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The Welcome Walkway: A New Monument On Campus
Alumnus Jack B. Suedbeck, Class of 1973, made a generous lead gift to fund a striking new landmark at Southwest Minnesota State University. The “Welcome Walkway,” featuring large, bold “SMSU” letters, was installed on campus on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, on the south side of Founders Hall. Standing six feet tall and nearly 24 feet wide, the letters serve as a welcoming symbol for the university and the Mustang Family. Suedbeck envisioned the structure as both a distinctive campus landmark and a popular photo-op destination, encouraging visitors and students to capture and share their pride across social media.
A Marshall native, Suedbeck earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from SMSU in 1973, following an associate degree earned in 1971. He has closely followed the growth of his alma mater over the years, and was particularly inspired to reconnect with SMSU after seeing a 2020 story on WCCO about handmade masks produced by SMSU students during the pandemic.
Motivated by this sense of community, Suedbeck has since contributed to several campus projects, with the “SMSU” letters being the most recent.
"Jack wants to make a lasting impact on the Mustang community, and he understands the significance of this project for our students, alumni, and the broader SMSU family," said Nathan Polfliet, Associate Vice President for Advancement.
"These iconic letters are a testament to Jack’s commitment to helping people take pride in their SMSU roots."
In addition to Suedbeck’s financial support, several local businesses and individuals played key roles in bringing the project to life. Bend Rite Fabrication provided in-kind support, while Tyler Bowen '95 made a significant monetary donation. Local contractors, including D & G Excavating and Doom & Cuypers Concrete, contributed to the foundation work. SMSU staff Tim Schrunk, Jeff Jennings, and Tony Nubile from the Facilities, Groundskeeping, and Physical Plant teams were instrumental in completing the project.
Suedbeck and his wife, Rosemary, reside in Wisconsin.
