Gifts to Southeast Missouri University Foundation Break Record

"In addition to record-breaking giving levels, we also saw a 12 percent increase in the number of donors giving to SEMO," said Wendell Snodgrass, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Foundation.

Gifts given to the Foundation can be directed to impact the area of the University the donor is most interested, most often student scholarships or professional development opportunities.

Snodgrass said gifts have been focused across the four pillars of the University's Transforming Lives comprehensive campaign: academics, athletics, facilities, and technology. The Transforming Lives campaign was announced last October during Homecoming with a goal of raising $60 million to fuel SEMO's vision of a modern campus with the infrastructure, technology, curriculum and spirit to prepare confident graduates for tomorrow's careers today.

"We are so appreciative of the many alumni and friends who have given support, financial or otherwise, to benefit SEMO students," said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas. "Their passion and dedication for helping students has helped us achieve 75 percent of our campaign goal. They also contributed to the largest SEMO Giving Day in our history this year."

SEMO Giving Day occurs around the University's birthday every March and focuses on the entire SEMO community coming together for one day of giving small gifts to make a big difference. In 2024, alumni and friends gave $359,000.

"Every gift has the power to open doors for deserving students, innovate curriculum, provide professional opportunities, and enrich the entire campus community," said Vargas. "The generosity of giving to SEMO can shape our future leaders, transforming their lives so they can transform the world."

Snodgrass says giving is deeply personal, so the University Foundation works with individual donors to help them support the cause that matters most to them while exploring all the options available of how to give. For more information, contact the University Foundation at (573) 651-2332 or visit semofoundation.org.