From the First Class to the Front Door

Celebratory Opening in May 2026

The United States Air Force Academy

General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Welcome Center

The Class of 1959 has always been the "First Class" in every sense—pioneering the traditions, standards, and spirit of the United States Air Force Academy. In May 2026, that legacy will be permanently etched into the Academy’s landscape with the formal dedication of the General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Welcome Center.

First Class: USAFA Class of 1959

With an anticipated one million annual visitors, the 32,000-square-foot Hosmer Welcome Center will serve as the new "front door" to the Academy.

The story of the Hosmer Welcome Center is inseparable from the story of the Class of 1959 itself. As the Academy’s First Class, these young men set the standard for every cadet who followed. They were the first to adopt the Cadet Honor Code, the first to select the Falcon as the Academy mascot, and the first to lead the Cadet Wing. They marched the final miles from Lowry Air Force Base to the permanent Academy site in August 1958, helped bring the institution to full national accreditation before graduation, and fielded an undefeated football team during the 1958–59 season — producing All‑Americans Brock Strom and Robert Siteman. From this foundation came decades of trailblazing graduates, including the first USAFA graduate to fly with the Thunderbirds, the first to fly in space, the first to become a four‑star general, the first to serve as Superintendent, and many more who carried the spirit of the “Forever First” into every corner of the Air Force.

This new facility stands as a testament to the leadership and vision of our very own Brad Hosmer, whose pioneering role among the First Class remains one of its most consequential distinctions.

General Bradley C. Hosmer as a Class of 1959 Cadet

First of the "First Class"

Brad Hosmer’s journey from the first graduating class to the naming of this visitor center is a story of many "firsts" that define the Class of '59:

• Forever First: As the Academy’s first graduate, he was the very first cadet to officially receive his degree at the Class of 1959 commencement.

• The First Graduate Superintendent: From 1991 to 1994, Brad returned to lead his alma mater, becoming the first Academy graduate to serve as Superintendent.

• The First Rhodes Scholar: He set the academic bar for all future cadets as the first graduate to receive this prestigious honor.

• A Distinguished Graduate: Recognized in 2003 for his lifelong service, his career spanned from flying combat missions as a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam to serving as the Vice Director of the Joint Staff.

In His Own Words

Brad has always viewed the Academy not just as a school, but as a crucible for character. His words reflect the deep responsibility he felt toward the institution and the Class of '59:

On the evolution of leadership and character, he noted:

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The Hosmer Visitor Center will celebrate what it takes to

forge—and become—a leader of character.

The Dedication Event

The Hosmer Welcome Center is a $40 million public-private partnership that will welcome over one million visitors annually. It is designed to inspire the next generation of leaders by telling the story of the Long Blue Line—a line that began with the Class of 1959.

• When: Friday, May 15, 2026 (Time TBD)

• Where: USAFA North Gate Entry

• Who: Classmates, families, and friends of the Class of 1959 are encouraged to attend as we honor Brad and Zita’s contributions.

Let’s gather to celebrate a classmate who embodies the '59 spirit and to see the "front door" that will welcome future Falcons for decades to come.

DESIGN FEATURES

The Hosmer Welcome Center is designed to be far more than a standard visitor information hub; it is an architectural and experiential tribute to the "Long Blue Line." For the Class of 1959, the space holds special significance as it literally and figuratively honors their legacy as the pioneering First Class.

Here are the remarkable design features and details on how the space will be used (Photo Credits: USAFA):

1. Iconic "Wings in Flight" Architecture

• Symbolic Silhouette: Designed by the world-renowned Fentress Architects (the same firm behind Denver International Airport), the building’s sweeping, tiered roof is inspired by the Air Force Thunderbirds and the Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk. The aluminum-skinned "wings" are designed to look like an aircraft taking off.

• The Grand Atrium: The center’s heart is an 80-to-108-foot-tall south-facing glass atrium. This space provides panoramic views of the Academy’s campus and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.

• The Suspended Glider: Hanging within the atrium is a Sabre 1 (TG-10C glider), frozen in the middle of an aerobatic loop. It will be illuminated at night, making it visible to travelers passing by on Interstate 25.

The Hosmer Visitors Welcome Center Hanging Glider Located in the Atrium (Photo Credit: USAFA)

2. The Seven-Gallery Experience

The interior is divided into seven themed galleries that use state-of-the-art technology to tell the Academy story:

• The Cadet Journey: Visitors follow a chronological path of the "47-month journey," from the first day of Basic Cadet Training (BCT) to graduation.

• Interactive Core Values: One gallery features a mirrored "reflection wall" where visitors can see themselves while listening to the core values of the Air Force and Space Force.

• The Polaris Star: A centerpiece interactive display called the "Polaris Star" allows guests to explore various career paths within the Air Force and Space Force, illustrating the global impact of Academy graduates.

• Class Legacy: High-tech exhibits highlighting class crests and the histories of the "Long Blue Line," including a special focus on the Class of 1959.

3. Remarkable Features & Amenities

• The Flight Simulators: A pedestrian bridge connects the center to Hotel Polaris, which houses three professional-grade flight simulators (one 737 and two F-16s). These are the only in-hotel simulators in North America, allowing families and visitors to experience the "feel" of flight.

• Official Colorado Welcome Center: As an official state welcome center, it will be the "front door" for over one million visitors annually, giving Gen. Hosmer’s name and the Class of '59 incredible national exposure.

• Theatre & Multimedia: A theater within the center will show high-definition films about the Academy experience, designed to inspire the next generation of potential cadets.

• Retail Space: A 3,000-square-foot gift shop and team store will offer exclusive Academy and "Class of" memorabilia.

4. Community & Legacy Use

• Bridging the Gap: The center is located outside the North Gate, making it accessible to the public without the need for base security clearance. This allows it to serve as a bridge between the civilian community and the Academy.

• The Pedestrian Bridge: The "Falcon Bridge" connects the center to the TrueNorth Commons development, creating a unified campus for alumni reunions, parents' weekends, and graduation celebrations.

For the Class of 1959, this center is a permanent monument to their role as the "First Class." By naming the center after Brad Hosmer—the first graduate Rhodes Scholar and first graduate Superintendent—the Academy is ensuring that the story of the pioneering class is the very first thing every visitor learns.