THE DEMPSTER LEGACY AT SEMO

Lynn Dempster recently announced she will resign from the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents after almost five years on the board.

Dempster, a Sikeston businesswoman, made her decision after she suffered a slight stroke. By stepping down, and slowing down, Dempster is following her doctor's prescription for a long, robust life. Godspeed, Mrs. Dempster.

Although the university is losing an asset on the Board of Regents, Dempster undoubtedly will continue to be an ardent booster of Southeast. Her love for and dedication to the university has been apparent. Over the past 15 years, Dempster and her late husband, Robert, contributed nearly $2 million to the institution.

Gov. Mel Carnahan now will appoint someone to fill Dempster's unexpired term. The governor faces a daunting task if he intends to find someone as loyal and steadfast in their support of Southeast as is Dempster.