We are thrilled by the enthusiasm for the coming Jack C. Taylor Conference Center! Members are taking advantage of the opportunity to become personally involved by sponsoring an auditorium chair (for a gift of $2,500) and/or a brick on the rooftop donor-recognition wall (for a gift of $1,000). The good news is that both of these popular options are still available.
This is a wonderful chance to memorialize your commitment to the independence and openness of the Naval Institute, or to honor someone you admire. Your tax-deductible donation can be made online at www.usni.org/foundation or by contacting the Naval Institute Foundation at f[email protected] or (410) 295-1054. And, if you wish, your gift can be spread over a period of up to three years.
Between the conference center and the continuing success of our other mission-driven educational programs, this has been a time of growth and positive momentum for the Naval Institute. One gratifying side effect is that members have been telling us what the Institute means to them. We are honored to share a few of their comments:
“Building infrastructure to support the goals of the Naval Institute is critical. In doing so, we create opportunity for those who follow in our footsteps, those who stand to benefit from the Institute in the future. I see this new Conference Center as adding significant value to the Institute’s work. And as a regular donor, I feel it’s an especially good use of my donation. In buying a brick, I help the organization achieve permanence. And I leave something of a legacy.”
— RADM Fred L. Ames, USCG (Ret.)
Life Member and Member since 1971
“For more than a century, the Naval Institute has been the convening authority and thought leader for important gatherings to help shape naval strategy and, in turn, national security policy. The profound impact of this influence has been demonstrated by each succeeding generation. Funding a brick for the new Conference Center is an opportunity to help construct a venue that will enable this legacy to continue. And, in doing so, I’m contributing to the larger task of sustaining an open, independent forum for the naval services. Now, well into its second century, it’s long overdue that the Naval Institute have a location to call home for this important task.”
— The Honorable Sean O’Keefe
Member since 2008
Secretary of the Navy, 1992–93
“I signed on for two chairs because I believe support should be given to the Naval Institute owing to its provision of a forum for professional discussions by the fleet to complement the Naval War College, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Academy.”
— Rollin M. Warner Jr.
Member since 1951
Dean of Student Activities,
Town School for Boys
“In deciding to fund a chair in the new Naval Institute Conference Center auditorium, I thought about other places where I’ve seen such things. Who knows who’s going to come and sit here, I wondered. Then it occurred to me that, rather than my name, the four stars will tell young people that senior officers do listen, do read, do care about their views. I wanted to leave the impression with those young people that here at the Naval Institute everyone has a voice, that this is a great forum where views can be shared and voices can be heard.”
— ADM Stanley R. Arthur, USN (Ret.)
Member since 1983
Vice Chief of Naval Operations, 1992–95