Best Office of the Alumni Association Podcasts (2025)

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Campus Update Ep.109 | 20th annual Undergraduate Research Conference with professors Dr. Alyssa Anderson, Dr. Mostafa Hegazy and keynote speaker Dr. Emily Deaver 29:02

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7d ago29:02

29:02

This episode highlights the 20th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference at SMSU. Professors Dr. Alyssa Anderson and Dr. Mostafa Hegazy and Keynote speaker Dr. Emily Deaver join the conversation to discuss: The purpose and impact of the conference on student learning and professional development. How undergraduate research fosters critical thinkin…

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Campus Update Ep. 108 | Global Entrepreneurship Week with SMSU Northstar School of Business Assistant Professor Marsha Grimes-Rose and Associate Director of SBDC Kris Boedigheimer 22:22

21d ago22:22

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This episode celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week with guests Marsha Grimes-Rose, Assistant Professor in SMSU’s NorthStar School of Business, and the Associate Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They dive into: What Global Entrepreneurship Week is all about and why it matters for students and the local community. Opportuni…

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Campus Update Ep. 107 | International Education Week with Office & Administrative Specialist Senior Center for International Education Jamie Leonard and Senior Wesley Vue 20:00

26d ago20:00

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In this episode, Jamie and Wesley review all the events happening on campus related to SMSU’s International Education Week celebration. The week kicks off on Monday, November, 17th with an International Potluck starting at 4 PM and Tuesday through Thursday each night a student has put together a presentation representing their home country, Nepal: …

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Campus Update Ep. 106 | R/A Facility Floor Repair with Director of Facilities Tony Nubile 20:21

1M ago20:21

20:21

In this episode, Tony Nubile, SMSU’s Director of Facilities, drops by to chat about the recent floor repairs in the RA Facility. He shares what sparked the project, how the team approached it, and what goes into maintaining campus spaces as safe and functional as possible. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the kind of work most people don’t see—but …

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Campus Update Ep. 105 | Theatre Productions of Pride and Prejudice and Sleepy Hollow with Professor of Theatre and Costume Designer Sheila Tabacka and Theatre Student Caleb Ruppert 36:18

1M ago36:18

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This episode features Professor of Theatre and Costume Designer Sheila Tabaka and SMSU theatre student Caleb, who discuss the university’s upcoming production of Pride and Prejudice and Sleepy Hollow. The conversation explores: The creative process behind adapting Jane Austen’s classic novel for the stage. Insights into costume design, character de…

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Campus Update Ep. 104 | Southwest Minnesota Orchestra Performance preview with Daniel Rieppel Professor of Music Southwest Minnesota Orchestra Musical Director 38:04

2M ago38:04

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In this episode, Dr. Daniel Rieppel previews the upcoming Southwest Minnesota Orchestra concert, highlighting the musical selections and themes that will shape the performance. He discusses the significance of the featured composers, the emotional and historical context behind the music, and what audiences can expect from this season’s opening conc…

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Campus Update Ep. 103 | Walking through the college admissions process with Charloette Wahle Director of Admissions 33:16

2M ago33:16

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In this episode, Charlotte Wahle, Director of Admissions at SMSU, joins the show to ease the worries of going through the college admissions journey. Whether you're a high school student, parent, or educator, this conversation offers valuable insights into: What students should know before applying to college Key deadlines and tips for navigating t…

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Campus Update Ep. 102 | Visiting Writers Series with Jessica Hennen Assistant Professor of English 31:20

2M ago31:20

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The SMSU Creative Writing and English Program hosts prominent authors on campus as part of its ongoing Visiting Writers Series. This semester, SMSU is proud to welcome Heid E. Erdrich for a public reading on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7:00 pm in Charter Hall 201. Erdrich is the author of nine books of poetry and prose as well as a teacher and curator. …

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Campus Update Ep. 101 | Previewing SMSU Homecoming with Hannah Abel Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach 29:10

2M ago29:10

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Homecoming 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting celebrations yet at Southwest Minnesota State University! In this episode, Hannah Abel, Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach, joins us to preview the full slate of events happening on campus. 🏟️ Highlights include: Saturday Morning Mustang Radio Show – Kick off the day with live upda…

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Campus Update Ep. 100 | Culinology Student Cecelia Parmeter showcasing the opening of the Mustang Kitchen 18:25

2M ago18:25

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This week, SMSU highlights Cecelia Parmeter, a dedicated Culinology student, who shares her experience helping launch this semester's Mustang Kitchen on campus. The episode explores: Cecelia’s journey through the Culinology program at SMSU. The vision and purpose behind the Mustang Kitchen. Insights into the hands-on learning opportunities the kitc…

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"Rooted in Relationships: How Collaboration Can Foster Student & Community Investment" With Paula Medlin 1:04:45

2M ago1:04:45

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Grab a cup of coffee and join Kami as she talks with Paula Medlin, the Trio Track Coordinator for the TAA Summer Institute. They'll discuss how it really is "all about relationships" when it comes to making an impact in the arts classroom and school community. Paula gives insights on how the trio track is beneficial to everyone who works in educati…

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Campus Update Ep. 99 | SMSU Family weekend and other SMSU on campus events with Assistant Director of the Student Center Ashton Ayres 19:06

3M ago19:06

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This week, we have Ashton Ayres, Assistant Director of the Student Center at Southwest Minnesota State University, join us to talk about Family Weekend and other exciting campus events. Ashton highlights the variety of activities planned for students and their families, including: Athletic events like football, volleyball, and soccer games. Student…

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Campus Update Ep. 98 | The SMSU Theatre Program is now known as Entertainment & Theatre Arts Program with Theatre Professor Nadine Purvis Schmidt 18:23

3M ago18:23

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This week we have Nadine Purvis Schmidt, SMSU Theatre Professor, to talk about her performance during her sabbatical this semester! The show is titled “Apples in Winter“, written by Jennifer Faucet, and is a single performer show, and Nadine goes over what all goes into preparing for a one performer show. The show is free admission with a free-will…

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Campus Update Ep. 97 | Women’s Leadership College and Gold College Kickoff with Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach Hannah Abel 23:15

3M ago23:15

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This week, we have Hannah Abel joining us to cover a few of the events happening on campus that the community should definitely be aware of! First, we discuss the incredible opportunity presented by the Women’s Leadership Conference and its impressive lineup of speakers. The conference will be held on September 18, 2025, starting at 8:00 a.m. If an…

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Campus Update Ep. 96 | Welcoming in Interim President David Jones 20:15

3M ago20:15

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This week, we introduce SMSU’s Interim President, Dr. David Jones, who brings 14 years of experience from Minnesota State University and looks to continue the success that SMSU has had over the past few years in enrollment. Dr. Jones reviews his journey that has led him to SMSU and what he and his family are excited about in Marshall, Minnesota.…

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“The Importance of Arts to the Middle School Mind: Creating Space for Belonging” 37:48

7M ago37:48

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Join Kami as she interviews special guest Kathy Coffey, a TAA Alumni Association member and TAA Ambassador, about the wild and wonderful world of middle school. They reflect on the tumultuous time for students and how arts education gives them tools to embrace change and express their individuality. Kathy Coffey is a retired visual art educator who…

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Campus Update Ep. 95 | President Kumara Jayasuriya’s Farewell 24:56

7M ago24:56

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This week, President Kumara Jayasuriya has served as Southwest Minnesota State University’s president for six years, starting in 2019. We discussed his successes at SMSU with him and what he will miss most. He will retire after the 2025 spring commencement. President Jayasuriya will be greatly missed here on campus as he helped grow SMSU during his…

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Campus Update Ep. 94 | The Fourth Annual M4L Day of Giving with Assistant Director of Development Alyssa Miessner 17:11

7M ago17:11

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This week, we have Alyssa Miessner, Assistant Director of Development, on to talk about the Fourth Annual M4L Day of Giving. The event is to call upon the Mustang Family to support current Mustangs in a variety of different ways! There are timed challenges, matching goals, and so many other opportunities to support SMSU!…

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Campus Update Ep. 93 | The Inaugural STEM Symposium with Professor of Mathematics Heather Moreland 17:07

8M ago17:07

17:07

This week, the first STEM Symposium will be taking place on campus, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Trachette Jackson, Associate Vice President for Research, DEI Initiatives, and University Diversity and Social Transformation at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The topic of her keynote is “Mobilizing Mathematics”.…

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"The Fun is in the Work: How Theatre Education Promotes Citizenship & Personal Growth" 1:09:54

8M ago1:09:54

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Join Kami as she interviews special guest Pollyanna Parker about all the many resources she has learned from TAA year-round programs over the years and how they shaped her career as a theatre educator. This time of reflection will surely refresh your focus as you finish up a year of lasting connections made in your arts classrooms! Pollyanna Parker…

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Campus Update Ep. 92 | Remodel of the Natural History Museum with Assistant Professor Alyssa Anderson and ’08 Alumni Katie Chapman 25:26

8M ago25:26

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The Natural History Museum is located in the Science and Math building on SMSU's campus. The Museum recently underwent a facelift with the help of both Katie and Alyssa, who gathered funding and helped see the completion of the new Natural History Museum. The Museum has many more interactive spaces and engaging displays that you won't be able to ke…

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Campus Update Ep. 91 | Creative Writing Series with Assistant Professor Jesse Hennen and SMSU Alumni Nick Northrup ’13 22:36

8M ago22:36

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The English department puts on the creative writing series to showcase what students can do once they earn their degree at SMSU. Nick Northrup, aka Crowfather, is this year’s featured guest. Nick and Jesse go over how SMSU can help students make a career with a creative writing degree, along with Nick’s journey at SMSU and how his experiences here …

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Campus Update Ep. 90 | Fine Arts Celebration with Department of Fine Arts Chair John Ginocchio 19:08

8M ago19:08

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Throughout April, SMSU hosts events featuring many of our different programs, including English, Music, Theatre, and more! Each area on campus has different events to highlight the work students do!By Southwest Minnesota State University

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Campus Update Ep. 89 | SHOUT The MOD Musical with Professor Shelia Tabaka and Student Olivia Houseman 19:49

8M ago19:49

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This week we get a preview of this spring's Theatre performance, “SHOUT The MOD Musical”. Sheila and Olivia go through the process of what it takes to get a musical up and running, talking about everything from costumes to stage direction and choreography!By Southwest Minnesota State University

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Campus Update Ep. 88 | The concerts for the Spring 2025 semester with Dr. Daniel Rieppel Professor of Music 22:03

9M ago22:03

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This week, we walk through the different concerts that will be put on with Dr. Daniel Rieppel and the Music Department as a whole! We also go over some work that Dr. Rieppel has been working on with the Bill Holmes DocumentaryBy Southwest Minnesota State University

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“Art Can Build Confidence: Helping Students Realize Their Power to Respond as an Individual” with Emily McEneely 44:26

9M ago44:26

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Join us as Emily McEneely shares how arts education classes are a big opportunity to build community and confidence and how this can be important for both students and teachers. She gives tips on how to make your department more valued and recognized and reflects on how collaboration is key for personal progress. Emily McEneely teaches PK-3 visual …

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Campus Update Ep. 87 | Filling out the FASFA and what parents/ students need to know with Director of Financial Aid Natasha Boe 17:24

9M ago17:24

17:24

This week, we go over questions you might have about the FAFSA and what you’ll need to do in preparing for college! We also discuss other options besides just filling out the FAFSA.By Southwest Minnesota State University

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Campus Update Ep. 86 | Housing Sign-up and the Opt-On Advantage with Assistant Director of Residence Life Jerry Westrom 29:00

10M ago29:00

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This week, Housing sign-up has opened for on-campus residents starting on the 25th with Juniors and moving down through future students. Jerry goes over everything students need to know and may have questions about when it comes to living on campus and how many opportunities students have to save money while living on campus through the opt-on adva…

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"1% Better Every Day: How to Create "Buy-In" With Students & Administration" with Kerry Vaughn 42:48

10M ago42:48

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Join Kami Lunsford as she talks shop with Kerry Vaughn who has some tips for cultivating a relationship with your administration and staff, some must-have resources and tools for the middle school band room, and wisdom about getting our students to commit to progress on a daily basis. Kerry Vaughn is a seasoned band director at Spring Station Middl…

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Campus Update Ep. 85 | Black History Month: Michele Knife Sterner, Associate Director of Access Opportunity Success, and Cassie Williams, Visiting Writer and SMSU Alumna 32:40

10M ago32:40

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This week, SMSU has brought back one of our alumni, Cassie Williams ‘07/’16, for a poetry reading on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 6:30 in the Whipple Gallery on campus! Cassie’s writing covers all aspects of her life, from her work advocating for marginalized groups to her life as a woman of color and mother to five children. Michele spoke about …

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Campus Update Ep. 84 | The Mustang Blueprint Podcast review with Seely Stockmoe and Landon Kruse 18:56

10M ago18:56

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This week, Broadcasting & Digital Media Majors Seely Stockmoe and Landon Kruse join the show to highlight the Mustang Blueprint Podcast, a student-run podcast highlighting self-improvement, college life, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the local area! Seely and Landon talk about how the podcast came to be, along with their involvement and pass…

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Campus Update Ep. 83 | Tropical Night Preview with Hannah Abel, Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach and Angela Lee Assistant Athletic Director- Marketing and Engagement 18:58

10M ago18:58

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This Saturday is Tropical Night, and activities are happening all day. Athletics will start the day with their hall of honor event at 10:30 a.m. The Alumni Association will host a social event in the RA Facility starting at 3:30 p.m. and continuing through the basketball games. Anyone is welcome to enjoy the Mustang Ale! The Women's game begins at …

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Campus Update Ep. 82 | The Ag Bowl Scholarship Invite preview with Agriculture and Business Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator Sarah Lee 12:20

10M ago12:20

12:20

The Ag Bowl Scholarship Invites over 1,500 high school students from across multiple different states in the Midwest, including Wisconsin! The students start the day off bright and early with an introduction to the university in the RA facility and spend the entire day competing in a wide range of FFA competitions! In addition to their competitions…

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Campus Update Ep. 81 | Taking a look into Winter Discover Days with Assistant Director of Admissions and Visit Experience Coordinator Taylor Mckittrick 14:05

11M ago14:05

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With the start of the spring semester, future college students begin to feel the pressure of applying for scholarships, writing college admission essays, and trying to navigate filling out the Fasfa. This week, Taylor McKittrick goes over why, when looking at SMSU, none of that worries students or their families. Taylor goes over what students shou…

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"What We Do Is Magic: How Connectivity Can Be Self Care For Arts Educators & Their Students" with Erica Holmes Darr 55:27

11M ago55:27

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Erica Holmes Darr encourages us to "take a breath" and explore how building community can make meaningful change in our creative spaces! Erica is a passionate and dedicated music educator who began her teaching career in 2003 after earning a degree in Vocal Music Education from Austin Peay State University. Throughout her career, Darr has taught a …

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Campus Update Ep. 80 | Preparing for college and why SMSU is right for you, and taking a look into Winter Discover Days with Director of Admissions Charlotte Wahle 26:15

12M ago26:15

26:15

This week, Charlotte Wahle joins us to discuss the college admissions process and what you need to know as a parent! We also discuss why you might want to consider SMSU, with its great scholarship opportunities, small class size, and affordable tuition prices!By Southwest Minnesota State University

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Alumni Evolution-S2E12-Ryan '12 & Jaimie (Fike) Moore '12 57:40

1y ago57:40

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Wesleyan Sweethearts Ryan ’12 & Jaimie (Fike) Moore ’12 lead a busy life with their #FuturePanthers, Micah & Rosie. Tune in to today’s episode of Alumni Evolution: The Official Podcast of the KWC Alumni Association to learn more about this creative and generous pair!By Kentucky Wesleyan College

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Campus Update Ep. 79 | Holiday concerts throughout the month of December with Dr. John Ginocchio Professor of Music and Department Chair 23:29

1y ago23:29

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This week, Dr. John Ginocchio joins us to discuss the many concerts SMSU is involved in during this holiday season! The activities start as early as December 3rd with the SMO Holiday Cheer concert. The Festivities will start right before finals week with the annual Tuba Christmas Concert on December 14th. You can find the full list of concerts at h…

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Campus Update Ep. 78 | Undergraduate Research Conference Preview with Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Mostafa Hegazy 14:34

1y ago14:34

14:34

This week, Associate Professor of Exercise Science Mostafa Hegazy will join us to discuss this year's Undergraduate Research Conference, which will be held on December 4th. This will be the university's 19th conference, and it provides students with the opportunity to showcase their impact on the world.…

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Campus Update Ep. 77 | Winter Sports Kickoff with Assistant Athletic Director Kelly Loft 23:18

1y ago23:18

23:18

This week, Assistant Athletic Director Kelly Loft joins to discuss the wrapping up of the fall sports season for the Mustangs and the kickoff for the winter season.By Southwest Minnesota State University

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Alumni Evolution-S2E11-Tevin Vincent '14 46:13

1y ago46:13

46:13

Our 2024 Outstanding Alumnus of the Arts Tevin Vincent ’14 may be young, but he’s already had an incredible career. Tune in to the newest episode of Alumni Evolution: The Official Podcast of the KWC Alumni Association to learn more about his story!By Kentucky Wesleyan College

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Campus Update Ep. 76 | Guest Musical Artist Tom Scott with John Ginocchio, Director of Bands and Professor of Music 25:42

1y ago25:42

25:42

This week, Director of Bands and Professor of Music John Ginocchio prepares for guest artist Tom Scott, who will perform with the SMSU Jazz Ensemble and area high schools. This activity is funded with a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council, made possible by an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's…

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Campus Update Ep. 75 | Mustangs Vote Initiative with Melissa Scholten, Ashton Ayres, and Mary Newton 21:37

1y ago21:37

21:37

This week, Director of the SMSU Center for Civic and Community Engagement Melissa Scholten, along with Student Election Engagement Fellows Ashton Ayres and Mary Newton, recap how successful the Mustangs Vote Initiative was along with the ups and downs they dealt with leading up to Tuesday's election. The initiative was created to inform SMSU studen…

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Campus Update Ep. 74 | National First Gen Day with Dr. Erin Kline 10:31

1y ago10:31

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This week, Assistant Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Dr. Erin Kline discusses the importance of the First Generation student population across the nation and what SMSU does on its campus to make those students feel welcomed and part of a community that they are new to and have no idea how to navigate.…

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Campus Update Ep. 73 | SMSU Production of "46 Plays for America's First Ladies" with Nadine Purvis Schmidt and Bryn Mongeau 17:46

1y ago17:46

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This week, Professor of Theatre Nadine Purvis Schmidt and Bryn Mongeau, a double major in Theatre Arts and Music, hop in the booth to discuss the upcoming performance, "46 Plays for America's First Ladies.” The production will be held October 30-November 3, 2024. Tickets are $10 and available only at the door, but admission is free for SMSU student…

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Alumni Evolution-S2E10-Peggie Greer 33:55

1y ago33:55

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Today’s guest on Alumni Evolution: The Official Podcast of the KWC Alumni Association is 2024 Gus E. Paris Distinguished Service Awardee Peggie Greer! Tune in today to hear more about the evolution of this long-time staff member who’s made a difference in the lives of thousands of students during her time here.…

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Campus Update Ep. 72 | SMSU Fall Discover Day with Charlotte Wahle 25:40

1y ago25:40

25:40

This week, Director of Admissions Charlotte Whale joins us to discuss “Fall Discover Day.” The event is organized by the admissions team here at SMSU and allows high school students to discover SMSU. Students can expect a choose-your-own-adventure approach to the event by attending mock lectures, campus tours, and a planetarium show! Make sure you …

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Campus Update Ep. 71 | Day of Service - Mustangs Give during Homecoming with Director of Career Services Melissa Scholten 11:51

1y ago11:51

11:51

This week, Director of Career Services Melissa Scholten discusses the importance and history behind the Day of Service - Mustangs Give during Homecoming. It’s also Homecoming, and the campus is buzzing; there are events throughout the weekend that can be found here. ⬇️ https://www.smsualumni.com/homecoming/homecoming-schedule.html…

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Campus Update Ep. 70 | 2024 Homecoming Activities preview with Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach, Hannah Abel 20:45

1y ago20:45

20:45

This week, our new Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach, Hannah Abel, discusses her journey here at SMSU and what she looks forward to in her new role. She also goes over all the activities that future, current, and lifelong Mustangs can look forward to next week during homecoming!By Southwest Minnesota State University

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Campus Update Ep. 69 | Becoming the #1 ranked Division 2 TikTok account nation wide, with Digital Marketing Strategist Mitchell Riibe 22:06

1y ago22:06

22:06

This week, we dive into how our very own TikTok account, @smsuofficial, has become the highest-ranked D2 TikTok account based on engagement! Mitch goes over what work needs to go into achieving this and what the Marketing and Communications office plans to do to carry this momentum throughout the school year.…

Office Of The Alumni Association Podcasts