The Newsletter of the West Point Society of Minnesota September 1997

State Information Technology Head to Speak at Fall Luncheon

Mr. John Gunyou, director of Minnesota’s Office of Technology, will address members of the West point Society of Minnesota at its Fall Luncheon, to be held Friday, September 19^th, 1997 from 11:30am – 1:30pm in the Library of the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis.

Gunyou was appointed by Governor Carlson in 1996 to determine state government’s role in the creation of an effective information technology infrastructure. This is not an easy task. Over the years, several parallel efforts have been created, all with their unique gaps in coverage. Mr. Gunyou will discuss progress that has been made, as well as relate some of the challenges associated with his mission.

WPSM Wins Second Distinguished Society Award

Society President Al Dorris ’59 ventured back to the Rockbound Highland Home to attend the 1997 Association of Graduates Annual Presidents’ Conference, where the West Point Society of Minnesota was one of only 21 societies to win back-to-back Distinguished Society Awards (1995 & 1996). Our small but active society easily accumulated the necessary 1,750 points to win the award, which are achieved through regular meetings and communications, participation in alumni activities, membership, and candidate admissions assistance.

The award ceremony during the Presidents’ Conference recognized socities’ performance during the 1996 calendar year. The award is non-competitive, in that an unlimited number of societies can receive the award.

Society Admissions Coordinator Moves Up

Susan Green ’85, the society Admissions Coordinator for the past 2-1/2 years, has accepted a promotion within the Pizza Hut organization, which is wonderful news. Susan will be taking over a management position in Ohio, from which she originally hails. We appreciate all of the wonderful work that Susan has done for the Society, and especially for the number of candidates who have been better prepared for their experiences along the Hudson.

Susan’s departure has left a gap not only within the Society’s officer ranks, but also within the Minnesota MALO structure. If there are graduates interested in becoming a MALO, or who are simply interested in becoming more active in candidate preparation, please call Al Dorris at (612) 887-1886. Your time would be greatly appreciated.

The West Point Society of Minnesota is offering a test membership benefit program through Airtouch Cellular. The objective of this program is to provide further value-added benefits to our membership. While members may be able to enjoy group benefits such as these through the Society, it is important to note that the Society is not endorsing any program or vendor through this offering, and the Society is not assuming any financial liability or responsibility for any services or products received by Society members via a group benefit. Utilization of services and products offered through this program are strictly voluntary and at the members’ own risk.

Through the Airtouch program, cellular air time and equipment will be offered through an association pricing plan that is lower than plans available to individuals. The primary criterion that must be established is that, in the aggregate, members establish and maintain twenty lines of service. This criterion could be merged with participation from the West Point Parents’ Club as well, and could apply to both Society members and their families’ accounts.

Willie Price ’70 (612/483-4320) has agreed to be the local contact, and Brian Neirby (800/605-5465x9318) is the Airtouch point of contact for the West Point Society of Minnesota. Please call either Brian or Willie for further information regarding this program.

The West Point Society of Minnesota is happy to welcome our new members! The following graduates have joined the society since the publication of the 97 directory:

Mr. Patrick O’Connell, USMA 1947

1775 Lexington Ave S #4

St Paul, MN 55118

(612) 452-2450

Mr. Daniel Morgan, USMA 1972

4876 Helmo Ave N

Oakdale, MN 55128

(612) 779-6025

Mr. Michael Osanna, USMA 1988

1411 Goodrich Ave

St Paul, MN 55105

(612) 699-1988

Ms. Jennifer Smestad, USMA 1992

2530 Harry Wurzbach #290

San Antonio, TX 78209

(210) 822-9070

1LT Michael Johnson, USMA 1994

1768 Butternet Dr

Clarksville, TN 37042

(615) 920-5820

2LT Ross Nelson, USMA 1996

507 Briarwood St Apt 9A

Enterprise, AL 36330

(334) 308-3245

As of this writing, our society now has 130 active members, which represents an increase of over 60% over this time last year.

The Army Hockey Team will be visiting Minnesota this winter, playing the Mankato State University Mavericks at 7:05pm on Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 January 1998 in Mankato. Pat Mellin ’58 has volunteered to be the point of contact to organize a "trip section" to Mankato, as well as hold a reception for the cadets following one of the games. Pat is working in close association with the West Point Parents’ Club in Minnesota to ensure that Army has an enthusiastic cheering section. Members can expect a mailing soon regarding the details of the activities connected to this rare Army Team visit. Mark your calendars now for at least a day trip to Mankato!

Last year’s A/N game was made even more exciting by the presence of cadet (and midshipman) parents, in addition to a number of grads. We want to make this year’s party something to remember as well when Army Beats the HELL Out of Navy on December 6th. Who is ready to accept the challenge of organizing this activity for the Society? We need a committee chair, and about three committee members, who will spend time planning and coordinating with the West Point Parents’ Club. Volunteers please call Todd Loudenslager at (612) 865-7806, or at work (612) 509-3300 and ask for TL.

Directions to Woman’s Club

The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis is three blocks east of the Walker-Guthrie complex and one block south of Loring Park. Parking is immediately behind the building. Directions from major arteries follow:

• Take Hennepin-Lyndale Ave Exit
• Once you exit, get in the LEFT lane
• Follow off-ramp (Lyndale Ave) to Oak Grove Street Stoplight
• Take a left onto Oak Grove Street (there is a special lane to turn left)
• Continue on Oak Grove by bearing Right around Loring Park Office Building
• Woman’s Club is one block up, on the left.

• Take Hennepin-Lyndale Ave Exit (before tunnel)
• Follow off-ramp to a "T" in the road, then take a RIGHT
• Stay in RIGHT lane
• Follow road to Oak Grove Street Stoplight
• Take a RIGHT onto Oak Grove Street
• Continue on Oak Grove by bearing RIGHT around Loring Park Office Building
• Woman’s Club is one block up, on the left.

Follow signs to 94 WEST, then follow 94 WESTBOUND instructions above