Classmates,
Thanks to all who joined our first virtual class meeting! We had a great discussion, especially about our fundraising efforts. We also noted some confusion, so here’s a quick attempt to explain.
How We Got Here
Believe it or not, formal fundraising at USNA only started in 2000, thanks to ADM Larson with the newly formed Naval Academy Foundation. Since then, two massive campaigns have raised nearly $800M to fund a “margin of excellence” beyond federal funding. A third campaign is about to start.
Since our 20th reunion, our class has consistently stepped up, supporting classmates who served at USNA – guys like Joe Leidig (Commandant), Art Athens (Stockdale Center), Jeff Fowler (Supe), and Bruce Latta (Admissions). Our lifetime giving? A whopping $28M, ranking us in the top 10 classes! We’ve been among the top 2-3 classes for every fundraising challenge. ’78 sets the bar high!
Our 50th Reunion Gift
Unlike previous reunions where we fundraised over a decade, our Class Officers saw an early opportunity: the new Fluegel Alumni Center. So, back in 2020, they locked in an agreement to start fundraising early. The result? Nearly $2M raised, with our class dominating the donor wall.
Beyond the Alumni Center, we’ve given an additional $3M, including a $2.5M estate gift, through annual donations and class challenges.
At our 45th reunion, we decided to go bigger. John Semcken took the lead, and after surveying the class, we set our sights on supporting Leadership, Academics, Athletics, and the USNA Fund (Unrestricted funds) – with Leadership as our top priority – through an enduring endowment.
Where We Stand
So far, a third of our classmates have committed $7.3M in cash pledges, aiming for $10M by 2028. The endowment will generate about $500K per year for Midshipman programs, and as the fund grows, so will our impact. Notably, estate commitments add another $4M to the total.
What’s Next?
We’re pushing to break the Class of ’73’s record of 76% participation (because we love a good challenge). We’re also working with USNA to define key areas of support while ensuring our class gets the recognition it has earned.
If you already give to specific USNA programs – thank you! But please consider adding the Class of ’78 Endowment to your legacy. More updates coming soon. Let’s keep raising the bar!
Go Navy and Go Hard ’78!
John Semcken and the Gift Committee [Frank Behm, Dave Buss, Chip Jones, John Kovalcik, Ray Kwong, Bill Levis, Kevin “Grinch” Lynch, John Rudder, Maurice Tose, John Young.