SEMO Giving Day is the annual event that gives Southeast’s entire network the opportunity to give back. Southeast’s one day goal of gifts to support students is set at $150,000 to celebrate its milestone birthday this year.

“Our community makes a huge difference with their gifts year after year,” said Wendell Snodgrass, vice president of University Advancement and executive director of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. “These gifts open doors at our school for our students to receive  the best education possible and preparing them for successful careers in their field. We could not provide that without the support we receive on Giving Day.”

The University was founded in 1873 and has progressed into an educational leader in the region. Its proud history of excellence in education includes innovative academics, experiential learning, and a vast network of difference-making alumni. The University’s supporters helped shape the University in the last 150 years with their gifts.

Southeast is marking its sesquicentennial with a year-long celebration, kicking off with a birthday party on March 22. On the same day, Southeast celebrates Giving Day, and has set up a number of challenges and opportunities for supporters to give to make big differences across campus.

Academic programs across Southeast have chosen projects they’re passionate about to share with donors this year. The Southeast Missouri State University Marching Band shown in new uniforms this year, but need more to accommodate new members next year. The Harrison College of Business and Computing needs funds to help students travel to conferences and other professional experiences that set them apart. The College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is in need or a new ultra-cold storage unit to account for more sample storage. SEMO volleyball is needing to improve locker rooms. 

These are just a few of the projects that Giving Day 2023 impacts on campus. It also helps scholarship funds, which helps students get to campus and receive a college education.

“My scholarship is super beneficial," said nursing student Tara Grojean out of New Hamburg, Missouri. "I don't have to worry about how I'm going to pay it back when I'm done with my schooling."

Southeast has a new online platform to help make giving easier. The Giving Day online page  shows donors the projects and challenges throughout the day that will end in a donor monetary match if they’re met.

“Our alumni across the country have been positively impacted by their time at Southeast and have a great tradition of giving back,” Snodgrass said. “Donors can choose to make an impact in a number of areas, whether that’s a specific academic area, a specific project or program, or athletics. SEMO Giving Day is a celebration for our entire community: students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. This year we get to celebrate the progress we’ve made in our last 150 years and look forward to the future that we’re working towards.”

There is also an FAQ page for anyone with questions about Giving Day. Southeast Missouri University Foundation staff and Annual Fund student representatives will be calling alumni and friends throughout the day.

The University’s social media will be sharing updates throughout the day as they track Giving Day activities and show progress toward the $150,000 goal. There will also be more information on all the projects and funding goals across campus.

For more information about the projects or to donate online, visit the Giving Day online page.