News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 10/4/04   Click on image for publication quality photo PRIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN AWARD – Southeastern Louisiana University President Randy Moffett, Miss Southeastern  Kim Dottolo, university mascot Roomie, and CLAWS/Pride Committee member Heather Lawrence, associate athletic director, congratulate the winner of the Pride of Southeastern award, Randy Vicknair, center, a senior finance major from LaPlace.          “CAN DO” STUDENT WINS PRIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN AWARD      HAMMOND -- Randy Vicknair is a "can do" kind of guy.      The Southeastern Louisiana University finance major from LaPlace "steps in and does it" when he sees something that needs doing -- and he gets others to join him.      His commitment to community service and leadership abilities were key factors in Vicknair's selection for the CLAWS/Pride Committee's second "Pride of Southeastern" award.       The award was initiated last year by CLAWS/Pride, a campus committee charged with staging activities to promote student pride and involvement in campus and athletic activities. The Pride of Southeastern award recognizes “unsung heroes” -- students who have demonstrated extraordinary service or performance on campus and within the community. Recipients are chosen from faculty and staff nominations.       Vicknair is active in organizations such as Kappa Alpha fraternity, which he serves as vice-president and treasurer, and Gamma Beta Phi service and honor society. The son of Brenda and Christopher Vicknair of LaPlace, Vicknair plans to graduate in December and return to Southeastern for his master’s degree in business administration.       He said the root of his community service ethic is his enjoyment of “being involved.”      “I'm big on working with people," he said.      Currently, Vickhair has two projects in the works. He was the impetus behind the table in the Student Union mall where students are soliciting donations to purchase much-needed bottled water for Florida's hurricane victims.      "I was sitting around watching the Weather Channel when the hurricanes hit," Vicknair said. "And I thought, 'Those people are really going to need help.' Ivan was the perfect proof that it could have been us."      He has gotten his fellow KAs and other Southeastern sororities and fraternities, as well as Gamma Beta Phi and the Campus Activities Board involved in the drive.      "Hopefully we'll get enough to send a whole truckload" of water to the devastated area, Vicknair said.      Vicknair has also taken on the responsibility of organizing a St. Jude Miracle Mile walk on campus. The fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is scheduled for Nov. 13.       “This is something we have attempted to do for several years,” said Jackie Dale Thomas, director of Leadership Development/Student Activities. “Randy took the ball and ran with it. He has reached out to all student organizations to get them to take part.”      Vicknair said sign-up forms for the walk will soon be available; meanwhile, those interested in participating or sponsoring a walker can contact him at 504-559-5558.       Vicknair admits he was taken aback when CLAWS/Pride committee members -- led by President Randy Moffett and accompanied by Miss Southeastern Kim Dottollo, and university mascot Roomie -- paraded into one of his finance classes last week, armed with balloons and prizes, to surprise him with the award.       “Yeah, I was a little embarrassed,” he admitted. “But, I'm really happy to get it.”