Friends of NYMA Support for Lana Melendez

After doing all I can from the outside, it is my intention to become part of the solution by applying for an administration position overseeing the Offices of Admissions, Public Relations and Alumni Affairs at New York Military Academy.

It is apparent that the alumni are seeking confidence in the administration, and I'd like to take on that responsibility.

I believe I have the experience, skills, knowledge and insight to serve the school as few can or are willing. In addition to my application, I will be offering my services without salary for three years. I will ask for housing, but otherwise will forgo any salary.

I am making this offer as my donation to the school and the cadets and in faith of our ability to secure the future of the school.

A short list from my resume: BA in World Languages and Cultures, currently attending the Naval Postgraduate School for my MBA. I served 9 years in the Army with 6 deployments. I have 6 years working for the federal government in investigations, internal auditing and operations management including 2 years managing an 11 million dollar budget.

I consider NYMA to be my home. I want to return to ensure that NYMA continues to produce men and women who have the tools to succeed in academics and life. I'm quite proud of my fellow alumni, not just the CEOs but the small business owners, professional photographers and the PTA presidents. NYMA has put out quality individuals who have life skills that make them successful in so many aspects. I want to be part of making that continue.

My long term goals:

1) maintain or increase percentage of alumni involvement and oversee the establishment of a substantial endowment.

2) decrease operation costs to lower tuition.

3) lower marketing costs while increasing marketing targets and student enrolment.

4) create or maintain competitive standing in athletics, academics and clubs through recruiting and funding.

5) re-open the stables.

These are some of the actions I would like to see take place in my first year:

1) publish and continually update the financial standings, budget and annual report for those with a relationship to NYMA.

2) create a separate trust fund for alumni donations, run by a separate volunteer board that will oversee spending with full transparency.

3) redirect marketing and recruiting efforts toward historically military/discipline supporting parents.

4) direct recruiting of current JROTC students, active duty and Department of Defense dependants and students with a military interest or intentions to enlist.

5) utilize social networking and web based informational programs to publicize the accomplishments and talents of the current corps of cadets and recruit.

6) establish a direct relationship with the service academies.

7) open a grant research/writing office.

8) utilize alumni and parent capabilities and services for recruiting and marketing.

9) empower the Association of Graduates (AOG) to fully represent the Alumni and act as a liaison instead of answering to the administration.

10) directly support the Alumni Office to:
a) coordinate alumni donations of goods and services.
b) start an alumni mentoring program, that will include guest speakers, off site visits and matching cadets with alumni for big brother/big sister like program.
c) reestablish regional alumni groups.
d) establish a higher percentage of alumni giving
e) create a forum for alumni solutions and suggestions for obstacles or difficulties faced by the school or its cadets.

My greatest hope is to revive NYMA and make it what we all hoped it would be for those cadets that come after us.

I want to use this petition as a show of force in the alumni and their willingness and power to make changes and not only be seen as sources of funds.

Thank you,
Lana Melendez
NYMA Class of 1989