HAMMOND — Southeastern Louisiana University has spent the past year celebrating 100 years of history, progress and innovation. Another milestone during the school’s centennial year was announced in September for the 10th anniversary of Giving Day: the acceptance of cryptocurrency for donations to the university.
Through partnerships with Bead, a payment specialist, and Envoc, a Louisiana-based technology firm, Southeastern officially launched digital currency donations for the university’s annual fundraising initiative, Giving Day. Currently, the software supports Bitcoin, Lightning and USDC.
“As we begin our second century, Southeastern is focused on innovation. With our partners at Bead and Envoc, and as cryptocurrency becomes more and more prevalent, this is one step toward innovation,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright.
Southeastern is one of the few universities that has expanded into digital currency channels for donations. Donors have the ability to support the university in an area of their choosing or an area of greatest need, supporting a program that needs the most help.
“Louisiana has always been about doing things our own way,” said CEO of Bead Jay Sykes. “Now we’re showing the rest of the country that when it comes to innovation in payments and education technology, they should be looking to Louisiana for leadership.”
Founder of Envoc and Southeastern alumnus Calvin Fabre assisted with the implementation of the new digital currency donation option, showcasing the pride of the Computer Science Department.
“Southeastern’s computer science program never shies away from innovation,” Fabre said.
Southeastern raised more than $500,000 in 24 hours for the Southeastern Foundation-led event, a 26% increase from the previous year. To make a year-end gift today using cryptocurrency, go to givecrypto.southeastern.edu.
Read More: Southeastern adds cryptocurrency as a donation option | Education
