Farmers Group Inc. has donated $1,430 to Southeast Missouri State University to recognize the contributions of several Southeast graduates now working for the insurance company.

Leon Wiggs, Farmers Insurance Group agent in Cape Girardeau, and Gregory Ramsey, a Southeast graduate employed in the Farmers Insurance claims office in St. Louis, presented the check to Robert Foster, the university's executive vice president.

The grant is part of the Farmers' Aid to Education Program, designed to provide annual donations to public colleges and universities in the company's operating territory. The donation recognizes the contributions of Southeast graduates who have been employed by the Farmers Group Inc. for at least four consecutive years.

The funds are to be used for tuition scholarships for second-, third- and fourth-year students in the fields of insurance, mathematics, business administration, personnel and other academic programs related to the insurance industry. Scholarship recipients are determined on the basis of financial need and must maintain at least a C plus average to be eligible.

"Southeast Missouri State University is committed to supplying the region and the nation with well educated students who are equipped to become the backbone of America's work force," Foster said. "We are so pleased about the accomplishments of our alumni employed by Farmers' Insurance and, in turn, are grateful for this significant contribution.

"We hope these funds are the seed for producing many more fine Farmers' Insurance staff members," said Foster.

In a letter to Southeast Missouri State University President Kala M. Stroup, the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Farmers Group Inc., Leo E. Denlea Jr., wrote, "Farmers Group Inc. employs graduates of many American colleges and universities. We have long recognized the outstanding job these institutions have done in preparing their students for responsible citizenship and for rewarding professional business careers. In this regard, colleges and universities are performing an invaluable service. Continuing our practice of many years, we are pleased to make a cash contribution to those institutions whose graduates serve our company and our policy holders so well," he wrote.

The grant was made as part of the Farmers' Aid to Education Program in the name of 13 Southeast graduates who also are staff members of Farmers Group Inc. They are Joseph C. Gerhardt of Cape Girardeau; Kenneth D. Grady of Poplar Bluff; Rickie L. Williamson of Malden; Jennifer A. Baehr of St. Louis; Lindell L. Bishop of Maplewood; H. Michael Floyd of Florissant; Victor G. Gerson of House Springs; Larry L. Lunn of Olathe, Kan.; Reginald Meyer of Vancouver, Wash.; Robert W. Morris of Manchester; Gregory B. Ramsey of St. Louis; Charles T. Snyder of West Linn, Ore.; and Helen M. Whittaker of Los Angeles.