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FAQ
The Five-Year Initiative was created to increase sustained unrestricted support to The Fund for Athletic Excellence. The Initiative encourages five-year commitments at the Rip Miller Society and Friends of Navy Athletics levels in order to provide current and long-term funding for Navy Athletics. In recognition of their leadership and generosity, donor's to the initiative are recognized on a prominent donor wall in the lobby of the new Ron Terwilliger Center opening later this year.
AB '80 & Jill Cruz
I grew up in San Antonio, Texas and was a shy kid back then, so Annapolis seemed like a pretty remote place to me. Once I got to the Naval Academy, I had to figure out quickly how to survive in a unique and demanding environment. It was a personally transformational time for me, because as I progressed through my four years as a Midshipman, I gained greater confidence and learned to be comfortable with being out front as opposed to hiding behind the pack. I attribute a lot of the leadership skills I learned to my time at the Naval Academy.
How did being a member of the Tennis team shape your experience at USNA?
Being a part of any team gives you an identity, an added purpose, and a sense of belonging. This was certainly the case for me. Being part of Navy Tennis provided me with a built-in support system. It was nice having an outlet and getting a break from the everyday grind of being a Midshipman. I also loved the camaraderie that existed amongst teammates, being coached by the legendary Bobby Bayliss, and being able to compete at a Division-I level.
How long have you been an Athletic & Scholarship Programs Trustee and what influenced your decision to join the Trustee group and remain active?
I was elected to become an A&SP Trustee in 2015. Prior to that, I had been supporting the Academy in various ways and regularly attended Navy Football games and other events in The Yard. I remember getting a call out of the blue from Admiral Tom Lynch to discuss a business matter, but he and I ended up talking about Navy Athletics, and he encouraged me to consider becoming an A&SP Trustee. At the time, I was looking for more meaningful ways to give back to the Naval Academy, and since I had a strong interest in the athletic programs, becoming an A&SP Trustee made perfect sense. One of my classmates, Peggy Feldmann, who I grew up with in San Antonio, Texas was already a Trustee and volunteered to sponsor me. A&SP is a great group and serves an important role. I’m fortunate to be a part of the program.
What keeps you coming back to Annapolis each year to attend Navy Football games as an Akerson Tower season ticket holder?
Attending games at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium has always been a great Cruz Family experience. My wife Jill and I still have a 15 year old and 12 year old at home, and when we used to live in Maryland, attending Navy Football games became a fun not-to-miss ritual for us. And even after moving to Texas in 2017, we decided to keep our season tickets in Akerson Tower and have kept making our way back to Annapolis for Navy home football games. Our extended family and friends regularly join us for the games, so it has really turned into a fun family affair. It’s also a great opportunity to catch up and renew bonds with my 1980 classmates. Most of all, I like the fact that our kids still enjoy walking The Yard and visiting special places like Memorial Hall, the Chapel, or museum. Through all those visits, our kids have gained a genuine appreciation of what it means to wear the uniform and the sacrifices that comes with service to country.
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is an absolute gem of a stadium. It’s a special place and a great venue for not only sporting events, but also reunions, meetings, hosted meal events as well. The improvements that NAAA has made to the stadium over the years are just spectacular, with Akerson Tower being a wonderful example of how the facilities have been enhanced.
What advice would you give a future Midshipman part of the class of 2024, as COVID-19 leaves us with many uncertainties?
While the Class of 2024’s learning experience may be very different than those in the past and certainly different than what I experienced in the ‘70’s, in the end, it’s all about the honor and privilege of serving this country in uniform. That singular purpose will remain the same, and no matter how the Naval Academy ends up navigating how it’s going to operate and train Midshipmen during these times of COVID-19, I have full confidence that the institution will continue to develop men and women of character, so that they are prepared for their noble calling of service to country.
Why have you chosen to support The Fund for Athletic Excellence and participate in the Five-Year Initiative?
As I’ve looked back over my life and professional careers, I realize full well that many of the doors and opportunities that were opened for me--whether that be in the civilian, corporate world or as a military officer--stem from the simple fact that I graduated from the Naval Academy. Because of this, I’ve always felt that I owed a debt of gratitude and should seek opportunities to give back in meaningful ways. I want to ensure that the Midshipmen now and into the future get to experience what I did…and more. To that end, I want to do my part to make sure that the Naval Academy provides the optimal environment for our student-athletes and future Naval officers to train, compete and thrive at the highest level and get the finest education possible. That combination is important and it certainly takes donor support to make it happen. As a former collegiate athlete, I realize that being able to compete on the sports field helps prepare and propel you in career and life.
I saw the Five-Year Initiative as a way to give back that would have a more meaningful and enduring impact on NAAA and our Midshipmen. I have been very fortunate in life and take great pride in having graduated from USNA. I have a specific interest in supporting the Physical Mission at the Academy and so that our future Naval officers have the best opportunities and facilities to compete at the highest levels for years to come.
What would you tell others to encourage them to support The Fund for Athletic Excellence?
Donor support is absolutely critical when it comes to operating the Naval Academy and Navy Athletics, and this is something people might not understand until they have the opportunity to take a closer look at the underlying economics. There is an assumption that NAAA is funded by taxpayer funds, but this is not the case – it takes a combination of resources, which includes donor funding. I came to better appreciate what it takes to operate USNA, NAAA and to fund our athletic teams and other ECAs through my work at the Alumni Association and as an A&SP Trustee. To learn that full picture and what funds and resources are necessary was eye opening.
The Margin of Excellence is absolutely critical to our ability to compete in the leagues and conferences we’re in. I encourage graduates, family members and all others who take an interest in the continued success of the Naval Academy and the Midshipmen to consider contributing to the Fund for Athletic Excellence.
What are you most excited about for the future of the NAAA?
In light of COVID-19, I’m looking forward to being able to travel again and getting my family back up to Annapolis as soon as possible. We have deep networks, family and friends up in that area and we can’t wait to come back for some Navy Football. Returning to Dublin for the Navy-Notre Dame game was something we were all looking forward to, but it’s also exciting that the game may take place at NMCMS for the first time. Our fingers are crossed that we’ll get to see some Navy Football soon!
