WPAOG Parent Handbook 2021-22

52 SUPPORTING WEST POINT & THE LONG GRAY LINE WEST POINT PARENTS FUND From the time that your cadet is dropped off for R Day and up until graduation and beyond, parents play an integral role in supporting their cadet’s experience at West Point. Annual giving to the West Point Parents Fund is a great way that parents can make a difference for their cadets, both personally and professionally. What Is the West Point Parents Fund? The West Point Parents Fund is a subset of the Superintendent’s Annual Fund. By agreement with USMA, the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) asks parents to support the West Point Parents Fund each year. Gifts to the West Point Parents Fund are unrestricted gifts allocated at the Superintendent’s discretion. All of the major activities at West Point benefit from the various additional funding to support Margin of Excellence needs. What is the Margin of Excellence? The Margin of Excellence enables additional developmental programs that go beyond the core requirements funded by the U.S. government. These programs (1) allow the Academy to remain competitive in attracting high quality cadet candidates, (2) enable cadets to achieve their highest potential, and (3) keep USMA at the top of the national rankings. The Margin of Excellence includes: • hands-on and out-of-classroom leadership experiences for cadets • c ultural immersion opportunities for cadets • c lub and athletic team funds and endowments for cadets • r enovation and improvements to West Point, the landmark • a cademic and research centers for cadets, the U.S. Army, and the nation Such opportunities make a West Point education like no other, and they are made possible through gifts from graduates, parents, corporations, foundations, and other friends of West Point. How to Make a Gift to the West Point Parents Fund Gifts to the West Point Parents Fund can be made online, by phone, or by mail. Donors can make gifts by check (made payable to the West Point Association of Graduates), credit card, securities transfer, or deferred gifts. Online WestPointAOG.org/givetoparentsfund Phone 845.446.1657 Mail West Point Association of Graduates Annual Giving Office, 698 Mills Road Shelisa Baskerville, Parent Giving Officer 845.446.1535, parentrelations@wpaog.org