Nearly 40 years ago, Southeast Missouri State University was established to accept and manage all gifts and bequests made in support of Southeast Missouri State. The most recent fiscal year (July 2020 to June 2021) has been one of the Foundation’s most successful years ever, having raised nearly $8 million in total revenue. And a great year for the Foundation translates into many new and exciting opportunities for Southeast and its students.
Much of this success is due to the thoughtful planning of alumni, retired faculty, and friends who included the Foundation in their estate plans many years ago. These generous donors planned for the future of Southeast and, as a result, they are making an incredible difference for our students today.
Each of these thoughtful individuals were part of our Horizon Club, through which we were able to thank them for their foresight and confidence in us. Over the years, they interacted with faculty, staff, and students, and they were able to share with us their wishes for the future impact of their gift. Through these conversations, the planned gifts received this year have varied greatly in size and purpose, but every gift will make a positive impact on the lives of SEMO students. Our donors planned for our future, and the future is now.
Estate planning is a deeply personal process and a great way to leave a legacy for the areas you care most about. One donor who made a planned gift ensured that the Biology department would receive an additional $4,000 to make the lives of students better through new equipment. Another generous donor provided $27,000 to support the football team and help secure more Redhawk wins. Several gifts ranging from $15,000 to more than $2 million will change the lives of students through scholarship support according to criteria established by the donors. With the burden of the financial cost of education alleviated, these scholarship recipients can achieve their dreams and change our world.
The plans we make now will make a significant difference in the future. Your support helps to make the Southeast experience everything that it has been and will continue to be. If you are interested in changing the future by planning your gift today, Foundation staff can work with you to create a gift in your estate plan for the future of our students. Please contact Southeast Missouri University Foundation at 573-651-2332 or plannedgiving@semo.edu to learn more about your options.