The SMSU Podcast

On today's episode, Associate Professor of Biology Alyssa Anderson and Associate Professor of Exercise Science Mostafa Hehazy give an update on the 18th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference which took place on November 29th in the campus of SMSU.
Anderson and Hezahy tell us a little bit more about their role as co-organizers of the events and their duties at SMSU. Anderson also talks about the history of the event and what students can expect from the event. Hezahy tells us about the different areas of study we can expect to see in the event, the number of students, and others. 
This year's keynote speaker was a 1990 SMSU graduate, Michael Beedle, and his involvement in environmental science in the public sector. 
To access the event program please visit www.SMSU.edu/go/urc

On today's episode, Communications and Marketing Office Graduate Assistants, Juliana Villa and Jennifer Aguilar give us an update on their responsibilities as content strategists for SMSU social media channels. Juliana, a native from Colombia, and Jenny a native from Minnesota, talk to us about their roles, challenges they faced, and how they come up with ideas for SMSU social media channels, specifically TikTok. 
Additionally, they tell us a bit more about what brought them to work and study at SMSU, and what they enjoy most about working in the Marketing and Communications office. 
Visit SMSU.edu for links to our social media accounts or search SMSUToday on any platform. SMSU social media accounts include: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, Youtube, Snapchat, and ZeeMee. 

On this week’s episode, the Director of Bands at SMSU, John Ginocchio, gives us an update on the upcoming schedule of music events heading into winter break. Dr. Ginocchio tells us a little more about the different concerts and events taking place in the upcoming weeks. There are three concerts in November, on the 16th, the 20th, and the 30th. Coming in December, the SMSU Band, SMSU Chorale, and Southwest Minnesota Orchestra have concerts scheduled on December 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 9th. Each one with a special and unique theme. 
Additionally, Dr. Ginocchio shares with us the upcoming trip for SMSU Chrole. SMSU Chorale will travel across the pond to Vienna, Austria, and Prague, in the Czech Republic to perform in some of the most famous locations for the holiday season. 
 
For more information about the upcoming SMSU music events, please contact Dr. John Ginocchio via email at John.Ginocchio@smsu.edu or via phone at 507-357-7209. 

Charlotte Wahle, director of admissions, was our guest for the KMHL Campus Update on these week's episode. Wahle, spoke to us about new programs that can help students with tuition costs for those who qualify. She also discussed the Southwest Guarantee, the North Star Promise Scholarship, and other SMSU scholarships available for current and new students. Charlotte also pointed out that tuition is frozen through Spring 2025 and that students can apply for free in November.
More details on all the programs are available at www.SMSU.edu/go/free.
For more information about admissions please contact Charlotte Wahle via email at Charlotte.Wahle@smsu.edu or via phone at 507-537-7207.

On today's episode, SMSU Director of International Student Services and Global Studies, MayLee Moua-Vue, gives us an update on the upcoming International Education Week starting on Monday, November 13, 2023.
Moua-Vue also talks about her role as director of the CIE, the current international student population, and the different opportunities SMSU students have to study abroad. 
MayLee discussed the processes international students must do before attending any university in the US-SMSU included- and the role and guidance they offer prospective international students. 
 
International Education Week Schedule Link: https://www.smsu.edu/today/articles/2023/11-02-2023_international-education-week.html
 
For more information about the upcoming International Education Week and to know more about the Center of International Education, please contact MayLee Moua-Vue by email at maylee.moua-vue@smsu.edu or by phone at 507-537-6499.

Theatre Professor and director, Sheila Tabaka, and student actor for the role of Jo March, Bryn Mongeau, give us an overview of the play Little Women. 
They speak on the novel the play was based on and what they’ve enjoyed about bringing this beloved story of the March sisters to the SMSU main stage. Sheila covers the costuming challenges of a Civil War-era story. Bryn speaks about her character and Sheila as a director.
For more information about the SMSU Theatre productions this season, please visit: www.smsu.edu/go/theatre
 

On this week's episode, Southwest Minnesota Orchestra (SMO) music director, Dr. Daniel Rieppel, and Kris Gruhot, cellist and a member of the SMO board give us an update on their upcoming concert schedule and information. 
The opening concert for the Orchestra season is on Sunday, October 22, and will feature music by Composers who faced adversity. The concert will also be dedicated to celebrating Dan Rieppel's 25th anniversary as the musical director of the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra.
Dr. Rieppel also talks about a great achievement he, alongside one of his former students and SMSU Alumni, achieved last week: Emmy Award winner! 
For more information about the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra and its upcoming schedule please contact Dr. Daniel Rieppel via email at Daniel.Rieppel@smsu.edu or via phone at (507) 537-7139

As a senior Lilli Lewandowski took on headfirst the role of coordinator for the Student Activity Committee (SAC). In this episode she goes on to talk about the many events that SAC will be having during homecoming. As a student leader and member of the cheer team she speaks on challenges that may come from such a busy week. She encourages students to attend events during this fun-filled week.
Not only is SAC having events but Residence Life along with Alumni will be hosting events.
 
Homecoming Events: 
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 
8:00pm Candidates night, Comedy and Hypnosis, PE Gym 
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 
10:00am-4:00pm, Mustangs Give: Day of Service, Volunteers Check-in at FH Lobby 
11:00am-2:00pm, Mustang Karaoke! Try-Outs, Upper CC 
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12 
6:30pm Coronation & Social, Upper CC 
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 
8:00-9:00pm Laser Light Show, Planetarium 
9:00pm-12:00am Bonfire, RA Lot 
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 
11:00am Homecoming Parade Downtown Marshall 
1:00-2:00pm Planetarium Star Show, Planetarium 
1:00-2:00pm Reunions: Classes of 1973, 1983, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2013, Alumni Heritage Gallery (SC Upper) 
1:00-4:00pm  Alumni Association Tailgate & Gameday Roundup, RA Lot 
3:40pm Pre-Game - Introduction of Homecoming Royalty, Schwan’s Regional Event Center 
4:00pm Football Game: SMSU vs. Northern State 
7:00-9:00pm  Alumni Social, Wooden Nickel  
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 
11:00am-2:00pm Alumni Brunch, Residential Dining 

On this week's episode, Head Coach of SMSU's Esports Team, Spencer Louwagie, gives us a rundown all things Esports at SMSU. 
Spencer talks about the new sparks that came from starting the team from the ground up. He goes over what Esports is all about, what competitions look like, the team itself and how his role as a coach has changed his approach.
For more information about the Esports Team please contact Spencer Louwagie by email, Spencer.Louwagie@smsu.edu or by phone (507) 537-6424.

On this week's episode, Director of the Center for Civic and Community Engagement, Melissa Scholten, gives us an update on the upcoming annual Mustangs Give: Day of Service. This year's Day of Service is on October 11, 2023. 
Melissa talks more about how and when it started, the goal of the activity, and more about the volunteers she has seen during the past few years. She also gives an update on the sign-up for the event, the schedule, and how other groups and organizations can join or request the help of our Mustang volunteer for this day. 
 
To sign up to be a volunteer, please visit www.smsu.edu/go/mustangsgive.
For more information about the event, please contact Melissa Scholten via email at melissa.scholten@SMSU.edu or via phone at 507-537-6017.