Missouri Southern has a million reasons to smile – 3.5 million to be exact.

On Feb. 5, the Southern Foundation presented University President Julio Len a symbolic check for $3.5 million.

Curt Betebenner, executive director of the Foundation, said the check represents more than a symbol.

“The check is not necessarily symbolic,” Betebenner said. “In the silent phase of this campaign, so over the last few years, we have raised and have pledged $3.5 million.”

The check represents how much money the Foundation has raised since the start of its capital campaign. Betebenner said he believes the Foundation should be able to reach the goal of $7.6 million by June 30, 2005.

“We took a look at the five-year plan and said we could have it all pledged by 2005,” Betebenner said. “We have a year from September 2004, so I think we could do that.”

To date, 283 individuals and corporations have made contributions and pledges to the campaign.

The check was presented to Len and the Board of Governors.

During the presentation Len said the University is continuing the dream started by the founders of MSSC, when it was changed from Joplin Junior College.

“I seem to remember there was a goal in the minds of those individuals who in the early 1950s decided there was a need for a four-year institution in this area,” Len said. “Because of their vision and their hard work we continue to this day to reap the benefits in terms of leadership capabilities for the whole area, people that had a vision that this institution could provide an opportunity beyond what was already available.”

Betebenner said the Foundation has switched from the silent phase to the phase where it will be going publicly to businesses and asking for donations or pledges.