The SMSU Podcast

This week, Kelly Loft joins the show to go over all of the fun activities that are happening on campus during Tropical Night weekend, including the Hall of Honor Inductees, going over the inductees and their allocations during their time at SMSU, and where they’re at now!
Kelly also goes over what is going on this weekend, which includes both the men’s and women’s basketball games on Friday and Saturday. The women’s swimming and diving, and wrestling on Friday! The SMSU Alumni Foundation will have a social right before the basketball games on Saturday in the RA Facility!
For a list of campus events linked here: https://www.smsu.edu/events/meltdown/index.html

This week, we cover all of the events and opportunities that The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at SMSU is hosting in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year’s theme is “Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way” and features educational and volunteer opportunities to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
Events include the Vernon Jordan Documentary Screening (in-person) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:00-1:15pm in CH104. Free and open to all. No registration required.
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, a virtual screening of the Vernon Jordan Documentary will be available at 12:00-1:15pm via Zoom. Sign up required to participate in the Zoom. Register at: qrco.de/vernonjordan 
The “I Have a Dream” Reflection room is in SC 235 and is available from January 12-23, Monday - Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Visitors are welcome to stop in and reflect as frequently as they like. Faculty are encouraged to bring their classes to the space.
There will be a Clothing and Food Drive from January 12-23. Items can be brought to the ODI Office (SC 231) from Monday, January 12 to Friday, January 23. Refer the Mustang Market’s website for donation ideas: www.smsu.edu/campuslife/mustangmarket
There are also Volunteer opportunities have been a traditional part of SMSU’s MLK Day programming. This year, individuals can sign up for a number of service projects and programs: 
SMSU Mustang Market: Assist in shelf stocking and organizing food donations.
Lyon County Museum: Help with organization in the storage room.
UCAP Kitchen Table and Food Shelf- Marshall, Tracy, or Westbrook: Assist in shelf stocking, unloading truck deliveries, and packing food requests
UCAP Free Tax Clinic: Provide administrative support by helping clients schedule appointments.
Visit www.SMSU.edu/go/MLK for specific dates, days, and times of availability at each volunteer location. #MLKDAY2026

Our very own Julie Walker has been awarded the, McKnight Heart of Community Honor! The honor celebrates people who are the pulse of Minnesota’s caring and connected communities. It is named for Virginia McKnight Binger, the Foundation’s first board chair and the daughter of McKnight’s founders, William and Maude McKnight.
Julie Walker is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies program, Assistant Director of Forensics (Speech and Debate Team), Director of the LGBTQ+ Center and Women’s Center, and founder of the Online Asynchronous (Speech) Tournament Series, for which she was named the winner of the Larry Schnoor District IV Distinguished Service Award for contributions to the American Forensics Association in 2023.

Applying for college can be difficult for families. Charlotte Wahle breaks down what families and you, as a student, should be doing at this point in the year. Make sure to get ready for Winter Discover Day on January 17th! This is a great opportunity to meet your possible roommate and get to know the campus and what classes may look like at SMSU!

This episode highlights the 20th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference at SMSU. Professors Dr. Alyssa Anderson and Dr. Mostafa Hegazy and Keynote speaker Dr. Emily Deaver join the conversation to discuss:
The purpose and impact of the conference on student learning and professional development.
How undergraduate research fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
Opportunities for students to present their work and gain real-world experience.
The role faculty play in mentoring and guiding students through the research process.
It’s an inspiring look at how SMSU empowers students to showcase their ideas and contribute to academic scholarship.
Below is the schedule for the day on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd 
8:30 a.m. Student Presentations Begin8:30 a.m. Poster Presentations Begin - Lower CC8:45 a.m. Virtual Presentations Begin - Online via Zoom9:00 a.m. Oral Presentations Begin - Upper CC11:00 a.m.: Welcome: Dr. David P. Jones, Interim President11:05 a.m.: Keynote Address: Unlocking Opportunities for Learning and Growth by Dr. Emily Deaver, SMSU Professor Emerita of Environmental Science12:30 p.m. Student Presentations Continue4:00 p.m. Library Research Award

This episode celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week with guests Marsha Grimes-Rose, Assistant Professor in SMSU’s NorthStar School of Business, and the Associate Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They dive into:
What Global Entrepreneurship Week is all about and why it matters for students and the local community.
Opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship and innovation through SMSU programs and events.
How the SBDC supports aspiring entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and guidance.
Practical advice for anyone interested in starting a business or developing entrepreneurial skills.
It’s an inspiring conversation about fostering creativity, leadership, and business growth in Southwest Minnesota.

In this episode, Jamie and Wesley review all the events happening on campus related to SMSU’s International Education Week celebration.
The week kicks off on Monday, November, 17th with an International Potluck starting at 4 PM and Tuesday through Thursday each night a student has put together a presentation representing their home country, Nepal: Tuesday, November 18 at 4:00 PM, Malawi: Wednesday, November 19 at 4:00 PM, Jamaica: Thursday, November 20 at 4:00 PM, Mali: Thursday, November 20 at 4:30 PM and the final night of the event will be the International Gala running from 6-11 PM and tickets are $20 or $150 for a whole table!
Wesley also discusses his experience studying abroad in Taiwan and how students can experience studying abroad through SMSU.

In this episode, Tony Nubile, SMSU’s Director of Facilities, drops by to chat about the recent floor repairs in the RA Facility. He shares what sparked the project, how the team approached it, and what goes into maintaining campus spaces as safe and functional as possible. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the kind of work most people don’t see—but definitely benefit from.
Tony also discusses how the Facilities crew works around student schedules to complete tasks with minimal disruption. It’s a great reminder of the care that goes into maintaining the spaces we all use every day.

This episode features Professor of Theatre and Costume Designer Sheila Tabaka and SMSU theatre student Caleb, who discuss the university’s upcoming production of Pride and Prejudice and Sleepy Hollow. The conversation explores:
The creative process behind adapting Jane Austen’s classic novel for the stage.
Insights into costume design, character development, and the collaborative nature of theatre at SMSU.
Caleb’s experience as a student actor and how participating in the production has shaped his academic and artistic journey.
The broader goals of the Entertainment & Theatre Arts Program include fostering student growth and community engagement.
Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and artistry that go into bringing this timeless story to life on campus.
 
Sleepy Hollow will be performed on October 31 and November 1, 20257:30 PM, 8:15 PM, and 9 PM
Pride and Prejudice's performance is on November 12, 13 & 14 at 7:30 PMNovember 15 at 2 PM & 7:30 PMNovember 16 at 3 PM**
with special music by harpist, Caroline Koska, on Nov. 12, 14, 15
SMSU Fine Arts TheatreTickets $10 at the doorFree for students with a valid SMSU ID

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Rieppel previews the upcoming Southwest Minnesota Orchestra concert, highlighting the musical selections and themes that will shape the performance. He discusses the significance of the featured composers, the emotional and historical context behind the music, and what audiences can expect from this season’s opening concert.
 
The episode also celebrates Dr. Rieppel’s 25th anniversary as the orchestra’s musical director and reflects on his recent Emmy Award recognition alongside a former SMSU student. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Southwest Minnesota’s most anticipated cultural events.