SMSU Music to host Alumni Weekend

More than 60 alumni have registered to join the SMSU Music Department that weekend. Most of them will be performing with the alumni band and/or the alumni choir that weekend. About half of these alumni were music majors, but the other half come from degree programs from many other departments.

Friday, April 19 at 8-9:30 p.m. — Music alumni reunion at Brau Brothers

Saturday, April 20 at 3 p.m. — SMSU/Community Concert Band and Symphonic Chamber Winds concert “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” featuring the members of the alumni band in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre

Saturday, April 20 at 5:30-7:30 p.m. — alumni reception in the Whipple Gallery

Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m. — SMSU Chorale Concert “Flyover Country” featuring the members of the alumni choir at First Lutheran Church

3rd annual M4L Day of Giving on April 25

On Thursday, April 25, the 2024 M4L Day (Mustangs 4 Life Day) will bring together alumni, friends, students, parents, faculty, and staff for Southwest Minnesota State University’s third annual Day of Giving. This is a 24-hour online fundraising event full of opportunities to show Mustang Pride for all areas on campus. Gifts made online will unlock bonuses during the fundraising effort.

The supported funds are eligible for additional funds thanks to cumulative and time-sensitive challenges. Every gift, large or small, is considered in the bonuses and challenges held throughout the day.

This year there are over $10,000 in challenges and special incentives available. For those choosing to support by donating or by sharing the social media posts to help spread the word will make an impact on SMSU students today and in the future. The program continues to grow raising almost $33,000 the first year and close to $65,000 the second year. The goal this year is $100,000.

A special M4L Day Celebration will be held in the SMSU Student Center Upper Level from 3-5 p.m. on April 25. The celebration includes a social with free appetizers and announcements on bonus winners so far.

Most challenges begin at precisely midnight. on April 25. Visit www.m4lday.com to see the funds you can support and the challenges.

Follow the SMSU Alumni and Foundation [@smsualumniandfoundation] on Facebook for M4L Day updates.

All winners for challenges will be revealed by 3 p.m. on April 26 on the SMSU Alumni and Foundation Facebook page as well as on the www.m4lday.com website.

For more information, contact Justin Vorbach, Director of Annual Giving, at 507-537-7580 or email Justin.Vorbach@SMSU.edu

Agboola receives Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award

MSU senior Moshood Agboola has been chosen as a 2024 recipient of a $500 Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award through the Mark M. Welter Foundation and Lead MN. He was one of just 19 students in the Minnesota State system to receive the award, which is given to students in good academic standing who have demonstrated a keen awareness of our interconnected world.

Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Agboola chose Southwest Minnesota State University for his undergraduate education. After growing up in one of the largest cities in the world, he sought an affordable school in a safe American town.

“I have found the people of Marshall to be very kind, nice, and genuine,” said Agboola. He is an exercise science major in his sixth year as he also completes minors in health communications, political science, and strength & conditioning. He has embraced the college experience during his time at SMSU.

Among the many clubs, organizations, and committees he’s been involved with, he served for four years on the SMSU student senate; held leadership positions in the Exercise Science Club and International Student Organization; as well as working as a manager in the Student Center; and volunteered as an assistant coach with the SMSU women’s soccer team. He was recently recommended to serve on the city planning commission and was appointed by Mayor Bob Byrnes to represent SMSU students. He will graduate in May.

Agboola recalled as a freshman a fellow student, Moo Moo Aye, received the Welter Award and how inspiring it was to see someone from SMSU recognized. He is honored and humbled to receive the award and grateful to his exercise science professor and adviser Dr. Kris Cleveland for nominating him.

“Moshood is very deserving of this award. He is an advocate for international students,” said Cleveland. “He educates students on the concerns of the world and encourages them to learn, care, and get involved in world affairs.”

The Mark M. Welter World Citizen Award exists to provide an annual tribute to Minnesota State students who most exemplify the thoughts, words, and actions demanded by a 21st-century world citizen.

Agboola’s plans after graduation include pursuing a master of science in exercise physiology at Minnesota State University, Mankato. After earning his master’s, he has been accepted to the kinesiology PhD program at Boise State. His long-term goal is to become a United Nations Health research ambassador.