The Coast Guard Academy is primarily funded through appropriations from the federal government; however, it is a myth that the needs of the Academy and the Corps of Cadets are fully met by appropriated funds. While Federal funding does provide for basic facilities and programs, the Academy, like most colleges, depends on private financial support to add a “margin of excellence” to its programs.
Most of our alumni, parents and friends are not satisfied with the Academy just being average. They want it to be the best, which means providing the excellence needed to compete for the best and brightest high school students and the excellence needed to produce leaders of character for our service and our country. We all saw the results of some of these leaders in action, during the heroic relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.
Over the past three years, about $4 million in athletic facility improvements have been made that would not exist without private support. The Tyler Leadership Chair and other educational enhancements have added similar value to the academic program. Our Admissions staff will be the first to tell you, it does make a difference.
In short, the Alumni Association gives people who care about the Coast Guard Academy an opportunity to improve the developmental experience of our future leaders.
Benefits to CGA
Last year, the Alumni Association provided more than $1.36 million in financial support to the Academy. This year, our goal is to provide the Academy with over $1 million for the fourth year in a row. Some of the more important benefits from last year’s funding are described below.
A $200,000 gift enabled the Academy to relocate and build a new softball field. Other private funds helped provide a new outdoor track and soccer field along with a regraded, returfed baseball field. The result is a superb lower playing field area as good as any in the region. On any given afternoon, you can also see four different teams, perhaps 150 cadets, all working out on the artificial turf provided for the football field by the Class of ’53.
A $70,000 gift allowed for a complete renovation of the Library Reading Room, making a warmer, friendlier area for cadets to relax and study. The room was named for G. William Miller ’46, during Homecoming ceremonies. We also provided over $5,000 in other library support and gave more than $45,000 to improve cadet writing and speaking skills through the Hewitt Endowment.
More than $88,000 was provided to support the Tyler Chair efforts of Admiral Jim Loy ’64. This included a once in a lifetime trip to Washington, DC for fifteen cadets. One cadet remarked that you couldn’t get an experience like that at any other college in the country. The Institute for Leadership, which supports the Tyler Chair, coordinated an improved guest speaker series, including two landmark Homeland Security debates sponsored by the Class of ’54.
Unrestricted funds provided over $80,000 for general academic enrichment, cadet activities, like the annual musical, our sailing program, admissions, and general athletic support. We also funded several summer intern programs as well as the honors program, Model UN and San Remo military competition trips.
The Chase Hall quarterdeck area was renovated, providing a Hall of Heroes and a Hall of Remembrance, with funding of more than $43,000 from the Class of ’59. The Class of ’62 put more than $80,000 into their murals project, which now enhances the Alumni Center but will ultimately grace a renovated library. There was also support for the museum, the chapel, and a host of other specific programs.
More could be said, but you get the idea. Your support does great things at the Academy and truly makes the cadet experience more than a college education. This is an exciting time at CGA. Come for a visit and see the many positive changes that have occurred since you graduated.
Stewardship
We understand that you have choices in making your philanthropic gifts. We appreciate your support of the Academy and pledge to be good stewards of your gifts. For 2008, the Alumni Association’s fund raising expenses were about 15% of the funds raised. Many non-profit organizations are happy with a cost of fund raising of 25% or less. Ten to fifteen per cent is considered exceptional.
We are committed to providing both long-term and current support to the Academy. Over the past five years, our net assets have grown from about $8 million to more than $18 million, substantially increasing endowments that provide perpetual support for many Academy programs. At the same time, while the Alumni Center was being built, we increased our annual support to the Academy from about $615,000 in 2004 to over $1 million in 2008, and we expect that financial support to continue increasing.
With your help, we are committed to making continued progress in support of the Academy’s “margin of excellence” programs.