The SMSU Podcast

This week returning guest Dr. Daniel Rieppel joins us to highlight the Schubert Festival performance that runs from April 23rd-26th with Thursday’s performance taking place at the Campus Religious Center at 7:30 pm, Fridays performance also taking place at the CRC starting at 6:30 pm, Saturday’s performance is a round table discussion running from 2-4 pm at the CRC and Sunday the Festival wraps up with Grand Finale Festival Concert in the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church at 4:00 pm with Tickets costing: Adult: $12; Students: $5; Families of 3 or more: $25.
The performances Thursday-Saturday are free and open to the public! Dr. Rieppel goes through the thought process behind his selection of the pieces and what they mean personally, and their historical impact! Don’t miss out on these phenomenal performances along with all the other events happening during the fine arts celebration this month!

This week, we have so many things going on that we have a double guest feature! Kim Gunther, Assistant Director of Development, joins to talk about M4L, which is on April 16th, 2026, starting at Midnight and running the full 24-hour period on Thursday! Make sure to donate at www.M4Lday.com
Our second guest this week is Dr. Heather Moreland, Professor of Mathematics, talking about the 2nd annual STEM Symposium. The day will feature keynote speaker: Dr. Dequina Angelina Nicholas. The Symposium will take place on April 22nd, 2026, in the Upper Conference Center, starting at 6 pm, and is free and open to the public!

This week, we dive into the world of theatre with the Professor of Theatre and director of SMSU’s spring mainstage production, Tartuffe—joined by Peder, a lead actor in the show and an Entertainment and Theatre Arts major. Together, they share how Tartuffe was selected for the season, what it’s like bringing a classic comedy to life, and what students can expect from the Entertainment and Theatre Arts program at SMSU.
🗓 Showtimes:• April 15–17 at 7:30 PM• April 19 at 2:30 PM
📍 Location: SMSU Fine Arts Building – Main Stage
🎟 Learn more about the cast, crew, and production here:⬇️https://www.smsu.edu/today/articles/2026/03-31-2026_tartuffe-spring-theatre-production.html
Come laugh, learn, and experience the magic of live theatre!

Southwest Minnesota State University will welcome author and survivor advocate Danielle Leukam to campus on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in Bellows Academic 102 for a public presentation titled “Take Back Your Power: My Experience, My Message.”
Leukam is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and advocate whose work centers on healing, resilience, and empowerment for survivors of trauma. Drawing from lived experience, Leukam shares a powerful message about reclaiming personal strength and creating change through honesty, courage, and connection.
The event is sponsored by the SMSU Social Science Department and is free and open to the public.

The Mustang Market Coordinator, Joyce Robinson, discusses how the Mustang Market came to be on campus and the purpose it serves. Mustang Market is SMSU’s permanent food and resource pantry, located in Bellows Academic 154. The market is open on Thursdays from noon to 7 pm. All food and supplies are free to our on- and off-campus community for those seeking the resources we offer.

Assistant Professor Jessica Hennen previews the creative writing’s Visiting Writers Series with Jennifer Eli Bowen and Michael Kleber-Diggs.
Along with the Visiting Writers Series event, the Fine Arts Roundup and the Fine Arts Celebration will feature students majoring in English who will showcase their work. 
Fine Arts Roundup- https://www.smsufoundation.org/finearts

This week, Dr. John Ginocchio joins the SMSU campus update to go over upcoming performances during the fine arts celebration, along with other concerts being performed leading up to the month-long celebration! Below is the link to the full Fine Arts Celebration lineup! Also don't miss out on the Fine Arts Roundup on March 27th, 2026 at 6pm sign up at the link below! 
Fine Arts Roundup- https://www.smsu.edu/academics/departments/fineartsandcommunication/fine-arts-roundup.html 
Fine Arts Celebration- https://www.smsu.edu/academics/departments/fineartsandcommunication/fine-arts-celebration.html

The 11th president of Southwest Minnesota State University is Dr. David Jones! Dr. Jones has devoted his career to education, including over three decades of experience in higher education both in the classroom and leadership roles.
 
He has a proven record of developing innovative enrollment management strategies leading to enrollment growth and strong retention numbers as well as a commitment to, and experience with, shared governance.

Sonya and Kala go through what the process was like going through getting the SMSU School of Education seven year accreditation. Make sure to check out the SMSU School of Education if you are interested in becoming a teacher!

Director of Natasha Boe discusses the importance of financial aid and where to start.
Natasha goes through the different opportunities for grants and scholarships that provide free aid you don’t have to pay back.