SOUTHEAST HOSPITAL LAUNCHES $1.7 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Southeast Missouri Hospital Thursday launched a $1.7 million capital campaign to fund construction of a new clinical services building at the hospital.

The campaign was announced at the Southeast Missouri Hospital Association annual dinner. About 950 association members and guests attended the event, held at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Construction of the $19 million clinical services building is scheduled to start this summer and is slated for completion and occupancy in 1995. The four-level, 105,000-square-foot structure will increase Southeast Hospital's size by 40 percent.

The facility will house new emergency services and radiology departments, expanded surgery services, cardiology services and clinical lab services, and a new heliport and support services for LifeBeat, the hospital's emergency air medical service.

Hospital Administrator James W. Wente announced at the meeting that $496,000 already has been pledged toward the capital campaign goal by hospital employees, trustees, medical staff and volunteers the "hospital family."

"The initial response on the part of the hospital family to our capital campaign has been overwhelming," Wente said. "We are truly grateful for its support.

"Southeast Missouri Hospital has historically worked in partnership with the community. The partnership that we have molded over the past 64 years has provided us with unity to help meet opportunities and challenges of Southeast's growth and services."

Walter Joe Ford, president of the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation, said $115,000 of the pledges are from hospital employees.

"The support employees have shown this campaign underscores not just their dedication to Southeast, but their recognition of the importance of the hospital's mission in providing comprehensive, family-centered health care for our growing region," he said.

Ford said the "hospital family" campaign is about 50 percent complete. A community-wide campaign will be in full swing by late May and is expected to continue into September.

Wente also noted some of the accomplishments of the hospital and discussed challenges that lie ahead.

He said that from an initial investment of $125,000 in 1928, the hospital now has assets in excess of $76 million.

"From 48 births and 868 admissions in 1928, Southeast has progressed to nearly 1,600 births and more than 62,000 patient visits annually," he said. "From just a few dozen employees when the hospital began service, Southeast today employs more than 1,400 dedicated individuals."

Two long-time Southeast Hospital supporters, Stan and Jane Grimm, also were awarded the Board of Trustees' Outstanding Service Award.

Also honored at the dinner were recipients of the "Niswonger Spirit of Southeast Employee Awards." They include Ken Barrett, Connie Griswold, Willie Brown, Kimra Stone, Alma LeGrand, Bruce Collier.

Individuals also were recognized for their donations over the years. Receiving recognition as "Silver Arrow" supporters in the "Million Dollar Club" were: the Marriott Corporation; Dr. and Mrs. Earl W. Johnson; Mary G. Masters; Bertha W. Pierce; Dr. and Mrs. Robert W. Ruess; and John H. Wiseman. Recognized for having attained the "Gold Arrow" level of giving were Mrs. Seth Barnes and Stephen E. Strom and Patricia Strom.