The Association of Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy was founded as a private social and fraternal organization in 1869. Since the turn of the century it has occupied offices in Cullum Memorial Hall at West Point. Membership is open to all graduates and certain former cadets. The association has traditionally been closely tied to the Academy and functions much as a typical alumni office, disseminating information about the history, activities, and objectives of the school and maintaining biographical data on former cadets. In addition, the association acquires and preserves historical materials relating to the Academy and promotes the study of military science. Its administrative organization is comprised of retired graduates and Army officers.

Among the projects sponsored by the association are alumni activities, especially during graduation week each June; Homecoming Weekend; Founder's Day ceremonies; and, since 1958, presentation of the Sylvanus Thayer Award to distinguished Americans exemplifying the principles of the Academy's motto, "Duty-Honor-Country." Many of the association's efforts in recent years have been expended on administration of the West Point fund. Financed by gifts, donations, and bequests, the fund undertakes projects benefiting the Academy and Corps of Cadets for which appropriated funds are not available. The association publishes the annual Register of Graduates and Former Cadets (entry 401) and a quarterly magazine, Assembly (entry 400).