Usaf100mm Goal
- 1. Building Leaders of Characterfor the Nation The Campaign for the Future of the Air Force Academy
- 3. the Academy hasestablished a tradition of producing quality leaders for the Air Force and nation ... In its short history,
- 4. 1 The Academy representsa special chapter in the lives of graduates. The rigors of the Academy forged lifelong friendships and special bonds. The commit- ment to integrity above all else formed the foundation of our character. We, the graduates of former years, are proud of today’s cadets and gradu- ates. Their service is laudable and their accomplishments admired. We want to help today’s cadets achieve even more by providing the best Academy experience possible. Parents, friends, and supporters respect the Academy and the values it repre- sents. They, too, admire the young men and women who chose to serve their country and, if necessary, to give their lives in its defense. They, too, want to support today’s cadets. The AOG in conjunction with the Superintendent’s strategic plan for the future is helping the Academy achieve this vision by securing private support for several key initiatives not funded by the government. Although the Academy is a federally funded institution, and Congress con- tinues to appropriate funds for the Academy’s “core” programs and operat- ing needs, these programs alone are not enough to ensure the best possible THIS IS A HISTORIC ERA FOR THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY. USAFA HAS JUST BEGUN CELEBRATING ITS GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY AND YOUR ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES IS EMBARKING ON A GROUNDBREAKING FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN. THE CAMPAIGN – BUILDING LEADERS OF CHARACTER FOR THE NATION–WILLTAKETHEACADEMYTONEWLEVELSOFEXCELLENCE AND GIVE OUR CADETS THE BEST EXPERIENCES TO PREPARE THEM FOR LEADERSHIP IN AN INCREASINGLY COMPLEX WORLD.
- 5. 2 Mr. Richard T.Schlosberg III, Class of 1965 Campaign Co-Chairman Former President, Publisher and CEO, Los Angeles Times 2003 Distinguished Graduate Award Winner Mr. Harry J. Pearce, Class of 1964 Campaign Co-Chairman Former Chairman, Hughes Electronic Corporation 2001 Distinguished Graduate Award Winner experience for today’s cadets. Our sister service academies at West Point and Annapolis have already shown how private support can make a difference. With your help, we can do even more for our Academy. Please familiarize yourself with the case for the Building Leaders of Character for the Nation presented in the following pages. We hope you will be inspired to participate in this endeavor. To be successful and reach our goal will require the “Extended Wing” – graduates, parents, friends, and supporters – to respond to this call for action. Your generosity will be an investment in the future of our nation. Sincerely,
- 6. “We train menand women of honor Mr. Harry Pearce, Class of 1964 who are willing to give their lives to defend this country.”
- 7. 4 Our First FiftyYears — A Legacy of Leadership On July 11, 1955, 305 young men showed up at Lowry Air Force Base in Den- ver, Colorado, to become the first entering class at the United States Air Force Academy. On that special day, General Nathan Twining, the Air Force Chief of Staff, told the new cadets that America would “expect great things” from them and future graduates. Those words, “expect great things,” live with us today. The Air Force Academy is a national treasure. It has earned national awards and recognition that make it one of the premier educational and training in- stitutions in the country. In its short history, the Academy has established a tradition of producing quality leaders for the Air Force and nation — leaders with integrity, character, and the moral courage to do what is right in the most demanding situations. “Expect Great Things” General Nathan Twining
- 8. The rich heritageof the Academy lies in the accomplishments of its graduates. Almost all graduates have served in the Air Force as pilots, other rated crew members, missileers, and support officers. Many have served in our sister services or their home country’s armed forces. Graduates are astronauts and doctors, CEOs and entrepreneurs, lawyers and teachers, inventors, investors, ministers, government officials, coaches, authors, and one is a member of Congress. They have garnered this nation’s highest awards including a Medal of Honor and numerous Air Force Crosses and Silver Stars. Academy graduates have been POWs, have saved lives, and produced victories in conflicts around the globe. More than 160 have made the ultimate sacrifice in America’s battles. Today, graduates continue to lead the Air Force and the nation.
- 9. 6 The Academy experiencewas a major turning point in the lives of many graduates. They credit much of their success to the values and sense of honor that were developed at the Academy. It instilled in them the importance of living an honorable life, self-discipline, and the courage to seek and overcome challenges. There are more than 4,000 young men and women who walk the terrazzo today with the dream of serving their nation and continuing the proud tradition of those who have gone before them. Providing the Air Force and nation with powerful leaders of character who are more than equal to the challenges of the 21st century remains the ultimate goal of the Academy. Now more than ever, the Academy and its cadets need the support of all who cherish the Academy and its values.
- 10. private philanthropy hasprovided many of the elements of a full educational experience ... Throughout the history of the Academy,
- 11. 8 Building Leaders ofCharacter for the Nation: The Campaign for the Future of the Air Force Academy The new century offers significant new challenges to accomplishing the Acad- emy mission. Constrained federal funding, intense competition for the best and brightest students, and preparing our graduates to lead in an increasingly complex, technically sophisticated, and morally ambiguous world are hurdles the Academy faces now and in the future. The Academy’s officer development program reflects these new challenges and provides a framework designed to coordinate and integrate cadet devel- opmental activities across their entire 4-year experience with emphasis on ca- det ownership. Above all else, it focuses on character-based officership and prepares cadets for a career of continual professional development in service to the Air Force and the nation. The federal government and the Air Force will continue to provide adequate funding for the Academy’s core programs — those baseline requirements needed to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree and a commission in the armed forces. Academy leadership will continue to be proactive at government lev- els to ensure funding for the core. Nevertheless, the War on Terrorism has increased our global commitments and caused a shifting in defense priorities. In these uncertain fiscal times, the Academy must depend more heavily on private funding. We must supplement federal funds with private contributions to create or enhance programs that will shape cadets into the future leaders of our country. Private support will provide each cadet a richer academic, mili- tary and athletic experience beyond the basic requirements provided by the government. The generosity of graduates and Academy supporters will allow Academy leadership to seize opportunities and develop and implement new programs that will provide the best officers for the Air Force. These new pro- grams and initiatives will ensure the Academy maintains its status as one of the nation’s most selective and premier centers of learning and guarantee it will continue to attract the nation’s very best students.
- 12.
- 13. 10 Throughout the historyof the Academy, private philanthropy has provided many of the elements of a full educational experience that the govern- ment has been unable to offer. Private gifts make a difference in the life of the Air Force Academy every day. The Association of Graduates gives the Academy over $1M a year to support a wide array of programs to include character development programs, summer research, cadet clubs and trips abroad. Endowed professorships permit military and civilian experts to become visiting professors. Falcon Stadium was built through the generosity of Air Force personnel and others who believed that first-rate athletic performance was an important element of Academy life. Gifts to the AOG have provided critical support for cadet clubs and activi- ties that would otherwise be unavailable. Gifts from graduates and friends built Doolittle Hall, home of the AOG. The new Heritage Trail outside Doolittle Hall captures the accomplishments of graduates and has been funded entirely with donations. Today, the AOG, with the support of Academy and Air Force senior leadership, has accepted the challenge of securing funds for a group of priori- ties that are critical to cadets, to graduates, to the Academy, and to our nation. Over the next sev- eral years, the AOG will ask those who believe in this Academy to provide gifts of more than $100 million to fund five critical areas that need support now. The AOG is committed to strategically rais- ing and resourcefully investing these private gifts. When successful, this campaign will change the face of the Academy in significant ways.
- 15. ■ A Characterand Leadership Development Center ■ An enhanced Research Program for Cadets ■ Additional funding for Falcon Foundation Scholarships ■ Intramural and Athletic Leadership Endowments ■ Sports Hospitality Center ■ Heritage Trail and Memorial Pavilion projects ■ An Admissions Welcoming Center ■ Unrestricted Funds for unforeseen opportunities to enhance Academy programs Building Leaders of Character for the Nation This campaign is about seizing the opportunity to make a difference now. The initiatives set forth in the campaign will establish new levels of excellence and can only be made possible through private contributions. These new projects will set us apart from our competitors and make the Academy experience like no other. Examples of such initiatives are:
- 17. 14 “The Honor Code— We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does — is the primary thing which sets us apart from other institutions.” General (USAF, Ret.) Ronald R. Fogleman, Class of 1963 Former USAF Chief of Staff 2001 Distinguished Graduate Award Winner The central theme of this campaign is to assist the Academy in Building Lead- ers of Character for the Nation. Character development, deliberately inte- grated with superb academic, athletic and military training is at the heart of all Academy programs. Character defines our professional military identity and distinguishes the Academy from all other institutions. Nevertheless, cadets enter the Academy from all walks of life. Virtually all of them have attained the highest levels of academic, leadership and athletic achievement and, as a group, possess as great a potential for personal and professional success as any group in the nation. Even with this unquestioned potential, the forces that shape our contemporary adolescent culture are not based on traditional value systems and in some cases yield personalities never before challenged to con- sider a greater good, the welfare of others, or loyalty to an institution. Additionally, contemporary experiences do not yield consistent examples of duty or devotion beyond self-interest. Character and Leadership Development
- 18. 15 Using private donations,the Associa- tion of Graduates presently funds a number of character development programs including a large portion of the renowned annual National Character and Leadership Sym- posium. While the Academy has a quality character and leadership development program in place, this campaign provides an opportunity to take this program to a new level of excellence that will benefit the Cadet to take this program to a new level of excellence. ... this campaign provides an opportunity
- 19. “Our family madea substan- tial commitment to the Character and Leadership program at the Academy because we believe that it is at the core of the institution’s val- ues and mission and because these values are important to my fam- ily and me. I have benefited in my business career from the leadership skills and character traits that we were taught as cadets. Leading by example, striving for excellence and integrity in everything we say and do and service to others before self have all been core values for me. I am gratified that these principles continue to guide the programs at the Academy. Our gift is an endorse- ment of these programs and it is our hope that they will continue to grow and prosper.” John Muse, Class of 1973
- 20. 17 The goal isto create a Character and Leadership Development Center that has nationally recognized programs used by cadets and Air Force leadership. A longer range goal is to create programs that have a national impact on universities, busi- nesses, and government institutions throughout the nation. Our research shows that there is a constant evolution in the Academy’s character and leadership development programs. The Academy does a good job tracking the short term effects of these changes on cadet behavior, but more can be done. We want to endow a highly professional staff that can track the effects of our character and leadership programs across generations of Academy graduates. Continuity and ten- ure are important requirements to make this initiative successful. The Association of Graduates wants to fund this activity to insure it is insulated from the yearly demands of the Air Force budget process and the rotation of military personnel. This staff would be supplemented by at least two endowments for Distinguished Resident Scholars — men and women who are nationally recognized authorities in the field of character development. These scholars would lecture and be charged with developing programs to set the Academy apart from all other institutions in character and leadership development. Supplementing these programs would be an endowed Distinguished Speaker series to expose cadets to a broad range of people with unique life experiences in leader- ship and character. This program would invite professionals in other than military and academic fields who have devoted years to developing and practicing good leadership Character and Leadership Development Center
- 21. 18 and high standardsof integrity. Private funding for this program will also allow controver- sial speakers to talk to the cadets and broaden their critical thinking skills. In the future, these ambitious and forward looking objectives will need a special facility to house the professional staff and host these activities. With the support of the Academy, the AOG would use private funds to build a Character and Leader- ship Development Center on Academy grounds. In addition to providing a lecture hall, seminar rooms and being equipped with the latest technology, it would serve as a reference library on the subjects of character and leadership and be the repos- itory of all audio and video records of presentations. The Admissions Welcome Center will be an addition to the existing Goldwater Visitor’s Center. It will be the “front door” of the Academy to prospective cadets — a place where they can start their Academy journey. Housed within this center will be displays that share the heritage and history of the Academy so that prospective candidates can fully appreciate the greatness of this institution and can aspire to join the Long Blue Line. Coupled with the new facility will be Admissions Excellence endowments. Funds from these endowments will be used to enhance the recruiting efforts of prospective cadets, underwrite the cost of the Summer Seminar, a program aimed at showcasing the Academy to prospective cadets during the decision-making process, and aiding in minority recruitment. The Welcome Center and Endowments will assist the Academy in ensuring that only the best candidates are accepted into the Academy. Admissions Welcome Center and Endowments
- 22. 19 Since its establishmentin 1958, the Falcon Foundation has worked closely with USAFA and has become an impor- tant part of the Academy’s admissions process. Each year, approximately 100 outstanding young men and women who barely missed receiving an appoint- ment are selected to receive Falcon scholarships. Over 90 percent of these individuals eventually enroll at the Acad- emy, making up over 8 percent of every incoming class. The campaign seeks to support the Falcon Foundation by offer- ing scholarships to preparatory schools for prospective cadets. The goal is to increase the level of sup- port for Falcon Foundation Scholarships so they cover a larger percentage of the rising expenses associated with attend- ing a preparatory school. This will open up the scholarships to a wider segment of our society and benefit both the Acad- emy and our future officer corps. Falcon Foundation Scholarships
- 23. The Building Leadersof Character for the Nation Campaign seeks to secure $6.5 million to endow distinguished resident scholars and visiting lecturers to attract nationally recognized scholars and distinguished dignitaries, $16.5 million to endow existing and develop new character and leadership programs that will benefit the Cadet Wing, Air Force and nation, $7 million in research and operational support for the center, $2.5 million for an Admissions Welcome Center, $3 million for Admissions Excellence endowments, and $5 million in support of the Falcon Foundation Scholarship program.
- 24. 21 The Academy hasa proud tradition of academic excellence — small class sizes, a dedicated faculty that emphasizes teaching, and first-rate facilities — that attracts some of the brightest young people in the nation. These are traditions that we cherish that will be continued. The breadth and rigor of academic knowledge that is focused on the military profession is now greater than ever. Despite the Acad- emy’s great academic program, learning paradigms are rapidly changing and technological advancements can make the most advanced capabilities obsolete in a short time. Meeting these challenges requires the Academy to continually take advantage of emerging technologies and have the facilities and programs in place to attract top students and world-class professors. The classroom is the center of a cadet’s four-year journey of learning. Academ- ics provide an opportunity to not only learn but also to question. The academic environment allows cadets to engage in an open dialogue with instructors. This interaction develops a cadet’s critical thinking skills and ability to reason through complex problems. It exposes each cadet to different philosophies and points of view. These experiences will make them better officers and leaders when they en- ter the Air Force. A highly respected research program with leading scholars and professors greatly adds to the value of an Academy education. Experiential learn- ing opportunities with hands-on research that has potential real-world application will make the Academy a nationally renowned research center and prepare our cadets to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Our proposal increases the research opportunities for cadets across a variety of departments. Meeting this goal requires an investment in people, equip- ment and facilities. Academics
- 25. “All the pillarsin a cadet’s training are important, but it is in the academic pillar that a cadet learns how to learn. This is a crucial life skill in a world where the changes in everything – technology, military roles, interna- tional relationships, etc. – come faster every day. I firmly believe that without its prestigious academic ranking, the Air Force Academy could not attract the high quality of cadet candidates that the Academy has always had the luxury to choose from. It simply costs money to keep all the tools for a top-notch academic institution up-to-date, much less at the leading edge. Unlike most institutions of its caliber, the Academy doesn’t have a graduate program to bring in significant research and grant funding. For these reasons, I believe it is important to help provide that Extra Margin of Excellence to the Acade- my’s academic pillar. “ Holly Svetz, Class of 1980 Engraving on the Eagle & Fledglings Statue “Man’s flight through life is sustained by the power of his knowledge.”
- 27. 24 Research at theAir Force Academy has grown dramatically during the past de- cade. Today, the Academy is uniquely positioned to do interdisciplinary research due to the close working relationship of 19 academic departments, the eager desire of highly qualified faculty, and the obvious benefit to the cadets involved in terms of intellectual growth. The Building Leaders of Character for the Nation Campaign will provide the necessary research and faculty support to allow for a growing level of unique, accurate and reputable research. Key programs for growth include space exploration and cultural immersion. These programs will include a space simulator and a virtual reality laboratory. Imagine having cadets plan a space mission from start to finish, including developing the computer architecture for a space launch facility — and then flying the mission in a state- of-the art simulator — or a virtual reality laboratory that will allow cadets to walk the streets of Baghdad, Mogadishu, or Moscow and experience a high level of cultural immersion. Programs of this nature answer the call for improved skills to support the daunting challenges of expeditionary operations. To build these programs, the Academy needs to attract elite professors and ex- perts from a wide range of fields to mentor and teach both cadets and faculty. The campaign will endow five distinguished researchers to be rotated among all departments. In addition, funds will be raised to underwrite research and start- up costs for Air Force relevant programs. Research Enhancement The Building Leaders of Character for the Nation Campaign seeks to secure $10 million to endow five Distinguished Researchers, $5 million to create endowments in support of research programs, and $5 million in research operating funds.
- 28. The Building Leadersof Character for the Nation Campaign seeks to secure $7 million for Athletic Leadership Endowments, $1 million for an Intramural Endowment, and $2 million for a sports hospitality center. “My motivationfor supporting the Athletic programs at the United States Air Force Academy is very personal and simple. As a ca- det, I had an opportunity to compete at a very high level of intercol- legiate athletics, an experience that I may not have had at any other in- stitution. The wins and losses will never be forgotten, but more impor- tantly, the competition shared with classmates and competitors helped shape my character and served me well with family, friends, and busi- ness associates. I want others to have the same opportunity. Hopefully I can contribute to that goal.” Rod Hennek, Class of 1975
- 29. 26 At the AirForce Academy, athletics are not “adjunct” or extracurricular activi- ties, they are an integral part of the overall mission. At the Academy, competitive sports, physical education classes, and physical fitness tests promote leadership, team building, motivation, mutual respect, and esprit de corps, and a lifetime of commitment to maintaining physical stamina. Athletics and physical fitness play an important role in preparing our cadets to become the future leaders and war- riors of our armed forces. Consequently, it is imperative that the Academy pro- vides cadets with the very best athletic training programs and coaches. Through the Building Leaders of Character for the Nation Campaign, the Academy has identified three specific areas for support that will benefit the entire cadet wing. For intercollegiate athletes hiring superb coaches (who are trainers and teachers) is just as important as having first-rate academic facilities and outstanding professors. Consequently we are creating a series of Athletic Leadership Endowments that will be used to attract and retain the best coach- es for these highly competitive programs. Additionally, recognizing that intramurals has always played an important role in the lives of the entire cadet wing, the campaign is securing funding for an intramural endowment. Income from this investment will enable the best cadet intramural teams to travel and compete in regional competitions. Finally, to assist in establishing future revenue sources for the athletic depart- ment, the Academy seeks to build a sports hospitality center in the Cadet Field House. This skybox venue will be used to host conferences and create an elite season ticket membership opportunity. Revenue generated from the hospitality center will support all athletic programs, benefiting the entire cadet wing. Athletics General Douglas MacArthur “On the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that on other days and other fields will bear the fruits of victory.”
- 30. George Washington “The willingnesswith which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
- 31. 28 In fewer than50 years, Academy graduates have created a proud legacy of accomplishments that can inspire today’s cadets to become leaders of character. Our heritage encompasses not just the history connected with the institution and its graduates, but embraces the philosophical concepts of the Academy and their role in producing leaders of character for our military and the nation. The Building Leaders of Character for the Nation Campaign will commemorate and salute the accomplishments of graduates. Heritage “The things we learned about the impor- tance of courage and honor have been dominant in our lives since the earliest days of the Academy. They are the most im- portant among the basic elements that define our character. While it certainly is true that most of us had a good “feel” for these critical values before we entered the Academy, the Acad- emy clearly drove home the extraordinary importance of cour- age and honor in the execution of service to the nation. Thus, as the Class of 1964 considered a class project or gift pursuant to our 40th reunion, these two ideas came rapidly to the fore- front of our thinking. We wanted to do something that directly related to the Cadet Wing and we wanted it to also directly embrace those values we learned and still hold to be so criti- cal to service to the nation as well as just being good citizens. Those who follow must be able to see that these values mean something, they are not just words, and that they directly in- fluence conduct and performance in a most positive way. To engage a project or class gift that ensures the Cadet Wing un- derstands the importance of serving with courage and honor is a worthy endeavor.” Jay Kelley, Class of 1964
- 32. 29 The Building Leaders ofCharacter for the Nation Campaign seeks to secure $3 million for Heritage Trail projects and $4 million for a memorial pavilion. Heritage Trail The Heritage Trail will be a visible symbol of the Long Blue Line. Located at Doolittle Hall, the trail will document the defining elements behind the Academy experience and serve as an incentive to prospective candidates who want to join the men and women who have graduated from this great institution. Heroism and individual military contributions, as well as the accomplishments of our distinguished graduates in business, academia, and public service will be commemorated with permanent displays along the trail. Memorial Pavilion A memorial pavilion will be built at the Academy cemetery to enable us to honor our graduates and their loved ones with dignity as they go to their final resting place.
- 34. Each year, thousandsof donors make a gift to the Association of Graduates without specifying how their contributions should be spent. These unrestricted gifts to the Air Force Academy Fund are extremely important to the Academy and the AOG. Unrestrict- ed gifts provide discretionary funds that allow the Superintendent to meet unexpected needs and take advantage of opportunities that cannot be foreseen today. They enable the AOG, with Academy leadership, to invest in high-priority new ideas, technologies or activities that build leaders of character for the nation. Investing in Opportunity Investing in Opportunity Sabre Society Annual Giving Levels Leadership Circle $25,000 + Ambassador $10,000 Benefactor $ 5,000 Patron $ 2,500 Donor $ 1,000 The Building Leaders of Character for the Nation Campaign seeks to secure $22.5 million in unrestricted support for unforeseen opportunities.
- 35. 32 “Our country andour world become more diverse and complex everyday. The most essential qualities that our leaders of tomor- row must possess to rise to the challenges they will face are integrity and character. The USAF Academy is more uniquely positioned than any other in- stitution in the country, perhaps the world, to succeed at its mission of training the kind of military leadership – and leaders of our society – that our country needs. I believe in the vision of the superintendent, his staff and the AOG and the importance of that vision to future generations. There is no more impact- ful place for me to invest in the future of our country, my children and grand- children, than the Academy and its pursuit of excellence in Building Leaders of Character for the Nation.” Jack Kucera, Class of 1978
- 36. ... the Academymust continually adapt its priorities and commitments in the face of new challenges and opportunities.
- 37. 34 The Air ForceAcademy is already a national treasure. In its short existence, its progress and momentum have been remarkable. But achieving excellence is a journey, not a destination. The work can never be done. Like all universities, the Academy must con- tinually adapt its priorities and commitments in the face of new challenges and opportunities. The campaign — Building Leaders of Character for the Nation — represents the next step in the Acade- my’s sustained drive for improvement. It will allow the Academy to retain what it values and to change what needs changing. The campaign will steepen USAFA’s trajectory of improvement so that the Academy can enhance its position as a premier education and training institution. The Air Force and the nation con- tinue to “expect great things,” and its graduates and supporters must be committed to making that hap- pen. We encourage you to join us in this endeavor. Join the Journey
- 38. GOAL Distinguished Resident Scholarsand Lecturers $ 6.5 Character and Leadership program endowments $ 16.5 Research and operational support $ 7 Admissions Welcome Center $ 2.5 Endowments for Admissions Excellence $ 3 Endowments in support of the Falcon Foundation Scholarship Program $ 5 Subtotal $ 40.5 Distinguished Researchers $ 10 Research Programs $ 10 Subtotal $ 20 Athletic Leadership Endowments $ 7 Intramural Endowments $ 1 Sports Hospitality Center $ 2 Subtotal $ 10 Heritage Trail $ 3 Memorial Pavilion $ 4 Subtotal $ 7 Unrestricted support for unforeseen opportunities $ 22.5 CAMPAIGN GOAL $ 100 Building Leaders of Character for the Nation Campaign By Category of Gifts Sought CATEGORY CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMICS ATHLETICS HERITAGE INVESTING OPPORTUNITY (IN MILLIONS)