0750 - 0815: Call to Order / Opening Remarks – Spencer Johnson ’63, Vice Chairman of the COCP
Administrative Opening Remarks, Spencer Johnson, USN (Ret.) '63
- Vice Chairman provided welcome remarks and thanked those fo attending.
- He provided comments about Service Selection night and its importance to the Brigade. All midshipmen are told their community assignment for after graduation (Aviation, Marines, NSW, Surface, etc.).
Recognize New Class Presidents: 1946, 1952, 1975, 1982
Thank you corporate sponsors
- USAA, Historic Inns of Annapolis, Double Tree Hotel, Westin Annapolis Hotel These organizations defray the costs of the meals and were available to assist with reunion planning.
Committee Discussion
- Vice Chair explained how all names of committee volunteers are updated on the website. Volunteers for the governance committee are needed.
- The Vice Chair acknowledged the COCP Chairman, ADM Mustin, for his presence and wishes him well in his health. ADM Mustin will remain the class president but step down from duties as COCP Chairman.
Comments from Vice Chair Spencer Johnson, USN (Ret.) '63
He first discussed the importance of ADM Natter’s enlisting of Louis Freeh to look into the legal matters for the COCP. Also, he explained the COCP election to the spring of 2017 was forthcoming. Vice Chair nomination was proposed for Major “Murph” McCarthy. There was a discussion by Perry Martini about the alternating of Chairman and Vice Chairman. Following this explanation, a voting amendment proposed. Captain Spencer Johnson was nominated as Chairman; LCDR “Murph” McCarthy was nominated to be the Vice Chairman. There was a motion to approve the nominations; 2nd motion made to. All were in favor. Action approved.
8:15AM – 8:55AM: Breakout for Decades Reps
9:00AM – 10:00AM: Commandant of Midshipmen
Colonel Stephen Liszewski, USMC, is the new Commandant of Midshipmen. He presented a short PowerPoint presentation to the COCP members and covered the following topics. First, he explained USNA graduates are woven into the fabric of society no matter where they go after graduation from USNA. He explained the priorities for the Brigade as outlined by the Superintendent. Later, Admiral Byrne was praised as an exceptional leader who laid the groundwork for continued success. Colonel Liszewski cited Dr. Henry Kissinger’s comments on how complex the world is today and how it impacts leader today: China, Russia, Cyber, and Terrorism.
The Commandant explained the Superintendent's priorities: Character, Cyber, and International Engagement. In addition to those priorities, I he explained that he values: Humility Excellence without arrogance; Justice, Virtue, Wisdom, Patience. In order to develop leaders one must: 1) Train as if you are leading your son or daughter, 2) Follow the way you want to follow, lead the way you want to be led; 3) Team player and team builder. Also, he said to do your duty. Give 100% to prepare yourself to go into harm’s way. Seek moral, mental, physical excellence. Do the difficult right. Fatigue will lead to cowardice.
Changes and Observations. He echoed the former Commandant's positive pressure with a purpose. Plebe summer is meant to overload them and force failure. This will force decisions and take risks so that they understand consequences. Volunteerism is increasing. For instance, the Midshipmen Action Group is the exemplar of USNA values. The composition is changing and becoming more diverse. 42% of women are playing on varsity sports.
He said times are changing. Social Media and Millennials think differently and that is good. This generation is committed and ready to do something larger than themselves; however, they want to know why. They need to understand the purpose and it is on us as leaders so they can be used effectively as part of a team. Service Assignment. Demand signal from Navy Department and USMC changes the number of firsties selected for their specific communities. He also highlighted the recent honor review. There was an honor review conducted to verify the program is up to standard. Colonel Art Athens led a committee to review where the Naval Academy is on honor matters. Study is complete and he submitted to the Superintendent. The implementation in progress and sustainment effort is required. He wants to keep the honor system educates, shapes, and inspires Brigade of Midshipmen. The concept must continually owned by the Brigade.
Questions & Answers
- How was the honor review conducted? Art Athens
- How many people were on the committee? 10 people
- How are people adjudicated?
- Remediation is possible and it is better to rehabilitate when possible.
- Senior mentors are given to the midshipmen and they work one-on-one to get at the root cause
- Many COCP members are interested in this report and continued feedback to the alumni is appreciated
- If someone falls out of post-graduation training, what does the USMC/Navy do with those people?
- They are often given new jobs within the service and people often look at the issue.
- What is the Honor Concept?
- Why it is not: We do not lie, cheat, or steal, and we don’t tolerate those who do?
- Commandant read the Honor concept to the COCP audience from a card in his wallet
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect
- Please explain how the Sprint Football Team performed against the Mexican Military Academy
- Cultural awareness of other militaries
- Interact with other nations
- First class experience and opportunity
10:00AM - 11:00AM Update from Byron Marchant and Alumni Association Staff
He thanked everyone for tremendous support. He mentioned that Dan Ackerson is President of the Board of the Alumni Association. ADM Bob Natter is Board Chairman for the USNA Board of Trustees. Distinguished graduates program is going strong and well diversified body of people. The "Honor the Fallen" program is becoming more robust and important to USNAAA priorities. The Cyber Building contributions are increasingly important. Next, he discussed the American Athletic Conference as a net positive for USNA. Lots of changing schedules for the Navy’s football schedule. He mentioned the excitement around Keenan Reynolds for Heisman.
Update from Bill Dawson
Bill Dawson then explained much of the fundraising strategy to improve USNAAA support to the Brigade. USNAA is working closely with the high energy throughout the local chapters. He is finding and encouraging volunteers. Recognizing superior efforts of the COCP. He then explained what engagement? Membership, participation, reachable, communication, volunteerism, time/talent, and giving back. There are many programs to get involved in to foster an alumni community. He mentioned the 2017 Class Reunion at the Notre Dame game. Another link in the chain up date. Others include graduation, Ring Dance, Commitment Dinner, Herndon Climb, and I-Day. He was encouraging class presidents to improve communication and improve communication. He explained what an engaged class looks like. They have involved leadership, consistent communication, inclusive event planning, support to the ECAs, and good social media.
Update from Kristin Pironis
Shipmate magazine is in great standing. It continues to be a great communication tool. We are in progress of re-design and could make it better. Partnerships with the classes and a consultant can help, but we need feedback from the classes to make Shipmate better. We need your feedback, thank you for being a part of it. She then discussed the Boeing Partnership update. Also, the Profiles in Leadership sponsored by Boeing and showed at every game. All videos are hosted on the YouTube channel. YouTube channel is a source of followership and increases the power of Shipmate content. There as an Instagram account established called USNA AAF. She wants alumni to share your stories with the editorial board.
Update from Jamie Wolff (IT Leader)
New CRM suite will provide greater effectiveness. Volunteer tools will be improved. Volunteer websites will be hosted and support. USNAA is rolling out WordPress: http://usnaaasiteadmin.net. He is encouraging others to post one item two times. There will be an IT tools webinar. Planned improvements continue. He needs help with website archiving. He also recommends each class have a Class Technology Officer.
USNAAA CFO Report
Broadly, the feedback was positive. It was the best annual fund to date. Two consecutive years of annual fund performance. There is a budget surplus of $2.8M. The investment income in 2015 was flat. There was a conservative risk strategy is low and we are predictable. Perry Alumni Association. Proposed location submitted to the USN. Purchase or lease requested: SECNAV approved that NAVFAC give USNA AAF a non-competitive lease. NAVAC has taken it on and the environment assessment is underway (18-24mo), 30,000 sq/ft building projected for CY2019. There was an ad hoc committee will oversee this project and ADM Natter is leading this effort and calling on the CNO, SECNAV, and all other key leaders as he moves the project forward.
Class Giving Update from Bill O’Conner
The class projects during capital campaign are giving generously. Rich Goldsby is the lead for the campaign giving effort. 50th reunion classes are giving upwards to $2M. 2nd Annual All Academy Challenge went well and the 3rd Annual All Academy giving will be June 1- 7, 2015
11:00AM – 12:00PM: Athletic Association w/ Chet Gladchuk
The AD explained that Navy won the Commander and Chief Trophy. The USNAAA allows for a margin of Excellence. The Yeager Pavilion sponsored and adds to the experience. The 1953 Pavilion now has an exact replica of the goat at Gate 1. USNA Athletic Association is hiring and retaining great coaches with additional funds. For instance, Joe Schlosberg, the Women’s Crew Coach. Also, Kip Simons, the gymnastics coach. More information was shared that Captain Bill Byrne was inducted to the National Football Hall of Fame. USNA will host the championship we will run it like a home Navy football game. Supplemental nutrition is offered to USNA athletes. Golf complex will have 25-year lease. All positives from the Athletic Association.
Questions & Answers
- Class challenge for the bowl game?
- Starting the challenge is going to happen and everyone will hear on November 24, 2015
- How are the midshipmen performing with 14 games?
- Midshipmen are doing well and handling the stress
- They are focused to get the job done
- Scheduling?
- The 2016 schedule will be out in January
- Be patient and we appreciate your leadership and staying flexible
12:00AM – 12:45PM: Lunch
12:45PM – 1:30PM: Breakout Sessions / Issue Paper Discussions
1930s, 40s, 50s: CAPT Wiliam H. Peerenborn USN (Ret.) ‘57
- Issue Paper (IP) #1: Rich Goldsby described what the requirements were for the MOU. It was concluded that it was not real clear. Membership & Services committee can look into this matter.
- Issue Paper #2: Does not recommend further action.
- Rules for gifts are important and was considered by the decade.
1960s, CAPT William S. Johnson USN (Ret.)‘60
- Communications to the Class Presidents need to increase.
- IP#1: Must read closely. No action required.
- IP#2: No action required.
- Kiosk is a resource for updating your profile in the large data base for your legacy identify, Dave Church is the lead.
1970s, CAPT Glen O. Woods USN (Ret.) ’78
- IP#1: Boilerplate is important; however the committee can come up with the format. The process needs to be standardized and the eventual gift agreement will need to be tailored. Just like a contract, if more detail needs to be put into it, it must be specified.
- IP#2: Term limits are good. Increase engagement, leadership roles, and increased ideas. Believe you can have consecutive terms; however, that should be considered
- Recommend more permanent card for students.
1980s, Tim Kobosko ’80)
- Reunion planning with the American Athletic Conference will present challenges for the organizers. Holly Powers were supporting their class in a creative way during the CNO’s visit. The ’80 reunion used the N room for their big event and they did not use a hotel for the Team event.
- Re-Energized the company representative concept. Successfully received 36 company representatives and increased communication in order to make their class successful.
- IP#1: No comment
- IP#2: No comment
1990s Dean Ebert, USNA '93
- IP#1: Agree that this measure is important and should be supported.
- IP#2: Agree that this measure is important and should be supported.
- Reunions: Special thanks to Holly Powers and USNA AAF. The classes have been better at fundraising because of the infrastructure associated with the most recent reunion.
2000s + 2010s Major "Murph" McCarthy, USMC ‘00
- IP#1: Agree that this measure is important and should be supported. Make sense to have boilerplate and it is helpful to have templates. The “sunset” clause is helpful to the ongoing relationship.
- IP#2: Agree that this measure is important and should be supported. People should be eligible to take on Vice Chairman and Chairman without being a decade rep.
- Other business: Class Projects work, but alumni feel a lack of control. The process and loopholes in these documents. Also, USNA ’13, LTJG Spivey, wanted to raise money for the confidence course and shared history of that effort. As a Class President and Officer and they will not want to support the school. Recommend an MOU should be flexible and they don’t want the USNA to be tied. LCDR Dan Bailey shared his 2003 newsletter, something he sends to 2x per year to explain what occurs at the COCP events.
1:30 – 2:00PM: Dean of Admissions, Bruce Latta, USNA ‘78
The Dean provide statistics for the COCP. The incoming USNA class includes 1191 students from all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands as well 12 international students from 10 countries. Statistics are positive: Class rank 10% / 20% …76% / 90%. Whole person concept matters in recruiting talent. Admissions engagement is increasing to make outreach more robust. Families are putting 55% of their family savings to support college. Blue & Gold officers are needed from our ranks He made suggestions where COCP can help? 1) Improve USNA footprint in your area, 2) Recommend potential candidates to USNA, 3) Mentor students – 8th grade is not too early. He discussed admissions vs NAPS vs Prep School? The recommendation for Foundation is a good path to the Naval Academy. There are international application processes for foreign military students. OSD/State will approve decision for who is admitted. The health of admission is very good.
2:00 – 2:30PM: New Business
There was a discussion on the Midshipmen Action Group (MAG). They created and initiated a program called the “Last Salute.” The Superintendent is considering a Center for Service coordination. There is early discussion about soliciting funds to support this effort. This is something of interest that the COCP should approve.
Additional admin: 1) Next COCP event will be in April 2016; The COCP should get permission from the leaders presenting who need to share the slides; The COCP needs the presenters to provide their name, title, and point of contact so that people can provide feedback. Mike from USNA ’65 is selling the Navy goat statue and many people want them. They are for sale and they are offered to all Class Presidents and all alumni. The Navy goat statue is available for $1,195.00. All class presidents are encouraged to order. Contact Mike Mariana (Class of ’65) if you want the statue. Additional actions. The approval of the minutes from spring 2015 was motioned; 2nd motion made; all were in favor. Minutes approved.
3:00 – 3:30PM: COCP Action Group (CAG) met to discuss follow-on action steps
Prepared by: Joshua W. Welle, ’02
COCP Class Secretary & CPAG CoS
Date: November 19, 2015
Updated: October 02, 2018
Curator: Ed Moore