The African American Alumni Chapter (AAAC) of Southeastern will host the annual AAAC social in conjunction with the Office of Multicultural and International Affairs (MISA) and the Alumni Association on Friday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.  

The event is open to all students. However, it is primarily aimed at drawing Southeastern’s African-American alumni to attend.

“Our main focus is the African-American alumni and trying to get them to reconnect with the chapter as well as with Southeastern,” said Aaron Walker, president-elect of AAAC.

The social will provide catered food and the Michael Foster Project, a band from Baton Rouge, will perform live. The members of AAAC hope that the social will reunite alumni and encourage them to keep in touch with Southeastern.

“The event is more of a networking social,” said Walker. “It’s a time for alumni to come back during Homecoming Week to get reacquainted with old friends and college buddies. We’re trying to get alumni more involved, and hopefully that leads to more donors to help continue on the experience they received while getting their education at Southeastern.”

Those who wish to attend can purchase a ticket for $15 at the door. The proceeds are being donated to the first AAAC endowed scholarship, which will be awarded in spring 2011.

According to MISA’s Web site located at www.selu.edu/admin/misa, the AAAC scholarship will be administered by the Southeastern Development Foundation, and the recipient will be selected by the AAAC scholarship committee.

“We always give out the AAAC Role Model of the Year award in conjunction with MISA, but this is the first time that we’re rewarding this particular scholarship,” said Walker.

The AAAC functions to benefit Southeastern students in many ways, providing scholarships and educating the student body on cultural matters.

“Through our efforts, scholarships have been awarded to worthy Southeastern students; diversity issues on campus and in the community have been addressed, as well as the creation of quality programming to increase alumni involvement,” stated Walker in an Oct. 13 Public Info press release. “It is our hope that alumni will purchase tickets to this worthwhile event. We promise an exciting night with lots of food, great music and old friends.”

Walker mentioned that the AAAC is grateful for the assistance provided to them by MISA and the Alumni Association.

“We greatly appreciate the help and support of Kathy Pittman, director of the Alumni Association, and Julie Perise, assistant director of the Alumni Association,” said Walker.

More information can be found by visiting MISA’s Web site at www.selu.edu/admin/misa or the Alumni Association’s Web site at www.selu.edu/alumni_donors/alumni_assoc. The AAAC can also be contacted by calling 985-549-2543.