Shows
WPAOG PodcastEP100: CEO Insights: Your Association is the LinkIn this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, we sit down with Mark Bieger, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, member of the Class of 1991, and West Point parent. From his early leadership development as a cadet to commanding troops in combat and now leading one of the Academy’s most mission-driven organizations, Bieger shares thoughtful reflections on service, connection, and building community across generations of West Point graduates. His leadership journey underscores a profound respect for tradition and a clear-eyed vision for innovation and impact.Bieger’s path is rooted in nearly 29 years of s...2025-07-0832 min
WPAOG PodcastEP99: Lessons From A Heads Up LeaderIn this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, we sit down with Kathleen Widmer, class of 1983, and a 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award honoree. From helping launch the Women’s Lacrosse team as a cadet to leading in both the military and private sector, Widmer shares powerful stories of perseverance, leadership, and service. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to others and a belief that real leadership starts with humility and humanity. Widmer’s path is defined by lifelong service and standout leadership — from breaking barriers as one of West Point’s early women graduates and a pioneering field art...2025-07-0137 min
Dane NealWest Point celebrates the Firstie Social as future graduates get to ‘Break Out the Bandido!’
Cadets and Alumni celebrate the “Firstie Social” hosted by the WPAOG – photos EL Bandido Yankee and WPAOG
Austin Hunt with the West Point Association of Graduates joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio. Hear as Austin shares the efforts of the WPAOG and the support they offer to Alumni and Cadets with the 2025 graduation coming up. Listen as Austin fills us in on the traditions of the “Firstie Social” and how West Point seniors get together and celebrate while learning about opportunities available through the Association. Austin fills us in on the excitement around some of the activations happening, including El Bandido...2025-05-2300 min
WPAOG PodcastEP94: Trailblazer in ServiceIn this episode of the WPAOG podcast, we are honored to speak with retired LTG. Nadja West, a trailblazing leader and West Point graduate from the Class of 1982. LTG. West shares her journey from cadet to becoming the Army Surgeon General and the first Black woman to achieve the rank of Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army. Her experiences provide valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the importance of service to others.LTG. West’s career is a remarkable story of firsts. As the Army Surgeon General, she led a vast organization with an $11 billion budget, ov...2024-12-0349 min
WPAOG PodcastEP85: Diplomatic Frontlines with AMB Karl Eikenberry 2024 WPAOG DGA RecipientJoin us as we delve into the remarkable career of Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, beginning with his formative years in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and his decision to attend West Point. Eikenberry shares how a pivotal encounter with Major Tom Griffin, along with the unwavering support of his parents and a dedicated congressman, led him to the United States Military Academy. At West Point, he distinguished himself as a dedicated cadet, excelling in economics and Mandarin Chinese, which played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of international affairs.Karl Eikenberry is the former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan...2024-06-2540 min
WPAOG PodcastEP84 Founders Day 2024 with COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91 and Izzy WolfIn this episode, COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, and Izzy Wolf, Alumni Services Manager discuss the impact of the 2024 Founders Day events and why they are critical for strengthening the Grip of the Long Gray Line.COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91 graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. After commissioning as an Infantry officer, he served for over 28 years in the U.S. Army, holding leadership positions at the platoon, company, battalion, and brigade levels. Mark deployed twice to Iraq and was...2024-06-0428 min
WPAOG PodcastEP80 Warrior of Innovation with Kathy S. Hildreth '83 2024 WPAOG DGAIn this episode, we sit down with the extraordinary Kathleen Hildreth, the 2024 West Point Distinguished Graduate Award recipient. Kathleen shares her awe-inspiring journey from a cadet at West Point to founding M1 Support Services, a company that stands at the forefront of supporting the Department of Defense. Her story is one of unwavering dedication, from her early days in Army aviation to becoming one of America's richest self-made women, as recognized by Forbes. Her success is not just measured in financial milestones but also in her philanthropic endeavors, including her significant contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project and West...2024-03-1250 min
Inside West Point: Ideas That ImpactBonus Episode: Inspiring Innovation with Superintendent LTG Gilland and Dean BG ReevesIn this bonus episode, the West Point Superintendent LTG Steve Gilland and Dean BG Shane Reeves join forces on the West Point Association of Graduates Broadcasting Network Podcast. During their conversation, they use their experiences in the operational Army and at West Point to discuss the complexities of innovating, including how innovation elevates education at the Academy, the pending launch of the Innovation Hub, and the purpose behind this year’s intellectual theme: “Innovation, Technology, and The Future of National Defense.” Throughout their discussion, they lay out a framework for those interested in integrating and encouraging innovation within their organi...2023-12-0657 min
WPAOG PodcastEP75 Claiming Your Military Benefits with Sue Irons Beachler ‘89This episode features an interview with Sue Irons Beachler, West Point class of 1989, and Veterans Service Officer.Sue received her commission as a Signal Corps officer from West Point in 1989. She is a Desert Shield and Desert Storm veteran and has earned the Bronze Star Medal and Senior Parachutist Badge. Upon completion of company command in Germany, Sue returned to her hometown, Canton, S.D., and has served as the Lincoln County Veterans Service Officer since 2015. Sue has also served as a WPAOG volunteer in various positions supporting Classes, Societies, SIGs, and her Region since 2017....2023-11-2927 min
WPAOG PodcastEP72 The Future of WPAOG with COL (R) Mark D. Bieger ’91, President & CEO of WPAOGThis episode features an interview with COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91, President & CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates.Mark graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and commissioned as an Infantry officer. For more than 28 years in the U.S. Army, he held leadership positions at the platoon, company, battalion, and brigade levels, deploying twice to Iraq and receiving the Silver Star for valorous actions. Mark also served in staff positions, including on the Army Staff at the Pentagon, with the U.S. Central Command in Mac...2023-10-1149 min
RAISE Podcast155: Kristin Sorenson, West Point Association of GraduatesKristin Sorenson is the Vice President of Development at the West Point Association of Graduates. She joined the WPAOG in November 2009. During her tenure, over $803M has been raised to support West Point’s Margin of Excellence and the Long Gray Line.Her 30 years of development experience includes serving as the Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at The New School in New York City, the Associate Director of External Affairs and Director of Special Gifts at the Museum of Modern Art, the Director of International Capital Initiatives and Associate Director of University Campaign Projects at...2023-06-2250 min
WPAOG PodcastEP48 Never Leave a Fallen Comrade with LTC Rob Beale ’02, 2022 Nininger Award Winner, and COL James Enos ’00, 2021 Nininger Award WinnerThis episode of the WPAOG podcast features a conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Robert (Rob) Beale, class of 2002. Beale is the 2022 WPAOG Alexander R. Nininger Award winner and currently serves at U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The WPAOG Nininger Award is presented annually to a graduate who is an exemplar of heroic action in battle and is funded by a generous endowment from E. Doug Kenna ’45 and his wife, Jean. The award is named in honor of Lieutenant Alexander R. “Sandy” Nininger Jr. ’41, the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in World War II.2022-10-2620 min
WPAOG PodcastEP47 Contribute Where You Can with Lieutenant General Retired David F. MelcherThis episode of the WPAOG podcast features an interview with David F. Melcher, a businessman and retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General. He spent 32 years serving in the military and is recognized as a prominent figure in the aerospace and defense community, as the former President and CEO of Exelis from 2011–2015 and of Aerospace Industries Association from 2015–2017.
During his 32 years of service, David commanded at the Battalion, Brigade, and Army Corps of Engineers Division level. He has been awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal, and had prominent staff assignments that included a White House Fellowship with the Offic...2022-10-0346 min
On PointContribute Where You Can with Lieutenant General Retired David F. MelcherThis episode of the WPAOG podcast features an interview with David F. Melcher, a businessman and retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General. He spent 32 years serving in the military and is recognized as a prominent figure in the aerospace and defense community, as the former President and CEO of Exelis from 2011–2015 and of Aerospace Industries Association from 2015–2017.During his 32 years of service, David commanded at the Battalion, Brigade, and Army Corps of Engineers Division level. He has been awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal, and had prominent staff assignments that included a White House Fellowship with the Offic...2022-09-2846 min
WPAOG PodcastEP43 Discipline, Resilience, and Passion with James “Jim” Keegan ‘55, Private Investor and Former Chairman of the Board of Adams KeeganThis episode of the WPAOG podcast features a conversation between Tye Reedy '05, Director of Business Development at Adams Keegan, and James Keegan '55, a private investor and former Chairman of the Board of Adams Keegan. He is best known as a co-founder of Morgan Keegan & Company (now Raymond James), one of the country’s largest investment firms, where he served as president and COO until retirement in 1985. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of NASDAQ, Inc. Mr. Keegan se...2022-08-2432 min
On PointDiscipline, Resilience, and Passion with James “Jim” Keegan ‘55, Private Investor and Former Chairman of the Board of Adams KeeganThis episode of the WPAOG podcast features a conversation between Tye Reedy '05, Director of Business Development at Adams Keegan, and James Keegan '55, a private investor and former Chairman of the Board of Adams Keegan. He is best known as a co-founder of Morgan Keegan & Company (now Raymond James), one of the country’s largest investment firms, where he served as president and COO until retirement in 1985. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of NASDAQ, Inc. Mr. Keegan se...2022-08-2432 min
WPAOG PodcastEP40 Business can be a Source for Good with Kimberly Jung ‘08 and Emily Miller ‘08, Co-founders of Rumi SpiceIn this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, Bridget Altenburg ‘95, President and CEO of the National Able Network, is joined by Kimberly Jung ‘08, CEO of Blanchard, and Emily Miller ‘08, Senior Impact Fund Manager at Twilio.org. In 2014, they founded Rumi Spice, an award-winning social enterprise that provides high-quality, sustainably farmed saffron to world class chefs and Michelin-rated restaurants, by sourcing directly from Afghan farmers in an economic partnership partners in the supply chain.
Kimberly and Emily are 2008 graduates of the US Military Academy at West Point, former US Army Engineer officers, and Harvard Business School graduates. As social entrep...2022-07-2746 minOn PointBusiness can be a Source for Good with Kimberly Jung ‘08 and Emily Miller ‘08, Co-founders of Rumi SpiceIn this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, Bridget Altenburg ‘95, President and CEO of the National Able Network, is joined by Kimberly Jung ‘08, CEO of Blanchard, and Emily Miller ‘08, Senior Impact Fund Manager at Twilio.org. In 2014, they founded Rumi Spice, an award-winning social enterprise that provides high-quality, sustainably farmed saffron to world class chefs and Michelin-rated restaurants, by sourcing directly from Afghan farmers in an economic partnership partners in the supply chain.Kimberly and Emily are 2008 graduates of the US Military Academy at West Point, former US Army Engineer officers, and Harvard Business School graduates. As social entrep...2022-07-2746 min
WPAOG PodcastEP35 Never Apologize for Having High Standards with BG (R) Rebecca S. Halstead ’81, Founder and CEO of STEADFAST LeadershipThis episode features an interview with General Rebecca S. Halstead ‘81, Founder and CEO of STEADFAST Leadership, a leading consultancy company she founded after serving for 27 years in the Army. She retired from the military as a Brigadier General. Becky specializes in inspirational and motivational speaking, developing leader training programs, leader coaching and mentoring. Becky has provided hundreds of keynote speeches and leadership training to the corporate and academic sectors at both national and international engagements.
General Halstead entered West Point in 1977 with just the second class of women, and was the first person from her hometown to grad...2022-06-2244 minOn PointNever Apologize for Having High Standards with BG (R) Rebecca S. Halstead ’81, Founder and CEO of STEADFAST LeadershipThis episode features an interview with General Rebecca S. Halstead ‘81, Founder and CEO of STEADFAST Leadership, a leading consultancy company she founded after serving for 27 years in the Army. She retired from the military as a Brigadier General. Becky specializes in inspirational and motivational speaking, developing leader training programs, leader coaching and mentoring. Becky has provided hundreds of keynote speeches and leadership training to the corporate and academic sectors at both national and international engagements. Becky entered West Point in 1977 with just the second class of women, and was the first person from her hometown to graduate from...2022-06-2244 min
WPAOG PodcastEP32 Ukraine’s Courage & Leadership in the Face of an Invasion with Ambassador William B. Taylor ’69, and Dr. Thomas SherlockThis episode features an interview between Dr. Thomas Sherlock, Political Science Professor at the United States Military Academy and Ambassador William B. Taylor, Vice President, Russia and Europe at the U.S. Institute of Peace.
Dr. Thomas Sherlock received his doctorate in political science from Columbia University and teaches courses on comparative politics, democracy and democratization, comparative political institutions, international security, nationalism and populism, and the politics of the post-Soviet region. He has written and contributed to many books and publications, providing insight and expertise on Russia, and frequently conducts field research in the post-Soviet space.
2022-06-1042 minOn PointUkraine’s Courage and Leadership in the Face of an Invasion with Ambassador William B. Taylor ’69, Vice President at the U.S. Institute of Peace and Dr. Thomas Sherlock, Professor of Political Science at USMAThis episode features an interview between Dr. Thomas Sherlock, Political Science Professor at the United States Military Academy and Ambassador William B. Taylor, Vice President, Russia and Europe at the U.S. Institute of Peace.Dr. Thomas Sherlock received his doctorate in political science from Columbia University and teaches courses on comparative politics, democracy and democratization, comparative political institutions, international security, nationalism and populism, and the politics of the post-Soviet region. He has written and contributed to many books and publications, providing insight and expertise on Russia, and frequently conducts field research in the post-Soviet space. 2022-06-0142 min
WPAOG PodcastEP17. Part 2: West Point Association of Graduates: Becoming the Most Connected Alumni Body in the World with Robert McDonald and Todd BrowneBob and Todd continue to speak about their shared vision for the future of AOG as it continues its mission to become the most highly-connected alumni body in the world for members of the Long Gray Line. They go over the efforts WPAOG is making to coordinate and encourage alumni connections and help provide a clearer path for what’s ahead.
As a highly distinguished leader and civil servant, Bob shares insights and his vision for AOG. Complementing his vision, Todd discusses more immediate strategies AOG is implementing to ensure growth, connections, and valuable services to members of...2022-03-2932 min
WPAOG PodcastEP17. Part 1: West Point Association of Graduates: Becoming the Most Connected Alumni Body in the World with Robert McDonald and Todd BrowneIn this episode we feature an interview between the honorable Robert McDonald, the new Chairman of the WPAOG Board of Directors, and Todd Browne, the president and CEO of AOG. Bob and Todd share their mutual and individual goals and vision for AOG. The organization continues to grow and is aimed at fulfilling its mission to serve the Long Gray Line by becoming the most highly connected alumni body in the world.
As a highly distinguished leader and civil servant, Bob shares insights and his vision for AOG. Complementing his vision, Todd discusses more immediate strategies AOG...2022-03-2944 minOn PointWest Point Association of Graduates: Becoming the Most Connected Alumni Body in the World with Robert McDonald and Todd Browne Part 2This episode features part 2 of a discussion between the honorable Robert McDonald, the new Chairman of the WPAOG Board of Directors, and Todd Browne, the president and CEO of AOG. Bob and Todd continue to speak about their shared vision for the future of AOG as it continues its mission to become the most highly-connected alumni body in the world for members of the Long Gray Line. They go over the efforts WPAOG is making to coordinate and encourage alumni connections and help provide a clearer path for what’s ahead.As a highly distinguished leader and ci...2022-02-1632 minOn PointWest Point Association of Graduates: Becoming the Most Connected Alumni Body in the World with Robert McDonald and Todd Browne Part 1This episode features part 1 of a discussion between the honorable Robert McDonald, the new Chairman of the WPAOG Board of Directors, and Todd Browne, the president and CEO of AOG. Bob and Todd share their mutual and individual goals and vision for AOG. The organization continues to grow and is aimed at fulfilling its mission to serve the Long Gray Line by becoming the most highly connected alumni body in the world.As a highly distinguished leader and civil servant, Bob shares insights and his vision for AOG. Complementing his vision, Todd discusses more immediate strategies AOG...2022-02-1544 min
WPAOG PodcastWPAOG Podcast Episode 4 - Servant LeadershipThis episode highlights servant leadership and living to serve others. The first interview features current USMA 1st Captain CDT Holland Pratt. The second interview features Dan Futrell, CEO of the Pat Tillman Foundation. Moderated by LTC Andrea Peters '02.
2021-11-011h 03
WPAOG PodcastWPAOG Podcast Episode 3 - Mike Buddie (Director of Athletics)In this AOG exclusive interview, Rich DeMarco, the Associate AD & Radio Play-by-Play Broadcaster for the Army Black Knights, interviews the USMA Director of Athletics, Mike Buddie to discuss West Point Athletics and more...
2021-09-0738 min
WPAOG PodcastWPAOG Podcast Episode 2 - BG (r) Dan Kaufman ‘68 InterviewHosted by LTC Dave Siry, USMA Class of 1994
Daniel Kaufman, USMA Class of 1968 was the 12th Dean of the Academic Board at the United States Military Academy.
2021-08-181h 15
WPAOG PodcastWPAOG Podcast Episode 1 - Career ServicesThe very first episode of the WPAOG Podcast focuses on our Career Services Department and all the great work they have done in helping our Alumni get job placements during pivotal transitional moments throughout their careers.
Featured Graduates
•Hosted by: Mike Lyons '83, Major Giving Officer
•Todd Browne '85, President and CEO
•Julia Ruddock '07, Director of Career Services
•Anees Merzi '11
•Miguel Gutierrez '08, Assistant Director of Career Services
•Hannah Dahlem '18
The brand new WPAOG Podcast expands existing connections between Graduates with tailored communications accessible from anywhere in the world.
This customized content channel offers an exclusive look at the extra...2021-07-0649 min