On Wednesday, Sept. 14, Campus Activities Board threw Southeastern a 91st birthday party. Students were able to join in on the fun in the Student Union Breezeway. President John Crain and Miss Southeastern 2016 Alexis LaPlante, above, also attended the celebration.
The Lion's Roar/Megan McCormick
The university turned 91 years old last Wednesday and the birthday was celebrated in the Student Union Breezeway where cupcakes and a photo booth was provided by the Campus Activities Board.
President John L. Crain and 2015 Miss Southeastern Alexis LaPlante, were there to kickoff the celebration in front of the bookstore.
“91 years is a long time,” said Crain. “It’s incredible to think about it being that long ago that people in the community came together to advocate for the creation of a college here in Hammond. It’s also incredible to think about how much Southeastern has grown and evolved since then, from a tiny college to Louisiana’s third largest public university.”
CAB was in charge of putting together all of the displays and decorations outside the bookstore. Students took part in the celebration in between their classes walking through the Breezeway.
“We got all of the decorations up timely and smoothly in the morning,” said CAB student assistant Alyssa Arceneaux. “CAB did all of it: the photo booth, the cupcakes and drinks. Roomie actually came and yearbooks were given out. We also had the big birthday card to sign for Southeastern.”
Students not only got to enjoy the refreshments, but also had a chance to take part in the history of this school.
“I think it’s awesome that it has been 91 years,” said Alexis Quackenbush, a senior political science major. “This is my fifth year so I am glad I could celebrate with Southeastern, my favorite university.”
The campus was first established on Sept. 14, 1925 as Hammond Junior College. Since then, the university has changed quite a lot structurally, socially and economically.
“I believe this university has come such a long way in 91 years,” said Laplante. “My grandfather was a part of the football program here back in 1962 and for me it is very special to carry the love and pride for Southeastern with him at every football game today. Southeastern’s 91st birthday proves its traditions are faithful to its students and that they will carry these legacies for the rest of their lives.”
What has changed the most for President Crain is the fact that the university has relied less on the state government over the past few years.
“I think the most significant change in my time in the role is how the funding model for higher education has drastically changed,” said President Crain. “The state’s disinvestment in higher education has caused all sorts of challenges and disruptions, but our faculty and staff continue to do a great job providing opportunities to our students.”
Despite any setbacks the university has had or has undergone for 91 years, it has displayed the perseverance that Louisiana has become known for and continues to show its pride.
“Just like we do for people, I believe the birthday for the university is a time to celebrate, reflect back on the past year and look forward to the next year,” said President Crain.