SEMO University president Carlos Vargas announced the formal launch of the largest comprehensive funding campaign in the history of the university, with a final goal of 60 million dollars, on Oct. 13 at the Homecoming Kickoff Block Party.
The university president said donations from “ alumni and friends” of the university has caused the fundraising campaign to already reach 64% of the final goal.
According to Vargas, the money being raised will be distributed to academic technologies, facilities, and athletics.
Some of these upgrades include:
— A new cyber command center for the cyber security center made possible through a partnership with IBM Corporation
— A third building added to the river campus
— A new building for the health science program outfitted with advanced laboratories, which will be built where Dearmont Hall currently stands
— New additions to Houck Stadium including a new press box, and academic event and meeting spaces located on the east side of Houck Stadium
Vargas also mentioned the addition of a program for Multimedia Journalism majors and others, giving them the opportunity to report on Gray Media’s Spanish-language news channel. Gray Media is a parent company of KFVS12.
“Our initiatives will strengthen our institution as a model of what a modern institution of higher education should be,” Vargas said.
This story was originally published by The Southeast Arrow, which is a news partner with KRCU Public Radio.