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SMSUFOCUS A magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University

Round Lake Winery: Scott and Jenny Ellenbecker create “The Mustang” wine for SMSU’s 50th Celebration

Spring 2017 Edition | Inside: SMSU is celebrating 50 years

SMSUFOCUS A magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University

SPRING 2017 | VOL. 36, NO. 2

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archives.SMSU.edu College Now Earns Re-Accreditation Southwest Minnesota State University’s concurrent enrollment program, College Now, has been re-accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). Concurrent enrollment (also called “dual credit” or “dual enrollment”) allows qualified high school students to earn college credit in their high school, during their regular school day. College Now classes are taught by qualified high school teachers and supervised by SMSU faculty members. College Now classes are actual SMSU courses where students earn SMSU credit, while fulfilling their high school graduation requirements, too. There is no cost to the student for these courses, providing an outstanding opportunity for students to earn college credit and jumpstarting their college careers without incurring additional debt. “We are thrilled to receive this NACEP re-accreditation,” said Kim Guenther, Director of Concurrent Enrollment at SMSU. “The philosophy of College Now is rooted in our commitment to enhancing college access for all students. This accreditation is the culmination of two years of review, documentation and hard work and we are a better program for it. I am thankful for all the people who worked on this important process, including SMSU faculty, staff and our NACEP review team.” While concurrent enrollment courses have been offered through SMSU since 1984-85, College Now was accredited by NACEP for the first time in 2010. The accreditation is reviewed and renewed on a seven-year cycle. SMSU College Now statistics from the 2015-16 year include: • 5346 students involved • 5,750 credit hours earned • 112 partner high schools in Minnesota • 317 high school teachers • 38 SMSU faculty mentored high school teachers • 13 disciplines • 35 courses • 551 sections

Table of Contents

SMSU to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Round Lake Winery

50th Partnerships

Campus News

Mustang Athletics

Alumni Connections

Class Notes

President Dr. Connie J. Gores Vice President for Advancement/ Executive Director of Foundation Bill Mulso ’93

Contributors Jessica Anderson ’07 Rita Fonder ’16 Kelly Loft ’97/MS ’11 Mary Meaden

Director of Alumni Relations Michael VanDrehle ’08/MBA ’10

Photos of Men’s Basketball Greg Devereaux

Focus Editor and Designer Marcy D. Olson ’93/MBA ’05 Senior Writer and Photographer Jim Tate

Send correspondence and story ideas to: SMSU Communications & Marketing 1501 State Street, Marshall, MN 56258 Marcy.Olson@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7374

Visit us online www.SMSU.edu and SMSUAlumni.com Follow the latest SMSU news at www.SMSU.edu/today

All cities and towns are located in Minnesota unless otherwise noted. Year(s) after names reference degrees obtained at SMSU. Year of undergraduate degree is listed first. Year of graduate degree is listed after MBA or MS.

Feature stories may be reprinted with the written permission of the editor at Marcy.Olson@SMSU.edu. Other articles may be reprinted without permission provided that credit is given to SMSU.

FOCUS (USPS 565-770) is published twice each year for alumni and friends of Southwest Minnesota State University by the Office of Communications & Marketing at SMSU. Opinions expressed in FOCUS do not necessarily reflect official University policy.

SMSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educator and employer. A member of the Minnesota State system. ADA Accessible.

To make name changes and address corrections, call (507) 537-6266 or email Alumni@SMSU.edu.

This document can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Request by calling 507-537-6255, 1-800-260-0970, or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.

SMSU to Celebrate 50th Anniversary Where did the time go? SMSU marks its 50-year milestone this fall and the celebration is set to continue through the spring commencement in 2018. A number of events are planned during the 2017-18 academic year to recognize Southwest Minnesota State’s 50th anniversary. “It’s a celebration of the generations of students who have come through SMSU,” said Bill Mulso, Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the SMSU Foundation. “We are a relatively young university, and we’re an institution that means a lot to this part of the state. It’s exciting to look back and acknowledge the many accomplishments of our alumni, students, faculty and staff as we look forward to our next 50 years.” And while many events will occur throughout the academic year, many will be taking place the first three months. HOMECOMING Homecoming Week is Sept. 25-30. This year’s theme is “Forever Brown & Gold.” The week will kick-off with Founders Day, Sept. 25. The Mustang Community will be invited to sign a charter, similar to the ones signed when the University opened its doors in 1967, and again when it celebrated its 25th anniversary. An all-university photo will be taken at 12:30 p.m. that day in the Alumni Plaza, followed by cake. The date is special as Sept. 25, 1967 is the day the University held its opening celebration and dedication.

The annual University Gala will be held Friday evening, Sept. 29. This is the largest annual fund-raiser at the University. It will mark the 28th annual Gala, and over $700,000 in scholarship money has been raised to date. Homecoming Day is on Saturday, Sept. 30 with the annual Homecoming Parade beginning at 11 a.m. Early plans indicate that the Southwest keg-rolling teams, which set world records, will participate. REUNION The All-Southwest Reunion will be held from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, in the Red Baron Arena & Expo, adjacent to Marshall High School, across Highway 23 from the University. “Everyone is invited to the reunion,” said Alumni Director Michael VanDrehle. “We will have tables for specific affinity groups to congregate as well as a lot of open space for everyone to mix and mingle.” The Barnes & Noble Campus Store will sell current Mustang gear, 50th memorabilia and throwback items from the SSU and SMSC era. The Round Lake Winery will also be on site doing a tasting of “The Mustang” wine they created to commemorate the University’s 50th anniversary. “The reunion is for everyone. It’s an open invitation and you don’t have to be a part of a specific affinity group to attend,” said VanDrehle. Heavy appetizers and a cash bar will be available. “We have had a lot of interest in the reunion. People are excited to

AFFINITY GROUPS ATTENDING THE SEPT. 30 ALL-SOUTHWEST REUNION Admission Ambassadors Antipodes Band Baseball Business Admin/Management Choir Class of 1983 Class of 1987 CRU Campus Religious Center

Culinology Cheerleading Enactus/SIFE Environmental Science Elementary Education F-Hall HRA Manchester Hall Resident Assistants TEKE

Library Mustang Maniacs Mustang Traditions Men’s Basketball Men’s Cross Country Men’s Track and Field Men’s Cross Country Football Golf Soccer

Softball Swimmers Volleyball Women’s Basketball Women’s Cross Country Women’s Track and Field Writing Center Tutors & Staff Wheelchair Basketball Wrestling

This is the list of groups who have responded at the time of printing. More will be added throughout the summer. For a complete list visit SMSU.edu/50

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[ around campus ]

get together and reminisce the good times at SMSU, SSU, and SMSC,” said VanDrehle. “We will help facilitate any groups that would like to get people together, from clubs and organizations on campus to even a group of friends from the past.” Groups wishing to reserve a spot are asked to contact the Alumni Office at 507-537-6266 or alumni@SMSU.edu no later than Aug. 1. SPECIAL THEATRE SEASON The first mainstage play of the season will be Howard Mohr’s “How to Talk Minnesotan.” Mohr is a former SMSU faculty member and the play is based on his best-selling book by the same name. Play dates are October 19-21 and 26-29. “The play just came up for royalties last year so it’s available for use,” said Assistant Theatre Professor Mike Lenz ’93. “The play has been performed at SMSU before by a professional company. It was at the Plymouth Playhouse for a long time,” he said. “We’re especially happy to do something connected with Howard Mohr. As an alumnus, it means a lot to me because when you think of SMSU, you think of guys like Howard Mohr, Bill Holm and Phil Dacey.” The remainder of the Theatre season will have unique ties to our history, including Hamlet by William Shakespeare, which was the first show of the second season in 1970. Hamlet show dates are Nov. 14-19, 2017. Also scheduled is One Man, Two Guvnors, an adaptation of The Servant of Two Masters which was the first play performed on the Theatre mainstage in 1969. These performances are scheduled for Feb. 15-17 and Feb. 22-25 in the Fine Arts Theatre. The final production of the 2017-18 season will be Awesome 80s Prom, an interactive show in the

style of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding. Show dates are April 12-14 and April 1922 in the Conference Center Lower Ballroom. For information on the Theatre season, visit SMSU.edu/go/Theatre. GALLERY DISPLAYS The William Whipple Gallery in the McFarland Library will feature artwork by SMSU alumni throughout the year. (See page 6 for information on submitting artwork for consideration.) The exhibit will be on display when classes resume in August. The Alumni Heritage Gallery, located in the southeast corner of the second floor of the Student Center, is being refreshed with new displays in honor of the University’s anniversary. The new displays will be in place for the start of fall semester. 50TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK A commemorative book will be published, consisting of short essays by former and current faculty, staff, students and friends of the University. The essays will be accompanied by photos from the University’s archives. The book will be available this fall for purchase from the SMSU Alumni Association. Visit SMSU.edu/50 for the release date and cost. Information will be posted on Aug. 1. ADDITIONAL EVENTS Academic areas such as Music and English are also planning special 50th anniversary events. Details will be forthcoming and posted on our website at SMSU.edu/50 as they become available.

Photos, clockwise from top left: A page sample from the 50th commemmorative book; “Forever Brown & Gold,” this year’s Homecoming theme; Jim Tate and Pam Gladis discovering the original 25th anniversary charter document in the University Archives; and the group photo taken for the University’s 25th Anniversary in September 1992.

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[ alumni spotlight ]

From left: Scott Ellenbecker ‘91, President Connie J. Gores, and Jenny (Sodemann) Ellenbecker ‘92

“The Mustang” Wine:

Alumni Scott and Jenny Ellenbecker combine their passion for SMSU and wine-making into a special blend for the University’s 50th One of the most scenic wineries in the Midwest is owned and operated by Scott and Jenny (Sodemann) Ellenbecker, SMSU alumni who created a unique red wine blend called “The Mustang” to commemorate the 50th anniversary celebration of Southwest Minnesota State University during the 2017-2018 academic year. The Ellenbeckers own Round Lake Vineyards & Winery near Round Lake, Minn., a venture they started in 2007. It’s open seven days a week, year-round, attracting local customers and travelers off I-90 and Highway 60. Local customers come from over a 90-mile radius to purchase their award-winning wines and enjoy the view of the lake, listen to entertainment on summer Sundays and participate in activities that are a part of their total winery experience. Wines are also available in many

regional liquor stores. Scott, a Sioux Falls, S.D. native, graduated in 1991 with an Interdisciplinary degree, with concentrations in Speech Communication and Marketing. Jenny is a Round Lake native and graduated in 1992 with a Political Science Secondary Education degree. How they parlayed those degrees into owning and operating a vineyard and winery is an interesting story of curiosity, opportunity and a faith in themselves. They perhaps wouldn’t have found each other if Jenny and a girlfriend hadn’t wandered over to the Armstrong residence hall early in her freshman year. “They came by looking for a guy who lived next door to me, the ‘big man on campus,’ they wanted to meet,” recalled Scott. “They asked if he was around, and I said, ‘Who cares?’ I asked her out, and she said ‘no.’” She later relented and their first date was in the campus food service. They were married in 1993. Both studied a year at Akita University in Japan, when that institution had a student exchange agreement with the Minnesota State (formerly MnSCU) system. It’s there they both learned Japanese, an ability that would later serve Jenny well when she taught the subject, along with world history, in the

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[ [alumni aroundspotlight campus]] Mitchell, S.D., school system. Scott enjoyed his international experience in Akita and went to work for the Minnesota State system upon graduation, recruiting exchange students to Akita. He then took a job with the two-year Mitchell Technical Institute before accepting an advertising/marketing position in Mitchell in 1994. In 2005, he opened his advertising agency, Ellenbecker Communications. “It’s mostly dealing with the construction and mining industries, some agriculture,” said Scott. “I work with companies to develop marketing collateral and branding content,” he said. “We also publish a couple of trade journals.” That business is still going strong, and is housed on the second floor of the winery building at Round Lake Vineyards & Winery. It was while he was doing research for his agency that he first thought about a vineyard. “I was in California learning about the use of water in vineyards. I leaned how you can apply water and extend the season in spring and fall,” he said. “We had available tillable ground (at the vineyard/winery site). I asked Jenny if she wanted to plant grapes, and she agreed.” “The learning curve was high,” said Jenny. They went to workshops, learned about trellising, and visited a lot of wineries. “It’s evolved over time. We learned efficiencies, like you do at any job,” she said. When they first made the leap, they learned what they didn’t know rather quickly. “One of the biggest challenges was the transition from farming to manufacturing,” said Scott. “We are a farm winery, and that means growing, producing, packaging, marketing, all of it. It’s a big step, understanding all the aspects of the process.” Round Lake Vineyards & Winery is located on the west edge of Round Lake, five-and-a-half miles south of Interstate 90, and two miles north of the Iowa border. It is approximately 70 miles southeast of Marshall, on property they purchased from Jenny’s grandmother, Helen Sather. They have 70 total acres, bordered by a wildlife refuge and other family property. Jenny’s grandfather, Kenneth, operated the Round Lake Waterfowl Station on the site in the ’50s and is credited with re-introducing the Giant Canada Goose to the world. It was thought to be extinct in the 1950s, but a small flock was identified, captured and brought to Round Lake for breeding. As a nod to family history, the wine labels and glasses carry a silhouette of two geese in flight. The Ellenbeckers grow 30 acres of grapes — 21 on the property, seven by Heron Lake, and two in Iowa. The first four acres of vines were planted in 2007. “It takes three years to get grapes once you plant,” explained Scott. The vineyard grows eight white grape varieties, and five reds. “Most of the varieties have come from the University of Minnesota grape breeding program,” said Scott. The winery makes red and white grape wines, and also apple-based wines branded “Skinny Dipping” in multiple flavors, too. The Ellenbeckers grow their grapes on land that is perfect for corn and soybeans, but not so much grapes. “The best soil (for grapes) is well drained for water, and has good air flow, with a south facing slope. We have very heavy loam and clay, the soil is black and rich, which is probably the worst for grapes,” said Scott. “We’ve tiled the vineyards as a result, and have tried different practices to balance that out.” In

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Top: Scott and Jenny discuss the winemaking process. Center: The custom labels for “The Mustang” are ready to go on bottles. Bottom: The Round Lake Winery’s pond and patio areas.

[ alumni spotlight ] addition, 18 of the 21 acres of vines on site are irrigated. The Ellenbeckers operate what is known as a “farm winery.” Based on state law, everything they sell off the property can be selfdistributed. That means that Jenny is often on the road. In one recent two-day swing, she dropped off product to Alexandria and the TwinCities area. According to Minnesota law, the winery’s total production must have at least 51 percent of juice from Minnesota-grown fruit. Scott says they grow about 70 percent of their fruit on estate-managed vines. “The Mustang” wine they bottled for the University’s anniversary celebration is a red blend of a trio of wines, including a 2013 California Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in French oak; a 2014 Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in Minnesota oak; and a Marquette also aged in Minnesota oak, made from grapes from the first plantings at the vineyard back in 2007. A group of SMSU personnel traveled there in March and bottled 70 cases of “The Mustang.” Those will be used throughout the next academic year at various events associated with the University’s anniversary. The wine is available for purchase at Tall Grass Liquor in Marshall, at Valley Discount Liquors in Green Valley, at the Worthington Liquor Store and other regional off-sale outlets. It is also available at Round Lake Vineyards & Winery. Their oldest son, Logan, is the winemaker and came up with the blend of “The Mustang.” Their second child, Mason, recently graduated from high school. They have five full-time employees at the vineyards/winery, plus a number of seasonal employees. Two main buildings — the Tasting Room and the Cellar — are the hub of activity. The Tasting Room is just that, where customers can go to taste a variety of wines and purchase a bottle. It’s also where the wine is bottled. The Cellar contains a banquet hall, and also includes climate-controlled barrel storage. A food trailer — “The Bistro” — is available for those desiring food with their wine, and a larger kitchen is on site for event food preparation. The majority of Saturdays are booked for weddings, said Jenny. “It’s a beautiful location here,” she said. “People like to come, relax, taste our wines and enjoy the natural beauty.” All six wines entered by Round Lake Vineyards & Winery medaled in the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in Rochester, N.Y., in April. One, a white named “Brianna,” received a gold medal. “Great wines take great grapes,” said Scott. Scott turned 50 on St. Patrick’s Day this year, and both Jenny and he are happy to have created “The Mustang” to coincide with the upcoming events associated with the University’s 50th anniversary. A portion of the profit from each bottle sold will be donated to the SMSU Foundation for scholarships. Their address is 30124 St., Highway 264, Round Lake, Minnesota. Their web address is: Roundlakevineyards.com. “Jenny and I both enjoyed our experience at SMSU and we’re happy to be able to help celebrate the 50th anniversary with them,” said Scott. Top photo: The SMSU bottling delegation included (l-r) front row: Stacie Mulso, Jessica Anderson; middle row: President Connie J. Gores, Jenny Ellenbecker, Scott Ellenbecker; back row: Logan Ellenbecker, Bill Mulso, and Michael VanDrehle, with Jim Tate behind the camera. Center photo: Bill Mulso shows the first finished bottle. Bottom photo: President Connie Gores signs the first bottle.

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[ around campus ]

SMSU Partners With Alumni on 50th Products Several alumni business owners will be offering special products as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. • Tokheim Stoneware near Dawson, Minn., is owned by Gene (’71) and Lucy (’75) Tokheim. They are making 50 special tankards, each individually numbered. Due to expected demand, there will be a limit of one per order beginning August 1. The tankards are $150 each and are available through the Alumni Office: 507-537-6266 or alumni@SMSU.edu. • The Brau Brothers Brewing Company in Marshall is owned by brothers Dustin, Trevor and Brady Brau. Dustin (’99) and Trevor (’93) are alumni, as are their wives, Mary (Kallevig, ’10) and Joe Lee (Steffensmeier, ’91).

Beginning in late summer, and running through the fall, Brau Brothers will offer a special “Brown and Gold” beer. “It’s like a black and tan, only it’s a brown and gold,” explained Dustin. “It’s a combination of a golden ale, which will rest on the bottom, and a brown lager will float on top of that. It’s two pours.” The two beers will be available individually, as well, he said. • Steve Klein (’75) owns Walnut Grove Mercantile in Marshall, an extension of the original family honey-making business. He will be offering a 50th anniversary barbecue sauce, “Smoke and Pepper.” All three businesses will donate a portion of the proceeds to the SMSU Alumni Heritage Scholarship Fund, supporting the next generation of Mustangs.

CALL FOR ART: 50th Celebration Exhibits In recognition of Southwest Minnesota State University’s 50th anniversary, the William Whipple Gallery is inviting alumni to submit artwork for a series of juried alumni exhibits to take place in the gallery during the 2017-2018 academic year. Works will be juried by members of the 50th Anniversary Planning Team, SMSU Alumni Association, and SMSU Fine Arts & Communication Department. ELIGIBILITY The exhibition is open to any alumni of Southwest Minnesota State University. SUBMISSION PROCEDURE Entrants may submit up to five (5) images of original works completed in the last six years (2011-2017) and not previously exhibited at SMSU. Selections will be made from the submitted digital images. SPECIFICATIONS The exhibits will consist of two- and threedimensional work in all media. Wall pieces must be wired for hanging and no larger

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than 60” x 60”. Free-standing pieces may not exceed 32” x 48”x 60”and/or weigh more than 50 lbs. Accepted work cannot be substituted and must be available for the duration of the exhibit. SUBMISSION Submit up to three JPEG digital images per work. Upload options for image files: • File format: JPEG only • File dimensions: No smaller than 1920 pixels on the longest side • File resolution: 72 ppi/dpi (standard web resolution) • File size: 5 MB maximum DATES & DEADLINES • Submission Deadline: July 15 • Artist Notification: August 1 Information on delivery methods and deadlines is available online. For complete details on submitting, delivering, and insuring artwork, visit www. SMSU.edu/50 and click on the CALL FOR ART tab.

HOW TO ENTER All digital entries should be submitted via email to Foundation@SMSU.edu by July 15, 2017. If you encounter a problem while applying or have technical questions, please contact: Jessica Anderson 507-537-6266 or Jessica. Anderson@SMU.edu

[ around campus ]

Culinology Earns Silver in RCA Competition The SMSU Culinology team earned a silver medal at this year’s Research Chefs Association Conference in Puerto Rico. SMSU competed in the “Savory” category against two teams from Taylor’s University in Malaysia and one team from Guelph University in Canada. Four teams also competed in the “Pastry” category. The SMSU team was comprised of Jordan Clark, a senior Culinology major from Circle Pines, Minn.; Kenneth Lam, a senior Culinology major from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Justin Lapprich, a senior Culinology major from Cottage Grove, Minn.; and Dylan Riggle, a senior Culinology major from Lakefield, Minn. The rules of the competition are simple: Create a frozen version of the competition dish and ship it to the competition site, and then make that same dish on-site. Judges compare how closely the frozen version matches the freshly-made version in taste, texture and quality. The goal is to have the frozen entree taste as close to the freshlyprepared gold standard entree as possible. The team prepared Puerto Rican Lasagna, and learned a lot about teamwork and overcoming challenges. “The student teams that

From left: Jordan Clark, Kenneth Lam, Justin Lapprich, and Dylan Riggle. competed were very intense,” said Dr. Joyce Hwang, Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management. “It was a great experience for our students.” This was the seventh year of the RCA competition. SMSU has qualified for the finals each year.

Hicks Makes TOP 16 at National Farm Bureau Conference Jakob Hicks, a junior Agronomy major at SMSU, finished in the top 16 at the National Collegiate Discussion Meet at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s FUSION Conference Feb. 10-13, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Penn. He qualified for the national meet by winning the state competition on Nov. 19, 2016. Farm Bureau discussion meets have groups of four students discuss pre-arranged topics in a simulated committee meeting. The participants are judged on basic knowledge of critical farm issues as well as a cooperative attitude, courteousness, and respect for others during the discussion. “I was able to research and prepare a game plan of what I wanted to talk about before the competition,” he said. “I listened to podcasts from experts in those topics and looked up lots of statistics. I also got in contact with several lobbyists at the Minnesota State Capitol.” The Pittsburgh competition gave Hicks a national perspective. “The issues we face in southwest Minnesota are very different from the issues

in South Carolina, for example. I was able to hear diverse perspectives and expand my horizons,” he said. Hicks is involved on campus with the SMSU Ag Club, Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization, and serves as secretary of the Accounting Club. Location was a big factor in Hicks’ decision to attend SMSU, and academic scholarships helped make it affordable. “SMSU was an economical choice, and the faculty are accessible. I’m able to go meet with them and build good relationships. Lee French has taken me under his wing and allowed me to get my hands dirty, to get involved in research. It’s helped me prepare for grad school. The faculty are very considerate and want to see students thrive.” Hicks is a native of Milroy, Minn., and the son of Brian and Michelle Hicks. He hopes to attend graduate school after graduation to pursue plant pathology and research corn pests.

Rax Receives 2017 Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award SMSU Theatre Arts major Raxson Rax was chosen as a 2017 recipient of a $500 Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award through the Minnesota State system. He was one of just 20 students in the Minnesota State system to receive the award, given to students in good academic standing who have demonstrated a keen awareness of our interconnected world. Students chosen to receive the award show an understanding that “all people — all cultures, all creeds, all colors, and all countries — have been ‘depositors and withdrawers at the world bank of knowledge.’” Rax was nominated by Deans Jan Loft and Raphael Onyeaghala. Originally from Milan, Minn., Rax is the son of Nenuta Unnuno and Sebastian Chikino. He embraced the college experience during his

first year at SMSU, joining the Drama Club and performing in several plays. Rax chose Southwest after experiencing the community atmosphere on a campus visit. “The theatre, music and film classes I watched all looked interesting,” he said, “and the people I met on the tour seemed open. It was like you wanted to high five everyone there! It seemed like a community.” Rax is enjoying the numerous ways to gain experience in theatre at SMSU, which will benefit him as he looks toward future theatre opportunities. Rax has found diversity to be normal at the university, “SMSU has every ethnicity under the sun, and we all get along. Some people join cultural cliques, but a lot of others go outside that and form friendships with other cultures. SMSU is like a giant Skittles® bag.”

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[ athletics ]

Men’s Basketball Season: One of the Best in Team History

Above: The NSIC South Division Champions. Inset: Coach Bigler. Photos by Greg Devereaux

The Southwest Minnesota State University men’s basketball team capped off one of the best seasons in team history, advancing to the championship game of the NCAA Central Region Tournament in Maryville, Missouri. SMSU finished the season tying a school record with 28 victories, won the NSIC South Division championship for the first time in team history and won the NSIC Tournament championship for just the second time in program history. SMSU earned the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Central

Region Tournament and opened with victories over Arkansas Tech and East Central (Okla.), before losing 5552 to the eventual NCAA national champion Northwest Missouri State in the Central Region championship game. The Mustangs were paced all season long by sophomore guard Ryan Bruggeman, who scored 528 points during the season, the 12th most in team history. He was named the MVP of the NSIC Tournament and was also named to the NCAA Central Region All-Tournament team. Brad Bigler, who completed his eighth season as head coach, was named the 2016-17 NSIC Coach of the Year.

Alex Weis Closes Senior Year With Championship Title Southwest Minnesota State University men’s track & field athlete Alex Weis experienced an amazing senior season in 2017, earning several major accolades, both on and off the track. Weis, a native of Luverne, Minn., and a physical education/teaching major, recently completed an outstanding four-year career at SMSU, earning the University’s “Outstanding Senior Award” during this year’s annual Commencement ceremonies on May 6. Each year at graduation, the SMSU Alumni Association recognizes a senior student who has made significant contributions to Southwest Minnesota State University. This award recognizes an outstanding senior who has become a distinguished student through academic achievement; campus and community activities; academic, athletic or extracurricular honors or awards; and work ethic during his or her time at SMSU.

A week following graduation, Weis capped his senior outdoor season by winning his second straight Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship in the shot put (16.15m), while also finishing second in the hammer throw (55.70m) and third in the discus (48.47). Weis closed his career earning indoor All-NSIC honors in the shot put in both 2016 and 2017, while earning outdoor all-region honors in the hammer throw in 2016. His throwing career is not yet complete, as this July, Weis will be competing at the 23rd Summer Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey. Weis has also been involved in numerous campus activities during his career, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the American Sign Language Club, the SMSU Student Association, and Education Minnesota Student Program.

Complete Spring Recaps: Baseball / Golf / Softball / Tennis / Track & Field FOR THE LATEST HEADLINES, FALL SPORTS NEWS AND MORE, VISIT SMSUMUSTANGS.COM

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[ alumni connections]

Thomas ’78 Gives Commencement Address Commencement speaker Dr. Dene Kay Thomas encouraged the 669 graduates to thank influential professors they have had as they begin the next chapter of their lives. “Here is my call to action: Write, call, text, tweet. Seek them out today. Tell your influential professors that they have changed your life. … Keep living up to your potential. Escape the feeling of having arrived,” she concluded her address to the Class of 2017 members. Thomas is the president of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., where she is in her seventh year as president. Prior to that she was president at Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho, for nine years. She began her higher education career at SMSU as a 30-year-old single mother of three. She is a 1978 alumna with a degree in English and compares SMSU with Fort Lewis College. “Both provide a private college experience with a public-school cost. Both specialize in personal attention, in getting to know students. Both provide a quality education, and both have small class sizes.” Her address focused on the importance of professors who make a difference in the lives of their students. For her, it was Dr. William Whipple, an English professor who passed away during her undergraduate days at SMSU. She read several poems from his chapbook, “The Oregon Trail Diary.” “He used the Oregon Trail metaphor to provide a parallel for our life’s journey, east to west, birth

to death,” she told the graduates. She remembers her time at SMSU fondly. “When I think of SMSU, I smile. I’m grateful to have started here,” she said. She and her husband, Gordon, have been married 33 years. Their grown daughters are Christine (Trageser) Ames ’85, an SMSU alumna; Donna Bintz; and Vicki Smith. They have five grandchildren.

Pat Carmody ’80 Receives 2017 Cathy Cowan Award SMSU Registrar Pat Carmody was named the 2017 recipient of the Cathy Cowan Award and was honored with a medallion signifying that honor during Commencement on May 6. The award goes to a faculty or staff member who has made great contributions to SMSU and the region. It is named in honor of Catherine Cowan, the popular SMSU psychology professor who died in an auto accident on Dec. 22, 2001. It is the most prestigious award presented by the university. Carmody, a 1980 alumna, majored in history and psychology. She has been employed at SMSU for 32 years, and has been the registrar since July 2004. She started as an admission counselor for six years, then was coordinator of transfer students for three years. She was then registration/assistant director of enrollment services for student records for 10 years before she became registrar.

Carmody maintains the academic records of all students and implements the registration process for classes. She keeps records of all college classes and curriculum prerequisites, determines students’ graduation eligibility, helps coordinate commencement activities and prepares information such as honors lists, transcripts and class rankings. The registrar must also be familiar with college academic policies and graduation requirements, and transfer credit policies. She and her husband, Sean, have three daughters: Molly, a lawyer who works for Sanford Health; Maureen Serlip ’13, a banker in Ivanhoe, Minn.; and Meghan ’16, a teacher in Hendricks, Minn. “I am humbled by this award,” she said. “I am joining an illustrious group of people who have won in the past. I think the thing I’m most proud of is my work with our students. SMSU is student-oriented, and I’m proud to be a part of that.”

Richard Ludeke ’81 shared his Mustang Pride at the peak of the Zugspitze in the Alps of Germany. He is the winner of this issue’s Mustang Pride in Amazing Places. Winners receive a $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble Campus Store to get even more brown and gold gear. Congratulations, Richard! You can show your Mustang Pride in Amazing Places! Submit online at www. SMSUAlumni.com/AmazingPlaces. Winners will see their photo published in FOCUS and receive a $50 gift card to the SMSU Barnes & Noble Campus Store. To be considered, photos must be high resolution, clear, with “SMSU” or a Mustang logo clearly visible. *Digitally manipulated photos will not be eligible.

FOCUS | 9

[ alumni connections ]

The 2017 Alumni Award Recipients Announced Each year the SMSU Alumni Association recognizes alumni and friends who have made significant contributions of time, talent or financial resources to help advance and bring positive recognition to Southwest Minnesota State University. This year’s award recipients have been selected and will be recognized during Homecoming at the annual awards luncheon on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 at noon in the Conference Center Ballroom. ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Sheila Anderson ’95. Chief Financial Officer for Daktronics in Brookings, S.D. Craig Porter ’79. President and owner of PlastiCert in Lewiston, Minn. Curtis Weber ’80. Owner of Midwest Machinery in Glenwood, Minn.

HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBER AWARD Dr. Emily Deaver. Professor of Environmental Science at SMSU. GRADUATE OF THE LAST DECADE (GOLD) Ryan Ross ’08. A professional opera singer at Grange Park Opera, Cardiff, Wales. To hear their Southwest stories and celebrate the accomplishments of all this year’s award winners, attend the 2017 Alumni Awards Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 29 at noon in the Conference Center Ballroom. The event is open to the public. Tickets will be available online. To read about past award winners, visit:

www.SMSUAlumni.com/AlumniAwards

All-Southwest Reunion Set for September 30 Southwest Minnesota State College, Southwest State University or Southwest Minnesota State University. Whatever your Southwest was called, you are all Southwest alumni. Join us on Saturday, September 30 for an epic all-school reunion following the Homecoming football game, approximately 7-10 p.m. Shuttles will be available after 9 p.m. to take alumni to local hotels and downtown. The new Red Baron Arena & Expo, just east of campus, will serve as reunion central for all departments, clubs, majors, and small groups interested in gathering with old friends. The Alumni Office will provide appetizers. A cash bar will be available. Everyone is invited to mix and mingle, connect with other Mustangs and celebrate 50 years with us at Southwest. Learn more about the smaller groups who are planning to gather and make plans to come home to Southwest for this special weekend. Visit www.SMSU.edu/50 for details.

MUSTANGREFERRAL

SMSU.EDU/50

Cruise with the Mustangs Summer 2018 in Alaska

Share your love of SMSU!

DO YOU KNOW A STUDENT WHO WOULD BE A GOOD MATCH FOR SMSU? If so, please participate in our Mustang Referral Program. Referrals are a great source of qualified applicants because of your unique understanding of the type of students who would thrive here at SMSU. Help us showcase the amazing opportunities at SMSU by encouraging them to visit campus!

Referred students who visit campus receive: • • • •

A personal tour of campus Their application fee waived A chance to win a $250 scholarship And, of course, a free SMSU T-Shirt!

To make a referral, visit:

SMSUAlumni.com/MustangReferral 10 | FOCUS

SMSU’s 50th Anniversary Alaskan Cruise June 23-30, 2018 With deep fjords carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, the inside passage cruise offers a world class trip with breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Join SMSU’s Environmental Science professors and local geology/Alaska expert on an educational journey of a lifetime.

CRUISE DEPARTS FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

PACKAGES BEGIN AT $1,199.00 Interested? Contact Alumni@SMSU.edu or visit

SMSUAlumni.com/travel

[ class notes ]

Nook ’80

Sterner ’91

Simon ’94

Communications. The couple 2002 resides in Sioux Falls, S.D. Brad Bigler (MS ’09) was Mark Nook was recently inducted into the Fort Madison selected as president of the 2006 University of Northern Iowa in High School Athletic Hall of Robin (Maras) Curwick Cedar Falls, Iowa. Nook and his Fame in Fort Madison, Iowa. and her husband, Michael, wife, Cheryl (Londgren), are welcomed Carter Danger to Matt Hanson (MS ’08) won happy to be returning to their the Ironman North American the Mustang Family on Nov. home state. 20, 2016. Championship 2017 with an impressive 7:52:44 winning 1988 Matthew Fletcher was inducted time. Tony Jurgens was elected into the North Branch Area to the Minnesota House of Public Schools Hall of Fame in Allison (Morrall) Naber Representatives for District January, 2017. Matthew is the received her occupational 54B. Tony and his wife, Dawn, head men’s basketball coach at therapy doctorate from the reside in Cottage Grove. University of South Dakota. A Bethany Lutheran College in therapist at Big Stone Therapies Mankato. 1990 in Marshall, Allison will be the Todd Johnson was recently Samuel Haag and his wife, only doctor of occupational elected to the District 5 Ashley, welcomed identical therapy in southwest position on the Iowa Lakes twin girls, Avery Lucille and Minnesota. Community College Board of Evelyn Belle, on Nov. 21, 2016. Trustees. He is employed at

1980

Hagg ’06

Curwick ’06

Shumaker ’06

Sara (Klingbile) and Travis Olsem welcomed a son, Jayden Ty, on Oct. 28, 2016. Jayden joins his sister, Kaylee.

2012

2010

Adam Gill and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed a daughter, Audree Rose, on Nov. 10, 2016.

Whitney (Dierks) and Matthew (’09) Fischer welcomed a daughter, Lennon Elise, on Aug. 26, 2016. The family resides in Alexandria, where Matthew was recently named the Executive Director of Ecumen Bethany Community, a senior living campus.

Megan Glover and Cole Heitkamp welcomed Stevie Jo Heitkamp on Dec. 5, 2016.

Leon Doom self-published a novel entitled Our Red Blue Family.

Utpal Chalise and his wife Aakreti welcomed baby Aakhyt on Jan. 30, 2017.

Bethany (Schweer) Huls and her husband, Alex (’13), welcomed a son, Lachlan Henry, on March 13, 2017.

Akili Roach (Akili Keita) is Bethany (Brenkus) Hartung starring in the movie “I Hate (MBA) and her husband, My Neighbor!” which will come Andrew Hartung III, welcomed out on July 15, 2017. 2003 the United Community Bank a son, Trey, on Nov. 7, 2016. Jennifer (Schwint) Anderson is Nicholas Schleif painted four in Milford, Iowa, as the vice pieces that now hang in the Gregory Seath married Leah a special education teacher at president and chief financial new U.S. Bank Stadium in Kristen Seeger (MS) is the Skelly on Sept. 26, 2015. The Reede Gray Elementary School officer. Todd and his wife, Minneapolis. He lives in Milroy. media specialist in the libraries couple welcomed a daughter, Kristin, have two children, Erik in Redwood Falls. at Lakeview and Sibley Kinsley, on Nov. 4, 2016. and Kaia. Rachel (Marden) Shumaker Elementary Schools in Iowa. 2004 and her husband, John, Kristen and her husband, Dirk, Casey Sussenguth and his Katie Gehrke married Gabe 1991 welcomed baby Wilder on Oct. have two children: Peyton and wife, Brittany, welcomed a son, Westman on Aug. 6, 2016. John Sterner (MS ’02) was 23, 2016. Culley. Lincoln Neil, on March 9, 2017. inducted into the Marshall Michelle (Erickson) Vogl High School Pride in the Tiger Victoria (Arends) Susa works Amanda (Larsen) Tykwinski (MBA ’08) is the new mortgage 2007 Foundation Hall of Honor in at Fallon Medical Complex Paul Weiland is an adapted has been promoted to senior loan officer at Gate City Bank March, 2017. Sterner is the art in Baker, Mont., as a physical sports program coordinator accountant at Hoffman & teacher and head football coach in Fergus Falls. therapist. with Chapter 126 Sports & Brobst in Marshall. at Lakeview High School in Fitness in Bristol, Conn. 2005 Cottonwood. 2011 Kaela Wiese married Kyle Michael Boulton and his wife, 2008 Maria Amundson (MS) was Christakos on April 8, 2017. The Justine, welcomed a second 1993 named the 2016-17 Teacher of couple resides in Scottsdale, Kayleigh Booker married daughter, Victoria Nicole, on Martha Garzon advanced to the Year at Lake Park-Audubon Ariz., where they both work as Andrew Karppinen on May the final round of the Women’s Feb. 1, 2017. Victoria joins a Elementary School in Audubon. neurological physical therapists. 20, 2017. sister, Elizabeth. 45 Singles at the Les Grandes She has been a kindergarten Dames Crawford Tennis teacher there since 2008. Maria 2013 Josh Scholten was a volunteer Erich Deutsch and his wife, Cup. Martha teaches at the Allison, welcomed a daughter, and her husband, Jordan, have a Timothy Becker married assistant coach for the SMSU Lauderdale Tennis Club in daughter, Brielle. Marla Georgine, on Oct. 28, women’s basketball team in Cathlene Walker on June 18, Lauderdale, Fla. 2016. 2016-17. Josh and his wife, 2016. Kristi (Wersal) Downing and Melissa (Wookey ’07), live in 1994 her husband, Keith, welcomed Samantha (Trebesch) Baxter Marshall with their son, Oliver. Jammie (Shaffer) McCarney Douglas Simon, Professor of and her husband, Joseph (’09), baby Tucker on Dec. 1, 2016. and her husband, Brian, Political Science at SMSU, was Melissa is the Career Services welcomed a daughter, Charlotte Director at SMSU. welcomed twin daughters, promoted to Colonel in the Adam Magnuson and his wife, Kimber Jean and Kendal Jo, on Jean, on Nov. 19, 2016. National Guard on Nov. 5, 2016. Kady (Telschow ’12), welcomed Jan. 23, 2017. Chris Volzke was named a son, Carson Vernon, on 2009 Assistant Vice President 2001 March 1, 2017. Carson joins a Rick Kortsmit and his wife, of CorTrust Bank. He was Jill Burnett (MS) married Dan Andrea Malo (MS) was named brother, Drew. previously the acting Mortgage Jasmine (Ghorbani ’12), Grode on Sept. 24, 2016. Austin High School principal Servicing Supervisor. His wife, welcomed a son, Elijah, on Sept. in Austin. Kelli Schmitz married Matt 8, 2016. Angela (Bonczek, ’08), is a Stenzel on Jan. 23, 2016. graphic designer for Michels All cities are in Minnesota unless noted.

FOCUS | 11

[ class notes ] Cotalena Chace is now on the board of directors for the Adler Academy of Minnesota, which uses the principles of psychologist Alfred Adler to train professionals in various mental health and business communities.

Charlie Rattler, III welcomed a daughter, Jasmine, on Sept. 13, 2014.

Ryan Brockberg (’98) passed away on May 3, 2017, at his home in Marshall. He was 42.

Heather (Selmecki) Wagner and her husband, Isaiah, welcomed a daughter to the Mustang Family.

Brad Claeys (’85) of Kansas City, Mo., passed away Feb. 3, 2017.

Barry Gronke has joined the law firm of Stoneberg, Giles and Stroup, P.A. in Marshall as an associate. Barry and his wife, Jessica, have four children.

Lexie Will married Nathan Paradis on July 9, 2016.

Shyranda Hornick welcomed baby Everett Hornick to the Mustang Family on March 13, 3017. Craig Popper graduated from the University of South Dakota law school in May 2017. Kelly Sanders married Jason Kaare on June 4, 2016. Kelsey Serbus married Brandon Kettner on July 9, 2016 in Franklin. Brandon is a transmission operator for Great River Energy and Kelsey is a preschool teacher at Rockford Arts Magnet School. Megan Tietz married Nathan Zabel on Jan. 27, 2017 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The couple resides in New Ulm.

2014

Josh Anderson began a position as logistics project specialist at Christensen Farms in Sleepy Eye in Decemeber 2016. Joshua Ardolf married Heather Frank on June 18, 2016. Hannah Beeler accepted a position as a field technician with the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) in Land O’ Lakes, Wis. Bethany Hall welcomed baby Ginger to the Mustang Family on April 13, 2016. Ryan Kix married Jasmine Wellnitz on June 25, 2016. David Price welcomed a daughter, Zoey, to the Mustang Family on Nov. 23, 2016.

2015

William Dean married Erin Story (’16) on Oct. 15, 2016. Deanna DeVos married Alex Lessman on June 11, 2016. Tyrel Eisenbraun married Kassidy Batie on June 26, 2015. Mercedes Johnson and Hiroki Miura were married on Aug. 20, 2016. Matthew Jossart was promoted to assistant vice president at Gate City Bank in Alexandria. Kayla Overland married Aaron Laabs on Sept. 30, 2016. Samantha Ritter is currently attending NDSU for a master of science in soil science.

2016

Annette Carr recently opened a personal training business called “Fit For Your Life.” Jennifer Keely (MS) married Tanner Vermaat on Jan. 9, 2017. Gabriel Langseth married Mikayla Saathoff on July 26, 2015 in Brookings, S.D. Staci Roslansky was accepted into graduate school in Jan. 2017 at Allen College in Waterloo, Iowa.

IN MEMORIAM

Dr. William “Bill” Arvola, Professor of Mathematics from 2002-2006, passed away on Feb. 28, 2017. Dr. William Du Bois, Professor of Justice Administration, passed away on Feb. 24, 2017 at the age of 68.

Richard “Dick” “Eli” Eliason (’72) of Farmington, previously of Ramsey, passed away on March 24, 2017. He was 70. William Edward Garrett II, Associate Professor of Hospitality from 1988-1998, passed away March 31, 2017 at the age of 71.

SMSU alumnus Ajeet Yadav (’04, MBA ’07) was recently accepted as a 2016-2017 Policy Fellow at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Yadav is currently the Environmental Health and Safety Director at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. As part of the program, Yadav traveled to Washington D.C. for a weeklong study trip in November 2016. He had the opportunity to meet various representatives and visit the Department of State, Council on Foreign Affairs, Bloomberg News, and the White House.

John Herndon, a junior at SMSU and member of the wheelchair basketball team, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 14, 2017. Matthew Jacobson (’02) passed away on Aug. 1, 2016 at his home in Le Mars, Iowa. Georgia (Carlson) Joachim (’71) of Owatonna, Minn., passed away on Jan. 20, 2017. Timothy Johnson (’73) passed away Oct. 20, 2016 at his home in Eagle Lake. Richard “Dick” Jorgensen passed away April 15, 2017. Dick was a charter member of the Marshall College Committee which helped bring SMSU to Marshall. Dick also authored a book about the history of SMSU.

Brittany Krull, Assistant Director of Student Success and a 2004 alumna, was recently honored as the SMSU nominee for the Minnesota State System Board of Trustees Professional Excellence in Service Award. The award recognizes the key role that service faculty fulfill at Minnesota State’s universities in advising and counseling students; in the recruitment, retention and placement of students; in residential life programming, facilitation of student groups and student leadership; and other involvement in university and community activities. Each of the seven four-year institutions within the system may select one candidate. Brittany is a Wood Lake native with a degree in art with a graphic design emphasis and a minor in marketing. She earned her master’s in education, with a teaching, learning and leadership emphasis, in 2009. Brittany has been employed at SMSU for over 12 years. She and her husband, David, reside in Marshall with their six-year-old daughter, Bentley.

Kent Lachman (’75) passed away April 14, 2017. Maren Larson (’89) passed away April 25, 2017. An employee at SMSU from 1974-2012, Maren was the SMSU Health Services Director. She started several landscaping projects on campus, including what is now called “The Garden Courtyard.” Virginia “Ginny” Lutz (’82) of Sitka, Alaska, passed away at her home on Jan. 24, 2017 after a battle with cancer. James Ott (’75) passed away March 15, 2017 at the age of 63.

Arbin “Abeen” Thapa passed away April 22, 2017 in a swimming accident near Sioux Falls, S.D. The Nepal native was an international student at SMSU. Dr. Julieta Alvarado-Rieppel, long-time adjunct SMSU music professor, passed away on May 2, 2017 after a brave battle with breast cancer.

All cities are in Minnesota unless noted.

12 | FOCUS

Jennie Wurm (’76) of Olivia, Minn., passed away May 25, 2016 at the age of 81. WHAT’S YOUR STORY? Share news with other alumni: email alumni@SMSU.edu call 800-260-0970 click SouthwestAlumni.com mail SMSU Alumni Office 1501 State St. Marshall, MN 56258

DICK JORGENSEN

LEGACY Richard “Dick” Jorgensen was there from the beginning, way back in October of 1956, when a group of about 10 civic-minded individuals met in the New Atlantic Hotel and hatched the idea of a college in Marshall, Minnesota. As the talk continued, it became clear that those in attendance had a commitment to see the idea move forward. Talk soon turned into action. And after years of effort and heartened by community-wide support, Marshall was named the site of the newest four-year college in the state. Dick recalled he was driving past the old East Side grade school when he heard the news on WCCO radio. Dick passed away on April 15, 2017, and was an ardent supporter of SMSU over the years. He talked with enthusiasm about the upcoming celebration of the University’s 50th anniversary, which will be held during the 2017-18 academic year. Dick gave back to the University in so many ways over the years, including the establishment of the Richard Jorgensen Family Endowed Scholarship in 2000. The scholarship is awarded to a new or returning student from Beardsley, Minn. He was a familiar face on campus and seemed to know almost everyone. He could be seen at athletic and cultural events, and other happenings on campus. His enthusiasm for SMSU was contagious. Before his untimely passing, he said of the University: “It’s meant everything to this community.” SMSU is the youngest of the seven, four-year institutions within the Minnesota State system and its presence has changed Marshall, and the region. Thanks to individuals like Richard “Dick” Jorgensen, there is a Southwest Minnesota State University today. And thanks to the Richard Jorgensen Family Endowed Scholarship, his generosity will continue to assist the University in the years to come.

Creating an Endowed Scholarship You can establish a named, endowed scholarship at Southwest Minnesota State by making a gift of $15,000 or more. A scholarship can be in your name or in honor of someone dear to your heart. An endowed scholarship can be funded over one, five or 10 years, depending on your wishes. You may designate your endowment to academic scholarships, a specific collegiate unit, or students in need of financial assistance. In some cases, donors prefer including a scholarship gift in their will. For more information contact Bill Mulso, SMSU Foundation Executive Director, at 1-800-260-0970 or Bill.Mulso@SMSU.edu. Consider These Advantages: • Tax deduction for charitable contribution • Membership in the Heritage Society • Helping SMSU students earn their degree in today’s challenging economic environment • Leaving a lasting legacy at Southwest

To learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of students by leaving a legacy at SMSU, visit

WWW.SMSUFOUNDATION.ORG

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SMSU Alumni Office 1501 State Street • Marshall, MN 56258 Change Service Requested

If FOCUS is addressed to a son or daughter who has graduated or no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please email alumni@SMSU.edu to provide the current address or call toll-free 1-800-260-0970 to notify us of the change.

UPCOMING EVENTS 2017 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS June 30 – Alumni Board Meeting June 30 – Saint Paul Saints Game July 21 – Rochester Honkers Sept. 25 – Founders Day (Kick-off to 50th Celebration) Sept. 29 – University Gala Sept. 30 – Homecoming and All-Southwest Reunion Oct. 19-21, 26-29 - SMSU Theatre Presents: How To Talk Minnesotan Minnesota Twins Ticket Program (All Summer Long)

For the complete schedule of Alumni events as well as ticket information, visit us online at: