FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MCDERMOTT NAMED TO POST WITH SOUTHEAST MISSOURI UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., May 17, 2002 -- Doug McDermott of Cape Girardeau, Mo., has been named associate director of development and special programs with the Southeast Missouri University Foundation.

As associate director, McDermott will be responsible for coordinating annual development efforts to increase alumni support of the University.

"I am pleased to have Doug join our staff," said Alan Zacharias, vice president for University Advancement. "He brings with him a considerable history with the institution and a real excitement for working to match alumni with giving opportunities."

A 2001 Southeast alumnus with a bachelor of science degree in mass communication and an emphasis in public relations, McDermott also is currently pursuing a master of arts degree in higher education administration.

In December, McDermott completed his two-year term as student representative to the University's Board of Regents, to which he was appointed by the late Gov. Mel Carnahan.

"It's thrilling for me to move into this new capacity at my alma mater," McDermott said. "Ultimately, our work supports students, and I'm privileged to be a part of that."

The Southeast Missouri University Foundation was established in 1983 and operates solely to support the educational mission of Southeast Missouri State University.