A SSOCIATION A FFAIRS
From the Chair by VADM Manson Brown, USCG (Ret), ’78
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ur Association Board of Directors joins me in wishing all members of our Alumni Association family a safe, peaceful and joyous holiday season. We eagerly await the promise of 2021 and the opportunity to push this terrible pandemic into the annals of history! Last month during a Lunch & Learn online session, we provided our membership with a brief summary from our November virtual Board of Directors meeting. We provided a special focus on fiscal matters. And I took the opportunity to provide more insight about the board’s focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. As we prepare to enter 2021, know that your Association remains strong and vibrant! One of the positive outcomes of the pandemic is that we’ve taken advantage of our increased online presence to provide greater visibility to our members about the business of our association. I also appreciate that these online events facilitate opportunities for increased interaction with our membership. The end of the calendar year is when we transition one-quarter of the membership of the Board. I commend our Association members for voting in recent elections for new Board members. During our last Board meeting, we were delighted to welcome: Fred Ames ’68, Kirt Martin ’88, Zack Bagdon ’97, and Phil Baxa ’06. With the arrival of our new members, the Board also bid a fond farewell to our four departing members: Kerry Watterson ’78, Eric Hultmark ’83, Angie Hidalgo ’00 and Chris Woods ’09. Collectively, I’ve described this cohort
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group as ultra-talented, incredibly smart, courageous, and graced with exceptional leadership skills. They leave a substantial, positive and enduring impact on our Association. We commend them for their selfless service. At the invitation of the Superintendent, I had the special opportunity to visit the Academy in mid-November. I spoke with cadets about the importance of their enthusiastic participation in Academy recruiting while on holiday break. I stressed the crucial role they play in perpetuating the strength of the Long Blue Line. As many of you have experienced in your recent visits, I was inspired and uplifted by observing and interacting with today’s cadets—they truly are awesome! I also noted that the focus, passion and professionalism of the staff and faculty remains undaunted by this pandemic. During my very brief visit, I toured the facility enhancements that the Association has funded thanks to the generosity of our membership: the completed Leamy Student Center including the large balcony now called Steel Beach, and the ongoing construction of the Emlen Tunnell Strength and Conditioning Center. These are impressive upgrades that greatly enhance the student experience and the attractiveness of Academy facilities to potential recruits. Know that your philanthropy matters! We deeply appreciate those who have already committed to the Maritime Center of Excellence project and encourage others to sign on for this exciting campaign. Stay safe, healthy, and connected! Full steam ahead to 2021! And go BEARS!
December 2020/January 2021
