"To perpetuate the history and memories of the United States Naval Academy and the members of the Class of 1963 thereof, and to encourage and assist the growth and development of the United States Naval Academy."

Class of 1963 Legacy-1963 Center for Academic Excellence (63 CAE)


   "In a sense, our Legacy will be 'a gift that keeps giving.'  It will not be a one time effort, project, or contribution.  Rather, it will provide a continuum between the past and the future. "

Class of 1963 Stewardship Report with cover letter to Spencer Johnson from Rich Goldsby '72, Associate Director, Class Legacy Gift Programs (December 2009)

63 CAE Brochure (March 2008)

63 CAE pledge form (Word Document)

63 CAE pledge form (Adobe Reader)

The Class of 1963 Center for Academic Excellence Commemorative Plaque

We are proposing a commemorative plaque for the 63 CAE, listing the major donors, congregated by "striper" levels: for example, a six-figure gift gets you six stripes.
Here is your chance to wear as many stripes as you want!
$100,000   6 striper
$63,000     5 striper
$37,600     4 striper
$18,900     3 striper
$12,600     2 striper
$6,300       1 striper
$2,500       MPO

CAE 2007-2008 Annual Review(Adobe Reader document)

Endorsements

Exchange of notes between Larry Marsh and the parents of a member of 2013 (1/25/10):

From Brenda and Michael Owen:

Dear Mr. Marsh,
I am sure you do not remember us from the I-Day picnic, but my husband and I were so impressed and honored to meet you. You were so gracious to sit with us for awhile recalling your days on the yard. Our daughter Kelsey is a plebe in the class of 2013.

Your class acted so generously in providing the Academic Excellence Center. We want to assure you those efforts were not in vain. Our daughter has made good use of the facility. Because of you and others the links in the chain can remain strong and students can receive the help they need. ( Kelsey did end the first semester with a 3.38).

Thank you again for your service to our country and your contributions to the Naval Academy.
Sincerely,
Michael and Brenda Owen
Go Navy

And from Larry:

Dear Michael and Brenda,
I sincerely thank you for your kind and thoughtful e-mail. I am glad Kelsey is doing well and completed her first Plebe semester with such an impressive GPA! And, I am especially pleased that the Center for Academic Excellence has made a big difference in her studies. It is feedback like yours that pleases me and my Class of 1963 Classmates. I am forwarding your e-mail and my response on to our Class President and the President of our Class Foundation, both of whom will certainly enjoy and appreciate your words as much as I have. I am sure they will in turn share it further with all our Classmates. Thanks again!

I know you had a good time watching the NAVY-Army game this year, and the Texas Bowl. My wife (also copied on this e-mail) and I were in Philadelphia for the great win on 12 December, and, of course, we were glued to our TV on New Years Eve. GO NAVY!

Thank you again, and all of us in The Link in The Chain (Class of 1963- "Quality '63!") continue to wish Kelsey and both of you the very best. We look forward to seeing you again in "The Yard" very soon. Stay in touch.

Larry Marsh
RADM, USN (Retired)
USNA, Class of 1963

Testimonial from classmate Rocky Pratt:

Thank you for the work you and others have put into the Center For Academic Excellence initiative.

For me it represents a very personal reality as in 1963 I faced a re-exam (my first and only) first class year, June week about 10 days away. In those days there was no organized, directed help available. If lucky (I wasn't) a slash classmate would help prepare otherwise it was...good luck. I squeaked by and graduated on time.

Looking at the CAE and its established track record I can't help but think of my experience and of the many classmates we lost over the four year stint on the Severn that would have, SHOULD have graduated with us had this program existed.

I can't fix the past but CAN affect the future. Thus my pledge. of 1963

August 9, 2009--Letter from Foundation President David Pucett to the new Academic Dean Andrew T. Phillips, and his reply to David and Class President Spencer Johnson

Dr Phillips, welcome aboard!! I enjoyed reading about you in the last Shipmate and I wish you every success!

I would also like to introduce myself. I am the President of the Class of 1963 Foundation. As you are no doubt aware, our Class supports the '63 Center for Academic Excellence and we are in the middle of a fund raising effort to provide at least another $1,963,000 to the Center at our 50th reunion. From time to time, Dr Miller has made himself available to help us in this effort and I would like to ask you if you would be willing to do the same. At this time, I do not have a specific request but I wanted to introduce myself and welcome you aboard. I look forward to meeting you sometime when I am in Annapolis.

If I, or our Class, can help you in any way please no not hesitate to contact me or our Class President, Spencer Johnson.

---And Dean Andrew T. Phillips' reply:---

Hello David and Spence,

I appreciate the email and of course the very gracious support for the Class of 63 CAE. I had the great pleasure of spending some time with Spence at Ogle Hall on Friday, and then again at the Parade this morning. We got to talk quite a bit about your plans, and I'm most eager to help in any way that you see fit.

Please feel free to call any time-- I'm happy to set aside time to talk with you all whenever you like.

We're all very grateful for the support provided by the Class of 1963. It has made such a big difference for midshipmen. In case you did not know, our attrition due to academic reasons is now down to about 3% over 4 years. That's incredible-it used to be above 20%. And fully 75% of ALL midshipmen make use of the CAE every year now. So, I have no doubt that your support for that Center is a central reason for our success.

Please stay in touch, and best regards!
Andy

CAE 2007-2008 Annual Review(Adobe Reader document)

Presentation by CAE staff for our reunion of 1963

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) (Being Revised)

Note from David Puckett regarding Colonel John Ripley (USNA 1962) who died October 28, 2008

A friend of mine just sent me an article from the Investors Daily about Col Ripley. It reminded me that as we were both pall bearers for ADM Minter and waiting to start the service he was telling stories about his early meetings with the ADM while a Midshipman in academic trouble. What a help the 63 CAE would have been for him and what a loss to the Service if he had not graduated.

Webmaster note--John Walter Ripley (June 29, 1939-October 28, 2008) was a United States Marine Corps officer who received the Navy Cross for his actions in combat during the Vietnam War. On Easter morning 1972, Captain Ripley, while under intense enemy fire, blew up a bridge to stop a major invasion. The story of "Ripley at the Bridge" is legendary in the Marine Corps and is captured in a diorama at the United States Naval Academy. His story is required reading for academy students.

One other story, I have forgotten to tell. When I was at the Pitt Navy game and Judi and I were leaving, a young man in civilian dress came up to me and said thanks to you and your Class and its Academic Center, I am still a Midshipman. At first I wondered what was going on then I remembered I was wearing my 63 CAE button!! Great idea from Ken Metviner, so please wear your button when near USNA!!

The Foundation

April 30, 2010 Balance Sheet

Click on Planned Giving 2010 Letter

December 31, 2008 Balance Sheet

June 2008 Foundation Newsletter/Balance Sheet

October 2007 Foundation Newsletter/Balance Sheet

January 2007 Foundation Newsletter/Balance Sheet

July 5, 2006-- Letter from W. C. Miller (requires Adobe Reader) USNA Academic Dean and Provost regarding the Class of 1963 Center for Academic Excellence. The Class Foundation is presently discussing further funding.

June 2006 Foundation Newsletter/Balance Sheet

June 2005 Foundation Newsletter/Balance Sheet from Foundation President, Dave Puckett
Dave Puckett asks: "In the linked letter we have asked for volunteers for two trustee vacancies by July 31. As we are late please consider this deadline August 31. After the nominating committee has a list of volunteers, they will select 3 to 4 candidates to fill the two open vacancies for your vote. Geographical considerations, "new blood" and commitment to the Class and Foundation's mission will be evaluated in determining the slate for your review. "

November 2004 Foundation Newsletter/Balance Sheet from Foundation President, Dave Puckett (Requires Acrobat Reader)

October 18, 2004--USNA63 Foundation 2004 Trustee election Letter from Dave Puckett

May 2004 Foundation Newsletter/Balance Sheet from Foundation President, Dave Puckett (Requires Acrobat Reader)

A Word from Foundation President, Jim Ring

Summary of Foundation Assistance Provided

Foundation Charter

Thank You Notes from Beneficiaries

2007 Foundation Survey Results

Classmates, first let me thank you for your response to the Class Foundation Survey. Our purpose was to get your input as to the future and I believe your thoughts have been clearly provided. The summary of the findings and what we see as our next steps is at Class of 1963 Foundation Survey Results.
If you have any comments or concerns please do not hesitate to send them to me or any member of the Board.
David Puckett
Class Foundation President

Foundation Directory-Microsoft Word
Foundation Directory-Plain Text
    Officers, Committee Chairmen, Board of Trustees

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Class Foundation Home Page   Updated     9 August 2009

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