SMSU Homecoming 2026 is Sept. 28-Oct. 4
Published Tuesday, September 01, 2026
Southwest Minnesota State University invites alumni, students, employees, and community members to return to campus for Homecoming 2026, Sept. 28 through Oct. 4, with a week full of celebrations, service opportunities, campus traditions, and Mustang pride.
Among the featured events are the annual Mustangs Give Day of Service on Wednesday, Sept 30 and the State of the University Address on Friday, Oct. 2, both highlighting SMSU's commitment to service, leadership, and community. Homecoming festivities culminate in a full day of activities on Saturday, including the popular Homecoming Parade through campus, Mustang Football, and an evening concert in downtown Marshall, in partnership with the Marshall Downtown Business Association (MDBA).
A special part of Homecoming this year is the Presidential Inauguration. Dr. David Jones was named the 11th president of SMSU earlier this year, and the ceremony, which includes the investiture and oath of office, will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 3 pm in the Central Courtyard on the west side of Fine Arts. The ceremony and social to follow are open to the public.
The SMSU Alumni Association and Foundation are encouraging alumni, organizations, businesses, and community groups to register now to participate in the Homecoming Parade and join fellow Mustangs in celebrating this year's Homecoming theme, Mustangs Are Stronger Together. Register parade entries online: https://www.smsualumni.com/homecoming/parade.html
Alumni and friends are also invited to attend The Southwest Celebration on Friday, Oct. 2. The event will honor the 2026 Alumni Award recipients, showcase exciting projects taking place across campus, and officially kick off Homecoming Weekend. This year’s award recipients include Sandy Culhane ’78, Jordan Schuft ’16, Rolly Muller ’85, and Jenna Kruse.
Alumni Achievement Award - Sandy Culhane '78
This year Sandy (Gnifke) Culhane '78 will be recognized with an Alumni Achievement Award. Sandy earned her degree in Health and Health Care Administration in 1978, gaining a strong foundation that would shape her professional and service-oriented path. She began her career at the University of Minnesota Hospitals, where she worked for several years before returning to Marshall. Over the course of her career, she has contributed her expertise to organizations including Bremer Bank, Avera, and Prairie Home Hospice.
G.O.L.D. (Graduate of the Last Decade) Award - Jordan Schuft '16
Jordan Schuft '16 is our GOLD honoree for 2026. Jordan graduated in 2016 with a degree in Accounting and Finance, he went on to earn both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Hamline University in 2018
Honorary Lifetime Membership Award - Jenna Kruse
Jenna Kruse is the 2026 Honorary Lifetime Membership Award winner. Jenna's life path did not take her down the traditional college experience, but she did have a career as a registered nurse and worked in various areas of healthcare. She moved to Southwest Minnesota from the Twin Cities over three years ago with her husband, Neil. With SMSU as her husband's alma mater, it seemed like a natural way to give back to the community. She has enjoyed supporting the university, which has made her feel welcome and valued. She is thankful to be part of a beacon in Southwest Minnesota that positively impacts the community and fosters connection, involvement, and opportunities for people like her. She is a regular at SMSU events and is always volunteering to help out, even walking through many local parades to hand out SMSU swag.
John and Kathy Paxton Alumni Service Award - Rolly Muller '85
Rolly Muller '85 graduated from SMSU in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, and an Associate of Science in Office Administration. In 1986, she began working in the Health, Physical Education, and Athletic Department and, in 1994, became the Senior Woman Administrator/Assistant Athletic Director. In 2015, she transitioned to the role of Assistant to the Academic Deans. After 38 years of service to the university, she retired in July of 2024.
Full-length profiles on each award recipient will be published in the weeks leading up to Homecoming. To attend the Southwest Celebration, register by September 25. Tickets are $50: https://www.smsualumni.com/homecoming/the-southwest-celebration-registration.html
For the full lineup of events, visit: https://www.smsualumni.com/homecoming/
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