Despite the extraordinary circumstances across the globe, we are thrilled by the enthusiasm for the coming Jack C. Taylor Conference Center and delighted to report that construction has not been delayed. Members continue to take advantage of the opportunity to become personally involved by sponsoring an auditorium chair (for a donation of $2,500) and/or a brick on the rooftop donor-recognition wall (for a donation of $1,000). Both of these popular options are still available.
This is a wonderful chance to memorialize your own service or your commitment to 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 [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 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 here:
“The Naval Institute provides high quality publications and seminars about leadership and the uses and policies of sea power in today’s world. When my son was a midshipman at the Naval Academy, he attended many USNI conferences and was able to have one-on-one conversations with several visiting speakers, including President George H. W. Bush and Dr. Henry Kissinger. Access to top leaders by our future Navy and Marine Corps officers is an incredible opportunity that is not offered by other organizations. Proceedings is a valuable resource for both senior and junior officers, where they can express their opinions and float new ideas. My son was a naval aviator who went around the world with the Navy and was extremely interested in the processes of world politics and the importance of sea power. I’d like to think he would enjoy knowing that ‘his’ brick helps to continue the mission of USNI.”
Carolyn C. Swiggart
Attorney, Member since 2019
“The Naval Institute has been the foundation for my professional development since 1978, when I was awarded a year’s membership. As a profession, we need to meet and to write to advance our knowledge and contribute to the naval services’ critical mission. With my ‘brick,’ I am adding my small part to that foundation at USNI, in order that the next generation can continue to engage in critical debate about the role of sea power to continually grow and to continue to serve our nation.”
LtCol Frank Hoffman, USMCR (Ret.)
National Defense University
Member since 1989
“I’m pleased to support the USNI effort for a new Conference Center that will provide an appropriate venue to convene for exchange of ideas and initiatives. In this time of quarantine due to the pandemic, we are reminded just how much we depend on interactive, personal engagement. When we emerge from this period of seclusion, the communities of the naval services will have an impressive place to convene and advance our pursuits of solutions and opportunities.”
Honorable Sean O’Keefe
Secretary of the Navy, 1992–93
Member since 2008
“As a career naval officer, I learned early the value of being a member of the Naval Institute. After I retired, I was honored to serve on the Institute’s Board of Directors. In this capacity I became intimately aware of every aspect of the Institute’s inner workings and the dedication and commitment of the entire staff.
The contribution the Institute makes to the naval services cannot be measured. I am proud to be a life member and have always tried to provide the greatest amount of support that I was able. The opportunity to fund two auditorium chairs is a great way to be part of the continuing contribution the Institute makes. I would encourage anyone who believes in the Institute’s mission to support its future by contributing to the new Conference Center.”
VADM Nancy Brown USN (Ret.)
Life Member and Member since 1982
“My dad was a Navy Reservist. He and my mother were my earliest role models and supported my desire to join the Navy long before the Navy valued diversity in its ranks. I have signed on to sponsor a chair and a brick at the Naval Institute’s new Conference Center in their honor.
The Conference Center is a wonderful addition to the Naval Academy complex, where people can gather to think critically. National security gets a lot of attention in the DC area, but we really need a place to talk about the Maritime Services’ contributions. My mother was an avid reader, so the opportunity to dedicate a part of the Conference Center to my parents—I was all in! I look forward to being part of the discussion thanks to their early investment in my education.”
RADM Margaret D. “Peg” Klein, USN (Ret.)
Naval War College
Member since 2012