The ceremony welcomed current employees to be recognized for reaching a career milestone in years working at the university, along with faculty who have or will be retiring this academic year.

“We often talk about being a part of the Mustang family, and like any strong family, what defines us is not just what we do, but how we show up for one another,” SMSU’s Laura O’Rourke said. “We honor those who have dedicated years of service, sometimes decades of service, to this university. Your commitment, your expertise and your steady presence has truly helped shape this university into what it is today.”

Impressively, approximately 959 years of collective service were represented by this year’s honored faculty between those who will be retiring and the milestone-reached employees.

SMSU celebrated those who have obtained senior-adjunct status, faculty who have taught 10 or more semesters, along with those who have reached two, five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of service.

Photo by Samantha Davis: Southwest Minnesota State University's Mark Fokken (right) receives an award from President Dr. David Jones (left) after being recognized at the employee milestone ceremony Wednesday evening.

“Whether you are supporting students, maintaining our facilities, teaching in our classrooms or serving behind the scenes, you are all contributing to something bigger than just yourselves,” O’Rourke said.

Notably, Shawn Hedman was the lone faculty member recognized for 40 years of employment at SMSU, who works in information technology services.

“It’s nice to be recognized. It’s fun and it’s been a really good place to work,” Hedman said. “There’s a lot of really good people.”

Hedman also mentioned he attended SMSU as a student, offering a full-circle moment.

Deb Kerkaert also represented the 35-year milestone category, who serves as the vice president of Finance and Administration and recently stepped in as interim president following retirement of former president Kumara Jayasuriya last spring.

Photo by Samantha Davis: Southwest Minnesota State University's Julia Olson (right) is greeted by President Dr. David Jones (left) after being recognized at the employee milestone ceremony Wednesday evening.

“This event gives us an opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate what makes this institution really great, which is each one of you at SMSU,” O’Rourke said. “Today is about something deeper than just years of service. It is also about expressing our true gratitude. It’s about recognizing that everyday moments often go unseen, but rarely unfelt.”

Each member of the respective milestone categories were introduced one by one, and were greeted by current SMSU President Dr. David Jones with a handshake and memorable congratulatory plaque.

Following the awards for years of service, there was a recognition for 18 faculty members that will be retiring this year.

“For those entering retirement, what a remarkable legacy you are leaving behind. We are better because of you, and we know that your impact will continue on long after your final days,” O’Rourke said.

The upper level conference center on campus continued to fill with Mustang pride as SMSU staff congratulated and celebrated one another for the shared passion they have with working in education.

Photo by Samantha Davis: Southwest Minnesota State University's Shawn Hedman (right) is greeted by President Dr. David Jones (left) after being recognized at the employee milestone ceremony Wednesday evening.

“What you do really matters,” O’Rourke said. “The work that we do in higher education is not always easy. It requires a lot of patience, resilience, creativity and a whole lot of heart.”