Celebration set for River Campus anniversary

The River Campus, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will host a truly unique show Tuesday.

A specially composed symphony will play an original piece by Gordon "Dick" Goodwin, a former Cape Girardeau resident and current professor emeritus at the University of South Carolina.

The concert will pay tribute to the history of the River Campus facility, which was formerly the St. Vincent's College and Seminary High. St. Vincent's was founded in 1838.

Local historian and musician Jerry Ford says without the Vincentians, the university wouldn't be where it is today. Special invitations have gone out to those who attended the seminary. The university purchased the college and the grounds from the Vincentians in 1998.

Southeast Missouri Symphony artistic director Sara Edgerton will address concert attendees before the performance, and the day's festivities will include tours of the River Campus, remarks by Southeast president Carlos Vargas-Aburto and Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger.

The River Campus, a partnership between the city and Southeast Missouri State University, had complicated beginnings.

The $50 million project was beset by funding difficulties and lawsuits over funding mechanisms in addition to a bond issue passed by voters.

Public officials persisted and made compromises, and along with considerable private donations, today the River Campus is a cultural icon in Cape Girardeau.

Thousands have attended performances.

Hundreds of students have trained, practiced and performed as the university's performance art program has blossomed.

It's hard to imagine Cape Girardeau without the River Campus.

A special thanks to all who had the vision of what the old building on the banks of the river could be and who helped make the River Campus come to fruition.

And we thank those who have gone out of their way to bring together Tuesday's special concert to showcase the talent of Cape Girardeau as well as its history.