Homecoming 2025, Four Set to Receive Alumni Association Awards
Published Monday, September 29, 2025
The Southwest Minnesota State University Foundation and SMSU Alumni Association are hosting the Southwest Celebration on Friday, October 10, 2025 starting at 5:30pm in the SMSU Conference Center Upper Level. This is the second year of this exciting event to kick off the Homecoming Weekend.
The event will celebrate the 2025 Alumni Award Recipients, highlight special projects underway on campus, and welcome alumni returning for Homecoming festivities.
The 2025 Alumni Award recipients include: Alumni Achievement Awards going to Neal Wahlman ’75 of Plymouth and Gary Whitney ’96 of Mankato; Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award presented to Rebecca (Sommer) Cooper ’16 of Sioux Falls, SD; and Honorary Lifetime Membership in the SMSU Alumni Association being given to Duane Carrow of Marshall. (Short bios are below. Complete bios will be published in separate articles on the SMSU website this week.)
The evening begins with a social hour at 5:30 pm with free drinks. The SMSU faculty and students will be on hand from several academic and support programs to showcase the special projects in their areas. A formal dinner and short program recognizing this year’s award recipients will be followed by a Homecoming mixer with a cash bar. The event will have valet parking outside the Conference Center. Tickets are $50 per person and available online at www.SMSUAlumni.com/celebration
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2025 Award Recipients:
Neal Wahlman ‘75
After earning an accounting degree from SMSU, Neal obtained his MBA and a Certified Management Accountant designation from the University of St. Thomas. He served as Director of Corporate Accounting and Director of Internal Audit during a 17-year career at SuperValu, and as Corporate Controller at private and public companies. Neal was Snyder’s Drug Stores CFO, and later President, before retiring and working part-time in his consulting practice.
While at SMSU, Neal was active in Student Government, serving as Student Body Treasurer and VP-Judicial Affairs, and in marching and concert band and concert choir, which toured Europe for 9 weeks during Spring Quarter 1972. After serving on SMSU’s Alumni Board for 10 years, he will end his 6 year term on SMSU’s Foundation Board during Homecoming weekend.
Gary Whitney ‘96
Gary is a 1996 graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University and received an MS degree from Purdue University in 1998.
Gary is currently Vice President, Global Learning & Development for Little Caesars Pizza and champions common learning systems, tools, and programs for Ilitch companies. The Ilitch companies represent leading brands in the food, sports, and entertainment industries, including Little Caesars, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Olympia Development, and Champion Foods. Previously, Gary was Vice President, Global Learning for IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), responsible for learning the needs of a 300,000+ global employee workforce. Gary has served as an Industry Advisory Board Member for SMSU Culinology & Hospitality Management since 2007.
“SSU/SMSU was a fantastic and formative experience for me. The size of the school combined with the quality and passion of the entire SMSU team created a great environment for me to learn, grow, and contribute.” The lifelong lessons and friendships from his time at SMSU continue to help him navigate life and work. Gary is married with 2 children and currently lives in the Mankato area.
Rebecca (Sommer) Cooper (’16)
Dr. Cooper practices Family Medicine with Obstetrics at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, SD, where she lives with her husband (Mikeal ’15) and three children. She cares for patients of all ages and in all walks of life on their journey to better health and delivering new life into the world. Dr. Cooper was very involved in extracurriculars and teaching throughout her time at SMSU and was awarded the 2016 Outstanding Senior Award. She continued her professional education at the USD Sanford School of Medicine and has remained actively involved as clinical faculty, teaching the next generation of physicians.
Duane Carrow
Duane Carrow currently serves on the SMSU Foundation Board as the Agricultural Advisory Council. He is a charter member of SMSU’s Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program.
Duane served as the Director of Energy Technology for the Minnesota State College and University system, where he received both an Excellence in Curriculum Programming and an Innovative Partnering and Collaborative award from the Academic and Student Affairs Division.
In addition to being involved with production agriculture for much of his career Duane served as an Ag Fellow for the University of Minnesota Extension. He is proud to have assisted his peers in agriculture throughout Southwest Minnesota as a Farm Credit Mediator. He continues to recognize Southwest Minnesota State University as a flagship for quality education at an affordable price and feels a strong connection to SMSU as he has witnessed its growth and development since the first brick was laid.
In addition to the celebration honoring the Alumni Award Recipients, events are scheduling throughout the entire week. The full schedule is below with any updates or notifications posted on www.SMSUAlumni.com/homecoming and on the SMSU Alumni and Foundation Facebook and Instagram accounts.
2025 Homecoming Schedule
Monday, October 6:
CAMPUS DRESS UP DAY: PJ DAY
DONUT DROP
8:30 - 10:00 am | BA Plaza (Outside of the Whipple Gallery)
Come enjoy hot and fresh homemade donuts on Monday morning to kick off Homecoming week the right way!
HOMECOMING PEP RALLY
4:00 - 4:45 | PE Gym
Open to the public
The Homecoming Pep Rally is an opportunity for the Marshall community to come together to celebrate Homecoming with current SMSU students. Get into the spirit with us! LETS RIDE!
Tuesday, October 7:
CAMPUS DRESS UP DAY: WESTERN/COWBOY DAY
CANDIDATES NIGHT
7:00 pm | Upper CC
Think you’ve got what it takes to win big? Join us for a night of fast-paced fun, friendly competition, and classic game show excitement! Whether you're a trivia master, a puzzle pro, or just in it for the laughs, you’ll have the chance to compete head-to-head with fellow Mustangs and win awesome prizes. Bring your energy, your team spirit, and your game face — it's time to play!
Wednesday, October 8:
CAMPUS DRESS UP DAY: SUPERHERO DAY
MUSTANGS GIVE: SMSU DAY OF SERVICE
10:00 am - 4:00pm
9:30 am Check-in at Founders Hall
SMSU will host the fifth annual Mustangs Give Day of Service during 2025 Homecoming. SMSU Students, Faculty, Staff and Alumni can volunteer their time to a number of local projects. From park cleanup to outside painting, we are here and willing to help. The Day of Service has becoming an annual Homecoming week activity.
CENTER FOR LEARNING INNOVATION GRAND OPENING
4:00pm - 6:00pm | Learning Innovation Lab (IL 214)
Thursday, October 9:
CAMPUS DRESS UP DAY: MUSTANG SPIRIT DAY
ROYALTY VOTING CLOSES
5:00 pm | Online - Check your student email
OPENING NIGHT OF THE MUSTANG KITCHEN
5:30pm and 7:00pm | SMSU Culinology Dining Room (IL 116)
Join us during SMSU Homecoming 2025 for the highly anticipated Grand Opening of the SMSU Student-Operated Restaurant, a cornerstone of the new Hospitality Management program! Located in the heart of campus, this innovative dining experience showcases the talents of SMSU students as they bring classroom learning to life through exceptional service and culinary creativity.
*By Reservation Only
CORONATION & SOCIAL
6:30 pm | Lower Conference Center
Celebrate SMSU Homecoming in style with live music from Common Man during Coronation! This talented group brings a fun, feel-good vibe with a mix of classic hits and crowd favorites. It’s the perfect soundtrack for an evening of Mustang pride and celebration!
Friday, October 10:
CAMPUS DRESS UP DAY: FLASHBACK FRIDAY (1963 AND ON)
STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS
10:00 am | Upper Conference Center
THE SOUTHWEST CELEBRATION
5:30 - 9 pm | Upper Conference Center
The Southwest Celebration is an event to kick off Homecoming Weekend. All in attendance will join on Friday as we celebrate the Alumni Award Recipients, highlight the special projects currently underway on campus, and kick off the annual coming home of our Mustang Family.
VOLLEYBALL MATCH VS. CONCORDIA-ST. PAUL - ALUMNI WEEKEND!
6:00 pm | PE Gym
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Golden Bears
Saturday, October 11:
MARSHALL FARMERS MARKET
7:30am | Parking Lot between the YMCA and Schwan's on the backside of the Marshall YMCA
Celebrate Homecoming with a visit to the Marshall Farmers Market! The market features fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, live performances, and more. A great way to support local growers and makers while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere.
5K & 10K RACE
8:00am | Track & Field Complex
Lace up your running shoes and kick start your day with a morning run! Registration starts at 7:30 am at the Track & Field Complex on the north end of campus. Sponsored by the SMSU Veterans Center.
SMSU WOMEN'S SWIM AND DIVE ALUMNI MEET
8:30am | Dan Palm Natatorium
Join us at the pool to cheer on past and present Mustangs as they participate in friendly competition and reconnect with teammates. A great way to celebrate Mustang pride and support SMSU Athletics!
SATURDAY MORNING MUSTANG
9am | Varsity Pub Extra Innings
Kick off your Homecoming Saturday with Saturday Morning Mustang, listen live from Extra Innings! Join Ryan Rohlik and Kelly Loft, SMSU’s Assistant Athletic Director of Communications, for a lively hour of all things Mustang Athletics—including the latest updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive interviews with SMSU head coaches. Enjoy breakfast paninos, sip on Bloody Marys, or grab your favorite morning drink as we gear up for a full day of Homecoming festivities. It’s the perfect way to start your Saturday—great food, great drinks, and Mustang pride!
ALUMNI CAMPUS TOURS
10:30 am | Meet in Founders Hall Lobby
Take a walk down memory lane and see what’s new at SMSU! Guided by Director of Development Rustin Buysse, these tours will highlight campus updates, favorite landmarks, and stories from the past. A great way to reconnect and rediscover Mustang pride.
CLASS OF 1975 REUNION
10:30 am - 12 pm | Upper Conference Center
Enjoy brunch and a program while reuniting with your fellow classmates.
PARADE LINEUP & CHECK IN
11 am | B Lot and Overflow parking (by softball field and track complex)
SMSU HOMECOMING PARADE
12 pm | SMSU Campus [Click to View Image: campus map showing parade route, parking]
CLUB AND ORGANIZATION HOMECOMING ACTIVITY FESTIVAL
1 pm | SMSU Central Field
Join us for a lively and interactive celebration featuring SMSU’s clubs and organizations! This carnival-style event will be packed with fun games and engaging activities—all hosted by the vibrant student groups that make our campus community shine. Whether you're looking to connect, compete, or just enjoy the festive atmosphere, this is the perfect way to celebrate all things Mustang!
TAILGATING AND GAMEDAY ROUND UP
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm | RA Parking Lot
Get ready to kick off Homecoming with the SMSU Alumni Association at our Gameday Round Up Tailgate! We'll be set up under the tent next to the ticket booth, welcoming alumni and fans with a festive atmosphere full of Mustang pride. Stop by to browse SMSU Alumni merchandise, enjoy refreshing drinks, and challenge your friends to some yard games. Plus, The Hitching Post will be serving up delicious burger baskets and a variety of beverages throughout the tailgate. It’s the perfect way to gear up for the game and reconnect with fellow Mustangs—don’t miss out!
LIVE MUSIC
1:00 - 3:30 pm | Mustang Trail
Since 2009, Working Class Hero has been electrifying venues across the Midwest with their unique, high-energy performances. Born from the camaraderie of friends who graduated from the same college and worked at the same retail store, the band brings a special blend of passion and talent to every show. With a couple of members hailing from Marshall, their local roots add an extra layer of connection and excitement to their performances.
2020, 2015 and 2000 CLASS REUNIONS
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm | Grass lot near the football ticket booth
This year, the SMSU Alumni Association is proud to host a 5th, 10th and 25th Year Reunion for all graduates from the classes of 2020, 2015 and 2000! Join us for a complementary drink token and time to reconnect with one another and reflect on our time at our alma mater. We will have a table for you to check in to receive a drink token. Our table will be near the ticket booth, which is where the bar and food area will be hosted by the Hitching Post. Be on the look out for the Alumni Tent!
VOLLEYBALL MATCH VS. WINONA STATE - ALUMNI WEEKEND!
2:00 pm | PE Gym
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Warriors.
PLANETARIUM SHOW: FROM EARTH TO THE UNIVERSE
2:00 - 3:00 pm | SMSU Planetarium - SM 108/109
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the cosmos in our planetarium star show! Starting from the comfort of your backyard, you'll gaze up at the twinkling stars and vibrant planets that light up the night sky. As we lift off, you'll soar through the solar system, visiting the majestic rings of Saturn and the red surface of Mars. But the adventure doesn't stop there! We'll travel beyond our solar neighborhood, gliding through the vastness of space, where you'll witness the breathtaking beauty of distant galaxies and the awe-inspiring edge of the observable universe. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of the cosmos as we explore the infinite possibilities that lie beyond our world!
FOOTBALL GAME VS. UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS - ALUMNI DAY!
5:00 pm | Schwan Regional Event Center
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Cougars.
JOHNNY HOLM CONCERT
Immediately following the football game | Mustang Trail
Returning to SMSU, The Johnny Holm Band is a legendary musical group known for their high-energy performances and incredible ability to connect with audiences. Led by Johnny Holm, often dubbed the "Human Jukebox," the band has been rocking the Upper Midwest for over 50 years.
LASER LIGHT SHOW: WOMEN THAT ROCK
8:00 - 9:00 pm | SMSU Planetarium - SM 108/109
Trailblazing women pushed the envelope of rock music as artists like Joan Jett and the Wilson sisters made a splash in the male-dominated rock world. Pat Benatar said she wanted to be like Robert Plant instead of Linda Ronstadt. Bands like the Runaways showed the way. This laser show also features artists of more recent bands like, "The Pretty Reckless" and "Halestorm" who carry on the hard rockin’ tradition. Runtime is 42 minutes in brilliant laser light and color.
Sunday, October 12:
BREAKFAST IN DINING HALL
Time: 11am - 2pm | Southwest Main Dining
End your Homecoming weekend on a delicious note with one final gathering at the SMSU Main Dining Hall. Enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat experience featuring a full salad bar, made-to-order omelets and breakfast favorites, grill options like burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries, plus custom pizza, stir fry, pasta, and rice stations. Don’t forget dessert—there’s an ice cream machine, sweet treats, and a variety of beverages. Whether you're craving comfort food or just a great cup of coffee, we've got you covered.
Cost: $10.72 plus tax.
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