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Life

2026 Seed Coalition award winners announced

Schools

Seed Coalition has announced the winners of the 2026 President’s and Engaged Campus Awards. This year, Seed Coalition received nominations from member colleges and universities across Iowa and Minnesota. This year, Dr. David Jones, SMSU president, nominated the following members of the SMSU community: Sheridyn Runs After, Amanda Sieling, Willmar Public Schools, and Shanda Walker.  “These honorees reflect the very best of SMSU’s commitment to civic engagement, showing up for their communities with leadership, partnership, and purpose,” said SMSU President David Jones. ...

SMSU Briefs

Schools

Schubert Festival event today at SMSU Campus Religious Center Lecture-Recital examining the “Reliquie” piano sonata and the Grand Duo with Dr. Jean King, which is part of the Schubert Festival, will be at 7:30 p.m. today at the SMSU Campus Religious Center. The event is free and open to the public. SMSU Chorale concert Saturday The SMSU Chorale will present a concert entitled “Be Still My Soul: the Music of Morten Lauridsen” at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Lutheran Church of Marshall (100 Church Street). Known for his profound ability to connect music and poetry, Lauridsen ...

Faith Briefs

Faith

CDA to have special celebration for Blessed Mother Mary The Catholic Daughters are honoring the Blessed Mother Mary with a special celebration on Saturday, May 2 at Holy Redeemer. Breakfast will be served 9-9:20 a.m. ($10) in Carlin Hall. Please make a reservation to Pam 507-228-2062 or Paula 507-829-3778 by April 27. Rev. Denny Labat will be lead with prayer, reflection, and quiet time for personal devotion. All men and women of the AFC are welcome to attend from 9:30-11:30 a.m.  Spring Salad Luncheon May 7 The annual Holy Redeemer Council of Catholic Women Spring Salad Luncheon ...

Who will you 'see' today?

Faith

“Pastor D!” Marcus exclaimed, as he and I walked into the convenience store together, him holding the door for me. “Haven’t seen you in a while!” Marcus, the store’s manager, was adorned in a fluorescent vest indicating that he’d been working outside. Just inside the double ...

Southwest Minnesota Orchestra to host Schubert Festival 2026

Schools

The Southwest Minnesota Orchestra, with musical director Dr. Daniel Rieppel, will host events for the Schubert Festival 2026, featuring the music and life of Franz Schubert. The public is invited to attend the festival events at the SMSU Campus Religious Center Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25 leading up to the grand finale festival concert on Sunday, April 26 in Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Guests include Victoria Erickson, Dr. Jean King, and SMSU alumnus Dr. Paul Schell.  The schedule includes: Thursday, April 23 Schubert Liederabend with Minnesota vocalist Victoria ...

Finding Community: JJ Ostenson finds his place in Marshall

Schools

JJ Ostenson’s path to Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) began with curiosity and a desire to broaden his horizons. Hailing from Edgemont, South Dakota — a tiny town of about 750 residents and a K–12 school with just 126 students — Ostenson was used to tight-knit communities ...