from the National World War II Museum in New Orleans delivered the virtual presentation, “Speed and Surprise: The Legacy of the U.S. Navy through Battlefield Tours.” The tour paid tribute to the legacy of the Navy from the American Civil War through the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. Destinations included New Orleans, Poland, France and Germany. The Alumni Association and Foundation received the following feedback from participants:
FEEDBACK
“The curator was very knowledgeable and used excellent illustrations.” —Patrick M. Malone ’64 “Speaker was outstanding. Easy to listen to and follow.” —Greg Brubeck ’69 “I enjoyed the mix of history along with the explanation of the tours themselves.” —Captain Thomas Bailey ’83, USN (Ret.) On 18 February, Jen Swanson ’90 shared her experience as an author of more than 40 STEM-focused children’s books. Swanson’s Know the Ropes “Astronaut-Aquanat” appearance elicited these comments from participants:
On 24 February, Naval Academy Museum Director Claude Berube and Nathan Huegen from the National World War II Museum in New Orleans gave a virtual presentation on the legacy of the U.S. Navy.
Women’s History Month The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation has been looking for new ways to recognize and celebrate heritage months honoring specific communities, such as Black History Month and Women’s History Month, across all communications channels, but especially social media. The first Facebook post recognizing Women’s History Month, a video from the 2016 celebration of the 40th anniversary of women at the Academy, was met with criticism by some alumni, however. Lonelli Gonzalez ’01 wrote: “I was discouraged when I saw the picture, but heartbroken when I watched the video. There are no women of color featured. There is one picture of a black woman after the eight minute mark of a video less than nine minutes long. We cannot be feminists seeking to empower women if we continue to marginalize Black and Brown women. 40 years. The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation continues to overlook Black and Brown women.” 4 SHIPMATE • MAY 2021
The Alumni Association and Foundation’s response: “Lonelli, thank you for this thoughtful—and accurate—feedback. While this video, produced in 2016, absolutely could have been more representative of the entire community of Naval Academy women, our recognition of Women's History Month will continue throughout March and subsequent content, both curated and original, will be more inclusive of alumnae of color.” We continue to make representation and inclusivity a priority in all of our communications.
Virtual BZ While the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation or postponement of in-person events over the past year, the Alumni Association and Foundation remained connected with Academy alumni and friends. Through a variety of virtual offerings—including the Know the Ropes, C Suite and Called to Serve Speaker series— alumni heard from their peers and experts. On 24 February, Claude Berube from the Naval Academy Museum and Nathan Huegen
“Loved the ease of connection and the great presenter, Jen Swanson!” —Commander Colleen McFeely Shook ’90, JAGC, USN (Ret.) “Great for kids, my 6-year-old was very engaged with Jennifer Swanson's presentation. It's also good to see USNA alumni who go into atypical careers outside of military and government.” —Dennis Watkins ’00
Finding Bill “Bill can be found on page 40 of the January– February 2021 edition of Shipmate hiding behind a rock in Undiscovered Ireland. This was a tough one as I had to look through the issue numerous times before finding him. Your publications are super great.” —Captain Ned Kuhns ’61, SC, USN (Ret.) ®
Thank you for your feedback. To comment, correct or clarify, send your note and name to shipmate@usna.com.
Submissions have been lightly edited for length/clarity.
