Mustang Ice Classic goes virtual

The third annual Mustang Ice Classic will take on a virtual format this year, and will be held from Feb. 13-15, 2021.

Participants can fish on any lake that is covered with ice, said Alumni Director Mike VanDrehle. “It’s a change, but it’s also an opportunity. More people can participate, and it won’t be limited to Lake Sarah, the site of the first two contests. Rather, it can include any lake that allows ice fishing.”

Participants will us the FishDonkey app to take a photo of their catch and submit it to the tournament, said VanDrehle.

Entry fee is $35 prior to Feb. 1, 2021, and $40 after that.

VanDrehle said there will be prizes awarded in several different categories.

In addition, there will be a raffle, with tickets available from the SMSU Alumni Association office, committee members or at Action Sports in Marshall. The grand prize is a Glacier Ice House (A612 Limited Edition).

Committee members include: Jessica Anderson, Ty Brouwer, Jasmine DeSmet, Alan Ellingson, Emily Hofmann, Meredith Hyatt, Tim Moline, Bill Mulso, Nathan Polfliet, Andy Crowley, Julia Stuckey, Kassi Tietz, Karen VanKeulen and Mike VanDrehle

To learn more about this year’s Mustang Ice Classic, visit: www.smsualumni.com/MustangIceClassic.

SMSU nursing program ranked by Nursing Schools Almanac

Southwest Minnesota State University is ranked in the top 100 Best Nursing Programs in the Plains, 2020, by Nursing Schools Almanac.

NursingSchoolsAlmanac.com provides online resource for aspiring nurses. As nursing responsibilities have grown, so have the licensing and training requirements for the various roles. Nursing Schools Almanac has organized information about nursing education, helping nurses find the best-suited programs for their academic goals.

Plains states include Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

The rankings are based on a detailed assessment of over 3,000 nursing schools nationwide. The scoring breaks down as follows: the institution’s academic prestige and perceived value, 50%; breadth and depth of the nursing program, 20%; and student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examination, 30%.

“We are proud to be recognized as one of the top nursing programs in the Plains by Nursing Schools Almanac. Nurses have been at the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and the work they do is so important as the numbers continue to rise. We’re proud of our nurses, and that they choose SMSU to receive their BSN degree,” said Lauri Johansen, chair and director of Nursing at SMSU.

Southwest Minnesota State University launched its accredited RN-to-BSN degree program in the fall off 2013. The program allows RNs with a current license and a two-year degree or diploma to earn their baccalaureate degree in a streamlined manner. Coursework is conducted predominately online. As such, students can benefit from the convenience of flexible, online learning and the rigor of an established academic program. Though most courses are online, clinical portions must be completed on-site. Students gain knowledge in health assessment, evidence-based care, and leading healthcare teams in a culturally diverse settings. This advanced degree can lead to promotions, specialized nursing careers, and higher salary.