The first-ever Giving Day at Southeastern Oklahoma State University was a rousing success, as the University raised $134,795 for various funds across campus.
“Our support from our alumni, partners, and friends across the country was truly evident as they made their donations on A Day for Southeastern,” said Southeastern President Dr. Thomas W. Newsom.
“This was a fantastic celebration of our university’s legacy on the 115th anniversary of our founding, and I thank everyone who made their mark on this day.
It’s a great time to be part of the Savage Storm family as we support our students, faculty, and staff and provide an exceptional educational experience.
“I’d also like to thank our faculty and staff for their support of Giving Day.
Many of them made financial contributions, and their effort towards enhancing the visibility of this event was noticeable.
They enhance our students’ experience everyday, and they know firsthand how much these gifts will help the students.”
A total of 214 donors contributed on Giving Day, with the targets for all challenge and matching gifts being met.
Of particular note was $20,000 of gifts from country music superstar Reba McEntire, SE class of 1976, which included a $10,000 challenge gift to directly benefit the music department.
Other projects and schools with challenges and matches were:
• a $5,000 match for Tailgate Alley renovations from Butch (SE ‘69, ‘74) and Carolyn (SE ‘67) Arnett • $2,500 for the cheerleading team’s trip to nationals
• $2,500 for Savage Storm athletics from Savage Storm football alum Mike Herron
• $1,500 for the Southeastern Legacy Fund from President and First Lady Dr. Thomas W. and Victoria Newsom
• and $1,000 to the John Massey School of Business from Reggie (SE ’74) and Carolyn Sullivan “What a great way to celebrate our University’s founding and support our students, faculty, and staff,” said Southeastern director of advancement and alumni Mark Webb.
“This is the start of a great tradition that will now take place every March 6. We are so thankful for the gifts we received on Giving Day, and we look forward to the momentum this will provide as we continue to find ways to bring in resources we need to expand and enhance the Southeastern experience.”
“The Southeastern Foundation does amazing work to support our students through financial contributions yearround, and we thank them for enhancing their work through our first-ever Giving Day.
They have bought in to the Vision 2040 strategic plan, and their contributions will go a long way towards helping us reach those goals,” Newsom added.
For anyone interested in making a financial contribution to the Southeastern Foundation before the next Giving Day, please visit www.SE.edu/ giving or contact Webb at 580.745.2361 or mwebb@SE.edu.