1. I noted that there were 73 years between the ages of the oldest and youngest Class Presidents in attendance.
   
   
2. Tim Disher (’81) gave us a brief on the International Programs Office, originally set up in ’05 to meet the CNO’s goal of “adaptable individuals who understand global and cross-cultural dynamics”. 
   
   About 400 mids traveled to 39 countries last year for periods ranging from 10- 30 days to a full semester.  Additionally, about 1000 mids take a foreign language.  There are 8 foreign exchange officers assigned to USNA and 52 exchange students (limited to 60). 
   
   This year 30 mids are spending a semester at a foreign university and that number is expected to reach its limit of 100 soon.  Army has 150 such assignments! 
   
   Then three mids gave short briefs on their experiences abroad—in Jordan, Egypt and Algeria.  They were very impressive speaking confidently to a rapt audience.
   
   
3. Next, our new Dean, Andrew Phillips (’84 Penn State) spoke about academics.  He said the Supe’s Strategic Plan has 26 major Projects and 12 concern academics. 
   
   The Dean reminded us that the CNO has placed a requirement for 65% science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Navy graduates beginning with the Class of ’13.  Class of ’12 now has 68%. 
   
   It was stressed that courses are taught differently than our experience, with more project-based learning.  Projects include an electric vehicle, an underwater vehicle, a hovercraft, a robotic ATV, IED detection and defeat project, and a concrete canoe.  The Dean said the hallways in Rickover are jammed with projects, all built by mids.
   
   
4. Byron Marchant (’78) spoke next, giving us a report similar to the Spring SITREP he sent out to everyone April 13th.  I won’t repeat his message here.  He added that a tutorial is being developed to assist navigating on usna.com.  He announced CAPT Robert Clark (’84) will relieve CAPT Matt Klunder as Commandant in a week.  He
   
   Marchant said 17,400+ “applications” had been received –2000 more than last year’s record.  [I think that should be “inquiries”, not “applications”, but I don’t want to quibble.]  He wrapped up with a slide listing some of the USNA graduates leading the humanitarian relief in Haiti and our very own John Harvey led the list!  BZ, classmate!
   
   
5. Bob Hofford (’61) gave us a presentation on the Columbarium project.  The Class of ’59 has raised about a third of the $5.5M required for this 1 year project that will expand the capacity from 2800 to 6800 niches.  During the project,  inurnments will be done collectively by the staff with no individual ceremonies.   If you need info, contact Sharon Moffatt at 410-293-1101.
   
   
6. The Brigade will reorganize in 36 companies during the 2011-12 academic year.

If you want to know what’s going on, it is essential that you maintain your profile with the Alumni Association.  Take a moment to check your info and, if you’re a life member, consider changing your email address to a lifetime one ending in “@1973.usna.com”.             

BEAT NOTRE DAME! And Hopkins!

Non sibi,