The Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation

Aug 27, 2025

How Naval Academy Alumni Association Resources Create Lifelong Support Networks for Military Families

As a Naval Academy graduate, I've always been passionate about supporting the institution that shaped me into the leader I am today. But I'll be honest - for years, I wasn't quite sure how the Alumni Association and Foundation fit into that mission. If you're in the same boat, let me shed some light on the incredible work this organization is doing to support midshipmen, alumni, and their families.

The Alumni Association and Foundation: More Than Just Fundraising

When most of us think about alumni associations, we picture endless donation requests and the occasional reunion. But the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation goes far beyond that. They're dedicated to three key pillars: connecting, communicating, and supporting.

Connecting Alumni and Midshipmen

One of the most valuable aspects of the Alumni Association is its ability to bring together Naval Academy graduates from across the country and around the world. Through regional chapters, shared interest groups, and events, they're creating a powerful network that spans generations of naval leaders.

But it's not just about connecting alumni with each other. The Association also works to bridge the gap between current midshipmen and graduates, fostering mentorship opportunities and creating a sense of continuity within the Naval Academy family.

In today's fast-paced digital world, staying informed about what's happening at the Academy can be challenging. The Alumni Association has stepped up its game, providing timely updates and in-depth stories through various channels:

The Daily Shipmate newsletter
Shipmate magazine
Social media platforms
Podcasts like Sing Second and now Academy Insider!!!

These efforts ensure that alumni, parents, and supporters always have their finger on the pulse of the Naval Academy.

Supporting Midshipmen and Alumni

Perhaps the most impactful work of the Alumni Association and Foundation is their comprehensive support system. From the moment a candidate receives their appointment to long after graduation, these organizations are there to help:

For Midshipmen:

Funding for academic programs and facilities
Support for athletic programs (including club sports)
International study opportunities
Leadership and ethics programs

For Alumni:

Career transition support
Entrepreneurship resources
Continuing education opportunities
Health and wellness programs

The Foundation: Funding the Margin of Excellence

While the federal budget covers the basics at the Naval Academy, it's the Foundation that provides the "margin of excellence" - those extra programs and resources that truly set the Academy apart. Since 2001, they've raised an impressive $1.4 billion to support various initiatives.

Some recent examples of Foundation-funded projects include:

Hopper Hall - the new state-of-the-art cyber security building
The Naval Academy Fund for overall institutional priorities
Athletic facilities improvements
Leadership and ethics programs through the Stockdale Center

Supporting Naval Academy Families

One aspect of the Alumni Association that often goes unnoticed is their dedication to supporting the families of midshipmen. They recognize that the Naval Academy experience impacts not just the individual student, but their entire family.

The Parent Program, led by Lori Coogan, offers a wealth of resources:

Parent Facebook groups for each class
Regional parent clubs
I-Day webinars
Commissioning preparation resources

These efforts ensure that parents and families feel connected and informed throughout their midshipman's journey.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you're an alum, a parent, or simply a supporter of the Naval Academy, there are numerous ways to get involved with the Alumni Association and Foundation:

Join or support your local chapter: Attend events, volunteer, or even take on a leadership role.
Participate in parent clubs: If you're a parent of a current midshipman, these groups offer invaluable support and information.
Attend Alumni Association events: From tailgates to regional meetups, these are great opportunities to connect with fellow graduates.
Consider donating: Every contribution, no matter the size, helps support the mission of excellence at the Naval Academy.
Stay informed: Subscribe to the Daily Shipmate, follow social media accounts, and tune into podcasts to stay up-to-date on Academy news.

A Personal Note

As I wrap up this post, I want to share some exciting news. Moving forward, Academy Insider will be sponsored by and integrated with the Alumni Association. This partnership will allow me to bring you even more in-depth, insider information about life at the Naval Academy.

I'm thrilled about this new chapter and the opportunity to continue serving the Naval Academy community in an enhanced capacity. Keep an eye out for our new bi-weekly series, "On the Yard," where we'll dive deep into current happenings at USNA.

The Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation are doing incredible work to support midshipmen, alumni, and their families. By getting involved, we can all play a part in shaping the next generation of naval leaders and ensuring the continued excellence of our beloved institution.

Go Navy!

If you want to learn more about the program, watch the full interview here!

Or listen to the audio podcast here!

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Founder of Academy Insider and Podcast Host Grant Vermeer

Grant Vermeer is the founder of Academy Insider and the host of The Academy Insider podcast. He was a recruited athlete which brought him to Annapolis where he was a four-year member of the varsity basketball team.

He was a cyber operations major and commissioned into the Cryptologic Warfare Community. He was stationed at Fort Meade and supported the Subsurface Direct Support mission.

He separated from the Navy in 2023 and now owns The Vermeer Group, a residential real estate company that specializes in serving the United States Naval Academy community with nationwide consulting and connection.