Terrie Todd and Larry Swindle are serving as co-chairs. Todd will serve as banquet chair. Larry Swindell is coordinating lead gifts.

Todd is a lifelong resident of Dunklin County. She has been employed at Parker Hannifin in Kennett for 33 years. She currently serves as Human Resource manager. Todd also is an adjunct faculty member for KAHEC, as is her son, Daren. Todd holds a master's degree in business administration from William Woods University in Fulton, Mo.

"I am very excited about KAHEC and the opportunities it offers to students who wish to stay closer to home yet receive a quality education," she said. "I am willing to do whatever I can to ensure the continued growth of KAHEC so that more educational opportunities can be offered in our area."

Swindle is vice president of McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett. He and his wife, Nancy, who is a Southeast alumna, are the parents of two children, Shea Swindle Walsworth and Jason Swindle.

The event, scheduled for 6 p.m., is designed to raise funds to renovate unfinished space in the facility that would provide four additional classrooms. A goal of $200,000 in building funds has been set.

The theme of the dinner is "Education is the Key," and the event is being planned with a patriotic flair.

Tickets for the dinner are $35 each. Checks should be made payable to the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. To reserve tickets, to make a contribution or to find out about other KAHEC opportunities, call the Kennett Area Higher Education Center at (573) 888-0513.