Southeast Missouri State University has named Dr. John Freeze and Mrs. Martha Freeze as its 2026 Friends of the University, recognizing their longstanding service, philanthropy and commitment to students.
Both 1975 graduates, the Freezes have supported SEMO for more than 40 years, including funding a pre-dental scholarship that has helped multiple graduates enter the profession.
For John Freeze, SEMO has been part of his life since childhood. His father played football at SEMO and Freeze attended games growing up. He later attended the campus school from fourth through seventh grade before enrolling as a college student and earning a Bachelor of Science in zoology. He went on to graduate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and returned to Cape Girardeau in 1980 to build a dental practice that served the region for more than three decades.
Martha Freeze, a Jackson, MO native, grew up attending Redhawks football games as well. Three of her older brothers played football at SEMO, and her younger sister was a member of the Golden Eagles Marching Band—all four siblings ultimately earned degrees from the University. Martha received her Bachelor of Science in education with an emphasis in physical education. After returning to Cape Girardeau, she managed the couple’s dental practice, working alongside her husband throughout his career.
In 1984, the Freezes became early supporters of the Copper Dome Society and have continued to give consistently, increasing their support as they were able. Over the past decade, they have funded a pre-dental scholarship to support aspiring dentists. One recent scholarship recipient invited the Freezes to her graduation celebration, where they met two additional past recipients who are now practicing dentists.
“It was great to see three of our scholarship recipients in one place,” John Freeze said. “It showed how all those years of donating really added up.”
Beyond philanthropy, John Freeze served six years as a trustee for the Missouri Dental Association and volunteered during the 2013 Missouri Mission of Mercy event hosted at SEMO’s Show Me Center, where approximately 200 dentists provided free dental care to patients over two days. He currently serves as chair of the Public Health Center and is a member of the Oral Health Coalition. Dr. Freeze also serves on the SEMO Foundation Board. Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership roles, including president of the Southeast Dental Society, the Cape Dental Study Club and the GROWS Implant Study Club. In addition to his professional service, he served his church as president of the congregation and as an elder and served 12 years on the Lutheran Home Board. After selling his practice in 2014 to a SEMO graduate, he worked part time before retiring in 2017.
Throughout their 51 years of marriage, the Freezes have built their lives around family, service and education. They have two daughters, including one SEMO graduate, and two grandchildren. Multiple members of their extended family including siblings, nieces and nephews also are SEMO alumni.
“We have lived a simple life,” said Martha Freeze. “We’ve been so blessed by what God’s provided for us, and we wanted to help others, so we decided to focus our giving on SEMO.”
For the Freezes, giving back has always been about steady commitment.
“Early on, we gave the minimum for Copper Dome,” John Freeze said. “At that time, it was still significant. As we were able, we increased it. The more people who give, the more it’s going to help. It builds up.”
The Friends of the University award is among SEMO’s highest honors, recognizing individuals whose service and generosity advance the University’s mission and support student success. The Freezes will be honored with the award as part of the President’s Council Dinner on Friday, March 27.
If you’re inspired by the Freezes generosity, consider donating to student success at semo.edu/give.