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| First USNA Cyber Operations Major Named as Rhodes Scholar Recipient |
 MIDN Benjamin Kwong ’23, of Newport Beach, CA, was recently selected as the U.S. Naval Academy’s 55th Rhodes Scholar recipient, and the first cyber operations major selected. Over 840 applicants were endorsed by 244 schools for one of the 32 scholarships awarded in the U.S. this year. Kwong is the 9th Company operations officer, the Navy Surf Club vice president, a member of the Navy club volleyball team, and a volunteer with the Midshipman Action Group Mids4Kids program. His favorite leadership position at USNA was as a plebe summer squad leader in 2021. Rhodes Scholarships provide up to three years of study at the University of Oxford in England. Rhodes Scholars are chosen based on high academic achievement, the integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, the potential for leadership, and physical vigor. |
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| Monument Unveiled for First African American to Enter the U.S. Naval Academy |
 In September 1872, James H. Conyers reported to the U.S. Naval Academy as the first African American to attend the Academy. 150 years later on 14 November, Conyers’ family members, Naval Academy Superintendent VADM Sean Buck ’83, USN, USNA AA&F President and CEO Jeff Webb ’95, and members of the alumni community gathered in Conyers’ hometown of Charleston, SC, to honor his life and mark this significant USNA milestone. Unfortunately, Conyers did not complete his four years at the Academy due to racially-motivated abuse. However, he did pave the way for future African American midshipmen and his legacy lives on today. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was 2018 USNA Distinguished Graduate MajGen Charles Bolden Jr. ’68, USMC (Ret.). The Naval Academy Minority Association (NAMA) Shared Interest Group, directed by RADM Julius Caesar ’77, USN (Ret.), organized and hosted the gathering. Conyers’ legacy as a Naval Academy pioneer is now rightfully etched in stone in Charleston, and in the hearts of all who honor his courage. |
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| Strategic Impact of Philanthropy at the Academy |
 Thanks to your generosity, the United States Naval Academy is making great strides that advance its mission to develop each midshipman morally, mentally, and physically to serve confidently upon graduation. Your efforts equip the Academy to create new and exciting opportunities while strengthening its leadership, sustaining its physical campus, and cultivating its community. To learn more about the difference private philanthropy has made in further elevating the Naval Academy as the Nation’s flagship undergraduate education, leadership, and character development institution, read our newly released 2021-2022 Strategic Impact Reports. |
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| Native American History Month |
 On 3 August 1990, President George H.W. Bush declared the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Commonly referred to as Native American Heritage Month, the month recognizes and celebrates the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of North America and to recognizes their service to our country. According to Navy.mil, there were 22,248 active-duty Native American military members and over half—13,511—served in the Navy as of March 2012. Additionally, more than 160,000 Native Americans are veterans. Approximately, 15,000 active duty, reserve, and civilian members of the Navy’s total force identify as a Native American or Alaska native. We have enjoyed recognizing the many contributions of USNA’s Native American alumni on our webpage and social media platforms this past month. |
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| Make SACC Part of Your 2023! |
 Make 2023 the year to attend one or more of the four Service Academy Career Conferences (SACC). Take this opportunity to connect with recruiters and fellow alumni from industry-leading companies and top-tier schools representing a vast range of businesses and fields of study. Be sure to sign-up today for our pre-event webinars and workshops, company/school-sponsored seminars, and networking opportunities. Make SACC your destination as you navigate your career and educational path. Visit our website for more information and to register. |
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| USNA Alumni Travel in 2023 |
 The excitement of 2023 travel season is building, we are only a couple of months away, and we are thrilled to say that the future looks bright. Trips are booking now and filling up fast. The Navy/Notre Dame 2023 event is booking at a record pace. If you are thinking about going to Dublin, please visit Navy2Ireland to place a deposit for one of the many packages available. Alumni Travel is excited to announce a new boat trip to Fiji in November 2023. This is a small ship with an amazing itinerary! If you have an interest in this location, please email Amy Garwood. Finally, if you need travel insurance, the USNA AA&F offers this service for any trip booked. For an insurance quote, please visit Meyer and Associates-Travel Insurance. Check out all trips for 2023. Travel with us! |
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| Honor a Deceased Veteran on National Wreaths Across America Day |
 Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the Wreaths Across America mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out through wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. On 9 December 2022 at 9 a.m. EST, Wreaths Across America will be at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery to remember and honor those veterans buried in the cemetery through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on their graves and through the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud. Please visit the Wreaths Across America website to learn how you can get involved. |
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| Make Your Year-End Gift Count! |
 Want to support the Naval Academy before 2022 ends? Be sure to meet these deadlines:
• Cash gifts must be postmarked by 31 December.
• Gifts received via credit card must be made on or before 31 December. Gifts can be made at usna.com/give or by contacting our office, 410-295-4115, prior to 31 December to process your gift.
• Gifts of publicly traded appreciated stock should be initiated by mid-December.
• Gifts of mutual fund shares should be initiated in early December.
• IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) should be initiated in early December.
If you write a check directly from your IRA, your gift must clear the bank by 31 December to count as a 2022 gift. Be sure to send IRA checks early. If you have any questions, email Liz Root or call 410-295-4126.
Thank you for your gifts in 2022. |
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