The Southwest Celebration

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.

 

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

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 with a Master's degree in Leadership and Management 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 being her husband's alma mater, it seemed like a natural way to give back to the community. She has enjoyed supporting the university that has made her feel welcomed 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 had out SMSU swag.

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.