Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Greetings, Jack Nation Alumni!
As I sit in the Chicago O'Hare International Airport, reflecting on an adventurous summer of travel and change while transitioning into my new role as Imperative Logistics' senior vice president and head of sales, guess what I see? Two SFA shirts boldly walking through a sea of people — we truly are everywhere, Jacks! Naturally, we exchanged the good old “Axe 'em!” with one another, and for just a moment, we were transported back to memories of our days at SFA. The pride our alumni have is so infectious — I get excited every time I see SFA swag proudly displayed. Don't you?
And what a time for us all to be proud indeed! Our university is truly transforming and growing under the new leadership of SFA President Neal Weaver. His vision, coupled with the excitement of a new fall semester, is driving renewed interest for and energy at SFA.
With six home football games this year, we invite you back to Nacogdoches to experience our reimagined SFA Alumni Corner in partnership with Axe 'Em Acres and SFA Athletics. We are leveling up our experiences so you all may enjoy the spirit of SFA when you visit. As we return to the Southland Conference, which brings with it the promise of games in areas where more of our alumni live, you'll have multiple opportunities to show your pride and support our athletic teams this fall as they dominate the SLC. Go Jacks!
Homecoming 2024 is set for the weekend of Oct. 25 and is already shaping up to be a weekend of fun you will not want to miss. Our highly anticipated SFA Homecoming online auction, filled with tons of exciting and unique SFA items, memorabilia and experiences, kicks off Oct. 15 and concludes at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. Be on the lookout for everything SFA Homecoming related at sfaalumni.com.
Finally, rounding out the fall of 2024, the annual SFA Alumni Awards ceremony takes place Nov. 15, where we will recognize our distinguished alumni award winners who are making an impact in the world and representing SFA to the fullest. Please join us in celebrating an incredible slate of 2024 award winners!
As my time as SFA Alumni Association board president comes to an end in December 2024, I am reminded of the distinct honor and pleasure it has been representing our SFA alumni community of 100,000+ (and growing every year!). My heart truly bleeds purple, much like many of you.
You will continue to find me on the sidelines of Lumberjack volleyball games cheering on my sisters in “The Pressure Cooker” of Shelton Gym, on the football field in my Purple Lights Patio tent cheering on SFA football, in the locker room, and in the Sawmill cheering on Ladyjack basketball. I'll be around in the Nelson Rusche College of Business working with students and faculty on experiential learning, and working alongside Dr. Weaver to ensure the spirit of SFA alumni support continues to grow. I'm here for it all and welcome each of you back to our SFA home in Nacogdoches, which we all share as SFA family — we hope to see you soon.
Axe 'em, Jacks!
Erika Tolar '02
Nacogdoches
President, SFA Alumni Association