The SMSU Podcast

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, [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected], 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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. 

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