The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Thriving as Leaders Award (TAL) program was established in 2024 to honor Association members who have distinguished themselves and brought credit upon the community either through distinct acts of achievement or through volunteer service and leadership. Through the example of their achievement, leadership and service, these members bring to life the Alumni Association mission to recognize and honor members who are “thriving as leaders.”

The purpose of the award is to recognize the exemplars who are "thriving as leaders in and out of uniform" through outstanding achievement, volunteer leadership, and service who inspire others in our community toward greater heights of achievement. Over time, the program should serve to elicit community-wide recognition for the great variety of endeavor pursued by our members. Qualifying achievements and volunteer service and leadership for these awards may or may not directly benefit the alumni community, though all qualifying achievements, service and leadership must be of the nature to bring credit upon the alumni community. 



READ THE FULL AWARD BIOGRAPHIES

Nominators: How To NOminate FOR THE 2026 TAL AWARDS

Nominations for the 2026 awards will open this winter, pending review of the 2025 award cycle. Please keep checking in here for updates and information on nominating your fellow members for the 2026 awards.

The two Thriving as Leaders award categories:

Alumni Outstanding Achievement (AOA) awards for USNA alumni in athletic (amateur or professional) achievement and professional/non-athletic achievement in paid work.

Volunteer Leadership and Service (VLS) award for Association members (including non-voting members) distinguishing themselves through their donation of time and talent as volunteers in unpaid work.

Questions and feedback about the TAL award program welcome!

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CAPT wes huey '87, USN (RET.), Ph.d.

Executive Director, Strategy and Legacy Programs

Wesley.Huey@usna.com
p. 410-295-4023
c. 410-693-4580