78, USN (Ret.): VADM Winns is a native of Jacksonville, FL and graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy in 1978. He later earned a master's degree with distinction from the Naval Postgraduate School. He was the first officer in his Naval Academy class to promote to flag rank. On active duty, he commanded Patrol Squadron Eleven, USS ESSEX (LHD-2), Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Pacific and Task Force 32, and served as Vice Director and Acting Director for Operations (J-3), Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Naval Inspector General. He retired from military service in 2011 and joined Lockheed Martin, serving as President of the Middle East-Africa region and later as Deputy, Lockheed Martin International and Regional Executive, Africa-Latin America, overseeing global partnerships, business development, and corporate strategy. In 2007, Winns was the recipient of the Becoming Everything You Are (BEYA) "Career Achievement in Government" Award for inspirational STEM leadership. He currently serves as National Chairman of the BEYA Stars and Stripes Military Alumni Association where he has made a significant impact reaching over 40,000 students and professionals. Moreover, he founded the BEYA National Scholarship Foundation and co-founded the BEYA National STEM Student Mentoring Program which, to date, has inspired over 7,000 high school students. Winns currently serves on corporate boards and is a trustee of the Naval Academy Foundation Athletic and Scholarship Programs. He and his family reside in Orlando, FL.

CAPT Sunita L. Williams '87, USN (Ret.): CAPT Williams was born and raised in Needham, MA. She graduated from the Naval Academy in 1987 and began her naval career as a helicopter pilot, logging over 3,000 hours in 30+ aircraft as a test pilot. Williams became an astronaut in 1998 and has made three trips to the International Space Station (ISS). She is one of two women to command the ISS twice, and one of five U.S. astronauts with over 500 days in space. Living by her creed to "inspire the next generation of explorers," she is an international role model and ambassador for the Naval Academy, Navy, and NASA astronaut program. Williams is a perennial fixture at the Naval Academy Space Convocation, relaying her Navy and NASA experiences to the next generation of leaders and explorers. As a former captain of the USNA women's swim team, she stays engaged with the team and offers her guidance and support. Naval Academy ideals are the foundation of her successful career, and she emphasizes those concepts during her interactions with midshipmen. Her many contributions to the space program include helping build the ISS; designing systems, products, and processes for future space travel; recruiting and training scores of astronauts from multiple countries; and creating strong and trusted partnerships in both the U.S. and international space communities. Williams uses her platform to encourage careers in science and technology, speaking with school children both in person and from space. In October 2019, her hometown of Needham, MA dedicated the Sunita L. Williams Elementary School in recognition of her life of character, integrity, adventure, and service. She and her husband and classmate Michael Williams '87 live in Houston, TX.

Ms. JoAnna L. Sohovich '93: Ms. Sohovich is a 1993 graduate of the Naval Academy. She began her career as a Navy Supply Corps officer, serving at the supply depot, U.S. Naval Submarine base in Point Loma, California. She later deployed to the Persian Gulf aboard the USS ESSEX (LHD-2), an amphibious assault ship, as one of the first women following the repeal of the combat exclusion policy. Sohovich's business career has spanned various industries, including technology, manufactured goods, and general management, and she has held leadership positions with some of the world's leading companies such as Chamberlain Group, Stanley Black & Decker, and Honeywell. Sohovich is an independent board director for two prestigious public companies: Barnes Group, Inc., and Ingersoll Rand. She chairs a private equity board under Blackstone for the Chamberlain Group. She is a member of The Committee of 200, an invitation-only membership organization of the world's most successful women business leaders, and a member of YPO, the world's largest leadership community of chief executives. Sohovich serves on the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Board of Directors and as a member of the Women For Navy Athletics. Her philanthropic projects include the Sohovich Refueling Station in Lejeune Hall that provides nutritional resources and custom tools needed for athletic programs based on training and competition schedules. She is the proud mom of teenaged super-swimmer Xavier.

The USNA AA&F wishes to thank the 2025 DGA selection panelists, led by panel chair Admiral Harry Harris '78, USN (Ret.), for their diligent and difficult task in selecting these four outstanding graduates from a highly competitive field of nominees.

We also thank the Naval Academy alumni who submitted nominations – the panel was impressed by the achievements of every nominee.

For more information on the nomination and selection process for the Distinguished Graduate Award, and a list of past honorees, please visit usna.com/DGA.

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation is a non-profit, independent corporation with more than 69,000 members, 77 active alumni classes, 104 chapters, 78 parent groups, and 6 Shared Interest Groups.

CESIR Support

A commitment to support the Center for Energy Security and Infrastructure Resilience (CESIR)

3 April 2025—The USNA AA&F is proud to announce a seven-figure gift from Jim '87 and Julie Matheson to support the launch of The Center for Energy Security and Infrastructure Resilience (CESIR) at the USNA.

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Their gift coincides with the appointment of Dr. Robert Fishman '73 as the inaugural Jim and Julie Matheson Class of 1987 Director of CESIR. Their gift will also support the Naval Academy Fund, providing flexible resources to advance the mission of the Academy.

"Julie and I are honored to be able to support the vital and timely work of the newly established Center for Energy Security and Infrastructure Resilience" shared Jim Matheson. "The interdependent topics of energy security and infrastructure resilience are central to national and global imperatives, and CESIR's mission of ensuring that the future leaders of the Navy and Marine Corps understand the risks and opportunities in these areas is mission critical. We are especially grateful to Superintendent Davids and Provost Firebaugh for their vision in establishing CESIR, and for Dr. Fishman's commitment to launching and leading it, and look forward to working with them to grow CESIR's impact in the coming years."

Jim Matheson earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Merit from USNA in 1987 and later obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS). He served as a Navy F-14/18 pilot and TOPGUN Instructor, retiring from the Naval Reserves as a Commander in 2008. Jim serves on the Entrepreneurship Faculty at Harvard Business School, and as a Special Partner at Engine Ventures and Venture Partner at Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Julie Matheson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from The Ohio State University and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Counseling and Psychology from Lesley University, and is an author, mental health therapist, and Founder of Lotus Flower Living.

Jim has been deeply engaged with the Naval Academy community, serving for 35 years as a Class of 1987 Officer including 20 years as President, and previously as the Vice President of the Boston USNA Alumni Chapter. He and Julie split their time between Boise, Idaho, and Cambridge, Massachusetts and regularly host alumni gatherings to promote alumni engagement and connection.

Jim and Julie Matheson's gift represents a significant step forward in advancing CESIR's mission while demonstrating the critical role of philanthropy in sustaining the Academy's leadership in energy security and resilience. The Center, established in the spring of 2024, is dedicated to addressing the complex challenges of preparing future Navy and Marine Corps officers to navigate evolving global energy and security landscapes. CESIR is also dedicated to bolstering USNA's infrastructure by enhancing energy resilience and developing mitigation strategies during extreme weather events. Additionally, CESIR provides interdisciplinary professional training, special lectures, and collaboration opportunities with government agencies, universities, and industry leaders to ensure USNA remains at the forefront of energy and resilience education.

Dr. Fishman has dedicated his career to power generation, renewable energy, and energy economics, with expertise in power grid operations, systems integration, optimization, reliability, and thermal hydraulics. Dr. Fishman's extensive leadership experience includes serving as President and CEO of NAES Corporation, COO of General Atomics, and key executive roles at Calpine Corporation and PB Power. A graduate of USNA and former U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, Fishman also holds advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Fishman remains an influential voice in engineering, energy, and aviation history, and previously served as a USNA Alumni Association Trustee for the Puget Sound Chapter.

"The dual challenges of energy security and the impact on critical infrastructure are important issues that are impacting the Yard today and will challenge our midshipmen in their future careers as Navy and Marine Corps officers," said Provost Samara Firebaugh. "The primary mission of the Center is to prepare midshipmen to meet these challenges with access to first-class resources and subject matter expertise."

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.

"The generosity and support of our alumni remain the driving forces for our success as an Enterprise and the success of the Naval Academy," said Jeff Webb, President and CEO of the Alumni Association & Foundation. "This is yet another example of the philanthropy of an alumnus creating a margin of excellence that continues to propel USNA forward. Across the moral, mental and physical missions at Annapolis, the contributions of our alumni make a difference and help create a better warfighter for the Navy and Marine Corps. I want to personally thank Jim and Julie for making a difference and leading through their generosity."

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.

Michael Taylor Gift

ANNOUNCING A $15 M COMMITMENT FROM MICHAEL TAYLOR '86

19 February 2025 – The USNA AA&F is proud to announce a $15 million commitment from Michael Wilson Taylor '86.

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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.

John Coppola

John Coppola joins AA&F as EVP and CFO

9 August 2024 - USNA AA&F has named Mr. John C. Coppola, CPA, MBA, as their new Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

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John served for eight years at Loyola University Maryland where he reported to the President as the Vice President of Finance and Administration. He oversaw the offices of budget and business planning, investment and treasury services, financial reporting, technology services, human resources, facilities and risk management, and auxiliary operations.

The recruiting firm Heidrick & Struggles assisted in the nationwide search.

"We are pleased to welcome John to the Alumni Association and Foundation," said Jeff Webb '95, President/CEO of USNA AA&F. "Among many highly qualified candidates who interviewed for this critical role, John emerged as the best fit. His successful track record as a CFO, strong accounting background, higher education experience, and leadership abilities were abundantly clear throughout the interview process to me and our hiring committee."

As CFO, John's responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring the integrity of financial systems, preparing and maintaining accounting records, and overseeing budgeting aligned with strategic plans.
• Monitoring budget performance, conducting financial forecasting, and managing cash flow and banking relationships.
• Collaborating with the CEO and senior leadership to formulate and execute strategic initiatives.
• Overseeing financial reporting while managing investment strategies and risks.
• Developing IT strategies, ensuring secure technology operations, and fostering a collaborative work environment by leading, mentoring, and developing staff.

"I feel very well-prepared to take on this role and be a part of creating the financial health that will anchor the organization so we can deliver meaningful programs and services to our constituent groups. My skill set aligns remarkably well with the position profile, and as I got to know members of the leadership team and the Boards, I came to the realization that I could have a significant impact on the work ahead of us in Strategic Plan 2030 and beyond," said Coppola.

John and his children are eager to embark on this journey with USNA AA&F. "As a proud, lifelong resident of Anne Arundel County, I have always had the deepest respect and admiration for the Naval Academy. This role provides a unique opportunity to be a member of the executive leadership team of the Alumni Association and Foundation as we work to deliver a meaningful experience to our members and provide support to the Naval Academy."

John Coppola earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) and a Master of Business Administration (Finance) from Loyola University Maryland and is a graduate of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) Fellows Program. John currently serves on various boards, including the Eastern Association of College and University Business Officers (EACUBO) and Archbishop Spalding High School.

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 alumni classes, and 104 chapters around the world. For more information, visit www.usna.com or email us.

Class of 2024 Gift

UNIQUE GIFT FROM THE USNA CLASS OF 1974 TO CLASS OF 2024

17 May 2024 – Members of the USNA Class of 1974, participating in the USNA AA's Another Link in the Chain program, will join the graduation ceremony at NMCMS.

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Following the awarding of diplomas, representatives from the Class of 1974 will present each 2024 graduate with a set of gold Ensign (Navy) or 2nd Lieutenant (Marine Corps) insignia bars, bearing the class years "74-24." Accompanying these bars, each graduate will receive a card bearing the message:

"On the strength of one link in the cable, dependeth the might of the chain; who knows when thou mayest be tested? So live that thou bearest the strain!"

Nine distinguished members from the Class of 1974, selected by their peers, will have the honor of presenting these bars, solidifying a 50-year bond between the two classes as the Class of 2024 proudly enters the ranks of the Navy-Marine Corps team of the 21st Century.

Since their Induction Day in July 2020, the Class of 2024 has cultivated a relationship with the Class of 1974 through shared experiences and camaraderie. Over the past four years, they have engaged in various events alongside the midshipmen, including the bonding of class rings donated by the Class of 1974. The gold from these donated rings has contributed to the rings now worn proudly by the Class of 2024.

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.

CFO Search

AA&F BEGINS SEARCH FOR NEW EVP and CFO

2 May 2024 - The USNA AA&F is welcoming candidates for the open position of executive vice president and chief financial officer.

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The CFO will join a dynamic team dedicated to ensuring the financial stability, growth, and accountability of the Alumni Association and Foundation. We seek an experienced professional and leader who demonstrates a passion for service and embodies the values of the U.S. Naval Academy, though a strong connection to the U.S. Naval Academy is not required.

With our recent move to our new Fluegel Alumni Center home and adoption of new strategies across the organization, we are undergoing a period of transformation. The next CFO will have the opportunity to make a substantial and enduring impact on the Naval Academy and our 69,000-strong alumni community.

If you are interested in this role, or know of any great candidates, please contact our hiring partner Heidrick & Struggles at USNAAAFCFO@heidrick.com.

The USNA Alumni Association and Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans encouraged to apply.