BACKGROUND: In 1996, the West Point Association of Graduates held the first diversity conference; bringing together alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and cadets to discuss topics relevant to the future of West Point and the Army. The conferences continued on a bi-annual basis until 2005 when the event transitioned to The Annual West Point Diversity Leadership Conference (WPDLC). The past nine conferences have been very rewarding— bringing to West Point numerous distinguished speakers who contributed to inspirational and informative presentations, workshops, and panel discussions. Highlights of the conference series include the dedication of General Roscoe Robinson Jr. Auditorium, partnership with the West Point Lecture Series on Diversity, and participation of USMA graduates, corporate and government executives, Army leaders, and Service Academies.
THIS YEAR: The 2009 conference focused on the principles, practices and accomplishments of successful diversity and inclusion efforts in the private sector, government, and academia. The timing of the 10th WPDLC presents a unique opportunity for the sharing of innovations and ideas between military and corporate diversity leaders. Within the past four years, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force have each invested in strategic diversity initiatives. More recently, the Service Academies have established staff diversity responsibilities or institutional diversity offices. Many of these efforts take into account lessons learned from organizations that have continued to refine strategies initially implemented as early as the 1980s.
The Conference set a new attendance record, with over 330 attendees, including 13 active and retired General Officers, SESs, CEOs, and leaders of industry. The conference is in the news:
US Army On the Long March to Diversity Times Herald Record, 10 April 2009
Army Unveils Diversity Policy at West Point Conference Army Homepage, 7 April 2009