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WE ARE STRONGER WHEN WE RUN TOGETHER
Run Together. Imagine the Impact.
Our campaign for Southwest Minnesota State University
In 2019, the SMSU Foundation Board of Directors embarked on a mission to significantly enhance the experiences of current and future students. Collaborating closely with President Jayasuriya, they have been promoting and supporting strategic priorities for the university. These efforts culminated in the launch of the “Run Together, Imagine the Impact” campaign for Southwest Minnesota State University.
The ability to attract and retain students as engaged leaders requires investment in distinctive programs, modern facilities, scholarships, and experiential learning opportunities. These priorities for investment will allow SMSU to meet the demands of today’s students and provide them with expanded and relevant educational opportunities for this critical moment. The unprecedented challenges facing all higher education institutions today have contributed to the urgency of these efforts and the noticeable impact they are having at SMSU.
“Run Together, Imagine the Impact,” aims to raise $30 million focusing on four key areas:
• Enhancing Academic Priorities
• Enriching Campus Experiences and Resources
• Expanding Scholarship Initiatives
• Supporting the Southwest Fund and Mustang Athletics
For the past two years, SMSU has been the fastest growing four-year university in the Minnesota State System. This would not have been possible without the investments made by our alumni and community partners and the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff. To date, “Run Together, Imagine the Impact,” has received over $22.5 million in new donations and commitments, already making a real difference in the lives of SMSU students. With the backing of alumni, friends, community members, and businesses, the campaign has achieved several milestones:
Investments in equipment for new data science and cybersecurity programs
Funding for supplemental instruction and other student support services
Establishment of funds for experiential learning opportunities and student travel
Expansion of business programs, scholarships, and classrooms improvements
Renovation of common areas in three original residence hall complexes
Provision of state-of-the-art equipment across various academic programs
Increased funding for Mustang Athletics
Received many planned estate commitments that will have a transformative impact for students and programs
These investments have bolstered enrollment growth and student retention by addressing the needs of students. Being student-centered is at the heart of the SMSU mission. These resources have allowed faculty and staff to respond to the needs of students and created opportunities that keep them engaged in their education.
“This campaign is providing the resources necessary for SMSU and it’s students to be successful well into the future,” said President Jayasuriya.
“Thanks to the generous support of so many wonderful alumni, community partners, and friends, SMSU now has great momentum and enrollments are increasing. Now is the time to come together to make a difference for SMSU.”
Campaign support has already made an impact on academic spaces.
Renovations include several heavily used classrooms.
The SM 169 science lab was equipped with microscopes that allow students to experience new technologies in their research work. Several classrooms in ST used by the North Star Mutual School of Business feature interactive, technology-rich instructional environments and flexible learning spaces for increased student engagement and collaboration.
Since its inception, SMSU has been dynamic, ready to adapt quickly to effectively serve students, employers, and the region. Now more than ever, student motivations for seeking higher education and their expectations of universities are dramatically evolving. Many universities are finding it difficult to meet these ever-changing demands.
“Although many accomplishments have been achieved, there is much more we hope to provide for students, faculty, and staff,” said Associate Vice President Nathan Polfliet. “A few of the things that we still hope to accomplish are to create a four-year nursing program, establish a Center for Rural Health and Wellness, enhance agriculture and food programs and facilities, continue campus renovations, and provide more scholarships and experiential learning opportunities for students.”
“Run Together, Imagine the Impact” will invest in strategic priorities that will enable SMSU to stand out among peer institutions and to better serve today’s students. Our dedicated Mustang family of alumni and friends can truly make a difference by making an investment that will give SMSU the vital resources necessary to provide students with opportunities for success.
For more information about the “Run Together, Imagine the Impact” campaign, visit www.SMSUFoundation.org/campaign or call the SMSU Foundation at 507-537-6266.
