They will be honored with the award as part of the annual President’s Council Dinner on Friday, March. 28 at the Show Me Center.

The Friend of the University award is SEMO’s highest honor bestowed on those who support the University through the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. It recognizes those who are closely associated with the mission, purposes, plans, and programs of the University. The Ruopps’ selection honors their continuing support of SEMO. 

“The Ruopps personify a generous spirit,” said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas. “They have given to most every area of the University, including providing support for the STEM areas where they studied, SEMO Athletics, River Campus visual and performing arts programs, scholarships, the Power of Women, and KRCU. Their impact is felt across campus and by countless students. I am grateful for their thoughtful contributions that have made a meaningful difference, and I look forward to celebrating their kindness and willingness support our students at this year’s President’s Council.”

Janet and Patrick have practiced dentistry in Cape Girardeau for 47 years at Ruopp Family Dentistry. The pair work out of the same dental office where Janet’s father practiced dentistry and where they met in 1967.

Janet graduated from Southeast in 1972 Magna cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science and distinction in zoology. Patrick finished his undergraduate courses at the same time as Janet but did not officially complete his degree requirements and graduate until 1976, when he earned a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in chemistry. 

After completing four years of study in three years at Southeast, the couple went on to the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. Patrick and Janet were married two weeks before starting dental school and were the first husband and wife team in the history of the school to start and finish the dental program together. 

Janet and Patrick each knew early on that they wanted to pursue dentistry, and say SEMO gave them the tools to do so.

Janet and Patrick said they were inspired by a few of the same faculty members: Dr. Norman Braasch, who taught zoology; Dr. Carl Train, who taught protozoology and parasitology; Dr. John Hinni, who taught embryology; and Dr. Michael Readnour, who taught chemistry.

The Ruopps were recognized by SEMO in 2021 with the Alumni Merit Award. Both serve on the Southeast Missouri University Foundation Board and are co-chairs of SEMO’s Transforming Lives comprehensive fundraising campaign.

“We are so appreciative of this honor. I was brought up with the philosophy that to whom much has been given, much is expected,” said Janet. “We have always prioritized giving back, particularly to SEMO.”

“I am proud that SEMO and my profession have afforded me to practice dentistry, a profession that I love, with the love of my life,” added Patrick.

In addition to their service to the University, they were also each recognized three times with the Certificate for International Volunteer Service from the American Dental Association. Patrick has also been the recipient of the Missouri Jaycees Distinguished Service Award. Janet was honored in 2006 as the United Way Adult Volunteer of the Year and in 1981 as the recipient of the Young Woman of the Year Award, presented by the Cape Jaycees.

The Ruopps are members of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, Southeast District Dental Society and Cape Dental Study Club, as well as the SEMO President’s Council, SEMO Athletic Booster Club, SEMO Copper Dome Society and SEMO Horizon Club.

Patrick is a member of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, the River City Rodders, and the Southeast Missouri Corvette Club. He served for 13 years on the Cape Girardeau Board or Education. Janet is a member of the Oral Health Coalition of Southeast Missouri, MissionFest Cape, the BeTween Initiative, Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau Area, Grace United Methodist Church Foundation and Granting Grace Outreach.

The Ruopps say they are proud to have been able to give back through dentistry. Both have participated in dental missions to Haiti and Missouri Missions of Mercy (MOMOM) — a large-scale dental clinic that provides free oral healthcare to patients who cannot otherwise afford or access care — with the Missouri Dental Association. Patrick has done dental missions in Jamaica, and Janet has donated dental work through Oral Health Coalition and Donated Dental Services.

The Ruopps live in Cape Girardeau and have two children — both of whom are Southeast alumni and practicing dentists — Dr. Alyssa Ruopp Baker, and Dr. Brenton Ruopp, and four grandchildren.