Southeast Missouri State honors Cape West Rotary | Community Spirit

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - Southeast Missouri State University has presented its “Vandiver Show Me State Award” to the Cape West Rotary Club.

The Vandiver award recognizes outstanding contributions to the university, the region, and the state by individuals and corporate entities. University president Kenneth Dobbins presented the award to club representatives at the university’s fall commencement held Dec. 15. 

Since 2000, the Cape West Rotary Club has raised more than $600,000 in student scholarships through its annual golf tournament. The grants have been awarded to Southeast students representing all types of backgrounds and areas of study. The club has also endowed a number of scholarships, including the W. Victor Hill Scholarship for nontraditional students. 

“The Cape West Rotary Club and its members continue to be true friends of the University with an extraordinary level of support for the students of this region,” said Southeast president Kenneth Dobbins.  “The club has made a significant difference in our students’ ability to attend and graduate from Southeast Missouri State University.” 

Cape West Rotary Club President Tedd Powers accepted the award on behalf of Cape West Rotary.

“Our members understand the importance of accessible, high quality education at all levels,” he said. “We also recognize that some face financial barriers in reaching their educational goals. Part of our club’s mission to help our neighbors overcome those barriers. It is a pleasure to work with a high quality university like Southeast to meet the educational needs of the community.”

Longtime tournament organizer Norman Glaus said that the Rotary scholarship committee wanted to give credit back to the community.

“We accept this award on behalf of the numerous individuals and business that have sponsored or participated in our golf tournament over the last 13 years,” Glaus said. “We thank our sponsors and participants for their generosity.  Without them, we could not award the scholarships.”

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