Southeastern recognized by national group for student leadership, engagement, impact on communities
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
by: Rene Abadie
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University has been recognized with a Student
Actions Award for the 2015 spring semester by the organization Purposeful Networks.
Purposeful Networks honors undergraduate schools for demonstrated student leadership,
momentum and engagement in activities that positively impact communities and the planet.
Southeastern is the only public university in Louisiana among the 125 schools in the
nation being recognized for excellence this semester.
“It is truly an honor to be listed alongside other top universities for the actions
of our students,” said Southeastern President John L. Crain. “Service to others and
engagement with our communities are basic values we try to instill in all of our students.
The activities cultivate a sense of partnership among the students and help strengthen
their leadership and organizational skills, which are vital to success in the workplace.”
Crain noted that student organizations are heavily involved in fund-raising for
non-profit organizations and in community service events, such as “The Big Event”
held every year where hundreds of students gather on a specific day to carry out service
projects throughout the region.
For their efforts, Southeastern has earned a position on the President’s Higher
Education Honor Roll for Community Service for the past four years.
Additionally, the university is expanding student-engagement opportunities this
year by increasing the number of experiential-learning opportunities through its “Real-World
Ready” initiative. This plan involves merging classroom instruction with hands-on
activities to achieve a more intensive learning experience.
“The power of student leaders to build community and inspire action for causes
and programs they support is tremendous. We are proud to spotlight the individual
and collective impact of undergraduate students across the country,” said Kristine
Sturgeon, president of Purposeful Networks. “From encouraging positive everyday activities
like donating blood or volunteering to organize campus-wide events and fund-raising,
our next generation of leaders is making a measurable impact.”
For more information on the network, go online to purposefulnetworks.com.
