Southeast Missouri State University 1873

Making Memories

For decades, students have embarked on their Southeast journey at the Ice Cream Pig Out, making memories as their next chapter unfolds. They trek Cardiac Hill, visit the iconic Gum Tree, leave it all on the intramural field, sled Academic Terrace and chalk their name in the dome. They revel in S-E-M-O chants, join in the alma mater, bond with forever friends and move their commencement tassel.

Seasons come and go, and with them, four institutional name changes dot the history books. For 150 years, decades of go-getters have descended on SEMO, eager to seize new challenges. No matter the era, the memories made here -- the Welcome Back Picnic, Late Night Breakfast, Homecoming and Family Weekend -- remain nostalgic reminders of this special place called Southeast Missouri State University.

The institution has enjoyed four names since its founding: Southeast Missouri Normal School (1873), Southeast Missouri State Teachers’ College (1919), Southeast Missouri State College (1946) and Southeast Missouri State University (1972).

Southeast Seals

Cape Girardeau Normal School seal
Southeast Missouri State Teacher's College seal
the Southeast Missouri State College
southeast missouri state university seal

a line-up of all of Southeast's old logos from the very first to current

 

I graduated from high school in May and started college in June. They found a place for me to live on Bellevue Street with a nice couple, and I worked for my room and board. I walked to school every day and took my lunch. Back then, there were only a handful of buildings at Southeast. There were only about 500 people on the entire campus, and I knew just about every one of them. I loved the library. It was one of my favorite places. I had such a good time at Southeast. I have lots of wonderful memories of eating lunch with my friends every day and having fun.

Ella Ruth Fletcher

Sikeston, Missouri, native and formerly of Kansas City, Missouri, was a 1930 graduate, reflecting on her experiences at Southeast Missouri State Teacher's College

Memories, Past and Present

Going to college is not just about an education. While your studies are important, taking away some wonderful memories is also an important part of the experience.
Students dressed in swimwear participate in an opening week activity; a slip-n-slide down a hill.
a group of young men wearing swimwear and covered in soap suds sliding down a plastic sheet on a hill
A pair of young women from the 1980s are celebrating Rush Week.
two young women attending a rush week party for greek life
One of the best traditions Southeast students carry on from year to year is sledding down the hill at Terraces.
vintage photo of students on a hill on campus sledding in the snow
Homecoming is an event where many current students and many alumni celebrate their friendships and memories at Southeast.
a group of students in the student stands at Houck stadium during homecoming, they are wearing semo gear
Graduation is a celebration of your accomplishments. It's a memory our alumni should be proud of.
graduates from a previous decade of Southeast in their commencement regalia outdoors, photo is black and white
Our university faculty and staff love to be part of our students' memories. University President Dr. Carlos Vargas and his wife Pam Vargas serve ice cream to students at the opening week Ice Cream Pigout.
the university president and his wife wearing aprons and hats serve ice cream to students while talking and laughing

There were a lot of mixers, plays, dances, every weekend. A lot of my friends met their husbands at all the social events. There were a lot more of us girls on campus than there were the young men, although there were a few. Enough to keep my dance card full.” Her daughter, Marcia Tanis, also a Southeast graduate, said the University “is a tradition in our family. Things may change over the years, but Southeast stays with us.

Eloise Suenkel Sturkey

1941 graduate, reflecting on her years at Southeast prior to her passing in 2019