R. David Crader, a Southeast Missouri State University alumnus and president and chief executive officer of the Bank of Missouri of Perryville, recently presented the gift to University officials.

The Department of Agriculture at Southeast is working to enhance its horticulture program by building a new greenhouse complex. The first phase of the expansion calls for a new 11,000-square-foot greenhouse plus a head house (work building) to accompany it. The second phase calls for building a classroom laboratory building, an arboretum, walkways and turf management facilities.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Bank of Missouri for their commitment to this project," said Dr. Wesley Mueller, chair of the Southeast Department of Agriculture. "This gift will go a long way towards furthering our goals for a new greenhouse complex."

The Bank of Missouri of Perryville now joins the 150 Club, a special designation for donors who make a contribution toward the project of at least $1,000.

Other 150 Club members are the Aid Association for Lutherans Branch 1688 of Egypt Mills, James H. Bogle, Cheryl Brown, William Ellis, Jennings Brothers, Mark and Kim Madigan, William E. Meyer, Louis J. Naeger, O. David Niswonger, Ray and Mary Ann Pensel, Denise Lankford Pingel, Progressive Farm Credit-Ron Milbach, Dr. Ed Snider, Charles R. Stamp Jr., the Southeast Horticulture Club, Kevin Kettler, David Hoffman, Mack Wilson, John Korns, Dr. Derald Harp and Dr. Wesley Mueller.

In addition, Bank of Missouri will receive recognition for its gift with a special memorial bench that will be placed along a walkway associated with the project. Companies that make a gift of $5,000 and individuals that give $2,500 are eligible for this special bench naming opportunity.

Total cost of the project is $650,000. Thus far, about $400,000 has been raised. The Southeast Missouri University Foundation will match all donations toward the project one for one, up to $144,000.

University officials say the horticulture program is expanding because of increased student interest and the increasing importance of the industry to Missouri. The program is important to incoming students, people working in the industry seeking continuing education opportunities and also those who want to be better gardeners and landscapers.

The horticulture program has outgrown its present greenhouse along New Madrid Street, west of the Student Recreation Center, said Dr. Wesley Mueller, chair of the Department of Agriculture.

The current greenhouse has about 5,500 square feet. The new greenhouse would be located on a 17-acre plot behind the University's new softball fields at Bertling and Sprigg, with access from Bertling.

For those interested in contributing to the project, a number of naming opportunities also are available, Mueller said. For more information on the opportunities or to make a contribution, call the Southeast Missouri University Foundation at (573) 651-2252.