Former president of regents asks to keep Indians

To the editor:

I am very disappointed at the thought of having a nickname change for the Southeast Missouri State University Indians and Otahkians. I was president of the board of regents from 1971 to 1981. I find it hard to believe that anyone is even considering changing the nickname, which has held up ever since the university was created.

Southeast Missouri State University was a big part of my life. This is where I received a bachelor's degree in marketing. I was on the varsity football team and was an All-American tackle in 1953 and 1954 and was the team captain my senior year. I was inducted into the university's athletic hall of fame in November 2002. The list goes on and on, so you can see why the university is so important to me. I request that the nickname be left as it is.

I am having a difficult time understanding whey the nickname needs to be changed. This hurts me, knowing my father was an Indian. I come from an Indian heritage and do not have a problem with the name of my alma mater reflecting the Indian name. Please consider keeping the name.

My brother also attended SEMO, along with four of my children and two of my grandchildren. I am proud to be of Indian heritage and proud that I received a great education at the university.

KENNETH LEE DEMENT

Cape Girardeau