WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Nearly 130 scholarship donors and recipients gathered Oct. 22 at East Towne Banquet Center on Bill Virdon Boulevard for Missouri State University-West Plains’ annual Scholarship Luncheon.

The luncheon, hosted by the university’s development office, provides an opportunity for scholarship recipients to meet the donors who’ve generously provided funds to aid in their education.

“We, as an institution, are very lucky to have a community that supports higher education.  The generosity is unmatched,” said Director of Development Joe Kammerer.  “Students at Missouri State-West Plains have the opportunity to receive financial assistance from a variety of different sources, and the Scholarship Luncheon is one way we can thank one of those sources – our donors.”

This fall, the university awarded more than 200 privately funded scholarships totaling approximately $180,000.  One of those recipients was Leah Harris, Licking, who served as one of the guest speakers at the event.

“Because of the scholarship I received, I can attend college and ultimately become a child psychologist,” she told those attending.  “Because of the gift I received, I will be able to help hundreds, and maybe even thousands, of children in our community.”

The event’s other guest speaker was Jerry Redfern, manager of the Lelia Heuer Foundation headquartered in Springfield.  The foundation funds several scholarships at the university.

“If you haven’t helped someone along the way, then you haven’t fulfilled your life,” he told those attending.

Kammerer said it’s never too late to join the Lelia Heuer Foundation and others who have invested in the future of students, and ultimately the community.  Those interested in establishing a scholarship or contributing to an existing scholarship can contact the development office at 417-255-7240.

For more information about the giving opportunities available at Missouri State-West Plains, visit wp.missouristate.edu/development or call the development office at 417-255-7240.