The West Point Association of Graduates’ Alumni Support programs have been dramatically affected due to COVID-19, but one program is strong as ever.
While dealing with the impact of COVID-19 has been a challenge, it has given Alumni Support an opportunity to re-invent its services, and no program better represents this “pivot” than its 50-Year Affiliation Program (50YAP) which pairs the entering cadet class with an alumni class that is 50 years its senior.
The purpose of the 50YAP, which began with the classes of 1949 and 1999, is to strengthen the ties between the graduates of yesterday and the cadets of today as both groups work together to strengthen the Long Gray Line as it serves our nation. Over the course of four years, the 50YAP graduates will accompany and support their affiliated cadets at significant milestone events from Reception Day (R-Day) through Graduation. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the 50YAP graduates have been unable to be with their affiliated cadets at these ceremonies; however, just like the “close a door; open a window” saying, the support they have given has never been stronger. Full story.