Who We Are
The Marine Corps University Foundation was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia on June 25, 1980 as the Marine Corps Command and Staff College Foundation. Established as a private organization to be operated exclusively for educational purposes, the Foundation would strive to enhance and enrich the professional education and leadership development of Marines at the Command and Staff College. Today, the Foundation's program focus begins at the Marine Corps University at Quantico, Virginia, and extends to include support for professional military education for the Operating Forces and Supporting Establishment throughout the Marine Corps.

Our Mission
The President of the University, in addition to his professional military education responsibilities, has been charged by the Commandant with developing and maintaining "a comprehensive master plan for professional military education which serves the Marine from cradle to grave." This task specifically includes coordinating the educational requirements of the Marine, both officer and enlisted, serving in the operating forces and supporting establishment of the Marine Corps. It is the mission of the Marine Corps University Foundation to provide the resources that will enhance and enrich professional military education and leadership.

Our History
In late 1979, the Command and Staff College envisioned a foundation whose mission would support professional military education and leadership development when government funding was not available. In June 1980, with a $100,000 grant from the Astor Foundation, the Command and Staff College Foundation was established. Mrs. Vincent Astor, daughter of Major General John H. Russell, 16th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and her son, Ambassador Anthony D. Marshall, were instrumental in providing the grant and still continue their strong support. Ambassador Marshall became the Foundation's first and Founding Chairman. The late General Leonard F. Chapman Jr., 24th Commandant of the Marine Corps served as the Foundation's Founding President.

In October 1991, the Foundation initiated a capital campaign to equip the new Marine Corps Research Center with state-of-the-art library technologies and electronic capabilities to support Marines around the world. With Foundation staff and trustees leading the way, and corporate friends of the Marine Corps rallying unprecedented support, the campaign concluded in 1995 with more than $6 million pledged. The success of the campaign established the Research Center as unique in both academic and military circles.

On November 10, 1996, to better reflect the Foundation's mission, the name was changed to the Marine Corps University Foundation. Also, during 1996, the Foundation formally expanded beyond the University at Quantico. Financial support for battle studies, staff rides, visiting scholars, and the establishment of professional libraries was made available to Fleet Marine Force units and separate commands. By using funds designated to the Marine Corps University Foundation through the Combined Federal Campaign, and a grant from the Navy League of the United States, New York Council, professional military education programs and libraries are now being provided to Marines stationed around the world.

Board Leadership
The 27th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Robert H. Barrow, succeeded Ambassador Marshall as Chairman and served from 1993 until 1995, when the current Chairman, the 30th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Carl E. Mundy Jr., was elected. Mr. Bruce H. Hooper of Villanova, PA, succeeded General Chapman in 1994 as Foundation President until 1997. Mr. John K. O'Loughlin of Pinehurst, NC served as the President from 1997 until 2002. The current President is Mr. Guy Wyser-Pratte of New York City, NY. Since 1980, the Foundation has been fortunate to have a strong Board of Trustees. The Board, consisting of outstanding men and women from all walks of life, has guided and supported the Foundation with their energy, time, talent, and gifts.

Foundation Directors
Colonel Charles J. Goode, Jr., USMC (Ret) was the Foundation's first Executive Director. His tireless efforts and strong leadership built the base for the organization we know today. Colonel Goode's vision of enhanced professional military ducation led to the establishment of several of our endowed programs and successful fundraising events.

In December 1995, Colonel Goode retired after 13 years of dedication and extraordinary service to the Foundation he envisioned and nurtured. Colonel Goode was named an Honorary Trustee in March 2005. Lieutenant Colonel Michael V. Maloney, USMC (Ret), succeeded him and served as Executive Director from 1996-1998.

In 1999, the Board of Trustees reorganized the Foundation staff. Major General Donald R. Gardner, USMC (Ret), became the Foundation's Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, General Gardner held the Robert A. Lutz Distinguished Chair of Military Studies. Under General Gardner's strong leadership and watchful eye, the Foundation grew and expanded its mission. In 2004, General Gardner left the Foundaiton to become the President of the Marine Corps University.

In September 2004, Brigadier General Thomas V. Draude, USMC (Ret) took over as the Chief Executive Offier of MCUF. He holds the Robert A. Lutz Distinguished Chair of Military Studies at MCU, teaching a course on Information Operations at the Command and Staff College.

Where We Are Going
The Commandant emphasized that professional military education is an essential element of follow-on training for all Marines and has placed the challenge to meet the Corps' educational and leadership needs squarely on the Marine Corps University. In establishing these new horizons, the Commandant has underscored and broadened the Foundation's purpose and has opened the door to even greater opportunities for the Foundation to continue its mission. In 2005, the Foundation will provide over $1 million in program support. This includes support to the University as well as to the Operating Forces and Supporting Establishment through our Command Support Program. We look forward to the continued growth and expansion of our program support in the future.