The annual Faculty-Staff Convocation will mark the launch of the 2011-12 academic year for Southeastern’s faculty and staff.  The Convocation will be held at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Hammond at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 12.

The ceremony will be lead by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Tammy Bourg with an address by President John. L. Crain.

“Given how busy everyone is, the Fall Convocation/Picnic is one of the few opportunities for members of the faculty and staff to come together as members of the Southeastern family,” said Crain.  “The Convocation also gives us a chance to officially start the new academic year by acknowledging new employees who will be joining the university and celebrating the accomplishments and service of members of our faculty and staff.”

Awards to be given include: excellence in research, excellence in artistic activity, faculty excellence in service and unclassified staff excellence in service. These recipients will receive personalized plaques. New faculty and staff will be recognized, as well as faculty that has attained tenure and promotions.  Service awards will also be given to faculty that has served the university for a certain number of years: 25 years receive a medallion, 30 years receive a watch, 35 years a clock and 40 years receive a choice of a crystal lion or blazer.

Endowed professorships, which are positions created and maintained by a private endowment fund, and provide security and stability to professors will also be presented. These professorships include the Dorcas and H.N. Capron, Jr. Endowed Professorship in Marketing, the Joyce Junghans Endowed Professorship in Finance, the Joyce Junghans Endowed Professorship in Accounting, the Joseph H. Miller Endowed Professorship in Business and the Marcie and Cameron Barr First-Generation Endowed Scholarship will also be awarded.

Immediately following the ceremony, the Alumni Association will sponsor a picnic at  Twelve Oaks on campus. For more information about the Faculty-Staff Convocation please contact the Office of the President in Room 106 of Dyson hall or by phone at 985-549-2280.