Several years ago, the Naval Institute was raising funds to convert part of the former Annapolis Naval Hospital into new headquarters for the organization. A financial angel named Jack Schiff stepped forward. He had been a naval officer during World War II and retained warm memories of his service during his postwar career as a businessman. He provided a substantial gift that made the difference in the organization being able to move into offices that represented a substantial upgrade over Preble Hall, the building that had served the purpose since 1939.