Greetings, alumni and friends!
These are exciting times for SFA. We all have so much to be proud of and enthusiastic about. During the past year, we have engaged in great alumni-sponsored events, appointed a university president, added a new head football coach and launched several on-campus construction projects. All of this has occurred while we are drawing closer to our centennial celebration.
We had a wonderful time at Homecoming in October. If you weren’t able to make it, I hope you will plan to attend next year. Homecoming is chock-full of activities, including the annual golf tournament, Jack Madness basketball, bonfire, 5K, flap “Jack” breakfast, parade, football, after parties, Sunday brunch at The Fredonia Hotel and more. There truly is something for everyone, and you can pick and choose the events in which you want to participate. Be sure to reserve some time to simply walk the campus and relive memories while also seeing everything that is new. Perhaps invite some of your college friends and make it a reunion!
The Alumni Association staff members have been working hard to provide a variety of activities and social events across Texas, including at locations in Austin, Conroe, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Richardson and The Woodlands. Thanks to all the Lumberjacks and SFA supporters who attended SFA Nights with the Astros and Rangers, Day at the Aquarium, the private party at Splash Kingdom, breakfasts, luncheons, happy hours and axe-throwing social events. If you’re not receiving notifications about these events, please let us know by using the link mentioned toward the end of this letter.
In September, Dr. Scott Gordon joined the Lumberjack family as president. His arrival has created lots of enthusiasm, as he has immersed himself into everything SFA and Nacogdoches. I was pleased to see the first time we met he was wearing his purple Lumberjack socks, a gift from the Alumni Association. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him and seeing how committed he is to the future growth and success of SFA.
There also have been some additions to athletics. Since his arrival on campus in May 2018 as athletic director, Ryan Ivey has participated in almost every Alumni Association event and has spent lots of hours meeting and talking to SFA stakeholders. We also have welcomed head football coach Colby Carthel to SFA and, of course, we’re gearing up for a great season of Ladyjack and Lumberjack basketball. Throughout the fall semester, SFA’s student-athletes and coaches have given us many moments in which to be proud. It’s always exciting to see the purple lights shining atop Steen Hall, but win or lose, it is uplifting to witness the respect our student-athletes and coaches have for each other and their opponents. It truly makes me proud of my alma mater.
Construction projects also are ongoing and include renovations to some buildings, while others will be razed to make room for new facilities. These improvements will help bring more students to our campus.
As we draw closer to our centennial celebration, let’s make sure we have the right contact information to keep you informed. The easiest way to ensure you’re in the loop is to visit sfaalumni.com, and click the “Contact Us” link at the top. Then, complete the information. Please add any comments you’d like, but especially include suggestions on ways we can keep in touch.
We look forward to seeing you in 2020!
Axe ’em, Jacks!
Bob Francis ’78 - Bullard
President, SFA Alumni Association