Baptist Student Center celebrates 75 years

There are several campus ministries at Southeast Missouri State University that help students grow in their faith as they enter into their independent adult years.

The Baptist Student Center is one of those organizations. It is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

The center offers students meals, Bible studies, living quarters and mission work, such as food distribution, according to a recent story published in the Southeast Missourian. About 50 students regularly attend.

Matt Porter, ministry assistant, said the center is "like a home away from home. We do a lot of meal ministry, so to have a home-cooked meal and sit around the table with friends ... for that time it's kind of like being at home. There's a lot of warmth and friendship."

The Baptist Student Center has a rich history of sharing faith and friendship. It was developed and grown by the center's first director, the Rev. A.B. Cooper. The A.B. Cooper Fund enables the center to host the meals. The center offers lunches on Thursdays and after-church meals at 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Congratulations to all those who have contributed to the success of the Baptist Student Center over the years.