This week marks the beginning of a major milestone at SMSU as we began our 50th year! It has been a remarkable journey for this institution as it literally rose out of the cornfields and has become the regional educational hub that we know today. In my tenure here at SMSU, countless alumni and community members have shared their stories about the University and how it came to be, how it changed the community, and how it affected their lives. SMSU is a tremendous collection of stories over time about people and ideas that converge on campus to foster discussion and learning for everyone involved.

Over the course of the next year I invite everyone to take part in the many festivities that we have planned to celebrate our rich history. I encourage you to take some time to learn more about the traditions and the people that have shaped us over the years. Our alumni have gone on to significant achievements in a vast range of careers. These alumni are leaders in their professions and communities, both far and near.

Homecoming week is planned for Monday, Sept. 25-Sunday, Oct. 1, and promises to be a highlight of our anniversary celebration. On Monday the 25th at 12:30 p.m., we will host a Founders Day celebration and gather for birthday cake and an All-University photo as it was Sept. 25 when SMSC held its first Convocation and Dedication Ceremony back in 1967. The University Gala, our largest scholarship fundraising event, will be held on Friday the 29th and Saturday’s festivities will be highlighted by our All-Southwest Reunion at the Red Baron Arena & Expo (to date more than 50 affinity groups have signed up to attend). The reunion is an event that everyone is welcome to attend and reconnect with fellow alumni, faculty and friends. Of course there are many homecoming activities planned and I encourage you to check out our website for all of the exciting details.

I am especially eager to see one special anniversary project released at Homecoming: Our marketing and communication team has compiled a collection of Southwest Stories that will be released in a commemorative hardcover photo book celebrating the people and experiences that have shaped SMSU. This book will be a history told through the eyes of many, capturing their journeys and experiences over the last five decades. The stories together carry an amazingly consistent theme of resiliency, hard work and commitment on the part of many people.

These are just a few of the numerous opportunities ahead for our anniversary year. I would encourage those of you who would like to learn more about our history to browse our digital archives online at archives.smsu.edu, where there is an amazing collection of print documents as well as audio files for you to enjoy. Finally, I encourage everyone to check online for the many opportunities throughout the year to join us and help celebrate 50 years!