BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) -- Southern University’s Jag-A-Thon fundraiser for student-athletes starts accepting donations on Friday, March 28. It's one of the biggest fundraisers supporting the HBCU's athletic department. This year's donation goal is $200,000. "People often say ath letics is the front door to the institution, and so it's an opportunity to support these athletes. Having quality athletic programs attracts attention to the university," said assistant golf coach Phil Smith. How donations help student-athletes Southern University Athletics houses 16 intercollegiate teams. According to the athletics department, 136 student-athletes were recently recognized for earning a place on the 2023-24 SWAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll, maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher. Smith said the funds go to helping student-athletes succeed through sports nutrition, academic support and behind-the-scenes needs like equipment travel. Taylor Debourg, director of marketing for Southern University Athletics, said money raised also goes toward scholarships and facility upgrades and helping student-athletes become "an amazing person inside and outside the classroom." Salma Ibrahim, a member of the university's golf team, recently got her first collegiate win at the 2025 Hornet Invitational in Puerto Rico. As a freshman studying political science, Ibrahim said the support from alumni is very meaningful to her and the team. Louisiana AG issues statement on Boosie Bash using Caleb Wilson’s name, image How to donate The fundraising event is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, March 28, inside the AW Mumford Field House. There are multiple ways for people to donate. Mail: Southern University Athletics, P.O. Box 10065, Baton Rouge, LA 70813. Text: Send a message to 225-433-0320 (JAGUARS). Online: The Southern Foundation has a webpage to accept donations. Phone: Call 225-771-2436. In-Person: Visit the campus ticket office or A.W. Mumford Fieldhouse. If you donate $50, you can enjoy brunch provided by Ruby Slipper until 2 p.m. Your donation also includes entry to the Southern vs. Grambling softball game this weekend. Latest News Trump says he knows nothing of Atlantic journalist swept up in war plan text chain Moulton: Hegseth a danger to US, servicemembers Fitness coach's morning routine goes viral Trump touts major Hyundai investment in US, including Louisiana steel plant Atlantic journalist says Trump officials included him in war plans group chat ...read more read less