Michie Stadium Preservation Project Support Spotlight: Douglas and Joanne Black
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Former Army Football standout Douglas “Doug” Black and his wife Joanne have generously contributed a $5 million gift in support of the Michie Stadium Preservation Project.
Black is the CEO of SiteOne Landscape Supply, the largest wholesale distributor of landscaping products in North America. He was previously President and Chief Operating Officer of Oldcastle Inc., and began his business career at McKinsey & Company, leading strategy, sales force effectiveness and plant improvement projects in the telecommunications, airline, lumber, paper and packaging industries. He earned an MBA from Duke University.
Black served as an engineer officer in the United States Army from 1986 to 1990 after graduating from West Point and later served as a Captain in the Army Reserves. While on active duty, he completed construction projects in the southeastern U.S., Central America, and South America.
A longtime supporter of West Point and Army West Point Athletics in particular, Black is a member of the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) Henry H. (Hap) Arnold Lifetime Giving Society. He and Joanne shared that they are pleased to support the Michie Stadium Preservation Project and contribute back to West Point and Army Athletics, which transformed him as a leader and helped him to build a foundation for future success.
Built in 1924, Michie Stadium has become a West Point icon and serves as the gateway to the Academy for many Americans. The transformational Michie Stadium Preservation Project will help to preserve and protect Michie Stadium’s history, tradition, and “once-in-a-lifetime experience” for generations to come. The project will support reconstruction of the East Stands and introduce all-new premium suite, loge, ledge, and club-level seating areas. Army West Point Football already provides an unparalleled experience, and the proposed upgrades will further enhance the uniqueness of experiencing a game at Michie Stadium.
Doug and Joanne are making a transformational impact that will last for generations. Their support is further proof of the leadership principles learned as a cadet-athlete being put to practice and we can’t thank them enough for the investment they are making in the future of Army West Point.Director of Athletics Mike Buddie
During his time suiting up for the Black Knights, Black was a Division I-A AP All-American running back, set Army’s single-season rushing record, and was a recipient of both the NCAA and National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete awards.
His own experience as an athlete reinforced the values he learned at West Point. “As a part of the Army Football turnaround in 1984 and 1985, I again witnessed tremendous leadership and experienced the power of a team that is well-led and absolutely committed to the mission,” Black said.
“One of the greatest honors in life is to have positive impact on others and make this world a better place,” Black continued. “This is embodied in the definition of leadership—to consistently bring out the best in others and cause them to win as individuals and as teams. West Point is where I forged my leadership foundation both as a cadet and as an athlete.”
“I continue to be inspired by the unbelievably talented men and women who sacrifice so much to be cadets and to be service academy athletes and who eventually put their lives on the line to help keep us safe. It is an honor to play a small role in continuing the legacy of excellence that is West Point.”
For more information or to make a gift, please contact info@michiestadium.com or visit michiestadium.com.
About AWPAA
AWPAA, a 501(c)(3) organization that executes the USMA's intercollegiate athletics mission, is a non-Federal entity and is not fundraising on behalf of USMA. The appearance of USMA marks or images does not imply endorsement of AWPAA by the USMA, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.
Published Aug. 12, 2021