Broad benefits of higher education

To the editor:

Thank you for your recent editorial regarding the status of higher-education funding in Missouri. The editorial draws attention to an important issue in our state: Our higher-education system is at great risk. Twenty-five years ago, the state funded approximately 79 percent of higher-education expenses. Today state funding makes up only 45.4 percent of the cost, with tuition revenue covering the remaining balance.

Cutting higher education doesn't just affect college students. Missouri's institutions of higher education provide valuable cultural and educational opportunities for the public. This year alone Southeast Missouri State University has presented lectures by Erik Peterson and Alan Keyes. Before the year is over, we will have also held a lecture by Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia as well as a performance of "Romeo and Juliet."

The public also has access to many of the facilities offered by Southeast. Local residents can use the extensive resources of Kent Library, become members at the Student Recreation Center and use the University Center's meeting rooms and catering facilities.

If you haven't taken advantage of any of these opportunities, I encourage you to give them a try.

Higher education isn't about the betterment of a few. Rather, it seeks to improve the community as a whole. Budget cuts and diverting funding to private institutions hurts our community, and we would be remiss to ignore the problem.

ADAM HANNA, Student Government President,

Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau