Nine murals depicting new cultures in southwest Minnesota are now on display in the Southwest Minnesota State University Student Center.

The murals are part of a unique art project that started at a Windom, Minn., Inter-cultural Communities Uniting meeting. The idea was to create a public art display reflecting the many cultures of Southwest Minnesota, including new immigrant populations.

The title of the project is "Mi Casa Es Su Casa," or "My House is Your House."

Keeping the menu fresh, interesting and healthy is the job of Campus Dining Services Director Timothy Kellen.

"We plan our menus out about four weeks, and we re-do the menus each semester," said Kellen, who came to SMSU last May.

What are trends in food service today? "It used to be, students didn't pay too much attention about what was on the menu. Today, they are more health conscious, and our menus are reflecting that," he said.

And while mom used to break two eggs for breakfast, the average breakfast at SMSU includes between 5-to-7 gallons of eggs each day. Cooking for many palates has its challenges. That's why Kellen and his staff keep their thumbs on the pulse of the students — what they like, what they want, etc.

Cases of Influenza-Like -Illnesses (ILI) have recently been identified at SMSU Health Services and the local medical clinic. Although clinics do not routinely perform influenza testing, Federal Recommendations will be followed to protect the illness from spreading.

The most important strategy for managing the H1N1 virus on a university campus is planning. At Southwest Minnesota State University we have been working at every level in preparation for an influenza outbreak. Please review the following information to minimize the risk of transmission, signs and symptoms of the illness, and what to do if you do become ill.