Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) have launched the 2020-2021 Annual Fund campaign to help provide educational opportunities for students at its campuses in West Plains and Mountain Grove.

Originally known as the Campus Opportunities Campaign, the program encourages alumni, friends and businesses that have benefitted from Missouri State-West Plains to envision the future by investing today.

“The generosity and support of the people in West Plains and surrounding communities over the years has truly made a difference in the lives of our students,” said Interim Chancellor Dennis Lancaster. “Contributing to the Missouri State-West Plains Annual Fund allows us to continue expanding opportunities for our students and provide the resources they need to make their dreams become reality.”

A trying year for students

This year has been especially trying for students because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he pointed out. Limited internet connectivity at home, finding affordable childcare or dealing with job loss have created obstacles that have put dreams of a college education at risk, he explained.

Contributing to the Annual Fund is the best way to meet these urgent needs and help develop other areas on campus, Lancaster said. Some of the areas that will be supported this year by donations to the fund include:

• emergency grants to help students facing difficult situations stay in school;
• scholarships;
• the Ozarks Heritage Resource Center, which contains and preserves information specific to the Ozarks region;
• the Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Technology (GOCAT) through which the university provides training programs to meet employer needs;
• the Missouri State-West Plains Excellence Fund for areas of greatest need.

“Imagine the emotion of a young man or woman who believes he or she has no way to continue his or her last semester, then the joy they experience when they learn of support provided by donors through the student emergency fund or scholarships,” said Interim Director of Development Patty Ingle.

“So, thank you for helping fulfill dreams coming true. Your donation makes a difference in many lives and helps pave the way for the leaders of tomorrow!,” she added.

Ways to give

Area residents can make a gift to the Annual Fund at any time during the current fiscal year, which runs through June 30, 2021. Gifts can be made by check payable to the Missouri State University Foundation; credit card; or online through www.wp.missouristate.edu/development.

Gifts can be made quarterly, semi-annually or through any other payment option that is convenient, Ingle said. Residents also can make a pledge, and campus officials will mail a pledge reminder in the month requested by the donor, she added.

For more information about the Annual Fund and other ways of giving to Missouri State University-West Plains, call 417-255-7240.