Photographs courtesy U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
A beacon of philanthropy and camaraderie for the community
When the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation celebrated the grand opening and dedication of the Fluegel Alumni Center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 8, 2023, the achievement represented the culmination of efforts a decade in the making. Located minutes from historic downtown Annapolis and the USNA, the 65,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility serves as the new home for alumni—a single, dedicated space that boasts stunning views of College Creek and the Annapolis skyline.
Construction of the facility was fully funded by philanthropic gifts and made possible in large part thanks to an anchor gift from Donna and Rick Fluegel ’61. More than 3,500 alumni, including 37 U.S. Naval Academy classes and more than 1,200 plankowners (original five-figure donors to the building) raised more than $36 million in contributions to build, equip, and operate the facility.
“The development and fundraising involved in the construction of the Fluegel Alumni Center took a long time,” says Jeff Webb ’95, president and CEO of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. “But the generosity of the lead donors is a testament to the power of philanthropy and the commitment of our alumni and the friends of the Naval Academy.”
The Fluegels had contributed funds to the Naval Academy in the past for other projects, but they wanted to make an even more meaningful, impactful donation to fund this project. They believe it’s important for the alumni to have a place to gather.
“An institution of this caliber is a source of pride to the community, and it deserves a top-notch facility for its alumni,” Rick Fluegel says. “Donna and I want to thank ADM Robert Natter [’67 USN (ret), special liaison to the building contractor] who was the driving force behind the project. He was involved in every detail, and he really put his heart into it. It wouldn’t have been possible without him.”
“I met Rick on a blind date, and we fell in love,” adds Donna Fluegel, whose father served in the Navy. “Since that time, the Navy has been part of our lives, and the Academy makes my heart swell with pride. Rick and I wanted to give back in a big way. Helping provide funds for the construction of this facility was an opportunity for us to support the next generation. And it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done.”
Photographs courtesy U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
A New Chapter
The construction of the Fluegel Alumni Center enabled the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation to fulfill its vision of consolidating its headquarters into one location. Not only does a home base allow the staff to serve a larger number of alumni and community partners, but it also offers opportunities to host more events and provides improved engagement and clearer lines of communication.
“In my first year as Chairman of the Naval Academy Alumni Association, I quickly realized that our three institutions, the Alumni Association, the Foundation, and the Athletic and Scholarship Programs, needed a home that would better represent all our alumni and facilitate the hard work of our employees,” ADM Natter says. “At the time, our approximately 100 staff were located in five buildings around Annapolis and on the Academy grounds. The largest number by far were located in the old Academy Hospital’s windowless morgue. The headquarters, Ogle Hall, was a historic home, which although quaint, was also inadequate for our needs.
“After meetings with the mayor and other local leaders, I knew that our idea of a new headquarters and staff home would benefit not only the Academy, our alumni, and our staff, but it would also greatly improve the appearance of one of the major approaches to the City of Annapolis, St. John’s College, and of course, the Naval Academy. Once all these groups were convinced, and our alumni were informed and energized to contribute the necessary dollars, the rest was easy.”
Photographs courtesy U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
A Premier Event Venue
Boasting modern décor, Wi-Fi, information technology equipment, and audiovisual systems, the Fluegel Alumni Center offers a wide range of spaces—perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a conference, dinner, wedding, class reunion, or corporate meeting. Pre-function areas and the support of professional caterers are also provided. In addition to year-round alumni engagement events, the facility is available to members of the community who would like to host events in one of the venues.
The well-appointed indoor spaces include the grand ballroom, two large conference rooms, the Blue & Gold Bar, and executive boardrooms as well as office space for the staff. Outdoor deck and entertainment spaces boast views of College Creek, the Naval Academy, and downtown Annapolis. Ample parking, including more than 100 on-site parking spaces, is available.
“The facility offers high-end, modern spaces in a wide range of sizes, making it an ideal event venue,” says Don Kennedy ’92, executive director of the Fluegel Alumni Center. “The response from our alumni and the community has been fantastic. We were booked in 2024, and we have events booked for 2025. Alumni reunions and weddings are popular. Although the majority of our events are alumni engagement, we have also hosted private events for organizations and members of the community.” A fine example was the popular “Fashion for a Cause” fundraising event for Hospice of the Chesapeake, held in June.
A first-class facility, the Fluegel Alumni Center’s architectural design also pays tribute to the Naval Academy and the alumni community. The lobby features a grand staircase, which was modeled after the stairs leading to Memorial Hall on the Yard. Above the staircase, the words “Don’t Give Up The Ship” are emblazoned above tall windows that overlook College Creek—an architectural and emotional homage to Memorial Hall. Digital displays, including Digital Memorial Hall, highlight alumni achievements and historical events.
“The Fluegel Alumni Center’s ideal location on King George Street serves as a gateway to the city,” Webb says. “The facility is a nexus for Annapolis and all it has to offer. We hope that it is a steady presence in the community that not only encourages further philanthropy but also fills our alumni with a sense of pride and inspires the next generation of leaders.”
To learn more about the Fluegel Alumni Center, visit fluegelalumnicenter.com.
