On Friday, October 11, the Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Alumni Association presented Senator Gary Dahms (R – Redwood Falls) with their Honorary Lifetime Membership Award. The award is given to someone who supports SMSU with the heart of a Mustang even though they did not attend SMSU.

“I am honored and proud to be a part of the Mustang Family on an official basis,” said Senator Dahms. “I feel very fortunate to have Southwest Minnesota State University in my district.”

During his tenure in the Minnesota Senate, Senator Dahms has put the needs of the region and SMSU at the forefront of his legislative agenda. He has authored bills in support of campus improvements and appropriations for Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) projects. Senator Dahms was a very strong supporter of starting the Agriculture Education program and was a champion for bringing funding and support for the program to SMSU. The senator also visits campus regularly to stay in touch with the needs of SMSU students, faculty, and staff as well as the community that supports SMSU.

“I can see Southwest as a real leader among the state universities,” continued Senator Dahms. “SMSU has solidified its position as a real gem in the state. I don’t take credit for any of that because it was the administration, the presidents I’ve worked with, and all the support people, professors, and staff that made this campus what it is today. The least I can do is support the campus where I can. Sometimes it’s financial. Other times, it’s being a voice in the state legislature. It’s a job I’m grateful to do.”

The SMSU Foundation and SMSU Alumni Association hosted the Southwest Celebration on October 11. The event celebrated the 2024 Alumni Award Recipients, highlighted special projects underway on campus, and welcomed alumni returning for Homecoming festivities.

Senator Dahms is in his fifth term representing Senate District 15 which includes communities in Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine counties. He also serves as the Republican Lead on the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee and Finance Committee.

Cutline: SMSU Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach Hannah Abel presents Senator Gary Dahms (R – Redwood Falls) with the Honorary Lifetime Membership Award. The award is given to someone who supports SMSU with the heart of a Mustang even though they did not attend SMSU. Photo courtesy of SMSU.