In the email sent to my son it says: formal event ( Black tie Optional, Business suit, coat/tie, cocktail attire for ladies. My son was told he could wear his JROTC uniform or suit ( he is wearing a suit )
Thank you. Will have him do that.
The invitation says that they are having a candidate overview and then a social hour for candidates to meet with local West Point graduates before the meal. I don't know why he shouldn't attend. It seems like the invite was purposely sent and they have two of the four hours set aside for candidates.
I am not saying he should attend, just that if he is going to attend he should be dressed appropriately. Our local parents club is hosting something similar for prospective candidates as a social hour before the actual Founder's Day dinner. I see know downside to going if the candidate wants to learn more about the opportunity. But I agree, it is principally an Old Grad sort of thing.
Founders Day events are worthwhile to attend - well, at least, I have had many cadet candidate parents tell me so (and we thought so as well). Suit and tie, jacket and tie are appropriate. There will likely be plenty of old grads, Field Force Representatives, and parents of cadets present. The timing and distance you are from WP may impact cadet(s)' ability to attend. For parents, Founders Day events are a great way to meet some local parents and be introduced to Parents Clubs and get a sense of the tradition. Enjoy. Have not discussed it with cadet candidates other than my own.
DD was an applicant anxiously awaiting decision from USMA when she received an initiation to a Founders Day dinner in the big city nearby. She was a bit perplexed, being neither alum or cadet. A few days later, the mystery was solved when she received an LOA pending a very simple condition.
Thank you for the info
That's great and congratulations to your daughter. It sounds like it will be a nice event to attend.
Thanks. Most Founders Day events are just the dinner. It is a great tool to help with bringing in future members of the Long Gray Line.
Our DS (2027) was invited to attend and I’m so glad we did! We met two other incoming cadet candidates and their families, our congresswoman who nominated him was there and they all got a picture, and they were each introduced to the entire room. They received congratulations and well wishes at the end from several individuals who came up to them. We almost didn’t go because of the drive and that would have been a sad mistake. However, I don’t think I would have wanted to attend if he wasn’t already accepted. It was also a great turnout and a great speaker. It may help to keep the long view in mind, too, when things get tough.
This reminded me of our DS. He went to Founder's Day and there were about 10 USMA candidates there, like him, who had all received their appointments for that cycle. DS also had an appointment to USNA and was still trying to decide which he was going to accept. All the other candidates had already accepted their USMA appointments. The speaker that night happened to be the Superintendent and during the presentation he formally introduced each of the candidates indicating they had accepted their appointments, but saved my DS for last. He told everyone that he had not yet accepted and was considering USNA! At that point, of course, all the Old Grads were booing USNA and telling him to choose West Point. Additionally, they were giving my DH jabs, as he is a USMA Old Grad. Of course, this was all done in fun and my DS laughed about it. In the end, DS chose USMA. On R-Day, DS walked up to the Supe and asked him if he remembered calling out somebody at our Founder's Day event who was deciding between USMA and USNA. He said he did and gave our DS a high-five telling him he chose wisely!
That is a great story! Thanks for sharing.This reminded me of our DS. He went to Founder's Day and there were about 10 USMA candidates there, like him, who had all received their appointments for that cycle. DS also had an appointment to USNA and was still trying to decide which he was going to accept. All the other candidates had already accepted their USMA appointments. The speaker that night happened to be the Superintendent and during the presentation he formally introduced each of the candidates indicating they had accepted their appointments, but saved my DS for last. He told everyone that he had not yet accepted and was considering USNA! At that point, of course, all the Old Grads were booing USNA and telling him to choose West Point. Additionally, they were giving my DH jabs, as he is a USMA Old Grad. Of course, this was all done in fun and my DS laughed about it. In the end, DS chose USMA. On R-Day, DS walked up to the Supe and asked him if he remembered calling out somebody at our Founder's Day event who was deciding between USMA and USNA. He said he did and gave our DS a high-five telling him he chose wisely!
