Southeast Missouri State University will celebrate its 125th anniversary during the 1998-1999 academic year.

The celebration will kick off on Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. with the annual Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce "Welcome Back" picnic at Capaha Park.

Jim Biundo, assistant to the president for university relations, chairs the school's 125th Anniversary Committee.

Biundo said the theme for the celebration is "Honoring Yesterday - Creating Tomorrow."

"Though March 22, 1873, was the official date of the enabling legislation," said Biundo, "the first president wasn't appointed nor was a site selected until fall 1873."

Biundo said the university felt that the start of the fall semester would be an appropriate time to kick off the anniversary celebration.

A culminating "Celebration Week" will be held April 3-11, 1999.

Plans are still being worked out. Biundo said a variety of concerts, lectures, exhibits and other events will be held to showcase the history and tradition of Southeast.

Southeast plans to present an original, historical drama about the school.

Other major events throughout the year, such as Family Weekend and Homecoming, will be planned around the anniversary theme, Biundo said.

The River Heritage Quilters Guild has been asked to sew a quilt with each block depicting part of the history of the university.

Biundo said the school also may hold an essay contest patterned after one held for the first commencement in June 1874.

The original essay topics would be used, including "The Power of Trifles" and "Paddle Your Own Canoe," Biundo said.