KINGS POINT, N.Y., February 10, 2014 – On Tuesday, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) received a gift of $50,000  from the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Foundation (USMMAAF) on behalf of the Class of 1962.  This generous donation will be placed in the Class of 1962 Fund for Midshipmen Professional and Leadership Development.

This is the second installment of an even larger gift which will total $375,000.  In 2012, in honor of its 50^th Reunion, the Class of 1962 established “The Class of 1962 Fund for Midshipmen Professional and Leadership Development.”  At that time, they committed at least $75,000 per year over five years to this Fund.  This recent contribution in addition to the initial installment of $150,000 brings the total donated so far, to $200,000.

The Fund was created to fund both on and off-campus activities for Midshipmen that will enhance the professional and leadership training already provided by the Academy.  Examples of such activities include sending midshipmen to professional conferences, arranging for presentations by distinguished professional speakers and providing courses on the essentials of leadership.  During 2013, this Fund made it possible for midshipmen to attend the 2013 International Boat Show and The 2013 Annual Meeting of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME).  It also funded the printing and distribution of 1,000 copies of The Armed Forces Officer and a contract instructor to teach an elective course in Business English.   “This gift is greatly appreciated by the Academy and, more importantly, by the Midshipmen that it directly benefits,” said Rear Admiral James A. Helis, Superintendent. “The programs and activities supported by the Fund have been making and will continue to make a significant contribution to the Margin of Excellence we seek for the Academy.”

In addition to their monetary gift, the Class of 1962 published a document entitled Fifty Years of Living the Mission as a gift to the Academy and to future generations of Kings Pointers.  This publication demonstrates “how one of the Academy’s many graduating classes has achieved the Academy’s evolving Mission over the past fifty years.”  The publication closes by saying, “The Class of 1962 is thankful for the opportunity it was given to receive the many benefits associated with attending the Academy. Over the years, the Class has shown its appreciation in many ways, including personal service to the Academy, leadership positions in its Alumni Association and Foundation and by generous contributions to the Foundation in support of the Academy, its Mission and future Kings Pointers.”