Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 10/8/99
      Contact:                           Tim Ardillo

SOUTHEASTERN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION THANKS DELEGATION
     HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University's Alumni Association hosted a "thank
you" party for the university's legislative delegation on Thursday evening (10/7/99) at the Alumni
Center to honor legislators who have supported Southeastern.
     "So many people contribute to help make Southeastern a viable, thriving institution of
higher learning," Southeastern President Sally Clausen said. "These legislators have made
Southeastern a priority. We have over $60 million in new construction happening on our campus
right now, our faculty salaries are getting very close to the southern average, and they have
helped us to get the support and respect that we deserve both statewide and nationally. It is
appropriate that we pause to officially thank them."
     During the last legislative session, Southeastern received $5.5 million in new operating
dollars to support faculty salary increases, scientific and library enhancement, vocational
rehabilitation
services, civil service salary increases, new faculty and technology upgrades. 
     Legislators attending the event were Representatives Robert J. Carter, Henry "Tank"
Powell, John Travis and Senators John Hainkel and Jerry Thomas. Other elected officials
attending included BESE Board member Dr. Richard Musemeche, Tangipahoa Parish School
Board President Tony P. Ardillo, Jr., Hammond Mayor Louis Tallo and Hammond City Council
President Dr. LaVanner Brown. Also, former U.S. Congressman Jimmy Morrison joined the
attendees in thanking the delegation.
     Southeastern Faculty Senate President Matt Rossano presented the legislators with a
resolution on behalf of the Faculty Senate and the entire faculty. Part of the resolution read, "...the
Faculty Senate of Southeastern Louisiana University expresses it sincere appreciation to all
member of the Southeastern Legislative delegation for having made higher education a priority
and committing the resources necessary to keep higher education in Louisiana strong."

                            (MORE) 
Add One: Alumni Thank Delegation

     Also addressing the delegation were Arts & Sciences Dean John Miller and retired history
and political science department head Roman Heleniak. They both thanked the legislators on
behalf of the faculty, staff and student body at Southeastern.
     Speaking on behalf of the legislators present, Senator Hainkel recommitted their support
to Southeastern and all of higher education in Louisiana. "For the first time in history,
Southeastern is being treated fairly. This university is imparting knowledge on young people and
enriching their lives," Hainkel said. "Most of the problems that we suffer from in Louisiana stems
from lack of education."
     Hainkel praised the affects of TOPS on education, "We are leaving a legacy in our state
with the TOPS program with more than 29,000 students being positively affected. This state is
going in the right direction."
     Clausen urged everyone in attendance to take a strong stand this election year for higher
education. "I encourage you all to make wise decisions and ask the candidates about their views
on education. We want to ensure that we recognize those who support our priorities here at
Southeastern."
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