INVEST IN THE POWER TO CONVENE
Stimulate new thinking by creating a physical flagship to draw
people into the heart of the Institute’s cherished open forum.
Stimulate new thinking by creating a physical flagship to draw people into the heart of the Institute’s cherished open forum.
One of the Naval Institute’s critical strengths is the power to bring together military and civilian leaders, historians, policymakers, informed citizens, and those who stand the watches to illuminate important issues that may or may not have official sanction.
This demanding role is consistent with the American ideal of free speech and respected by all who recognize that good ideas thrive when subjected to the light of reasoned debate.
The Naval Institute will use additional investment to
construct a new center to facilitate deeper connections.
The Naval Institute will use additional investment to construct a new center to facilitate deeper connections.
Jack C. Taylor Conference Center
Situated adjacent to the Naval Institute’s headquarters on the Naval Academy Yard, the new Center will include a 400-seat auditorium, break-out rooms, and a rooftop terrace. It will also feature integrated television production for livestreaming, broadcast, and webcast. The Center will be able to accommodate classified meetings.
Who is Jack C. Taylor?
Back in 1947, a decorated World War II fighter pilot returned home from flying Hellcats off the decks of the USS Essex and the USS Enterprise. This man, a true innovator named Jack Taylor, had a steadfast dedication to his country and his family and an entrepreneurial spirit. Using lessons learned in the Navy, Jack founded Enterprise Rent-A-Car, naming the company after the famous carrier from which he flew.
Jack was a member of Carrier Air Group 15, one of the most decorated combat units in history, led by the top Navy Ace of all time, Commander David McCampbell. Jack served as McCampbell’s wingman on several combat missions and was twice decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross. He ran Enterprise according to Navy values: honor, courage, and commitment. He credited his military service with preparing him for business, noting that “after landing a Hellcat on the pitching deck of a carrier, or watching enemy tracer bullets stream past your canopy, the risk of starting up my own company didn’t seem all that big a deal.”
Jack passed away in 2016 at age 94 in his beloved hometown of St. Louis. To honor their father’s legacy and dedication to the naval profession, the Taylor Family is the lead donor to the conference center, the cornerstone of the Power to Inform, Convene, and Inspire campaign. Their generous gift will enable us to construct and outfit a conference center worthy of Jack’s accomplishments and the Naval Institute’s mission and good name.
JACK C. TAYLOR CONFERENCE CENTER
JACK C. TAYLOR
CONFERENCE CENTER
Invest in The Power
to Inform, Convene,
and Inspire
By making a financial gift in addition to your regular annual donations you will fuel the fight for independent thought — and ensure the lessons of the past are not forgotten.
U.S. Naval Institute
291 Wood Road
Annapolis, MD 21402
Invest in The Power to Inform, Convene, and Inspire
By making a financial gift in addition to your regular annual donations you will fuel the fight for independent thought – and ensure the lessons of the past are not forgotten.
U.S. Naval Institute
291 Wood Road
Annapolis, MD 21402