President
History & Strategic Vision
This section combines the rich history with the forward-looking strategic goals, showing the evolution of the Society.
Our
History
The West Point Society of Greater Houston (WPSGH) was founded in 1958 by dedicated graduates Bob Pine ’45, Charlie Robinson ’46, and Jim Giles ’44. Brigadier General R. C. Kuldell ‘12, the oldest graduate in Houston, was elected as the first President. From its earliest days hosting functions at BG Kuldell’s home, the Society quickly established core traditions like the Founders Day Banquet and the Army-Navy Game party.
Mission
Statement
The WPSGH is a nonprofit Corporation organized primarily for the benefit and support of its members, support of the Greater Houston community, support of our alma mater, and to foster and promote the ideals of Duty, Honor and Country that are the foundation of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Strategic
Vision
We aim to remain one of the largest and most active West Point Alumni Societies in the United States, serving our members as the primary resource in the Houston area to stay connected to West Point and supporting the Academy to produce leaders of character.
Key Strategic Goals
Member Support
Conduct outstanding B2B support programs and provide mentoring opportunities for professional success.
Cadet & Admissions Support
Provide support for our Parents Club and Field Force/MALO programs to assist future cadets.
Community Service
Engage in Civic and Community Activities, and support Local and National Veterans programs.
Organizational Excellence
Continue to earn the Distinguished Society Award and support the WPSGH Distinguished Graduate Award.
Key Milestones
Early Focus (1960s)
Established traditional luncheon meetings, athletic recruiting, high school contact, and job placement programs. Notably initiated a small risk capital pool that helped found Olympic Geophysical.
1960s
Late '60s - 70's
Vietnam Era Shift (Late '60s - '70s)
Focus shifted from internal social support to support of USMA within the Houston community, specifically achieving a reputation for consistently providing superior cadet candidates.
Reorganization & Growth (1980s)
Underwent significant reorganization; the first Bylaws were written in 1981, and the Board of Directors was established. The service area expanded, adding the word “Greater” to the name. Keynote events included promoting the USMA Glee Club, which once raised approximately $125,000 for Texas Children’s Hospital.
1980s
90s - 2000's
National Prominence (1990s - Present)
The Society became a healthy, vibrant alumni organization, increasing efforts to promote USMA among high school students, now contributing 30 to 40 new cadets annually from the Greater Houston area.
DSA Excellence
The WPSGH was the model for the AOG’s newly created Distinguished Society Award (DSA) in 1994, and has won the DSA every year since, celebrating more than 25 consecutive years of this honor.
1994
2025
West Point Entrepreneur Event
The WPSGH held its first West Point Entrepreneur Event with over 150 attendees representing more than 40 small to medium-sized businesses. This event was 3x as large as any initial AOG-led event across the country.
Key Milestones
1960s
Early Focus (1960s)
Established traditional luncheon meetings, athletic recruiting, high school contact, and job placement programs. Notably initiated a small risk capital pool that helped found Olympic Geophysical.
Late '60s - 70's
Vietnam Era Shift (Late '60s - '70s)
Focus shifted from internal social support to support of USMA within the Houston community, specifically achieving a reputation for consistently providing superior cadet candidates.
1980s
Reorganization & Growth (1980s)
Underwent significant reorganization; the first Bylaws were written in 1981, and the Board of Directors was established. The service area expanded, adding the word “Greater” to the name. Keynote events included promoting the USMA Glee Club, which once raised approximately $125,000 for Texas Children’s Hospital.
90s - Present
National Prominence (1990s - Present)
The Society became a healthy, vibrant alumni organization, increasing efforts to promote USMA among high school students, now contributing 30 to 40 new cadets annually from the Greater Houston area.
>25 years
DSA Excellence
The WPSGH was the model for the AOG’s newly created Distinguished Society Award (DSA) in 1994, and has won the DSA every year since, celebrating more than 25 consecutive years of this honor.
Key Milestones
Early Focus (1960s)
Established traditional luncheon meetings, athletic recruiting, high school contact, and job placement programs. Notably initiated a small risk capital pool that helped found Olympic Geophysical.
Vietnam Era Shift (Late '60s - '70s)
Focus shifted from internal social support to support of USMA within the Houston community, specifically achieving a reputation for consistently providing superior cadet candidates.
Reorganization & Growth (1980s)
Underwent significant reorganization; the first Bylaws were written in 1981, and the Board of Directors was established. The service area expanded, adding the word “Greater” to the name. Keynote events included promoting the USMA Glee Club, which once raised approximately $125,000 for Texas Children’s Hospital.
National Prominence (1990s - Present)
The Society became a healthy, vibrant alumni organization, increasing efforts to promote USMA among high school students, now contributing 30 to 40 new cadets annually from the Greater Houston area.
DSA Excellence
The WPSGH was the model for the AOG’s newly created Distinguished Society Award (DSA) in 1994, and has won the DSA every year since, celebrating more than 25 consecutive years of this honor.
