Meet Lori Coogan

Meet Lori Coogan. As the director for Parent Program, Lori plays a key role in coordinating Engagement Division Operations within the Alumni Association and Foundation (AA&F). This position involves close collaboration with USNA AA&F staff, as well as key USNA constituencies such as the Commandant's Office, Special Events, Protocol, Admissions, and Athletic Association staff. The Director serves as the primary liaison between the Alumni Association and Foundation and all Parent Club Officers, managing effective communication and collaboration between the two entities.

Q: Introduce yourself and tell us your background/role at USNAAAF

I am Lori Coogan, the Director of Parent Programs at USNAAAF. I have strong connections to USNA; my family and I have been a sponsor family for several midshipmen over the last 14 years. My husband, Bobby, is a member of the USNA class of '95. I dated him while he was a Mid, allowing me to participate in the Ring Dance and all the Commissioning Week festivities when he graduated. Although I had no idea what I was getting into when we married in 1998, we have enjoyed the adventures of the Navy during his 25 years in active duty. We have two sons; our oldest graduated from college in 2023 from Grove City College, and our other son is in his third year at Georgia Tech. Navigating the college experience with your children is in my wheelhouse. When I am not working or with my family, I enjoy traveling, tennis, pickleball, running/walking, and I am hoping to get into cycling (I received a new road bike for Christmas; any road bikers out there want to help me get started?).

Q. What is your goal in this position for the next year or so?

One of my goals is to connect more USNA parents with the parent clubs across the country. We live in a digital world where people receive, sometimes too much, information via social media groups; my intent is to bring back the fellowship and support that parent clubs offer with a more human connection. Although social media pages serve a purpose, it is essential that we connect in ways that allow for meaningful human interaction. Additionally, I want to incentivize parents to be part of our USNA Association and Foundation by offering opportunities for our parents to connect with more resources and organizations on the yard.

Currently, I am working on a webinar series that will be available to our parent members. They can join in bi-monthly and hear directly from USNA faculty and staff about the various resources and organizations on the yard that their Mid is or can be a part of.

Q. What advice can you give to parents of incoming Plebes?

A parent's support can be paramount to the success of their midshipman, but it is important to let them navigate the USNA experience on their own while also being their biggest cheerleader. The best way for a parent to understand and appreciate this unique college/military experience is to connect with other parents who are going through or have been through this experience as well. The four years at USNA will go by in the blink of an eye, so try to enjoy the ride while it lasts.