SEMO foundation announces $45 million in donations

The goal was huge.

The outcome was even larger.

The Southeast Missouri University Foundation recently announced that $45 million was raised in support of scholarships, programs and renovations that will benefit students. Dr. Ken Dobbins, university president, made the announcement last Saturday during Homecoming festivities.

The foundation announced the public phase of the campaign a year ago, according to a news release issued by the university. At that time, $30 million had been raised through donations and planned gifts. Dobbins had issued a challenge to alumni and friends to help raise the $10 million. The alumni came through, and then some.

Forty-five million dollars. That's a lot of money, no matter how you look at it. Southeast has 700 endowed scholarships available to students, thanks to the generosity of those who have donated to the university.

The local university recently broke yet another record for its fall enrollment, passing the 12,000 barrier for the first time. There are many factors that play into the growth of the university. The generous support from donors is clearly one of the key reasons.

Congratulations to the university foundation, its staff and executive director and vice presdient for university advancement Bill Holland for their fund-raising campaign and efforts.

And thank you to all of the generous people who are providing important dollars toward the future of Southeast Missouri and its people.