Proffer had impact on SEMO, area

To the editor:

I'm proud of Marvin Proffer's 45 years of service to Southeast Missouri State University, our region and our state.

Marvin's influence has touched all improvements at the university over these years. As House budget chair for 10 years, he was the leading procurer of money for the Show Me Center, Cottonwood Center, the conservation center in the North County Park, the four-lane highway between Cape Girardeau and Jackson, the many road improvements to Procter & Gamble, the Burfordville mill and Trail of Tears State Park, to name a few. In addition, Marvin has raised substantial money for the university in his role as fund-raiser.

The irony is the university needs money. It could have raised $75,000 to $100,000 if it had continued his employment through this legislative session and sponsored a retirement celebration in recognition of his decades of service.

Marvin never forgot his roots. He was born and raised at 604 Rear N. Sprigg St. across from the college. His mother and father worked at the shoe factory. Southeast gave him a chance for a better life, and he took advantage of that opportunity.

Throughout his career he worked tirelessly to keep tuition as low as possible to ensure that all Missouri families had a chance to send their kids to college. He is Southeast's most honored alumnus. Our university prides itself on being "A Beacon Light to All Below." In this instance, the beacon was unceremoniously snuffed.

JERRY FORD, Cape Girardeau