USNA Out members Brian Bender ’93,
Steve Clark Hall ’75 and Joe Soto ’83
chat with the Brigade Staff
Three members of USNA Out — Steve Clark Hall ’75, Joe Soto ’83 and Brian Bender ’93 (all part of the Out of Annapolis gang) attended the USNA Foundation’s 2009 “President’s Circle” Weekend in Annapolis. This was the fourth straight year that USNA Out members have attended this special weekend hosted by the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation to recognize the generosity and support from alumni. USNA Out members who are logged onto this website can read a special USNA Out members only report of the weekend. We could not have felt more welcome by the Alumni Association Staff and
USNA Out members Brian Bender ’93,
Steve Clark Hall ’75 and Joe Soto ’83
chat with the Brigade Staff
Three members of USNA Out — Steve Clark Hall ’75, Joe Soto ’83 and Brian Bender ’93 (all part of the Out of Annapolis gang) attended the USNA Foundation’s 2009 “President’s Circle” Weekend in Annapolis. This was the fourth straight year that USNA Out members have attended this special weekend hosted by the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation to recognize the generosity and support from alumni. USNA Out members who are logged onto this website can read a special USNA Out members only report of the weekend. We could not have felt more welcome by the Alumni Association Staff and
the other alumni attendees.
This year the schedule was as busy as ever, starting with the Thursday evening “welcome aboard” reception. Friday business meetings included “State of the Academy” report from the Superintendent, VADM Jeffrey Fowler ’78, “State of the Brigade” report from the Commandant of Midshipman, CAPT Matt Klunder ’82 (a RADM selectee and a ‘Dant whom the mids actually like), and a special presentation by midshipmen who have participated in foreign experiences coordinated by the USNA International Programs Office, much of which is made possible by the gifts of alumni.
New this year was allowing us alumni to sit in on midshipmen classes. We sat in on an engineering class and were even allowed to ask questions.
Steve’s Classmate Jimmy Jackson ’75
joins USNA Out members Brian Bender ’93,
Steve Clark Hall ’75 and Joe Soto ’83 staying
dry under the dignitary tent at the P-Rade
Despite midshipmen rain dances all week, the rain gods reduced the downpour to a light drizzle so the Friday Afternoon P-Rade could proceed in honor of the President’s Circle members. We got front row seat under the tent. Immediately after the P-Rade was a garden party at Buchanan House (the Supts Quarters) where USNA Out members had a wonderful opportunity to meet and have lengthy and candid discussions with the Brigade Leadership, including the Brigade Commander, Brigade XO, Brigade Adjutant and Brigade Ops Officer.
The evening concluded with a delightful joint US Naval Academy Glee Club and Gospel Choir concert in Alumni Hall. Of course for the second year in a row, Joe Soto with Brian Bender was front row and in the two center seats for the concert.
Saturday was a tailgate party and the Navy – Louisiana Tech Football game.
Because of our relative youth among many the participants, USNAOut members continued to stand “OUT” in the crowd. All USNA Out members who have the financial resources to join the USNA Foundation’s “President’s Circle” are strongly encouraged to do so. By attending events such as the President’s Circle Weekend, we demonstrate that our commitment to excellence at the academy is as strong as (or stronger than) that of our contemporaries. And by doing so, we put a very positive face on who we really are here at USNA Out.