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SMSU Briefs

SMSU to host refugee simulation event

Sambath (Sam) Ouk is the Founder of Connected Education Consulting. Ouk and his family survived the Cambodian Killing Fields and immigrated to the United States in 1982. Ouk grew up in Rochester and went on to earn his master’s in English as a Second Language from Hamline University and his principal’s license from St. Mary’s University. Ouk has 20 years of experience in K-12 education. With his first-hand refugee experience and training as an educator, he will lead a unique refugee simulation event on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Conference Center Upper Level at Southwest Minnesota State University.

There will be two different opportunities for the public to participate in. The first program at 11:30 a.m. will last 1.5 hours and invites participants to experience the refugee journey, from fleeing home to navigating life in a new country — through real stories and interactive decision-making. This simulation explores loss, resilience, and the role of community in helping refugees rebuild hope and belonging.

The 5:30 p.m. opportunity will be approximately 2.5- 3 hours long. This will be an immersive simulation that invites participants to walk in the footsteps of refugees from surviving genocide to navigating resettlement in the U.S. Through real stores and interactive decision-making, participants will explore how hope is sustained, lost, and rebuilt in the face of unimaginable loss.

The event is hosted by the SMSU Social Work Program. Both of the sessions are free and open to the public.

SMSU Residence Hall Association hosting annual ResHALLoween

The Southwest Minnesota State University Residence Hall Association (RHA) will host ResHALLoween from 4-7 p.m. Saturday in various residence halls on campus. ResHALLoween allows children from the community to trick-or-treat through the residence halls of SMSU. All ages are welcome, with the program geared primarily for children in grades preK-6. There will be a wide variety of themed houses, lots of candy, and fun for all.

Event details:

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Children are asked to wear their Halloween costumes and provide their own bag or container for candy.

Admission for the event is one non-perishable food item or $1 per child.

Donations will be divided between the Kitchen Table Food Shelf and the SMSU food pantry, called the Mustang Market.

Parking information:

Non-ticketed parking will be available around campus, and on the south side of Birch St.

Please do not park in the Foundation Apartment lot or other reserved parking spots.

Check-in:

Check-in for the event will be in Commons Central, where children receive an event wristband.

Signs will direct visitors to Commons Central.

Starting at $3.95/week.

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