PLENTY TO CELEBRATE FOR SEMO AT 125

Talk about a birthday party. This observance began last August with a welcome-back picnic for students. It will culminate May 15 with the spring commencement. A long list of activities has been scheduled throughout the academic year, but the celebration accelerates during April, which is being called Showcase Month.

It is hard to imagine what Cape Girardeau would be like without the university. It has brought educational, cultural and economic benefits to the entire region.

Enabling legislation to establish the university dates back to March 22, 1873. But the first president wasn't appointed or a site selected until the fall of 1873. The first classes were held temporarily in what was then the new Lorimier School with a faculty of three teachers. The first old Normal School with its pinnacled towers opened in 1875.

The university has done a good job incorporating the theme -- "Honoring Yesterday, Creating Tomorrow" -- in anniversary activities.

On Monday evening, the River Heritage Quilters' Guild will unveil a quilt members created this past year in honor of the university. Through "stitches in time," the quilt focuses on campus buildings. This yearlong quilting efforts involved many community residents. This project underscores the vital partnership forged by the university and area residents.

But the magic of Showcase Month doesn't stop there. Master illusionist David Copperfield will perform twice Wednesday evening at the Show Me Center. A rising pop band, The Goo Goo Dolls, will rock the Show Me Center Friday. The band was nominated for a Grammy award for its hit song "Iris."

The emphasis will return to history next Saturday, April 10, when the university will sponsor a Lyceum, which consists of lectures, dramatic interpretations, singing, dancing and instrumental music. Southeast's first Lyceum dates back to 1906.

A reminder of just how far the influence of Southeast reaches will come April 11, during the university's annual International Festival and Carnival at the University Center. This will also kick off International Week, which includes a visit by 16 dignitaries from nine countries.

Many other activities are scheduled in April. On May 7, all of the living former presidents of Southeast have been invited to the annual Copper Dome dinner at the Show Me Center.

This anniversary provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Southeast as it is today, to reflect on its development and to dream about the future.

That's one thing you can always count on from Southeast University: It never stands still. There are always plans on the table for improvements and growth. Southeast's collective drive helps to spur development through the entire region.

Southeast plans to continue its push for development of the River Campus and expanding its service with more satellite locations. University officials have set a goal of 10,000 students. And with Dr. Dale Nitzschke at the helm, anything's possible.

Who can argue with big dreams?

It certainly was a big dream back in 1873 when community backers fought hard for Cape Girardeau to be selected the site for the Third District Normal School. A number of area counties were in the bidding contest, and Cape Girardeau almost lost to Arcadia in Iron County.

Today, Arcadia is a small town of 600. But in 1873, it was a formidable rival in the fight for the school to what was then another small town: Cape Girardeau.

The forethought and persistence of those early city fathers have really paid off for this community. Without the university, Cape Girardeau would be a far different place.

This seems the perfect time for the community to join in the celebration to give some well-deserved appreciation to Southeast Missouri State University.