U.S. Navy Commander Stan W. Fornea will be recognized as the 2011 Alumnus of the Year by the Alumni Association on Friday, Nov. 4.

The Alumnus of the Year award is meant to honor the best of Southeastern and is given to graduates who have taken their degree and achieved the highest status on the national or international level.

A native of Bogalusa, La., Fornea graduated from Southeastern in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in history and social studies. He later earned his Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology degree from Duke University and a Doctorate of Ministry from Vanderbilt University.

After 12 years of ministry, Fornea was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Navy in 1996 and began to serve his country overseas; first in London, then in Italy. Over the course of his military career Fornea has been awarded several medals, including the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Fornea currently serves as the White House chaplain for President Obama, but he also served as the chaplain for Camp David during President Bush’s two terms. In his autobiography “Decision Points,” Bush describes the close bond they shared and the spiritual guidance Fornea offered him during his presidency.

 “We are pleased to welcome Cmdr. Fornea back to Southeastern as our Alumnus of the Year,” said President John L. Crain. “In his service to our nation, Cmdr. Fornea has distinguished himself as a trusted advisor from the level of presidents to enlisted military personnel.”

Other awards being given out are the Distinguished Service Award, the L.E. Chandler Award and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from each college. The Distinguished Alumni from each college have already been announced and are the following: from the college of business, Mike Babineaux; from the college of science and technology, Michael Minkus; from the college of arts and sciences, Luz-Maria Lyles; from the college of nursing and health sciences, Kenneth Jenkins; and from the college of education, Al Link.

The ceremony will be held on Nov. 4, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Twelve Oaks on campus. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by contacting the Alumni Association at 985-549-2150.