This spring semester heralds the arrival of LSU’s 150th anniversary. Our university has adopted a motto for this year, asking us to “Reflect, Celebrate, and Commit,” as we advance our way through this historic occasion.

We’ve come a long way since 1860, in Pineville, La., the birthplace of LSU. We’ve been through a Civil War, two World Wars, numerous other armed conflicts, multiple depressions and recessions, hurricanes, floods and other disasters. We’ve seen amazing changes in our society, greater access to education for all classes and types of people, and a relocation of our campus to its current, revered location. We welcomed a tiger to campus, revolutionized the meaning of Saturday night in Louisiana, and watched our legendary oaks grow from acorns and saplings into unyielding, serene giants.

We have much to be proud of when we reflect on our university’s past. From such humble beginnings, we have stepped forward to present to the world what is best about our state and our people.

In the months to come, we will have opportunities to celebrate the heritage that LSU and its many thousands of students, faculty and staff have provided to us over the years. In March, LSU and Louisiana Public Broadcasting will debut an hour-long documentary that will chronicle the history of our university, and promises to be one of finest works of its kind ever produced. On March 18, the Chancellor's Day Parade takes place on the Parade Ground at the LSU War Memorial, which will be a celebration of our military presence at LSU. And on April 24, LSU Day, our official birthday party, will open up campus to thousands of visitors and alumni, welcoming them back to the place they can always call home. These three events are just the beginning of a special year for LSU, and we hope you can be a part of it.

Those of you who have supported academics at LSU through the LSU Foundation over the years know what it means to make a commitment to LSU, and I am especially pleased to see the university choose commitment as a central focus of this important anniversary. There has never been a more important time to rally to LSU’s call for support than right now in 2010. We are all dealing with an economy that is flagging, and our level of support from the state is not in line with where it should be, as a result. Our Foundation exists to help LSU maintain its level of quality as a flagship institution by encouraging private philanthropy and personal engagement with LSU from its alumni and friends. The vital connection between the classroom and our academic supporters must be maintained and strengthened in the years ahead. LSU has proven time and again that it can do great things when properly encouraged and supported. Now, more than ever is the time for us all to step forward and make a commitment to LSU.

The Forever LSU campaign will wrap up its historic effort with the conclusion of our 150th anniversary year. Every friend of LSU deserves the opportunity to be a part of this great undertaking. Please consider making a special contribution to this very important cause in the year to come. Every dollar donated to the LSU Foundation helps the campaign reach its $750 million goal.

On behalf of the LSU Foundation’s staff and board of directors, I thank you again for all that you do for LSU.