What does Southeast Missouri State University mean to you?

SEMO was my opportunity to obtain a goal that I had for most of my childhood continuing throughout my teen years. I received a first year scholarship to SEMO. I loved SEMO because it was an affordable school. I graduated by working part time, some help from my parents, and an NDEA Loan that SEMO Personnel told me about and assisted me with the application. I graduated with a BS in El. Ed. and was on my way to the career I'd always wanted.

Why is it important to support students (at a time like this)?

Because I can do that now easily. I also sent my younger son to SEMO because he wanted to be a coach. It was a wonderful place for him. He loved it and graduated and was very fortunate. An advisor from SEMO when he was a junior talking about a career placement that would be available when he graduated. The advisor assured him lots of the current graduating seniors were being placed with Industrial Technology Degrees. He succeeded in that field.

Why do you give to Southeast?

One other thing impressed me. When others thought SEMO should try recruiting from a wider area and raising standards for entrants. SE Missouri patrons were not too impressed. I saw it the same way. A great place for anyone to get an education that wanted it and was willing to work hard at their education as well as help with the expenses by working part time. It has surpassed all of that and more. SEMO now has facilities in several smaller towns.

Why do you believe the work of the Foundation is important?

To be honest, I never thought about that a lot. I know it is a great part of who stands behind the progress SEMO has made.

What personal experiences have you had with the students you have helped (who have been helped by the Foundation)?

I have enjoyed many of the conversations I have had with SEMO students when they call and remind me how much they appreciate the help they get to continue their education. They also tell me what's new on campus. I read my emails and other information received each year from SEMO.

Why should other people give to Southeast?

Everyone who received even a part of their education at SEMO and are able to give should. Others move on and have other places they attend after SEMO. I couldn't forget. In the summer of 1974, I received the Masters' Degree in Elementary School Counseling from SEMO and wound up working in that segment of public education the last 20 years of my career. The last ten years in South Carolina when my husband took his business there.

Are you a Southeast alumnus?

Yes

How has earning your degree from Southeast impacted your life?

I stay in touch with many of the friends I met there even now. I might never have made it through and received my degree if there had been no NDEA Loan for me. I believe the person who gave me the information for that was David Strand. My husband and I were a team and we achieved many of our separate goals and financial security by my career as well as his business. It was a real boost to my self-confidence to receive the degree.

How have you been impacted by the gifts of donors?

I was more impacted by the scholarship I had as a freshman. The faculty and the financial office at SEMO helped me and encouraged me at different times and in different ways. I didn't know too much about the donors back when I started in 1958. I earned the scholarship with my test performance on the Ohio Psych and high school transcripts. I always loved school.