Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 8/25/00
      Contact:                           Christina Chapple   4

SOUTHEASTERN CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE SEPTEMBER 14
     HAMMOND -- Seventy-five years to the day that Hammond Junior College opened its
doors, Southeastern Louisiana University is throwing a huge campus- and community-wide party
to mark the historic event.
     President Sally Clausen is inviting everyone to be her guest for Southeastern's 75th
Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. in the University Center.
     "We envision the Celebration to be a cross between an Olympic opening ceremony and a
high-paced Super Bowl half-time show -- on a public university budget!" Clausen said.
     The event will open with an Olympic-style march at 7 p.m. Alumni groups will begin
lining up to march into the University Center at Gate 3 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Alumni can
choose to march with their specific college, class or student organizations. They will be followed
in the procession by current faculty, staff and students.
     Alumni Director Kathy Pittman, who is coordinating the event, said attire is casual. "Any
Southeastern apparel -- old or new -- is welcome. Feel free to wear medals, ribbons, beanies,
Greek t-shirts or jerseys," she said.
     Inside the arena, U.S. Rep. David Vitter and Public Broadcasting's Beth Courtney are
scheduled to serve as masters of ceremonies, assisted by several alumni who work in the area
broadcasting industry. Special guests will include families of Southeastern's founding fathers
Linus A. Sims and Lucius McGehee and former university presidents. Also in the spotlight will
be the Golden Grads, alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago, who will lead the procession
dressed in golden graduation robes.
     The Celebration program will combine a multi-media presentation of Southeastern
                             (MORE)
SLU 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION   Add One
history set against state, national and world events and music and dance from throughout the
university's eight decades.
     Performers will include young dancers from local studios such as Dancingly Yours, Rene
Donewar School of Dance, Lemoine Academy of Dance and Touch of Class Performing Arts,
the Hammond High School and Ponchatoula High School bands, Marine Corps musicians, the
Southeastern Lionettes and cheerleaders and the SLU Gospel Choir.
     Alumni performers taking the spotlight include the Students of the States, a popular
university singing group that will reunite to perform the university's alma mater, and John Fred
Gourrier of John Fred and the Playboys fame, who will play his hit "Judy in Disguise."
     At the event, a year's free tuition to Southeastern will be given away.
     A group of youngsters symbolizing Southeastern's future alumni will lead the march out
of the University Center arena. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display and huge
anniversary cake.                        
     Prior to the events, a number of alumni groups are planning receptions in the University
Center, including Phi Mu sorority, the Ag Alumni Club, and the Golden Lions retirees. 
     Alumni groups planning to participate in the opening march include: Ag Club, College of
Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Education,
former Alumni board members, Athletics grads, former Miss Southeastern and Homecoming
queens, individual college classes, Greek organizations, Lionettes, Livingston Chapter, MBA
Chapter, New Orleans Chapter, Orientation Leaders, past Alumni presidents, past Student
Government Association presidents, Ponchatoula Chapter, Red Stick Chapter, Golden Lions
(retirees), St. Tammany Chapter, Students of the States, Tangi Chapter and Washington Chapter.
     Any group is welcome to participate, Pittman said. Groups are encouraged to call the
Alumni Association soon, since special banners are being prepared for participants.  
     For more information, call the Alumni Association, 504-549-2150 or 1-800-SLU-ALUM.
                             -SLU-
Press release available online at www.selu.edu./NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newsm00.htm