FORMER UNIVERSITY CHIEF HONORED AT 90TH BIRTHDAY

Dr. Mark Scully returned Sunday to Wildwood, the home he and his family shared from 1956 until his retirement as president of Southeast Missouri State University in 1975.

University president Ken Dobbins and his wife, Jeanine, were hosts at an open house in honor of Scully's 90th birthday. Present and former university personnel, former students and friends were among the estimated 250 guests.

Frances Hill and J. L. "Spec" DeLine, both of Charleston, were childhood playmates of Scully.

"We graduated from the same high school," said Hill. DeLine and Scully have a special bond as the boys had been raised together.

Scully, who was released from the hospital Friday, greeted guests from the comfort of a chair in the living room.

"He was determined to be here today," said Andy Scully, Scully's son. "I think this is just a wonderful thing that they did."

Scully was Southeast's first graduate to serve as its president. He witnessed many changes during his tenure at Southeast. When he took office in 1956, the state teacher's college had only 10 buildings and 1,500 students. By the time he retired, the campus included 22 buildings and enrollment had reached 8,000.

Scully was instrumental in beginning an associate degree program in nursing at the university. His late wife, Pearl, had been a nurse. In 1964, he urged the faculty to organize a faculty senate so it could be a part of the decision-making process at the university. He saw the teacher's college receive university status in 1972.

Scully operated under a simple philosophy: Give every child an opportunity for an education. He still adheres to that philosophy.

Scully credits his love of education for his successful long life.

"Think only of your studies and do that well," he said. "You will be rewarded with a long life and a good one."

Scully's love of education dates back to his first teaching experience, 71 years ago. Just out of school, Scully was ready to begin his teaching career. He had accepted a position and found a place to stay when Doris Middleton, a fifth-grader, paid a visit. She happened to mention that her school, Bird's Mill, was in need of a teacher.

When Scully found out the school paid $5 more than he was going to make, he applied for the position and was hired as Bird's Mill's teacher.

"I was so proud of myself. I had gotten us a teacher," said Middleton who lives at Cobden, Ill. She and her sister Faye Grace of Columbus, Ohio, made a special trip just to celebrate the day with Scully.

"He's a true friend," said Grace. Grace was halfway through her eighth-grade year when Scully came to the school. "I was ready to quit."

Scully would have none of that. He encouraged her to stay, and when she finished the eighth grade, he found her a place to stay and a job so she could continue her high school education.

"There aren't many people right out of high school who will take the time to help kids like that," she added.

Well-wishers could choose between the two large cakes created by Chartwells for Sunday's party. One was decorated with a drawing of Wildwood and the other with the university dome.

"I've seen so many old friends today," Scully said. "This is just really wonderful."