As University students work to combat the ongoing financial crisis, the LSU Alumni Association is doing its part to keep graduates informed and engaged.
The Office of the Chancellor contacted the association earlier this month, asking it to forward the first of a three-part informational plea to University alumni concerning the current budget situation starting Nov. 4.
“Given the consequences, it is important for LSU’s closest friends and supporters to know the pertinent facts about this situation,” Chancellor Michael Martin wrote in the first message. “So over the course of the next several months, you will be presented facts that will help you consider the impact of these cuts to your university.”
Martin’s message, which was sent to about 46,000 alumni, focused attention on the status of the University in the midst of budget cuts.
“The damage that has already been done has largely gone unnoticed, but it has been substantial,” Martin wrote, referring to the $47 million lost in the past 22 months.
Martin encouraged alumni to stay informed about the budget situation and to “make a difference” through involvement.
Matt Deville, LSUAA director of communications and marketing, said “e-blasts” and e-newsletters are great ways for the association to communicate with University alumni.
Jackie Bartkiewicz, editor of LSU Alumni Magazine, said the LSU Magazine is also an effective way to reach University graduates.
Bartkiewicz said former issues of the magazine have included information about the “problems on the horizon.” Deville is pleased with the feedback the information generates.
Jason Ramezan, LSUAA vice president of alumni relations, said alumni enjoy giving back.
“We have a lot of alumni who are very concerned about the state of the University and what the cuts in funding will do,” Ramezan said.
The association has 110 chapters located around the country working to raise money for the University.
“We do our best to raise money for LSU to keep the best and the brightest at LSU and in the state,” Ramezan said. “Alumni are proud of the University and think it’s a great place to be a part of and connected to.”
 
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Contact Sydni Dunn at [email protected]