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Finish Strong Week 2026

Join us for Finish Strong Week: April 27th - May 1st

Finish Strong Week is a tradition at SMSU that was developed by the Deeann Griebel Student Success Center with the support of many offices, departments, and clubs/organizations on campus. The event is held every spring semester during the last week of classes. The mission of the program is to help students to finish the semester strong by preparing them for finals, assisting students with stress relief, and to celebrate the end of the academic year. Peruse the schedule, RSVP in advance where required, and prepare to FINISH STRONG.

Events are FREE to SMSU students. RSVP links (if required) are listed with the descriptions below. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Deeann Griebel Student Success Center at 507-537-6484 or email success@SMSU.edu

We are teaming up with Southwest Nutrition to get you ready for finals! The first 20 students will receive a free tea of their choice. In order to get your free tea, you must 1) Follow the Deeann Griebel Student Success Center on Instagram @smsusuccess, and 2) Follow Southwest Nutrition on Instagram @southwest_nutrition. Located in the lower BA/CH link.


Hosted by the Deeann Griebel Student Success Center & Southwest Nutrition

Give your brain a break and be part of what’s growing on campus! Join NSLS and the Lyon County Master Gardeners to plant a pollinator garden to support bees, butterflies, and biodiversity on campus! Located in the courtyard outside of the Planetarium (between SM, CH, & IL).

Hosted NSLS and the Lyon County Master Gardeners

Join a virtual, drop-in session intended to support anyone interested in developing and sustaining a regular mindfulness meditation practice. This opportunity is for anyone including the curious, former students, and seasoned practitioners. Inspired by the essential principles of MBSR (Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction), each session includes guided mindfulness meditation practice.

Register here: Community Mindfulness Meditation Sessions Tickets, Monday, April 27th | Eventbrite

Test your aim and unleash some friendly competition during an evening of axe throwing at Wings Axe Co.

Hosted by Student Activities Committee

SMSU Entertainment and Theatre Arts and the Student Center have combined forces to offer free clothing! Stop by the upper Student Center and take as much as you like, leaving only the clothing racks.

Hosted by Entertainment & Theatre Arts and the Student Center

Do finals have you stressed? Take a break from studying and destress with some furry friends! Spend time petting and playing with dogs to give your mind a much-needed break! Located in the lower Conference Center.

Hosted by Deeann Griebel Student Success Center

Get creative and make your own colorful, squishy stress toys at this hands-on crafting event in the upper Student Center!

Hosted by Student Activities Committee

New to pickleball and want to give it a try? Join the Pickleball club in the PE gym and enjoy music and a little friendly competition! Equipment and refreshments will be provided.

Hosted by the Pickelball Club

SMSU Entertainment and Theatre Arts and the Student Center have combined forces to offer free clothing! Stop by the upper Student Center and take as much as you like, leaving only the clothing racks.

Hosted by Entertainment & Theatre Arts and the Student Center

Come to the upper Student Center to discover the fascinating world of reptiles and learn how to create safe, comfortable environments to support their care and well-being.

Hosted by Student Activities Committee

The Music Program will be hosting the final Student Recital of the school year. Student Recitals provide opportunities for music students at SMSU to practice the art of “live performance” using the music they have prepared in their lessons over the course of the semester. This performance will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre, and it will feature about 8 instrumentalists and vocalists from the program. The event is free and open for anyone to attend.

Hosted by the Fine Arts & Communication Department

Join us for an online session of writing exercises and discussions to boost your mental health and overall wellbeing! During this event, you will engage in various writing exercises and prompts designed to help you reflect, release stress, and create a sense of well-being. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this event is open to all levels of experience.

Register here: Beyond the page Tickets, Wednesday, April 29 | Eventbrite

Bring a friend and destress with Finish Strong BINGO! Located in the Upper Student Center, test your luck and win from a variety of prizes that will prepare you for finals and summer!

Hosted by the Deeann Griebel Student Success Center

Join a virtual laughter yoga session that will have you rolling on the floor with giggles! Get ready to stretch, laugh, and connect with people from around the world. No yoga experience is needed, just come with an open mind and be ready to laugh your heart out!

Register here: Laughter Yoga on Zoom | Free Global Session Tickets, Thursday, April 30 | Eventbrite

Stop by the lower Student Center to write a thank you note to a staff or faculty member who has made a difference or contributed to your success! Thank you cards and delivery will be provided.

Hosted by Deeann Griebel Student Success Center

Come to the William Whipple Art Gallery for a chance to celebrate the 2026 student led Perceptions publication. Enjoy pizza while listening to creative works submitted by students, staff, and alumni!

Hosted by Perceptions

This planetarium show will give you a glimpse at the stars and planets seen in the current night sky, followed by a laser light show. Laser songs will include: KPop Demon Hunters, Taylor Swift, Prince, Queen, and Elton John, among others. Located in the SMSU Planetarium (SM 108).

Hosted by the Deeann Griebel Student Success Center

Located in the lower CC, dance the night away with friends with headphones at this high-energy silent disco.

Hosted by Student Activities Committee

Stop by the lower BA/CH link to pick up your Finish Strong Essentials! Inside are items that will help you prepare, stay focused, and power through finals week. Don’t miss out on these free supplies that will set you up for a successful finals week!

Hosted by the Deeann Griebel Student Success Center

Cool off and treat yourself to custom ice cream creations at a build-your-own Cold Stone ice cream bar located in the courtyard!

Hosted by Student Activities Committee

Last Modified: 4/15/26 2:27 PM | Website Feedback