The SMSU Podcast

On today's episode, SMSU Foundation Director of Annual Giving, Meredith Swan, gives us an update on SMSU's upcoming 2023 University Gala, which will have the theme of "Starlight Gala." Meredith tells us some interesting things about the history of the Gala and the recent changes it has been through. She also gives us an inside of the food, the people involved, and the program for the evening. 
During the Gala, auctions are a crucial part of the experience. Many live auction items are available this year, as well as silent auction items available to those in attendance and for those who cannot make it. Meredith explains the bidding process and highlights items people can expect from the auctions. 
Meredith also gives us an update about their goals and expectations of this fundraising event and what it would mean for students and potential scholarship recipients. 
 
To know more information or to register for The University Gala, please go to https://www.smsufoundation.org/gala/index.html or contact Meredith Swan via email at Meredith.Swan@smsu.edu or via phone at 507-537-6582. 

On this week's episode, Devin Gorter, SMSU Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs, gives us an update on SMSU Athletics and The Mustang Club. Devin also tells us about SMSU fall sports (football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, and E-sports) and their seasons. During away games, Mustang fans can follow our athletes with the NSIC network.
Devin mentions what students and Mustang supporters can expect at home games starting with our Annual Ag Bowl on September 9th. Other future events on campus include Gold College Kickoff, PRAIRIE JAM, Family Weekend, The University Gala, Homecoming, and more. 
For more information about The Mustang Club and other related campus activities, please contact Devin Gorter by email at Devin.Gorter@smsu.edu or by phone at 507-537-6453.
 

On today's episode, Dr. Erin Kline, the new Assistant VP for Equity and Inclusion/Campus Diversity Officer, gives us an update on SMSU’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Dr. Kline explained the values, mission, purpose, and goals guiding our efforts to create a welcoming and fulfilling college experience. She said that fostering innovation, new perspectives & experiences, and volunteer opportunities help SMSU fulfill its vision "to be recognized throughout Minnesota and beyond for being an inclusive and student-centered university."
To learn more about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SMSU, contact Dr. Erin Kline by email at Erin.Kline@smsu.edu or by phone at 507-537-6657. 

On this week's episode, Kelly Hanson, SMSU Director of Dining Services, gives us an update on the different campus refreshments in SMSU dining locations, focusing on making the spaces more comfortable for students and enhancing the social atmosphere in various places. Kelly also tells us about the rebranding of SMSU's coffee shop, now called "Gold & Brew" (serving Starbucks Coffee), and what and who was behind the changes. Additionally, Kelly mentions different activities students can expect during the year sponsored by dining services. In addition, Kelly informs about various events dining services offers during the year (concessions, catering, and special events). 
Including special events, SMSU also opens its doors as a wedding venue and what different services the department can provide to future and potential customers interested in having their wedding at SMSU. 
To learn more about SMSU Dining Services, our different meal plans ( Traditional Plans, Super Plus Plans, Dining Dollar Plans, and Commuter Plans), Special Events, and more, contact Kelly Hanson by email at kelly.hanson@compass-usa.com, or by phone at 507-537-7681. 

On today’s episode, Charlotte Wahle, the new Director of Admissions at SMSU, gives us an update about her new role, what students can expect during this year’s Gold Rush Days, and other activities the admission department at SMSU has in place to help students acclimate to their new college lives. 
SMSU Gold Rush Days are from Thursday, August 17th, to Sunday, August 20th. The full schedule can be accessed at https://www.smsu.edu/events/grd/index.html. 
For more information about Gold Rush Days, contact the Office of Admissions at SMSU by email at Admissions@smsu.edu or by phone at 507-537-6286.
 
 

This week's episode featured guests Dr. Daniel Rieppel and Anna Sigríður Helgadóttir, Mezzo Soprano, from Reykjavik, Iceland. They talked about the upcoming Southwest Minnesota Orchestra Concert "The Idea of North" and the re-premiere of Ísland, originally written for Bill Holm by composer Christopher Kaufman. Also on the show was Pioneer PBS producer Dana Conroy to preview the upcoming film screening of "Playing Haydn for the Angel of Death" a Postcards documentary on Wed. May 10 at SMSU Conference Center at 5pm.

On today's episode, Dr. Stephen Kingsbury, SMSU Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities and Dr. Stephen Hamilton, a noted concert organist currently based out of the twin cities are here to give us an update about SMSU Chorale plans and upcoming performances.
To know more about SMSU Chorale, contact Dr. Stephen Kingsbury by email Stephen.Kingsbury@smsu.edu or by phone 507-537-7247.
Southwest Minnesota State University is a four-year public university offering a high quality education in the liberal arts and professions to prepare you for a life that is successful both personally and professionally. SMSU has grown into a university of choice with high national rankings, producing scholars who become leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs of the future. 
#DiscoverEngageLead | #LetsRide

On today's episode, Meredith Swan, SMSU Foundation Director of Annual Giving, talked about the upcoming M4L (Mustangs for Life) Day of Giving on Thursday 27, 2023. M4L Day (Mustangs 4 Life Day) will bring together alumni, friends, students, parents, faculty, and staff for Southwest Minnesota State University's Second Annual Day of Giving. This is a 24-hour online fundraising event full of opportunities to show Mustang Pride for all areas on campus. Gifts made online will unlock bonuses to supported funds based on the all-day, hourly, and time-sensitive challenges. Every gift, large or small, is considered in the bonuses and challenges held throughout the day.
This year there are over $10,000 in challenges and special incentives available to those who volunteer to be an ambassador. For those choosing to support by donating or by sharing the social media posts to help spread the word will make an impact on SMSU students today and in the future! The goal this year is $60,000 raised and 500 donors, doubling last year’s impact!
A special M4L Day Celebration will be held in the SMSU Student Center Upper Level from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on April 27. The celebration includes a social with free appetizers, winners announcements, and the opportunity to win prizes for those in attendance.
Follow the SMSU Alumni and Foundation [@smsualumniandfoundation] on Facebook and Instagram!
All winners for challenges will be revealed by 3:00 pm on April 28 on the SMSU Alumni and Foundation Facebook page as well as on the www.m4lday.com website!
For more information, contact Meredith Swan, Director of Annual Giving, at 507-537-6582 or email at Meredith.Swan@SMSU.edu

WorldFest coordinating team members Dr. Eric Doise and Dr. Mary Ellen Daniloff-Merril give us a preview of what we can expect at the 2023 WorldFest and a little history and recap of previous WorldFest celebrations. 
"WorldFest is an educational and cultural event helping to build appreciation, respect, and a greater understanding of cultural differences.
Equally as important, we want to create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all at SMSU and in the wider Marshall area."
The 2023 WorldFest has three major sections: The World Cuisine, The World Cultures Expo, and the World Stage. The World Cuisine introduces us to the tastes and flavors from around the world and our own backyard. The World Cultures Expo features SMSU students and community members sharing information about their respective home countries and cultures. The area also features several hands-on activities. Thirty informational booths will be available this year. Finally, The World Stage will showcase 17 different talents from SMSU, the local community, professional artists, and performance groups representing international and diverse cultures in southwest Minnesota.
When: Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Red Baron Arena, 1651 Victory Dr, Marshall, MN 56258
 

SMSU Professor of Music John Ginocchio and Jazz music legend Tom "Bones" Malone give us an update on what we can expect in their combined concert with SMSU Jazz Ensemble. Tom "Bones" Malone gives us an inside look into his career as a musician working with The Blues Brothers, David Letterman Show, and Saturday Night Live. Tom has played thousands of times on television and has given live performances, even worked with music legends like Ray Charles, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Gil Evans, Yes, Miles Davis, Beck, Aretha Franklin, Spyro Gyra, Jimmy Cliff, and Frank Zappa, to name a few. 
For more information on Malone and to view pictures and videos from his extensive career, visit his website at tombonesmalone.net 
For more information about the SMSU Music program and SMSU Jazz Ensemble, please contact Dr. John Ginocchio by email at John.Ginocchio@smsu.edu or by phone at (507) 537-7209