Are you serious? Colbert or the Daily Show? Has satire replaced the news?
Geez. Never mind. Go back to your normal conversation. . . .
USMMAAA Eviction
- Thread starter KPSQRD
- Start date
Are you serious? Colbert or the Daily Show? Has satire replaced the news?
Geez. Never mind. Go back to your normal conversation. . . .
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2007
- Messages
- 9,295
What is the back story on this?
tankercaptain
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Messages
- 509
No back story. It's simple power play. The DoT and MARAD want total control and decided to marginalize the Alumni Association. Col Helis is just following orders.
By the way the Superintendent has made it clear the mission of Kings Point is not to train mariners but to train maritime leaders. He said it in his first 2 minutes at the DC Luncheon on Tuesday.
Puliver!
tankercaptain
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Messages
- 509
Campus Message
By now, some of you may have heard that the Alumni Association and Foundation has been asked to move out of its space in the Babson Center.
Last November, I approached the leaders of the Foundation to ask that they find new offices because the campus space, which they use rent free, would be needed once classroom renovations begin. Given the current budget environment and in an effort to avoid concerns about preferential treatment, I also asked them to work with us to develop a lease and begin paying rent in the meantime.
In four months, the Foundation declined to pay rent or work with us in good faith to find an acceptable alternative. The Academy subsequently received additional appropriated funding for renovations under the continuing resolution for Fiscal Year 2013 approved by Congress last month. The additional funding allowed us to move up our plans for this space, including updating the heating and air conditioning systems in preparation for building new classrooms. This opportunity, combined with the lack of progress with the Foundation, prompted us to require the Foundation to use or find other space for its work beginning at the end of April.
The Foundation can rent other space off campus to continue its work. It also has space nearby in the Lerner House it purchased four years ago, but in that time, the Foundation has not gained approval from the Village of Kings Point to rezone the property for commercial use. The Academy values its relationship with both its alumni and the Kings Point community and believes this issue is best resolved between the two involved parties, but we cannot put our plans on hold in the expectation that it will be resolved after four years.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have included links to both my original letter to the Foundation, which addressed a number of financial concerns, and my latest letter, which details our efforts to reach an agreement, here.
It is disappointing that we could not come to a better resolution, but I want you to know that the Academy deeply values its relationship with all Kings Point alumni and continues to seek out and work with graduates interested in ensuring a strong future for the school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the Academy need the space for?
A: As part of its ongoing campus-wide improvements, the Academy needs the space for classrooms while other buildings are renovated.
Q: Why move the Foundation out now?
A: The Academy never signed a lease with the Foundation to use campus space. At a time when the Academy is facing space constraints and in order to avoid charges of preferential treatment, it has asked the Foundation to find other offices.
Q: Didn’t the Foundation offer you $60,000 each year for use of this space?
A: The Foundation’s response arrived after the Academy’s deadline and included several clauses unacceptable to the Academy, including sole rights to the property for the next ten years. The Academy will not agree to a lease that removes federal property from its control.
Q: Is it true that the Academy demanded that the Alumni Foundation pay annual rent in the amount of $1,785,168?
A: No. As you can see in the November letter to the Alumni Foundation, the Academy proposed an annual rental rate of $29 per square foot, which equates to an annual rent of approximately $145,000. The lease inadvertently stated $29/square foot per month. If this discrepancy had been pointed out sooner, we would have corrected the misperception immediately.
Q: Why isn’t the Academy helping the Foundation seek zoning approval for the Lerner House?
A: The Academy values its relationship with both its alumni and the Kings Point community and believes this issue is best resolved between the two involved parties.
Q: The Foundation says this is a punitive effort coming from the Academy and Department of Transportation – what do you have to say to that?
A: Since he first visited the Academy in 2009, Secretary LaHood has worked to secure record funding to rebuild campus infrastructure that hadn’t been touched since it was built in the 1940s. Thanks to his efforts, the Academy will have a new pier, a new ship, renovated barracks, a new dining hall and now, new academic spaces.
Both the Secretary and the Superintendent have reached out to all Kings Point alumni to emphasize their willingness to work together to ensure a strong future for the school, an invitation that remains open today.
Q: Why did you change the date the Foundation needed to leave from June to April?
A: Our original June offer was made in the expectation that the Foundation would begin helping the Academy by paying rent and utilities. In the four months since then, the Foundation refused to pay rent or work in good faith with us to offer a suitable alternative to our current space situation. The Academy subsequently received additional appropriated funding for renovations under the continuing resolution for Fiscal Year 2013 approved by Congress last month. The additional funding allowed us to move up our plans for this space, including updating the heating and air conditioning systems in preparation for building new classrooms.
Q: Why can’t you let the Foundation use Melville Hall?
A: This week was the first time the Alumni Foundation suggested using Melville Hall. However, we are scheduled to commence needed renovations in Melville Hall and are identifying a contractor to run the space for weddings, parties and alumni events traditionally held there.
Q. If all the other service academies provide their alumni organization with space on their grounds, why won’t you?
A. None of the other academies provide space in Federal buildings to their alumni organizations. The U.S. Naval Academy’s alumni organization is housed in a non-Federally owned building outside its gates. The alumni organizations at the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy lease land from their respective academies on which they built privately-funded buildings.
Q. Why are you not complying with the 1980 legal opinion that states that the Alumni Foundation must be located on board the Academy and that it belongs there rent free?
A. This 1980 legal opinion, which was provided to then-Superintendent Rear Admiral Thomas King, did not require that the Alumni Foundation be located on the Academy grounds, nor did it require that such space, should it be provided, must be rent free. Instead, the opinion stated that, in appropriate circumstances, a Federal agency could grant a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable permit for the use of Federal property by a non-Federal entity and that rent need not be paid. Based on the circumstances in 1980, the Academy permissively granted the Alumni Foundation the rent-free use of available space that was not then needed for Academy purposes. Based on the circumstances today, the Academy has determined that the space currently occupied by the Alumni Foundation is needed to advance the Academy’s core academic mission of educating future mariners.
Updated: Thursday, April 25, 2013
By now, some of you may have heard that the Alumni Association and Foundation has been asked to move out of its space in the Babson Center.
Last November, I approached the leaders of the Foundation to ask that they find new offices because the campus space, which they use rent free, would be needed once classroom renovations begin. Given the current budget environment and in an effort to avoid concerns about preferential treatment, I also asked them to work with us to develop a lease and begin paying rent in the meantime.
In four months, the Foundation declined to pay rent or work with us in good faith to find an acceptable alternative. The Academy subsequently received additional appropriated funding for renovations under the continuing resolution for Fiscal Year 2013 approved by Congress last month. The additional funding allowed us to move up our plans for this space, including updating the heating and air conditioning systems in preparation for building new classrooms. This opportunity, combined with the lack of progress with the Foundation, prompted us to require the Foundation to use or find other space for its work beginning at the end of April.
The Foundation can rent other space off campus to continue its work. It also has space nearby in the Lerner House it purchased four years ago, but in that time, the Foundation has not gained approval from the Village of Kings Point to rezone the property for commercial use. The Academy values its relationship with both its alumni and the Kings Point community and believes this issue is best resolved between the two involved parties, but we cannot put our plans on hold in the expectation that it will be resolved after four years.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have included links to both my original letter to the Foundation, which addressed a number of financial concerns, and my latest letter, which details our efforts to reach an agreement, here.
It is disappointing that we could not come to a better resolution, but I want you to know that the Academy deeply values its relationship with all Kings Point alumni and continues to seek out and work with graduates interested in ensuring a strong future for the school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the Academy need the space for?
A: As part of its ongoing campus-wide improvements, the Academy needs the space for classrooms while other buildings are renovated.
Q: Why move the Foundation out now?
A: The Academy never signed a lease with the Foundation to use campus space. At a time when the Academy is facing space constraints and in order to avoid charges of preferential treatment, it has asked the Foundation to find other offices.
Q: Didn’t the Foundation offer you $60,000 each year for use of this space?
A: The Foundation’s response arrived after the Academy’s deadline and included several clauses unacceptable to the Academy, including sole rights to the property for the next ten years. The Academy will not agree to a lease that removes federal property from its control.
Q: Is it true that the Academy demanded that the Alumni Foundation pay annual rent in the amount of $1,785,168?
A: No. As you can see in the November letter to the Alumni Foundation, the Academy proposed an annual rental rate of $29 per square foot, which equates to an annual rent of approximately $145,000. The lease inadvertently stated $29/square foot per month. If this discrepancy had been pointed out sooner, we would have corrected the misperception immediately.
Q: Why isn’t the Academy helping the Foundation seek zoning approval for the Lerner House?
A: The Academy values its relationship with both its alumni and the Kings Point community and believes this issue is best resolved between the two involved parties.
Q: The Foundation says this is a punitive effort coming from the Academy and Department of Transportation – what do you have to say to that?
A: Since he first visited the Academy in 2009, Secretary LaHood has worked to secure record funding to rebuild campus infrastructure that hadn’t been touched since it was built in the 1940s. Thanks to his efforts, the Academy will have a new pier, a new ship, renovated barracks, a new dining hall and now, new academic spaces.
Both the Secretary and the Superintendent have reached out to all Kings Point alumni to emphasize their willingness to work together to ensure a strong future for the school, an invitation that remains open today.
Q: Why did you change the date the Foundation needed to leave from June to April?
A: Our original June offer was made in the expectation that the Foundation would begin helping the Academy by paying rent and utilities. In the four months since then, the Foundation refused to pay rent or work in good faith with us to offer a suitable alternative to our current space situation. The Academy subsequently received additional appropriated funding for renovations under the continuing resolution for Fiscal Year 2013 approved by Congress last month. The additional funding allowed us to move up our plans for this space, including updating the heating and air conditioning systems in preparation for building new classrooms.
Q: Why can’t you let the Foundation use Melville Hall?
A: This week was the first time the Alumni Foundation suggested using Melville Hall. However, we are scheduled to commence needed renovations in Melville Hall and are identifying a contractor to run the space for weddings, parties and alumni events traditionally held there.
Q. If all the other service academies provide their alumni organization with space on their grounds, why won’t you?
A. None of the other academies provide space in Federal buildings to their alumni organizations. The U.S. Naval Academy’s alumni organization is housed in a non-Federally owned building outside its gates. The alumni organizations at the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy lease land from their respective academies on which they built privately-funded buildings.
Q. Why are you not complying with the 1980 legal opinion that states that the Alumni Foundation must be located on board the Academy and that it belongs there rent free?
A. This 1980 legal opinion, which was provided to then-Superintendent Rear Admiral Thomas King, did not require that the Alumni Foundation be located on the Academy grounds, nor did it require that such space, should it be provided, must be rent free. Instead, the opinion stated that, in appropriate circumstances, a Federal agency could grant a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable permit for the use of Federal property by a non-Federal entity and that rent need not be paid. Based on the circumstances in 1980, the Academy permissively granted the Alumni Foundation the rent-free use of available space that was not then needed for Academy purposes. Based on the circumstances today, the Academy has determined that the space currently occupied by the Alumni Foundation is needed to advance the Academy’s core academic mission of educating future mariners.
Updated: Thursday, April 25, 2013
ConcernedAlumni
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2012
- Messages
- 34
"Strife-born Alma Mater" I think I understand now
There exists an old adage that “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Right now I am firmly convinced the current administration is the enemy of the Alumni Association. Whatever concerns I may have had about the Alumni Association in the past definitely pale in comparison to my view of what this administration is trying to accomplish.
“Transparency” is a word the DOT should look up in the dictionary after their statement/position that we are not entitled to know why Adm. Green was fired (sugar-coat it all you want – he was fired).
On a purely personal note, I have had cause to interact with every superintendent (including Dr. Kumar in his on-again-off-again role) since Admiral Matteson was in charge. Any time I ever showed up in uniform, at least my very existence was acknowledged. When I was @KP last year, along with a Navy captain (both of us in our Dress whites), “Admiral” (USMS) Helis walked by us barely acknowledging our very existence -- despite my best efforts to make eye contact.
This is just one person’s personal opinion – but in a “war of words” here, the side that lacks all credibility is the administration of the USMMA all the way up to the DOT.
Just saying…
There exists an old adage that “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Right now I am firmly convinced the current administration is the enemy of the Alumni Association. Whatever concerns I may have had about the Alumni Association in the past definitely pale in comparison to my view of what this administration is trying to accomplish.
“Transparency” is a word the DOT should look up in the dictionary after their statement/position that we are not entitled to know why Adm. Green was fired (sugar-coat it all you want – he was fired).
On a purely personal note, I have had cause to interact with every superintendent (including Dr. Kumar in his on-again-off-again role) since Admiral Matteson was in charge. Any time I ever showed up in uniform, at least my very existence was acknowledged. When I was @KP last year, along with a Navy captain (both of us in our Dress whites), “Admiral” (USMS) Helis walked by us barely acknowledging our very existence -- despite my best efforts to make eye contact.
This is just one person’s personal opinion – but in a “war of words” here, the side that lacks all credibility is the administration of the USMMA all the way up to the DOT.
Just saying…
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2009
- Messages
- 1,027
What a hoot - not really. The total lack of straight talk in this message really makes you wonder what sort of "leadership" this administration can teach the current member of regiment. Methinks you speak with forked tongue paleface. The three biggest examples of having your back pissed on and someone tell you it's raining in this "Campus Message"
Please read this one carefully and look for one factual example that directly addresses the statement of potential "punitive" action/roots. Also NOTHING in the Alumni Association Signal Flags Communication said anything specific about this. Only speculation by others because of the illogic associated with theaction.
And so telling someone they don't have to move until June on one hand and then getting "frustrated" and then giving them a demand to move out in less than a week in April sort of with a "gun at their head" - that's not punitive and you still really, really want to be friends - got it.
Q. If all the other service academies provide their alumni organization with space on their grounds, why won’t you?
Interesting that the rate for the rent paid by those other associations for that land isn't specified here - any reason for that? I mean how does that compare to the $1+M oops I mean $145,000 (that's $12,000+/month) for the space over a garage you weren't using in the first place before? And given that right now you don't have a contractor and Melville Hall has been closed for the past six months why is it all of the sudden not even open for discussion/consideration? Finally given the earlier notice to the AAF was attached is there any reason a link or copy of the original 1980 legal opinion isn't attached for people to read the original document and draw conclusion of their own based of unvarnished fact?
Please read this one carefully and look for one factual example that directly addresses the statement of potential "punitive" action/roots. Also NOTHING in the Alumni Association Signal Flags Communication said anything specific about this. Only speculation by others because of the illogic associated with theaction.
And so telling someone they don't have to move until June on one hand and then getting "frustrated" and then giving them a demand to move out in less than a week in April sort of with a "gun at their head" - that's not punitive and you still really, really want to be friends - got it.
Q. If all the other service academies provide their alumni organization with space on their grounds, why won’t you?
Interesting that the rate for the rent paid by those other associations for that land isn't specified here - any reason for that? I mean how does that compare to the $1+M oops I mean $145,000 (that's $12,000+/month) for the space over a garage you weren't using in the first place before? And given that right now you don't have a contractor and Melville Hall has been closed for the past six months why is it all of the sudden not even open for discussion/consideration? Finally given the earlier notice to the AAF was attached is there any reason a link or copy of the original 1980 legal opinion isn't attached for people to read the original document and draw conclusion of their own based of unvarnished fact?
This seems to be a tug of war between a taxpayer funded service academy and a group of alumni who are insistent on their ill defined role in setting the course for the institution. Willing to help pedal the bike only if they get to steer.
One of the things that seems to make KP rise above other academies is the tight bonds formed during the tough program. I would beg to say KPs alumni have a tighter bond to their school than most. It's a strength of the school. But when that bond turns directive rather than consultative its bound to meet resistance.
One of the things that seems to make KP rise above other academies is the tight bonds formed during the tough program. I would beg to say KPs alumni have a tighter bond to their school than most. It's a strength of the school. But when that bond turns directive rather than consultative its bound to meet resistance.
Last edited:
tankercaptain
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Messages
- 509
First I think you are not fully aware of the influence West Point and Annapolis Alumni have in directing their school.
Second "a group of Alumni" isn't a group of Alumni, it's the Alumni Association. I'd suggest attending a local alumni event to see how involved the alumni are with the Academy.
Third the alumni are leaders of the maritime industry, who better knows what educational direction the Academy should take, rather than a non informed bureaucrat.
Finally Kings Point is at a cross roads and the foundation is fighting for the schools future, you can help and be a part of it or be a hindrance. The choice is yours.
Thanks for validating my point
If by help or hindrance you mean which end of the rope I'm going to tug on, I won't declare on this forum, that's not what this forum is about.
Met with alumni group, great folks with greater intentions.
Know that other academies have strong alumni associations that consult with administrations, disagree that they direct administrations.
My 2 cents is to provide context for those interested in KP for themselves or their sons and daughters who are reading this thread for insight, which is the purpose of the forum, it sometimes gets hijacked for other agendas.
KPs alumni assoc is very strong and very well intentioned even if at odds with administration. parents should take it as healthy disagreement for the betterment of the institution.
If by help or hindrance you mean which end of the rope I'm going to tug on, I won't declare on this forum, that's not what this forum is about.
Met with alumni group, great folks with greater intentions.
Know that other academies have strong alumni associations that consult with administrations, disagree that they direct administrations.
My 2 cents is to provide context for those interested in KP for themselves or their sons and daughters who are reading this thread for insight, which is the purpose of the forum, it sometimes gets hijacked for other agendas.
KPs alumni assoc is very strong and very well intentioned even if at odds with administration. parents should take it as healthy disagreement for the betterment of the institution.
Last edited:
I don;t believe "at odds" accurately defines the entire relationship. They are at odds over this ONE issue. Both sides seem to have an understanding of the value of the other. As an outsider, it appears there is common ground somewhere, if some of the politics can be set aside.
tankercaptain
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Messages
- 509
Bugsy
The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point is the perfect example of alumni directing an Administration.
NYBEAR
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2010
- Messages
- 72
ConcernedAlumni
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2012
- Messages
- 34
Was that a serious question?
@NYBEAR
I think you have had the advantage of the site crashing between your post and now, so no one else has responded yet.
Plenty of alumni have posted since this “FAQ” went up the first time, and the general consensus is that we do not trust the administration.
Just for the sake of a logic exercise, let us pretend everything on the academy web-site statement is 100% accurate.
Then let us pretend the Alumni Foundation had agreed to the original request and started paying rent.
Now the academy is claiming they need that space no matter what, so they would be in a position of receiving ~$145K per year from the Alumni in rent.
Now what do we suppose they would do? How would they solve their impossible space problem with a meager $145K.
So, if they had the power to terminate the lease, then I suspect we would now be in the same functional position – just having arrived a slightly different way.
There is an administration that has been juggling the leadership at KP for many years now, the feel from here is that they finally have the puppets in place they want.
@NYBEAR
I think you have had the advantage of the site crashing between your post and now, so no one else has responded yet.
Plenty of alumni have posted since this “FAQ” went up the first time, and the general consensus is that we do not trust the administration.
Just for the sake of a logic exercise, let us pretend everything on the academy web-site statement is 100% accurate.
Then let us pretend the Alumni Foundation had agreed to the original request and started paying rent.
Now the academy is claiming they need that space no matter what, so they would be in a position of receiving ~$145K per year from the Alumni in rent.
Now what do we suppose they would do? How would they solve their impossible space problem with a meager $145K.
So, if they had the power to terminate the lease, then I suspect we would now be in the same functional position – just having arrived a slightly different way.
There is an administration that has been juggling the leadership at KP for many years now, the feel from here is that they finally have the puppets in place they want.
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2009
- Messages
- 1,027
AMF:
While I don't belive that DOT/MARAD & the Superintendent are in disagreement over only this one issue, I do indeed agree with you in the larger scheme of thingsnboth do have some understanding of the value of each to the other, though it is far from a 100% common understanding. So as both an Alumnus and parent of a recent alumnus I can only hopethat the lines of communication are better used and a common ground and understanding is found and reached.
Looking at the various official communications from both parties, it seems to me the long term solution is the "Lerner Center" after it is completed. As I've alluded in earlier posts that is really the thing in the Rear Admiral's last announcement that I do not understand. For all intents and purposes the house the AAF wants rezoned is only reached by going through VIckery Gate so it is on land owned by the AAF, inside the gate (i.e. on campus). It's basically surrounded by the Academy, mainly because in the past the AAF obtained the then so called "Barstow Estate" and donated it to the Government/Academy, that land became the "McNulty Campus", basically increasing the size and land available for future use by the USMMA from the acreage it sat on when I attended to its current 88 acres. The home that AAF purchased backs to the McNulty Camps and sits on a road tht is no longer a through street back out of the campus as retractable bollards that are basically always up prevent vehicles from entering or exiting the USMMA campus through that street. As this is now a local zoning and use issue with the Village of Kings Point (an unicorporated village in Nassau County), and the USMMA is the major neighbor/interested party, it would seem to me that DOT/MARAD and the Superintendent could certainly reconsider their current position of sitting on the sidelines there and stepping forward and being openly supportive of the AAF's efforts to get the rezoning approved and the minor construction/renovation required approved by the various Village boards and commissions reviewing them. My understanding is the crux of the issues are "home rule" by the village; and possible the three or four other private residences that are now also "on campus". It would seem, in the long run, no matter what happens or when it happens in this regard both the AAF and DOT/MARAD/USMMA interests are fully aligned and will remain so with these applications, and any precident it sets with the village.
Other than that after thinking long and hard on this subject, I'd only add that I've now decided the best course of action for me is to dial back any emotion or rhetoric on the subject, and certainly any tendency to fire anything at the Superientdent, the MARAD Administrator, or SECTRANS other than a simple letter adding my voice to fellow alumni and concerned parties suggesting they reconsider the actions in the notice. I'll do so with nothing but the expectation of getting the same form letter response from all three I'veseen come back to others. I've also as I said written my Members of Congress and asked them to look into the matter and cited my concerns as to how this adversly affects the ability of the AAF to support the Academy and assist in providing for Campus Life initiatives for the numerous current Midshipmen from our State.
Other than that I'm pretty much "out of this thread."
God fair the well KINGS POINT!
You are right, and stated more clearly, I meant this is the only thing NOW, they are at odds over, and it should not be blown out of proportion. As a Nassau County resident, I am finding it hard to believe the zoning takes 4 years, for what is essentially a "small office" in a home. There is likely more to this than either side has fully disclosed, so your advice of staying unemotional and not attacking various concerned parties, is wise. Positively stating the import of the AAF is a strong, well thought out approach.
tankercaptain
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Messages
- 509
Dear Fellow Kings Pointers, Parents and Supporters:
We are writing to you as your Alumni Association and Foundation (AAF) Board.
This Board of Directors is your Board of Directors. We are volunteers - 26 Kings Pointers deeply committed to the vitality and success of the Academy, the midshipmen, and our alumni. We are your classmates, section mates, sea partners, and your friends. We directly reflect the diversity of all graduates: we are captains, chief engineers, admiralty lawyers, senior active duty military officers, government servants and corporate executives. Our common bond is love of the Academy.
Once again, you will find this as difficult to read as it was to write.
The events of the past week are the culmination of many months of hard work by the AAF to work a solution to remain on board the Academy doing our work for the midshipmen and the Institution as we have for over sixty years. However, all this effort has led to the same original result from the Superintendent – he wants our Alumni Association & Foundation off the campus.
When every answer leads to “I want you off the Academy,” things like lease rates, which buildings are being renovated when, why Melville is suddenly going under renovations, etc., become moot and have become an easy excuse for what the end result is – the Superintendent wants the AAF off the campus.
To put this in perspective – ask yourself “What would I do?” Every Kings Pointer and Academy stakeholder we know would be working diligently to help this Foundation.
You would not be removing a charitable organization from where it does its good work.
Like you, we believe in the Academy and the Academy’s Alumni Association and Foundation. The Alumni Association and Foundation looks only to complete its mission to support the Academy and the Midshipmen in the most effective manner possible. To that end, one of the primary reasons for your Alumni Association and Foundation (AAF) Offices to be on the campus is to assist with the mentoring of Midshipmen; connect them with industry contacts both for internships and jobs; supporting Division III athletic activities, and being able to help fund budgetary emergencies, such as paying for the band to march in a parade or covering transportation for a club to an event.
Like you, until recent events involving the new Superintendent, we have always felt that the Foundation enjoyed a special relationship with the Academy leadership.
Like you, we respect the Superintendent’s Office and look to its occupant to represent the highest standards of honorable behavior, setting an example for all around him.
The most difficult issue we as a Board face today is not knowing why the new Superintendent has behaved in this manner towards the Alumni Association and Foundation. We are a charitable organization comprised of accomplished Kings Pointers who have the willingness and the ability to assist him in the steep learning curve transitioning from a retired Army Colonel in taking charge of our Nation’s Merchant Marine Academy.
The Alumni Association and Foundation has always had a close relationship with all of the Academy’s eleven previous Superintendents.
The question of why the new Superintendent has not engaged himself in the same relationship shared by our Alumni Association and Foundation and his predecessors remains unanswered.
USMMA-AAF is an Academy Affiliate: The Alumni Association and Foundation’s presence on board the Academy in space provided by the government is validated in a 1980 MARAD legal opinion. Further, we are recognized as the sole Alumni organization and the principal Academy fundraising organization in a 2004 agreement with the Academy.
We are writing to you as your Alumni Association and Foundation (AAF) Board.
This Board of Directors is your Board of Directors. We are volunteers - 26 Kings Pointers deeply committed to the vitality and success of the Academy, the midshipmen, and our alumni. We are your classmates, section mates, sea partners, and your friends. We directly reflect the diversity of all graduates: we are captains, chief engineers, admiralty lawyers, senior active duty military officers, government servants and corporate executives. Our common bond is love of the Academy.
Once again, you will find this as difficult to read as it was to write.
The events of the past week are the culmination of many months of hard work by the AAF to work a solution to remain on board the Academy doing our work for the midshipmen and the Institution as we have for over sixty years. However, all this effort has led to the same original result from the Superintendent – he wants our Alumni Association & Foundation off the campus.
When every answer leads to “I want you off the Academy,” things like lease rates, which buildings are being renovated when, why Melville is suddenly going under renovations, etc., become moot and have become an easy excuse for what the end result is – the Superintendent wants the AAF off the campus.
To put this in perspective – ask yourself “What would I do?” Every Kings Pointer and Academy stakeholder we know would be working diligently to help this Foundation.
You would not be removing a charitable organization from where it does its good work.
Like you, we believe in the Academy and the Academy’s Alumni Association and Foundation. The Alumni Association and Foundation looks only to complete its mission to support the Academy and the Midshipmen in the most effective manner possible. To that end, one of the primary reasons for your Alumni Association and Foundation (AAF) Offices to be on the campus is to assist with the mentoring of Midshipmen; connect them with industry contacts both for internships and jobs; supporting Division III athletic activities, and being able to help fund budgetary emergencies, such as paying for the band to march in a parade or covering transportation for a club to an event.
Like you, until recent events involving the new Superintendent, we have always felt that the Foundation enjoyed a special relationship with the Academy leadership.
Like you, we respect the Superintendent’s Office and look to its occupant to represent the highest standards of honorable behavior, setting an example for all around him.
The most difficult issue we as a Board face today is not knowing why the new Superintendent has behaved in this manner towards the Alumni Association and Foundation. We are a charitable organization comprised of accomplished Kings Pointers who have the willingness and the ability to assist him in the steep learning curve transitioning from a retired Army Colonel in taking charge of our Nation’s Merchant Marine Academy.
The Alumni Association and Foundation has always had a close relationship with all of the Academy’s eleven previous Superintendents.
The question of why the new Superintendent has not engaged himself in the same relationship shared by our Alumni Association and Foundation and his predecessors remains unanswered.
USMMA-AAF is an Academy Affiliate: The Alumni Association and Foundation’s presence on board the Academy in space provided by the government is validated in a 1980 MARAD legal opinion. Further, we are recognized as the sole Alumni organization and the principal Academy fundraising organization in a 2004 agreement with the Academy.