Southeastern NEWS
Southeastern Louisiana University
Public Information Office
SLU 10880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           
                                           
               Date:          August 8, 2001
Contact:          Rene Abadie  (Public Information:  985-549-2341)
                                        Dart Volz      (Sports Information:  985-549-2142)


SOUTHEASTERN ANNOUNCES MAJOR GIFT SUPPORTING ATHLETICS AND
POSSIBLE RETURN OF FOOTBALL

     HAMMOND   Southeastern Louisiana University's efforts to reinstate football as part of an
overall enhancement of its athletic program took a major step forward Wednesday (August 8)
with the announcement of a $1 million anonymous gift to the campaign.
     The contribution brings the total amount raised to $3.7 million, approximately three-quarters
of the $5 million goal the university is seeking to raise to enhance its athletic program,
announced Southeastern Interim President Randy Moffett at a press conference. The
announcement followed a ceremony at which Southeastern representatives officially welcomed
the Tulane University football squad to the campus for its pre-season camp. Attending the
conference were Senate President John Hainkel Jr., University of Louisiana System President
Sally Clausen, and Mayor Louis Tallo of Hammond, and representatives of various Southeastern
alumni organizations.
     "No doubt, we are well on our way to meeting our goal," Moffett said. "We have targeted and
are reaching new donors in this campaign who are primarily interested in contributing to
Southeastern athletics in general and to reinstating football in particular. We are quite pleased at
the response we've been getting and are optimistic about our potential for success."
     The latest contribution is the third million-dollar gift to Southeastern's expanded Commitment
to Excellence Campaign, which is focused on improving gender equity in the athletic program,
improvements to facilities, and reinstating football. A $1 million gift from attorney Calvin
Fayard of Denham Springs and another $1 million anonymous gift helped to kick off
Southeastern's campaign last March. Funds from alumni and other donors have helped raise the
total to $3.7 million.
     Southeastern discontinued its football program in 1985 when limited state funding forced the
university to make significant cutbacks to lessen the impact of a reduced budget on academics.
The $5 million athletics campaign is an extension of the university's highly successful $15
million Commitment  to Excellence Campaign, which has raised money for scholarships,
endowed professorships and other academic and cultural activities at the university.
     Moffett said the university's $5 million goal would allow Southeastern to launch football
without the use of any state funds. If successful, Southeastern would be able to field a football
team in 2003, with a goal of playing a Southland league schedule in 2005.
     "We're thrilled to see the progress that's being made," said Ken Magee of Hammond,
president of the 500-member Southeastern Football Players Association. Magee played
quarterback and defensive back for the Southeastern Lions from 1958 to 1962 and also served on
the coaching staff from 1972 to 1982.
     "Speaking for the association, we know the hard work and persistence that members of
the administration and others have been making in recent months to raise these funds," Magee
added. "It has been a long time coming, and we appreciate their efforts to make this dream a
reality."
     The campaign also has the support of the Southeastern Development Foundation and the
Southeastern Alumni Association.
     Southeastern Athletic Director Frank Pergolizzi explained that the campaign is providing
a boost for the entire athletic program. He said funds raised would be allocated according to the
following formula: $3.2 million for football operations, enhancements of women's athletic
scholarships and for improvements to women's athletic facilities; $800,000 to improve other
athletic facilities, primarily Strawberry Stadium; and $1 million to serve as a "rainy day"
endowment fund. 
     Under construction and expected to be ready for the fall 2001 season is a new soccer
complex located on the university's north campus. The complex includes a new competition field
and two practice fields for the Lady Lions soccer team, which has participated in the Southland
Conference tournament championship games the last four years.
     Moffett said the interest and momentum generated by the campaign thus far is a good
sign. "We seem to have touched a nerve by announcing our goal of improving athletics and
reinstating college football in the Florida Parishes," he said. "Our students are excited about the
prospects and are offering their support as well. This effort is designed to provide them with a
fully-rounded collegiate experience."
     He emphasized that Southeastern continues its efforts to raise additional funds for student
scholarships, academic initiatives and cultural activities. "We have pledged that we will not
dilute our efforts to enhance these programs through ongoing support from public and private
sources," he said.
     "Academics remains our top priority and will not be neglected."
     Southeastern's athletic program competes at the Division I level of the NCAA and as a
member of the Southland Conference. Approximately 200 student athletes compete in 15 varsity
sports, including eight women's teams and seven men's teams.
                             -SLU-