Southeast Mo. State University celebrates 150 years

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - Southeast Missouri State University is celebrating 150 years of educating students with a year long celebration.

To celebrate the university’s sesquicentennial, a 150th birthday party, brief ceremony and other activities will be held on campus on Wednesday, March 22 at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

There were more than 80 booths of student organizations and academic departments with games, limited giveaways and hand-on learning activities.

The event was held inside the University Center, located on Normal Avenue. Because of the event, Normal Ave. was closed to traffic.

Southeast Missouri State University President Dr. Carlos Vargas was excited for the event, saying that it will allow them to not only reflect on the past, but look forward to what’s to come.

“This is an exciting milestone for everyone for our entire SEMO community,” Dr. Vargas said. “The sesquicentennial will commemorate the history of the University during the last 150 years and allow us to look toward our future. Just as we did in 1873, SEMO helps students transform their lives, and their education often changes the trajectory of their entire family.”

March 22, 1873 marks the day, 150 years ago, when then-Missouri Governor Silas Woods signed a bill establishing the Third District Normal School in 1873, known as Southeast Missouri State University.

In 1873, there were only 57 students. Now, there are roughly 10,000 students, with more than 90,000 students who have transitioned to alumni.

More events to celebrate the university’s milestone are planned throughout the year, all with the theme “Making History” to honor SEMO.

The final event will take place on April 8, 2024, with a solar eclipse watch party planned.

More on the planned celebrations and events, as well as details of historical moments throughout SEMO’s timeline, can be found on the SEMO website.

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