Preparing Cadets for Leadership

Paul K. LaFontaine ’86 says the calculation is straightforward.

“The education I got at West Point laid the foundation for everything I have today,” he said. “If I donate back the price of that education in today’s dollars, I’m simply repaying the Academy for what it provided me.”

His giving to West Point reflects the value of the education he received and allows him to contribute to the Corps. “It is equal to the value I received,” he continued, “and the recipients are cadets.”

Growing up in Napa, California, Paul was interested in military history studies and service to the nation. “I wanted to be an Army officer,” he said.

West Point made that possible. As a cadet, he laid the foundation for a lifetime of service while making lifelong friends. He was a three-year member of the Club Karate Team, where he competed against other universities.

Paul graduated to realize his childhood goal, becoming an Intelligence Officer and serving in the 24th Infantry Division during Desert Storm. In the drawdown after the war, Paul left the Army and went on to corporate positions ranging from project manager to CEO, primarily in internet-based companies.

His career has taken him around the world. Today he lives in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with his wife Colleen. “We have one son, Lucas, one dog, and 1,000 books,” he said. “I still enjoy reading and studying history.”

Paul made his first gift to West Point when a classmate called to ask for a gift to the Class of 1986 Gift Fund. Continued engagement with the Academy led him to increase his contribution, earning him a place in the Omar N. Bradley Society for his lifetime giving.

The largest portion of his giving was made in the form of a bequest, which accomplishes two key personal objectives: supporting the Academy and providing for his wife should he pass away first.

In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly proliferating, Paul is looking ahead. He has set up the LaFontaine Philosophy Endowment to support the Academic Enrichment Program within the Department of Law and Philosophy.

He hopes that his gift will “fund programs that develop thinking about the ethical use of force where artificial intelligence becomes an enabler of military capabilities.

“I want cadets to be trained in these programs, to ensure they are prepared for future leadership roles,” he said.

Paul says his gifts were only the beginning. He has become more involved in the life and future of the Academy. “Making a donation led me to apply for and receive a seat on the Association of Graduates’ Advisory Council,” he said. “I don’t consider giving an end point. It’s the starting point for a greater commitment.”

His advice to fellow alumni? “Everyone has his or her own motivation for giving,” he said. “There are many ways to contribute, and your $100 gift to your class fund is only one. Explore them all, find the one that makes sense—and then do it!”