give to THE 
nps fOUNDATION

Mauz
Innovation Fund

A Legacy of Leadership

Retired Navy Admiral Henry “Hank” Mauz and Margaret “Peggy” Mauz are celebrated for theirexceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to service of our Nation.

With an impressive record of achievements, Adm. Mauz held key leadership positions that significantly contributed to national security. Notably, he served as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Commander of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, U.S. Seventh Fleet and Naval Forces Central Command during Operations Desert Storm/Desert Shield. In these critical roles, he demonstrated exemplary command and strategic prowess, coordinating efforts across coalition navies and protecting vital interests.

Beyond his military service, Mauz’s legacy also lies in his profound impact on the next generation of national security leaders. Following retirement in December 1994, Mauz's dedication to the Naval Postgraduate School became evident through his instrumental work with the NPS Foundation. Under Mauz's visionary leadership, the Foundation blossomed into a catalyst for change and progress for the school. As the President and later Chairman of the NPS Foundation, Mauz diligently worked to familiarize the local community with NPS, championing its importance and fostering engagement. Recognizing the exceptional value of the school, he became a vocal advocate during challenging times, including the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. Through early white papers, letters to leadership and unwavering commitment, Mauz championed the institution's significance, ultimately playing a pivotal role in saving NPS from closure.

Admiral Mauz also played an important role in influencing legislative changes that allowed private citizens to run the school under a five-year term, facilitating a new era of leadership. His efforts, coupled with the tragic events of 9/11, brought together a diverse group of individuals, eager to support NPS and its mission. Mauz curated a distinguished Board of Trustees that brought unprecedented expertise and impact to NPS and the NPS Foundation. Mauz's transformative work for NPS and the NPS Foundation is a testament to his unwavering commitment to higher education, national security and the next generation of military leaders.

The Mauz legacy of advocacy, leadership and community engagement continues to shape NPS and theFoundation, solidifying the school as a vanguard of innovation and excellence.

Mauz Innovation Fund - Shaping the Future of NPS and the NPS Foundation

The Mauz Innovation Fund will be a catalyst for transformative change,  shaping Foundation initiatives and support, and guiding NPS towards a future that embraces cutting-edge technology, fosters an innovation-driven culture, and forges strategic partnerships of broader significance. 


IMPACTS: 

Innovation Leadership Positions:
Innovation Leadership positions for both the Naval Postgraduate School and the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation will be a key leaders in tech transformation, strategic partnerships and the Naval Innovation Center at NPS. The impact of these positions will be felt across the campus, setting the stage for an era of growth, transformation and global influence.

Naval Innovation Center at NPS:
The Mauz Innovation Fund will provide support for the Naval Innovation Center at NPS, ensuring that the center meets NPS’ and NPS Foundation’s vision and intent for the facility, attracting top faculty and partners and becoming a beacon of innovation and ingenuity. 

Development of Strategic Partnerships:
The Mauz Innovation Fund will support the cultivation of strategic partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and research institutions to help NPS amplify its impact, attract top talent, and foster a collaborative ecosystem that accelerates breakthroughs. 

Tech Transformation:
The Mauz Innovation Fund will support the integration of emerging technologies and innovative practices into NPS’ academic and research landscape. By supporting NPS innovation initiatives and encouraging faculty and students to explore novel approaches, the innovation culture will thrive, propelling NPS to the forefront of technological advancement.

Acclamations

"As a civilian, I recognize the challenges that our military faces and the investment that the community can make in the school, whether it's a local community or the national community, can have an enormous impact on our ability to avoid wars as well as to fight and successfully win wars. The impact here with the combination of a world class faculty and the students, bringing their operational experiences from the field to bear on the problems that face our country is truly remarkable."
Mike Mullen, ADM, USN (Ret)
Hank Plain
"The Mauz Innovation Fund serves as a testament to Admiral Mauz's legacy - supporting emerging technologies and innovative practices to ensure that NPS is the US military’s premier hub of innovation and knowledge. More than any other individual, Admiral Hank Mauz is responsible for ensuring the success and survival of NPS, as well as establishing the NPS Foundation’s role in support of the next generation of military leaders."
Hank Plain
Chair, Board of Trustees
Partner, Lightstone Ventures
“We’re proud to collaborate with the Naval Postgraduate School to explore the many ways in which 5G can usher in a wave of innovation that benefits the Department of Defense and across the public and private sectors.”
Lance Spencer
Client Executive Vice President – Defense, AT&T Public Sector
“NPS is the premier DOD school of technology for warfighting. It's also close to the center of U.S. innovation and the preponderance of forces assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. We continue to deepen ties between NPS and the Fleet to identify relevant challenges and find solutions to build out our capabilities today while simultaneously guiding generations of warfighters in the future."
ADM Samuel Paparo, USN
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet
MS in Systems Analysis '15
Natalie Poggemeyer
"Not only does NPS have an interdisciplinary nature in its academics, but it’s interdisciplinary in the student population. The research and education piece unlocks the potential of the “interdisciplinary” by creating the opportunity and framework to allow ideas to thrive. … Building agile and critical thinkers who are able to take in a lot of information, understand data and technology and make the best possible decisions in the shortest amount of time is how we will meet the needs of the current and future threat environment. The nation is better off for it."
Maj. Lucas Burke, USMC
MS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE '19
Kevin Smith, PhD
"The Navy has called upon NPS to do more with the unique opportunities we have with our operationally experienced student body, defense-focused faculty, and our partnerships with DON/DOD labs, academia, and our proximity to the innovation ecosystem in nearby Silicon Valley. The threats facing the Navy and our broader national security are challenging our status quo and relying upon our innovative spirit and commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the warfighter in ways that require us to expand our notion of research and education at NPS." 
Kevin Smith, PhD
Vice Provost for Research

Types of Gifts

Annual Pledge or One-Time Gift

Your immediate contribution ignites impact, contributing to urgent and ongoing initiatives. A recurring commitment ensures a sustained impact, empowering the Foundation to drive tech innovation, nurture partnerships, and foster groundbreaking initiatives year after year.

Endowment

Create a legacy of innovation by contributing to an endowment within the Mauz Innovation Fund.

Your enduring gift will be prudently invested to provide perpetual support, propelling the Foundation's mission to shape the future through technology, strategic alliances, and innovation.

Planned Giving

By including the Mauz Innovation Fund in your estate plans, you leave a powerful legacy that fuels transformative technology and generation of leaders.

Options include: Will or Living Trusts, Retirement Plan Assets, Life Insurance, Charitable Gift Annuity and More.

Hybrid Gifts

Craft a unique impact with a Hybrid Gift to the Mauz Innovation Fund. This flexible option allows you to combine immediate support with the enduring benefits of an endowment.

Your gift enables both instant momentum and long-term sustainability,

Contact Rich Patterson at 831-238-1284 or rpatterson@npsfoundation.org to learn more and discuss gift options.

Checks, made out to NPS Foundation, and Pledge Forms can be mailed to:

Naval Postgraduate School Foundation
Attn: Mauz Innovation Fund
PO Box 8626
Monterey, CA 93943
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