Ernie T. Hughes (far right), executive director, Southern University System Foundation (SUSF), accepts a $25,000 donation from SU alumnus Greg Paul (second from right) during the opening media breakfast for the 2007 SUSF Radiothon.  The gift will establish an endowed scholarship fund for the Department of History, Southern University, Baton Rouge.  Accepting the gift on behalf of the Department of History is Raymond Lockett (second from left), chairperson and Don Hernandez, instructor. The annual fundraising radiothon is produced and sponsored by Citadel Broadcasting.

Annual SU Radiothon nets more than $2.5 million

Genieve Stewart kicks off the annual Southern University System Foundation (SUSF) Radiothon at media breakfast in the Magnolia Room of Mayberry Dining Hall at Southern University, Baton Rouge.  Stewart, was instrumental in establishing the first radiothon when she hosted “Question of the Day” on local radio station KQKL. The annual fundraising radiothon is produced and sponsored by Citadel Broadcasting.

The 18th Annual Southern University System Radiothon raised more than $2.5 million in pledges Friday, October 5, 2007. The Radiothon broadcast aired live on three stations powered by Citadel Broadcasting – KQXL 106.5 FM, WEMX 94.1 FM, and WXOK 1460 AM.

Supporters of the University phoned in donations throughout the day, with the option of earmarking money to various areas of the University. Funds were collected for the 5 campuses of the SU System (Southern University at Baton Rouge, Southern University at New Orleans, Southern University at Shreveport, Southern University Law Center, and the Southern University Ag Center). Individual departments located within the campuses will also reap the benefits from funds collected through this annual event.

"The Southern University System Foundation is extremely pleased with the support that the community has provided for this year’s Radiothon," said Ernie Troy Hughes, Foundation executive director.

"The funds will assist in our efforts to provide support to students, faculty, and staff members, and greatly aid in enhancing the vision of our System President, Dr. Ralph Slaughter."

Hughes said The Radiothon final total was $2,573,824.62. The largest donation, $2.3 million, was contributed by attorney Walter C. Dumas.

"We are extremely appreciative that our alumni, friends, and supporters have joined together for the past 18 years to make this event a huge success," System President Ralph Slaughter said.