Class of 1984 40th Reunion Project - Endowment for Cadet Clubs

Class of ’84 Endowment for Cadet Clubs

(Military Training, Academic Excellence, Athletic Development)

Tenacity, courage, fortitude, and competitiveness are as important today as they were when the Academy was founded, and a changing world calls for new ways to build physical strength and mental toughness and develop leaders of character prepared to guide our nation’s Air and Space Forces.

Part of balancing the demands of life at the U.S. Air Force Academy is finding time for hobbies and interests. About 75% of cadets are involved in at least one of the Academy’s 90+ active clubs. The majority of USAFA Cadet Clubs fall into three of the Academy’s pillars of excellence - academic excellence, athletic development and military training. Cadet Clubs enhance the overall Academy program by providing cadets with an outlet to grow personally and professionally and helping the Academy produce well-rounded leaders with strong character. The many programs offered help instill critical concepts of trust and teamwork, encourage an increased sense of community, and build resilience.

In honor of our 40th reunion, the Class of 1984 Class Gift Committee proposes to endow perpetual support for the various cadet clubs focusing on the USAFA pillars of academic excellence, athletic development and military training. Our initial goal is at least $1 million to allow for annual support toward each of these critical pillars, with stipulations in place from the class to focus on underfunded clubs and support different clubs annually, among others.

Cadet clubs must rely on private support because both Department of Defense funds and other Academy funds are unable to meet the current and anticipated future needs of cadet clubs. These include, but are not limited to, rising costs associated with transportation, lodging, registration, entry and registration fees for local, regional, and national-level competitions, supplies, equipment, uniforms, training and coaching expenses, rental car fees, guest speaker expenses, mementos and coins, and awards and recognition events. As such, the funding from our class gift would help to close the gap with respect to these unmet needs of the clubs.

A full list of cadet clubs can be found at https://www.usafa.edu/cadet-life/clubs/.

Examples of cadet clubs include:

• Academics
  • Astronomy/Physics, Cyber Warfare, Forensics, History, Mock Trial, and Rocketry
• Athletics
  • Archery, Cycling, Judo, Lifting, Marathon, Ski, Volleyball (Men’s), Water Polo (Women’s)
• Military
  • Air Combat, Arnold Air Society, Battlefield Airmen (Special Warfare), Combat Shooting, Wings of Blue (Parachute Team), and Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Connect with your ’84 Gift Committee for questions at 1984USAFA@gmail.com