Southeastern celebrates 100,000th graduate at commencement ceremony

Southeastern Louisiana University celebrated its 1,215 graduates Saturday, May 16, in two separate commencement ceremonies in the University Center. The ceremonies mark the 100th anniversary of Southeastern’s first graduating class.

During the afternoon ceremony, Southeastern celebrated its 100,000th graduate with special fanfare. Gracie LeBlanc, a psychology major from Cut Off, received the distinction and was awarded a special plaque to commemorate the occasion.

“Reaching the milestone of 100,000 graduates is a powerful testament to Southeastern’s century-long commitment to transforming lives through education. Gracie LeBlanc represents the very best of our university — determination, excellence, and the promise of a bright future,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “As we celebrate this historic achievement during the 100th anniversary of our first graduating class, we also celebrate the thousands of students, families, faculty, and staff who have shaped Southeastern’s legacy and impact across our region and beyond. With 79% of our graduates remaining in the region, Southeastern continues to play a vital role in strengthening our communities, workforce, and future.”

LeBlanc was able to take advantage of the Southeastern Promise during her four years on campus. The Southeastern Promise offers no tuition increases for students who opt in to the program, provided they meet certain benchmarks along the way and graduate within four years.

“I am extremely honored and very grateful to be recognized as the 100,000th graduate. It was a complete surprise to me and I really still cannot believe that it happened,” LeBlanc said. “I have had an amazing four years here at Southeastern, and this has been a great way to end my time here. I am very thankful for all the support from my friends and family who have made it possible for me to make it to this point. This has truly been an unforgettable memory that I will cherish forever.”

Raw video footage of LeBlanc being acknowledged as the 100,000th graduate can be viewed and downloaded at https://youtu.be/qWS2ryDQ_wM?si=qp1fhDKWT4C1pwph.