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SMSU to present ‘Come From Away’

SMSU Theatre opens its 59th season and commemorates the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with the heartfelt musical “Come From Away,” book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Performances are Oct. 28, 29, and 30 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre. Tickets are $10 (plus fees) and advanced purchase is recommended online through GoFan at www.smsu.edu/go/theatretickets. Admission is free for First Responders/Military and SMSU employees and students (with valid SMSU ID). Free and convenient parking is available in ...

SMSU faculty help lead statewide winter science initiative

A unique program exploring Minnesota's winter insects and stream ecosystems is set to expand statewide, thanks to a major grant award that will bring new research opportunities, classroom resources, and community engagement initiatives to Southwest Minnesota State University. Dr. Alyssa Anderson, professor of biology at SMSU, and Dr. Kandy Noles Stevens, professor of education, are part of a collaborative team whose proposal, "Bugs Below Zero: Engaging Communities with Winter Science," has been recommended for funding through Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. ...

Visiting Writers Series: A Night of Poetry with Florence Dacey and Michael Bazzett

Southwest Minnesota State University’s Creative Writing Program presents “A Night of Poetry” with poets Florence Dacey and Michael Bazzett from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, in Charter Hall 201 at SMSU. The reading and discussion will be moderated by Tarik Dobbs, assistant professor of English at SMSU.  Chard Dacey is the author of five poetry collections. She is the recipient of a Loft-McKnight Poetry Award, a Nimrod-Hardman Poetry Prize, and Southwest Minnesota Arts Council regional grants. Dacey has a deep relationship to the town of Cottonwood and the surrounding area of ...

Stephen Markley, author and writer for “Only Murders in the Building,” to speak

Southwest Minnesota State University invites students, faculty, and community members to a special Creative Conversations event from noon-1 p.m. today  in the Black Box Theatre in Fine Arts 112. The session will feature Stephen Markley.  Stephen Markley is the author of “The Deluge: A Novel,” which the New York Times Book Review hailed as an editor’s choice. His previous books include the critically acclaimed bestseller “Ohio: A Novel,” as well as “Publish This Book” and “Tales of Iceland.” He is a staff writer and editor for the Hulu comedy “Only Murders in ...

SMSU homecoming coronation

On Oct. 1, the Southwest Minnesota State University homecoming royalty court was announced with the king and queen crowned at a ceremony in the William Whipple Gallery. Jeremy Holland, majoring in social work, from Los Angeles, California, was named king. Jaden Jay, majoring in justice ...

SMSU Alumni Association to present awards to four

Southwest Minnesota State University’s Alumni Association will recognize four individuals with awards during Homecoming this year. SMSU invites alumni, students, employees, and community members to return to campus for Homecoming 2026, Sept. 28 through Oct. 4, with a week full of ...