Dear ’78 Classmate,
With our 50th reunion just under 2 years away (October 19-22, 2028), and with nearly 3 years completed since launching our endowment gift initiative, I’m proud to report that 506 classmates have pledged $8,750,402 toward our $10 million Class of ’78 Endowment goal! Thanks to everyone who’s stepped up and for helping us make an exceptional gift to an institution which made such a huge impact on our lives. We’re getting close to meeting our goal but we still need to raise the final $1.25 million to secure our lasting legacy.
This endowment isn’t just another fundraiser — it’s a forever fund that will impact the Naval Academy and future midshipmen for generations to come. It’s likely the last time we’ll ask for a major gift of this kind — and a powerful way to reflect the success, leadership, and commitment our class has embodied for nearly 50 years.
Here’s how the giving breaks down so far:
· 506 classmates have pledged (~57% of our graduates)
· 113 gave $10,000 or more
· 67 gave the recommended $12,500
· 30 gave over $50,000
· 22 gave over $100,000
· 4 gave over $1,000,000
We’ve also received pledges for estate gifts totaling $4,331,600. These gifts will be added to our endowment as estates are settled at future dates. We hope that this giving increases as more of us make our estate plans.
· 2 over $40,000
· 1 over $50,000
· 2 over $100,000
· 1 over $1,000,000
· 1 over $3,000,000
Where do you stand among your peers?
We’re not just asking for a donation — we’re asking you to consider your legacy. If you’ve already given, thank you. But is there room to stretch a little more to reflect what this place has meant to you — and what your gift can mean for those who follow?
Make an additional pledge or increase your gift?
Let’s finish strong — and ensure our class is remembered not just for what we did while we were there, but for what we’ve done ever since. For those who have already pledged, please make sure you make your annual contributions. We have had classmates who indicated that they were waiting for notices to make their pledges and the notice didn’t come so we would appreciate it if you would confirm with the Foundation that your giving is up to speed with your pledge. . The endowment is only an effective giving mechanism if it’s funded!
If you just reply to this message, with a “Hey tell me more” or “I need some help,” one of our committee members will contact you to provide more information or answer any questions.
Beat Army, always!
Class of 1978 Endowment Committee
John H. Semcken III, Chairman