Office of Public Information/ Randy Bergeron

Lynn Horgan (far left), Director of Corporate, Individual and Foundation Relations for the Southeastern Foundation stands beside Alton Lewis CEO and President of First Guaranty Bank donates to the Foundation, as well as other  employees of the Bank (left of Lewis).  According to Director of Annual Giving for the Southeastern Foundation Lauren Williams (far right), First Guaranty is a loyal supporter of the university.

To generate revenue for academic departments across the university, the Southeastern Foundation held their second annual “All in for Southeastern” fundraising event.  

The event took place on Wednesday, Apr. 20, and according to Director of Annual Giving Lauren Williams, the event sought to raise revenue for academic departments, degree programs and scholarships. The Southeastern Foundation spearheaded the initiative. 

For the duration of the day, the Southeastern Foundation collected donations from members of the student body, alumni and the Hammond community. Williams also explained that the number of donations was more important than their size.

“The goal of ‘All In for Southeastern’ is for our Southeastern community of alumni and friends to come together and support the university and ultimately our students,” said Williams. “This is a day to show that there is power in numbers. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference for our students.”

This year’s Day of Giving hoped to raise the same or more than last year’s donations. The 2015 Day of Giving raised $101,000 for the university. Those who donated were given the choice of what department, program or scholarship they wanted their gift to go toward. 

The Alumni Association assisted with helping raise awareness and encourage support through the use of email. Some businesses in the Hammond area displayed banners to show their support of ‘All In for Southeastern.’ While no student organizations were involved in this year’s fundraising, Williams plans to include them next year.

“We have plans to do a giving challenge among student organizations next year to engage the student body and spread awareness about the importance of philanthropy at Southeastern,” said Williams. “Our hope is that ‘All In for Southeastern’ will continue to grow and evolve year after year.”

According to Williams, the Southeastern Foundation also coordinates with the Southeastern Food Pantry program, which provides canned goods and other necessities to many students in need. These include items such as nonperishable foods, school supplies and hygiene products. This is done in cooperation with the Office of Multicultural and International Student Affairs. Chefs Evening, an annual meeting of culinary masters in the Hammond area, is another fundraising event the Foundation hosts.

Williams expressed her gratitude to everyone who participated in a day of giving.

“I’d just like to say thank you to everyone who played a part in making our 2nd annual ‘All In for Southeastern’ possible,” said Williams. “Also, thank you to all alumni and friends who contributed to the day of giving to show that they are all in for Southeastern.”

Editor's note: The story incorrectly stated that the 2015 Day of Giving raised $15,000. The 2015 Day of Giving raised $101,000.