Alumni Hero

Army and Navy Academy Alumni Association

Graduates of the Academy have a special bond with current Cadets. The unique, life-defining experience of attending Army and Navy Academy unites alumni young and old in a long grey line stretching back to 1910. The Army and Navy Academy Alumni Association (ANAAA) supports the Academy by increasing outreach and preserving it’s legacy to ensure that the campus and community continue to thrive for the next generation of Warriors. Recent projects have included the renovation of the Atkinson Museum, which now proudly showcases Academy artifacts and memorabilia. The Alumni Association is committed to keeping Academy graduates informed of projects, networking opportunities, and campus events.

Homecoming/ALUMNI WEEKEND

OCTOBER 18 – 20, 2024

Return home to your Academy by the sea for a weekend of memories and celebrate the shared bond as members of the Academy’s Long Gray Line.

GET INVOLVED

Attending Army and Navy Academy is a turning point in a young man’s life, equipping him with the motivation, grit, and skills necessary to succeed in college and far beyond. Alumni involvement is a key component to helping cadets excel. Here’s how you can give back to the school that set you on your path.

Alumni Association Board Members

President: Jorge Artiles ’96
Vice President: Drew Thomas ’18
Secretary: Vincent Erwin Torres ’99

Board Members:

Lane Ginsburg ’88
Jeff Graybill ’95 
Scott McGarry ’13
Mark Pastore ’75
Mark Sellinger
Kelly Smith ’73
Jason Vorpagel ’96

Cadet Referral Rewards

By referring cadets to the Academy, you give the gift of a life-changing experience to this generation’s aspiring leaders while forwarding your Warrior legacy.

Army and Navy Academy offers our thanks to every alumnus who refers a cadet. We will send you a $1000 gift card upon a referred cadet’s successful enrollment to the Academy. For details, please contact the Academy’s Dean of Admission, Chris Thaeler ’01 at (760) 547-5231 or by emailing cthaeler@armyandnavyacademy.org.

Nominate the Next Golden 'A'

The Golden ‘A’ is Army and Navy Academy’s highly coveted award for an alumnus of distinction.

Do you know someone who has been a leader in his profession or community and made positive societal contributions grounded in the Academy’s tenets?

Recipients are nominated by the alumni and selected by the Academy’s Board of Trustees.

Email us if you know an alumnus who you wish to nominate.

View past Golden ‘A’ Recipients.

 

Nominate an Honorary Alumnus

Being recognized as an honorary alumnus is a great distinction for individuals who have served the Academy in an exemplary fashion and influenced cadets in a positive manner. We recognize a limited number of honorary alumni annually. Please submit your nomination by email so that we can do our due diligence and process potential honorees. 

Post a Review on a Review Site

These are all websites where you can post reviews and tell personal stories. In addition, feel free to post a review on our Facebook page.

The sites below are linked for your convenience:

Niche 

Boarding School Review

Private School Review 

Great Schools 

Yelp

 

The Nametag Project

The Nametag Project is a recent alumni-initiated project located in our our recently renovated museum at the forefront of campus. Have your cadet nametag displayed for posterity.

Suggested Donation: $40

Drinking Fountain Project

The Classes of 1953 and 2005 donated a pair of water fountains on campus that have been removed for significant restorations. We especially invite members of those classes to help with the expenses directly related to this project, but the association welcomes support from all alumni.

Suggested Donation: $100

GOLDEN ‘A’ SPOTLIGHT
Brad Larsen ’72

The Golden “A” is Army and Navy Academy’s highly coveted award for alumni of distinction who are leaders in their community and make positive societal contributions grounded in the Academy’s tenets.


I first arrived in Carlsbad during the summer of 1967. I was at Camp Pacific where I experienced the best vacation of my life to that point. Looking back, it seems like I never left. Instead of returning home that August, my parents informed me I would be attending regular school there, which was a bit of a surprise at first! Fortunately, several of my camp buddies were also transitioning to the Academy, and we all ended up as roommates in a large room in Fegan Hall, originally a deluxe room at The Red Apple Inn.

Fast forward 6 years and I was graduating as an officer at the top of my class, and admitted to college with honors. It was my time at the Academy that I credit all the success I have enjoyed in my life. The education, discipline, training, and personal attention gave me the foundation that I could see my peers back home did not have. I had a mission to become a Millionaire by the time I was 21. The focus that the Academy sharpened in me, allowed me to reach that goal 2 days before my 21st birthday. I am semi retired from the family business, Maclin Open Air Markets & Auctions, which is the only place I have ever worked for over 50 years.

One of my two current goals related to the Academy, is to give back more years in service to the school than the years I attended. The other is to provide more financial support than my tuition equalled for the 6 years at the school, in today’s dollars. I seem to be on track with this plan. I’m currently serving as a Board Trustee, have received The Golden “A” Award as well as The Distinguished Warrior Award. I’m still here.

I am happily married to Liza Larsen, who volunteers to assist in my Academy projects. We live in Laguna Beach, California in a 1934 Spanish style home that is very reminiscent of Fegan Hall. Our twin daughters have married, and given the great gift of 4 grand children. One of those grandkids is Henry, who I hope someday will become a cadet.

This photo was taken in the Academy Museum, which I had the satisfaction of performing a complete renovation in 2017.

WARRIOR STRONG, WARRIOR PROUD, WARRIOR GRATEFUL! 

SHOW YOUR WARRIOR PRIDE

The Academy’s bookstore now offers a wide variety of top-quality spirit wear for men and women. You can be Warrior Proud in a variety of styles. When you’re on campus, feel free to drop by the Cadet Store for more great Army and Navy Academy gear. We are Warrior Proud!

SUPPORT YOUR ALMA MATER

Army and Navy Academy’s long tradition of excellence is made possible by the generous commitment of time and effort from our distinguished alumni. Cadets thrive with the benefit of alumni involvement, and from the networking opportunities, business connections, and lived experience each alum brings back to the Academy. If you are unable to give of your time, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to the Academy in support of our mission to educate, mentor, and develop good character and leadership in young men.

SHARE YOUR ANA STORY

We’d love to hear about your own experience at Army and Navy Academy and its impact on your life!

Email your story to us, or tell us about other alumni you know.

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