Southeastern Giving Day 2025 Sets Historic Record of Support

In its already history-making centennial year, the Southeastern family demonstrated the power of collective generosity in an extraordinary way. During Southeastern Giving Day 2025, this year’s campaign was the most successful Giving Day ever. Alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends came together to celebrate Southeastern’s 100th anniversary by investing in the future of the university and the students it serves.

Nearly 2,400 donors participated in the 24-hour campaign, representing a 47% increase over the previous year. Together, supporters contributed more than $508,000—an increase of 26% over last year and the largest amount ever raised during Southeastern Giving Day. 

The success of Giving Day reflects more than just impressive numbers; it represents a shared belief in Southeastern’s mission to provide opportunity, access and transformational education throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“This year’s Centennial Giving Day showcased the incredible commitment our alumni and supporters have to Southeastern and to the success of our students,” said Malayne Sharp, Interim Vice President for Advancement at Southeastern.

One of the defining strengths of Giving Day is that donors can support the programs and initiatives that matter most to them personally. Donors were able to choose from over 80 giving options, including scholarships, academic colleges, athletics, student organizations, leadership programs, campus initiatives and areas supporting student success across the university. This directed giving creates a connection that allows donors to know that their dollars are creating an impact exactly where they desire.

For many students, these gifts provide far more than financial assistance. Donations help remove barriers that might otherwise prevent students from completing their degrees. Scholarship support allows students to remain enrolled, participate in internships and research opportunities that fully align with their academic and career goals. Gifts also help strengthen classroom technology, laboratory experiences, student engagement programs and experiential learning opportunities that enhance the overall university experience.

Giving Day also demonstrated the deep connection alumni continue to feel toward Southeastern long after graduation. Across social media and through ambassador participation, alumni shared stories about how Southeastern shaped their careers, friendships and futures. The campaign became both a celebration of Southeastern’s first 100 years and an investment in the university’s next century of impact.

“While the financial support is incredibly important, what I find to be the best part of Giving Day is seeing the participation. The Southeastern Family is a real thing—a real community that comes together to be a part of something bigger than themselves. In so many ways, it’s one generation supporting the next.” Dr. William Wainwright, President of Southeastern, said. “What an incredible way to showcase a family.”

This year’s Giving Day also marked an innovative step forward for the university. Southeastern became one of the first universities in the country to formally accept cryptocurrency donations as part of the campaign through partnerships with payment specialist Bead and Louisiana-based technology firm Envoc.

While Giving Day only lasts a day, its impact is felt for years to come. Every contribution—regardless of size—helps create new opportunities for current and future students and strengthens Southeastern’s ability to serve the region as an educational, economic, and cultural leader.

The record-breaking success of Southeastern Giving Day 2025 stands as a powerful reminder that when the Lion family comes together, remarkable things happen.