Distinguished Graduate Award
The Distinguished Graduate Award recognizes exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart ...
June 1, 1959 -- The cadet dormitory is officially named Vandenberg Hall, after Gen. Hoyt Vandenberg, the second Air Force chief of staff, who made many pivotal decisions in the Academy's formation to include selecting Gen. Hubert Harmon as its first superintendent. Vandenberg's widow and son attended the ceremony. Capt. Hoyt Vandenberg Jr., would become the Academy commandant of cadets in 1973. June 1, 1980 -- The Chemistry and Biological Sciences Department is split into two departments. Col. Harvey Schiller became the first head of the Chemistry Department and Col. Orwyn Sampson became the first head of the Biology Department.
Research for this date in USAFA historical achievements was provided by Steven Simon '77. Read about other USAFA grad accomplishments.
One key mission of the Association of Graduates is to highlight some of those things that make the Academy the special place that it is. As a result, the AOG has launched a series of “Heritage Minute” videos that will be available weekly from our website, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram TV. Each episode of the “Heritage Minute” will feature a historic site or display found somewhere on the Academy campus.
The Association of Graduates uncovers, records, displays and honors the heritage, history and legacy of the U.S. Air Force Academy and its graduates.
Select a year below to learn more about the USAFA class, read Polaris yearbooks, link to class websites, and more!
The AOG facilitates the Class Ring program, from working with cadets on ring decisions to helping grads with lost class rings.
Since 1975 the United States Air Force Academy's graduating classes have been given a special painting pertaining to their graduating class year. Learn more about class paintings and prints.
The Distinguished Graduate Award recognizes exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart ...
Learn more about the Policies and Procedures of the Heritage and Traditions Committee.