EXTENSION CENTER KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN

JACKSON -- With more than 100 programs currently offered by University of Missouri Outreach and Extension in the Cape Girardeau County area, space is at a premium at its leased office off Highway 25 south of Jackson.

Dr. William Meyer, president of the Cape County Extension, cited the need for more space at an official fund-raising kickoff for a new building Friday.

On hand for the fund campaign kickoff were University of Missouri officials -- Dr. Manuel Pacheco, UM president and Dr. Ron Turner, executive vice president and director of cooperative extension -- a large group of volunteers and others interested in a new extension building.,

Meyer emphasized that the demands for current programs and new ones are increasing each year and said the current list of 102 programs are crowding the existing facility.

Proposed is a $350,000, 7,000 square foot Cape Girardeau County Education and Extension Center.

The outreach and extension network is a unique and valuable resource, ideally suited to deliver educational program, said Pacheco in his remarks.

"I've learned during my statewide travels that citizens of Missouri want their university to be accessible to them as adults as well as to their children," he said. "They understand that university research has profound impact on their lives and livelihood."

Almost a third of the funds have already been pledged -- $105,000 in cash and pledges and the donation of two-and-a-half acres of ground for the building

Also involved in the fund-raising is a local 4-H club, which is sponsoring a raffle. The club leader, Dortha Strack, sold Turner the first ticket.

Turner congratulated the volunteers who have helped bring the building project to this stage.

"Citizens provide energy, time and financial gifts to efforts such as this one because they know their gifts are investments in the future of Cape Girardeau in the 21st Century," he said.

Darrell Aufdenberg and Roger Schwab are co-chairmen for the fund drive. Anyone interested in helping the fund campaign can call (573) 243-3581 for additional information.