Leukam to speak at SMSU on reclaiming power and resilience

Southwest Minnesota State University will welcome author and survivor advocate Danielle Leukam to campus at 7 p.m. Tuesday Monday, March 31,in Bellows Academic 102 for a public presentation titled “Take Back Your Power: My Experience, My Message.” 

Leukam is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and advocate whose work centers on healing, resilience, and empowerment for survivors of trauma. Drawing from lived experience, Leukam shares a powerful message about reclaiming personal strength and creating change through honesty, courage, and connection.

Leukam is the author of “Four Pounds of Pressure,” a memoir that chronicles survival, recovery, and the long-term impact of trauma. The book has resonated with readers across the country for its raw honesty and its focus on hope, accountability, and the process of healing.

In addition to writing and speaking, Leukam works extensively to support survivors through advocacy, education, and outreach. Through public presentations and community engagement, Leukam encourages conversations around trauma, consent, and empowerment, while emphasizing the importance of listening to and believing survivors.

The March 31 presentation at SMSU is intended for students, faculty, staff, and community members. Attendees will hear Leukam’s personal story and gain insight into how individuals and communities can foster understanding, resilience, and meaningful support for survivors.

The event is sponsored by the SMSU Social Science Department and is free and open to the public. For more information about this event, contact the SMSU Social Science Department at 507-537-6224.

Fine Arts Roundup to kick off 20th annual Fine Arts Celebration at SMSU

Southwest Minnesota State University will host the Fine Arts Roundup, a fundraising celebration supporting Fine Arts scholarships and creative programs, from 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 27, in Bellows Academic and Charter Hall. The event kicks off the 20th annual Fine Arts Celebration and highlights the creativity and talent of SMSU students across multiple creative disciplines.

The evening begins with a social hour at 6 p.m. in Bellows Plaza, featuring a cash bar and appetizers prepared by the SMSU Student Hospitality Organization. Beginning at 7 p.m., guests will enjoy a rotating sampling of performances, displays, and creative work from SMSU’s Fine Arts programs throughout the Charter Hall and Bellows Academic spaces.

Tickets are $30 and may be purchased online at www.smsufoundation.org/finearts. Proceeds support Fine Arts scholarships and student creative opportunities at SMSU.

The Fine Arts Roundup offers attendees an immersive experience with student work from across the Fine Arts programs, including Art, Graphic Design, Broadcasting & Digital Media, Creative Writing, Vocal & Instrumental Music, and Entertainment & Theatre Arts.

Entertainment and Theatre Arts

• Student design and technical theater posters showcased at the American College Theatre Festival

• Scenic design set models and student�’created costumes displayed on dress forms

• A short comic scene from “Tartuffe,” performed by student actors

• Costume renderings and makeup design work presented by students

Music

• Jazz Ensemble performance during the social hour

• Chamber Winds performances

• Chorale selections presented in a short concert set

Art

• Student visual art displays, including pottery and exhibition work

Creative Writing

• Readings of original student work

• Student�’created sketch comedy videos looping throughout the evening

Communication Studies

• Broadcast Digital Media student videos featured during the Round Up

Performances and displays will rotate throughout the evening in multiple Charter Hall rooms, allowing guests to experience a wide variety of artistic disciplines in one night.

The Fine Arts Roundup celebrates the impact of creative programs at SMSU while investing in the future of student artists. Community members, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters of the arts are encouraged to attend and be part of this inaugural event to kick off the 20th annual Fine Arts Celebration.

For more information contact 507-537-7212 or to purchase tickets, visit www.smsufoundation.org/finearts.