MARSHALL — Southwest Minnesota State University President Dr. Connie J. Gores will participate in her final commencement on May 11.

SMSU will hold its 2019 commencement exercises starting at 10 a.m. in the Recreation/Athletic Facility on campus. A total of 615 students are eligible to participate in commencement this year.

Mary (Reisdorfer) Fuhrman will give the commencement address. The 1995 alumna is senior vice president, Northern Region, for Hy-Vee. She oversees operations in 10 Twin Cities stores, along with Hy-Vees in Mankato, New Ulm and Faribault.

Gores announced her retirement at the end of the academic year. She will present diplomas, with assistance from Dr. Dwight C. Watson, provost, and Dr. Raphael Onyeghala, dean of the college of business, education and professional studies. Dr. Jan Loft, retired dean of the college of arts, letters and sciences, will again read the graduates’ names.

An Outstanding Senior Award will also be presented during Commencement.

The 2019 commencement will also mark the debut of the SMSU Alma Mater.

An Alma Mater serves as a hymn or an anthem associated with a school or university. Alma Maters tend to be serious and reflective. They serve a ceremonial purpose in the life of an academic institution, being used at formal events such as convocation, commencement and the installation of new campus leadership.

A two-part Alma Mater competition was held this past academic year. The first, for the lyrics, or poem, was won by Charter Class member Jane Malo. Adjunct music instructor Carolyn Bayerkohler won the music portion of the competition.

Vice Chairman Jay Cowles will represent the Minnesota State Board of Trustees at commencement.

There will be a presidential reception in the upper level of the Student Center following commencement. It will feature a light lunch and beverages.

The event will be streamed live at: http://www.smsu.edu/eventcenter/livestream.html