11.16.09 
Southeastern receives final installment of $10 million donation

By Southeastern University

On November 13, Southeastern received an $8 million gift, representing the second and final installment on a $10 million pledge from Hobby Lobby, the Oklahoma-based chain of craft stores.

Hobby Lobby owner Mart Green made the pledge earlier this year along with an initial $2 million gift. The $10 million total represents the largest single gift donated to Southeastern in its 74-year history.

"On behalf of the Board of Regents, faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Southeastern University, I want to express our deep appreciation to the Green family for their extraordinary generosity and commitment to our cause - providing a strong Christian education that produces servant leaders to be world changers," said Charles Kelly, the Regents chairman.

Dr. James L. Davis, Southeastern's vice president for development, echoed those thoughts, adding that the money will go a long way towards advancing the curricula and programs to bring the university to the forefront of Christian higher education.

"As a result of recent visits to the campus of Southeastern University, we are impressed with the vibrant programs of Christian higher education and the beautiful facilities and campus," Green said in a letter that accompanied the first installment. "It is our hope that the financial assistance will only increase Southeastern University's financial strength." He added that, "it is the joy of the Green family to be faithful stewards of our resources and to partner with many ministries in the advance of the gospel of Christ and His kingdom. The addition of Southeastern University to this community of ministries will be a new joy for us."

With Friday's $8 million gift, Green said, "we appreciate your commitment to Christian higher education and all that Southeastern is doing to raise up students with a Christian world view."