The SMSU Podcast

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. 

On this week’s episode, Scott Ewing, Assistant Director of Student Activities, gives us an update on SMSU’s upcoming Family Weekend. Starting on Friday the 22nd and finishing the 24th, Family Weekend at SMSU features a variety ofevents for families to enjoy, including soccer, volleyball, and football matches; Planetarium show; Chemistry Club liquid nitrogen ice cream; Drama Club improv; Family weekend brunch and more. 
To know more about SMSU’s Family Weekend and the events please go to https://www.smsu.edu/family/index.html or contact Scott Ewing by email at Scott.Ewing@smsu.edu or by phone at 507-537-6394

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.