SEMO honors alumni achievements at annual Copper Dome Society Dinner

On Oct. 25, alumni filled the Show Me Center for the University’s annual Copper Dome Society and Merit Awards dinner to reunite and honor outstanding alumni.

One of the Merit Awars winners is Jason E. Lane, a specialized president of the University of Illinois and the leader of the National Association of Higher Education.

Another winner was Lew Miltenberger, who, after years of finance experience, started a law firm.

The last recipient of a 2024 Merit Award was former football player Roosevelt Mitchell II, who gave up a career in finance to teach in high-poverty communities.

Additionally, Laura Hatcher won the Faculty Merit Award for excellence in teaching as a political science professor, Tiffany Rodriguez won the Distinguished Service Award for donating equipment to the forensic science department and Tara Meyer won the Distinguished Young Alumni Award for her work in theater.

Director of Alumni Relations George Gasser said the university holds the dinner to honor the donors who make scholarships and university projects possible, in addition to granting the awards.

Gasser said those in attendance at the dinner were members of the Copper Dome Society. To be admitted, alumni must donate $250 per calendar year.

To conclude the ceremony, SEMO President Carlos Vargas spoke on the current condition of the university.

He emphasized the important partnerships SEMO has obtained that contribute to the quality of education for the students.

“Partnerships make a lasting impact on both our students and our region,” Vargas said. “They not only reflect the university's commitment to student success but also show how SEMO is playing a pivotal role in driving progress and opportunity, both economically and socially, through collaborations with businesses, healthcare providers, schools and community organizations. SEMO is contributing to shape the future of Southeast Missouri.”

Vargas also noted that this year, there were 3,181 freshmen, a 7% increase, the largest one-year growth since 2015. He credited this achievement to the faculty and enrollment management team.

“Our growth is a testament to the hard work and commitment of so many at SEMO, from our faculty, who continually innovate our academic programs with the evolving needs of industries, to our enrollment management team who ensure we attract students who are ready to excel, every member of this university plays a role in creating an environment that empowers students to pursue academic excellence and career readiness,” Vargas said.

The next alumni events are the alumni grab-and-go breakfast on Oct. 26 before the homecoming parade at 8:00 a.m. and the Alumni Association Tailgate outside of the Wehking Center at 11:00 a.m.