Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends,
With 2020 wrapping up here in Annapolis and midshipmen at home with their families after completing an unprecedented semester, we are pleased to share with you another update from the Academy and the Foundation. For this edition, I am forwarding an email written by our Regional Director of Development for the Southeast, Dean Castaldo. Dean’s story is unique in that he began working at the Foundation in the summer of 2019 and is also an officer in the Navy Reserve. Less than one year after starting with the Foundation he was called to serve our country overseas in the Information Warfare Community. Dean is deployed through next year and shares his views from the frontlines below.
Message from Dean Castaldo, Regional Director of Development, Southeast:
As some of you know I serve as both a Regional Director of Development for the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation and an officer in the Navy Reserve’s Information Warfare Community. This past summer I was called to active duty and deployed overseas. My experience thus far has reinforced every talking point you have heard from me or my colleagues about the importance of the Superintendent’s fundraising priorities, including leadership development, academics, international programs and athletics. Trust me when I say these are more than fundraising pitches; they are essential elements to preparing young leaders for the demanding, ever-changing and often dangerous challenges that await them after graduation. Having spent the last four months working long hours alongside soldiers, sailors (including a few alumni), airmen and Marines for a no-fail mission that brings together partners from across the globe, I have personally felt the need and seen the value of resilient and diplomatic leaders that have the competency to be creative and bold. Once again, we thank you for your great support of the mission of the United States Naval Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation.
Back in Annapolis, my colleagues and I are excited to close out another successful year and begin 2021 with renewed hope and energy to continue our mission connecting each of you—our loyal alumni, parents and friends—to meaningful opportunities that further the mission and strengthen the legacy of the Naval Academy. While we are excited for what lies ahead, we would be remiss if we failed to acknowledge the many acts of generosity that have inspired and energized us throughout the events of this past year. Specifically, we are grateful for each of you who, through your support, have ensured midshipmen have the resources necessary to prepare for a career as leaders in our Navy and Marine Corps. We are especially grateful as we celebrate the impact of the more than $510 million that has now been raised through the Called to Serve, Daring to Lead campaign for the Naval Academy.
Updates from the Naval Academy Community:
- CAPT Amy Bauernschmidt ’94, USN, is the first woman to be selected to command a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
- Midshipman Sydney Barber ’21 will assume the Brigade’s highest leadership position in 2021, becoming the first black female to serve as the Brigade Commander. CBS News aired a wonderful piece on MIDN Barber prior to the Army-Navy game this past Saturday.
- Not one, but TWO USNA graduates have made the list of 18 Artemis team astronauts and will help pave the way for the next astronaut missions on and around the Moon. Congratulations to both LCDR Kayla Barron ’10, USN, and LtCol Nicole Mann ’99, USMC!
- The United States Naval Academy is once again one of the top 10 schools in the country for graduating NCAA student-athletes.
- Naval Academy midshipmen continue to receive some of the most competitive scholarships in the country! MIDN Lillian Usadi ’21, was selected as the Naval Academy’s 53rd Rhodes Scholar, while MIDN William “Quinn” O’Loane ’21 was awarded a Marshall Scholarship.
- Almost 700 donors came together to raise more than $585,000 to support the Midshipman Activities Fund, which will provide morale-boosting opportunities for the Brigade during this difficult time.
While these are just a few of the many great stories of success happening throughout your Naval Academy community, we invite you to stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for future updates. As always, thank you for your continued generosity supporting numerous programs across the Yard.
Finally, if you have already supported the Naval Academy in 2020, thank you! If you haven’t, there is still time to make a gift to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation and support our future Navy and Marine Corps officers. We are encouraging those interested in making a gift to do so online due to mail delivery delays in the greater Annapolis area.
As we look forward to a brighter and better 2021, we wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season!
Go Navy!
Sincerely,
John Rudder ’78
Vice President, Development
Office: 410-295-4189 | Mobile: 443-538-2020
John.rudder@usna.com
Mike Hoffman
Director of Development
Office: 410-295-4184 | Mobile: 443-798-5644
Mike.hoffman@usna.com