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 ĢƵ 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 ĢƵ. The pride our alumni have is so infectious — I get excited every time I see ĢƵ 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 ĢƵ President Neal Weaver. His vision, coupled with the excitement of a new fall semester, is driving renewed interest for and energy at ĢƵ.
With six home football games this year, we invite you back to Nacogdoches to experience our reimagined ĢƵ Alumni Corner in partnership with Axe 'Em Acres and ĢƵ Athletics. We are leveling up our experiences so you all may enjoy the spirit of ĢƵ 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 ĢƵ Homecoming online auction, filled with tons of exciting and unique ĢƵ items, memorabilia and experiences, kicks off Oct. 15 and concludes at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. Be on the lookout for everything ĢƵ Homecoming related at .
Finally, rounding out the fall of 2024, the annual ĢƵ 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 ĢƵ to the fullest. Please join us in celebrating an incredible slate of 2024 award winners!
As my time as ĢƵ 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 ĢƵ 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 ĢƵ football, in the locker room, and in the Sawmill cheering on Ladyjack basketball. I'll be around in the ĢƵ working with students and faculty on experiential learning, and working alongside Dr. Weaver to ensure the spirit of ĢƵ alumni support continues to grow. I'm here for it all and welcome each of you back to our ĢƵ home in Nacogdoches, which we all share as ĢƵ family — we hope to see you soon.
Axe 'em, Jacks!
Erika Tolar '02
Nacogdoches
President, ĢƵ Alumni Association