University Foundation

The Wehking Alumni Center on a sunny day.

We're here to help our alumni and friends be involved. To help them support SEMO and the newest generation of students. To help them engage with one another and those on campus. That’s what we do.

Do more than cheer from the sideline. Get involved to support Southeast in providing student-centered education and experiential learning for the region and beyond.

The University Foundation, since its inception in 1983, collects and manages resources that allow Southeast to enhance the quality and extend the range of services provided to its students and the region.

We take pride in recognizing special opportunities for Southeast and undertake fundraising activities to enable the University to capitalize on them. The Foundation recognizes donors who provide strength for the continually improving growth, visibility, and excellence of the University.

A Board of Directors oversees the work of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. Membership includes many Southeast alumni, regional business leaders, and supporters of the University. Each year, new members are elected to this dedicated group of volunteers.

What We Do

Make big impacts for future students.

Planned giving allows you to leave a lasting impact after your lifetime. When you include Southeast Missouri State University in your estate plan, your generosity helps lay the foundation for what our students can achieve. Let us help you find a charitable plan that both provides for your family and supports Southeast.
Allocate resources to where they’re needed most.

Annual fund gifts allow Southeast to send those gifts where they’re needed the most. This kind of flexibility allows the University to enhance the opportunities offered to current and future students. Without the support of the Annual Fund, Southeast would no longer be able to offer a quality education at an affordable price.
Make the most of your gift through Employer Matching Gifts.

Did you know that many companies will match your gift to Southeast? Or possibly double or even triple your gift! Find out if your employer will match your donation.
Tackle fundraising events to foster a spirit of giving.

It only takes one day to make a difference. Southeast’s annual Giving Day offers an opportunity to give back to the campus and make an impact on future Redhawks. The one-day social media campaign allows alumni and friends to directly address specific campus needs and to support student success with small gifts.

Nanci Burchell

Alumnus, Radiation Safety Officer at Children’s Mercy Hospitals & Clinics

I give to Southeast because I want students to have the opportunity to attend college with one less financial worry; I want them to start careers without a mountain of student loan debt and to give back to the institution that gave me a great start on my career path.

By the numbers

$353,979

Donated toward Giving Day 2026

SEMO Giving Day focuses every year on giving by offering many challenges and opportunities for supporters to make a big difference across campus. Our alumni and friends helped us surpass our SEMO Giving Day 2026 goal of $360,000, donating $383,979. Thank you for helping us support students, programs, and the SEMO community we love!
$60M+

Transforming Lives Campaign Goal Surpassed

Southeast Missouri State University successfully surpassed its $60 million Transforming Lives comprehensive fundraising campaign more than a year ahead of schedule, thanks in part to strong support during the University’s 2026 Giving Day on March 19. 2022.
26

New President's Council Members in 2026

Southeast Missouri University Foundation recognized 26 new members to the President's Council in March 2026. The President's Council is comprised of individuals and corporations who have made cumulative gifts of $20,000 or more as individuals and $50,000 or more as corporations.
50

Years of KRCU Public Radio

KRCU signed on the air on March 5, 1976. As part of the station’s 50th Anniversary, a ribbon-cutting/open house was held at the station on March 5, 2026. KRCU will also hold a 50th Anniversary celebration on Saturday, May 23, at Rusted Route in Jackson. This will be a fundraiser with dinner/dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are $75 per person; $600 for a table of eight. The station also plans on hosting 50th anniversary events during SEMO's Homecoming on October 17, 2026.

The generosity to give. The will to do.

Support Southeast

When it comes to supporting our fellow Redhawks, we do whatever it takes. Help advance the causes and mission of Southeast Missouri State University by supporting it with a gift.

Make a Gift Today