Dear Editor,

On behalf of Southeastern Lions fans everywhere, I would like to extend a heartfelt, “Thank you!” to all students, faculty, staff, alumni and businesses who all showed their support of the green and gold during Homecoming festivities. It was uplifting to see displays, decorated windows, flags and bunting displayed at retailers and restaurants around town. And, the abundance of green and gold balloons at Hood Automotive’s dealerships warmed my Lion alumni heart!

While it would be impossible to include an exhaustive list of all of the Lions’ community partners, I feel compelled to extend a hearty congratulations to the Hammond Albertsons, which heard the roar of Lion fans and responded with gusto! If you didn’t take advantage of the discount they offered anyone wearing Southeastern gear last Saturday, you missed a great party atmosphere in a grocery store! What a fantastic surprise to be greeted with the Southeastern Fight Song on the intercom, Lion-themed cakes and cupcakes, green and gold floral arrangements and a shipment of Southeastern apparel, which arrived just in time for the team’s final two home games! The local grocery store’s enthusiasm for the Lions was certainly the talk among the thousands who came to tailgate!

Albertsons, you have set the bar high in terms of Lion pride for community partners. My challenge to you and to other local restaurants, businesses, retailers and service providers is to continue to embrace our Lions – not only on Homecoming, but for the entire football season – not only the football team, but all of Southeastern’s student-athletes!

After all, it’s all about the students. In these trying budgetary times, we must all come together and support our university and our students! Go green! Go gold! Go Lions!