Classmates,
This year’s Naval Academy Foundation “Great Class Challenge” starts tomorrow and runs from May 4 through May 8. You may have received information from the Foundation in the mail about the challenge which is a “participation” challenge to see which class has the highest participation rate. Please be aware that any gift you give for the “Challenge” can be directed to our Class 50th Reunion Gift/Endowment fund.
With the Class Challenge in mind, we want to share with you a message from our Class Gift Committee providing you with an update on the progress of our Reunion Class Gift/Endowment:
Classmates of 1978,
I’d like to share a brief update on our Class Endowment. As you know, our 50th Class Gift includes our contribution to the Fluegel Center and our Class Endowment—built through pledges, estate gifts, and the Class Challenge.
Over the past months, members of the Endowment Committee have attempted to communicate with every one of you—many twice. What stands out isn’t just the progress we’ve made, but the spirit of our class. Reconnecting, hearing your stories, and reflecting on the lives we’ve led since leaving the shores of the Severn has been deeply meaningful. Some paths have been easier than others, but in every conversation, there has been gratitude—for the Academy, and for each other.
We are now in the final stretch. The goal for our Class Endowment is $10 million and 78% participation. We are nearing $8 million, but what matters most is that we finish this together.
We know each of us carries different responsibilities and capacities. For those who can do more, we ask you to consider stepping forward now. For those who cannot, we ask something just as important—that you stand with your class. A gift of any size matters. It says, “I was part of this. I showed up.”
Our class has always set the standard. This Endowment will carry our legacy forward, supporting Midshipmen long after we are gone. With time—and with the estate gifts many of you have already established—its impact will only grow.
Give what you can and be counted.
Let’s finish this together—78% strong—and leave behind something worthy of the bond we share.
Respectfully,
John Semcken
If you are ready to make a gift supporting our Class Endowment, you can support the “Great Class Challenge” AND our Class 50th Reunion/Endowment by following the link below and selecting the Class of 1978 Project: gonavy.co/GreatClassChallenge
When you get to the landing page, select or type in your gift amount ($10 minimum), then “click” on “Active Class Projects.” Select the “1978 Legacy Endowment” from the list and complete the form with your information. You will find several ways to make your gift including Venmo and PayPal. If you want to use a credit card “click” “Go to Checkout” and you will find the form for your card information.
If you’ve already made a gift to the Academy this year—thank you. However, please consider making another small gift during the Challenge to help increase our participation.
Thank you all for your gifts and your support!
Fair winds…
Glen
Glen Woods
President, USNA Class of 1978