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Your University, Your News, Your Life
Kim is the current News Editor for the SMSU Spur. She has been on staff for 3 years now – she started in the 2010 Fall Semester. She is a double major – majoring in PWC (Professional Writing & Communications) and Literature. She graduated from Benson, Minn. High School in 2010 with honors.
Her hobbies include reading, writing, walking, internet browsing and hanging out with friends and family, of course. She is also involved in the SMSU Jazz Ensemble and SMSU Concert Band and has also performed in the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra. Her other clubs include the English Club and Perceptions (SMSU’s literary magazine). She is also involved in the Oyate Club.
She is a 21 year old who loves big cities (mostly Minneapolis), libraries/book stores, camping (sometimes), swimming, listening to music and much more.
Her passion is to become a book publisher/editor.
Kim Watkins, News Editor
May 2, 2013
Filed under A&E
SMSU Jazz Band Performs for Fine Arts Month With a year full of “colorful” tunes, guest artists and hard work, the Southwest Minnesota State University Jazz Ensemble finished their season on Monday, Apr. 22 as part of the 2013 Fine Arts Celebration. Under the direction of Dr. John Ginocchio,... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
May 2, 2013
Filed under A&E
The destruction and chaos that follow Godzilla has made its way to the far reaches of the Midwest, where the massive creature made its stop at Southwest Minnesota State University as part of the 2013 Fine Arts Celebration. The SMSU/Community Concert Band performed their final concert of the... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
May 2, 2013
Filed under News
As Southwest Minnesota State University readies itself for new president, Connie J. Gores, it says goodbye to a man who, in his two years serving as interim president, has led the university in this time of transition. On Thursday, Apr. 25, students, faculty and staff were invited to attend... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
May 2, 2013
Filed under News
Despite the slew of terrible weather patterns we’ve had throughout the month of April, there were a number of volunteers on hand to help and donate at Southwest Minnesota State University’s biannual blood drive. The drive was held in the lower level Conference Center on Wednesday, Apr.... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
April 21, 2013
Filed under News
Learning, a never-ending part of our lives, whether it comes from a lecture, book, projector or the more modern Smart Board, each has its own way of giving us new information from the highly interesting to the downright dull. Though we, as students, are used to all types of learning materials,... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
April 21, 2013
Filed under News
The students and faculty of Southwest Minnesota State University as well as a number of community members were drawn to the campus for a night of culture and food, celebrating the various countries of many international students. The 23rd Annual International Food Festival was held at SMSU... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
April 4, 2013
Filed under News
The Catholic world rejoiced following the election of the new pope, Francis I, also known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He is the 266th canonized pope, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, the first to retire from the position in over 600 years. Though all seemed to be calm and peaceful throughout the... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
April 4, 2013
Filed under Uncategorized
The end of the year is slowly creeping upon us as we prepare for another summer working our summer jobs, vacationing, sitting on a beach, nights by the bonfire and cruising down the road with no worries of ice or snow to ruin it. But there is still plenty of semester left. It’s time for us... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
April 4, 2013
Filed under A&E
Leading up to the 7th Annual Fine Arts Celebration, guest artist Antonio Hart performed alongside the Southwest Minnesota State University Jazz Ensemble in a two-day concert series. The concerts were held Monday, Mar. 25 at Litchfield, Minn. High School and Tuesday, Mar. 26 at the Marshall... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
March 28, 2013
Filed under News
Women’s History Month has been celebrated for years by people across the United States and the world who remember and appreciate the many women and historical events that have changed the world’s perceptions and lives of women to come. Women’s History Month started as an International... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
March 28, 2013
Filed under A&E
Featuring Guest Artist James Borowski Rock, classic and jazz tunes were aplenty during the second annual Day of Trombone held in Charter Hall 201 on Mar. 2. Several performances were held throughout the day, with each featuring guest trombone player, Dr. James Borowski, from New York City. Dr.... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
March 28, 2013
Filed under News
Southwest Minnesota State University has a major impact on the academics, businesses and rural communities throughout the southwestern Minn. region. Considering the impact that SMSU has upon this region, one must consider the economic implications that are affected by this university. In a... (more...)
Kim Watkins, Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2013
Filed under News
By partnering with Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council (SMOC), Southwest Minnesota State University is able to offer free testing for chlamydia on campus. This semester, the screenings will take place on Wednesday, March 21. According to Valerie Dallenbach, SMSU’s director of health... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
March 28, 2013
Filed under News
Looking to the future, farmers around the Marshall area and across the nation are hoping for the best as we head into spring and a new year of farming. Good weather and healthy livestock, though both important, aren’t all it takes to be well off in the agricultural industry. By considering... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
February 28, 2013
Filed under A&E
As part of the Visiting Writer Series at Southwest Minnesota State University, Mark Anthony Rolo, the first of many authors, was on hand Thursday, Feb. 21 to share his story with the faculty and students of the university. Sharing excerpts from his most recent memoir, “My Mother is Now Earth”,... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
February 28, 2013
Filed under A&E
Counting down the days till Spring Break, one must find a way to relax and get through these next few weeks before we all head off to Florida, Mexico, Europe, home…or wherever you happen to be traveling. If you want to sit down and forget about midterms and papers for a while, check out the... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
February 28, 2013
Filed under News
Want a more in-depth conversation about gender and the stereotypes that come along with both the male and female sex? Well, you can look no further than here at Southwest Minnesota State University, where several clubs and organizations on campus will host Gender Day. If you’ve seen the posters... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
February 28, 2013
Filed under News
Marc Elliot Presentation, “What Makes You Tic?” – This event was held Tuesday, Feb. 9 in the lower level Conference Center. Elliot shared his experience in living with Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder which causes involuntary motor and vocal tics. Elliot has spent the past few... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
February 28, 2013
Filed under News
As part of the “Viewer Discretion Advised” events, two members from the PFLAG (Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) group, Sue Morton and Beth Collins, were on campus Tuesday, Feb. 26 to discuss same-sex marriage. The presentation started with a Paul Wellstone quote: “If... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
February 28, 2013
Filed under News
Southwest Minnesota State University celebrates and welcomes Connie J. Gores as the new president-elect. Gores was chosen for the top position–out of a total of 47 candidates–at the MnSCU (Minnesota State Colleges & Universities) Board of Trustees meeting, which was held Tuesday,... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
February 11, 2013
Filed under News
The Southwest Minnesota State University dance team can be seen shaking their stuff at numerous events, usually performing during half-time shows or at special events. For the Feb. 16 basketball games, however, there will be a new spin on the show. Kids from the community will join in and rock... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
February 11, 2013
Filed under News
In the final stretch of the presidential search for Southwest Minnesota State University, presidential candidates Ronald Rosati and Connie Gores were invited to participate in a day of interviews, where they would be given an opportunity to make their case to members of the college and the... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
February 11, 2013
Filed under Sports
The Southwest Minnesota State University wheelchair basketball team swept the Rollin’ Timberwolves 2-1 in a three-game set over the weekend. Two games were held on Saturday, Feb. 9 and the other on Sunday, Feb. 10. The first game saw a victory for the Mustangs, winning 42-30 against the Timberwolves. However,... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
February 11, 2013
Filed under Sports
The Southwest Minnesota State University women’s tennis team faced off against Macalester College in the first game of the season on Saturday, Feb. 9 in St. Paul. The Mustangs took a 7-2 loss against Macalester, but had one singles victory and one doubles victory. Charlie Kost, head tennis... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
February 11, 2013
Filed under A&E
The Southwest Minnesota State University theatre group will be performing “Leaving Iowa”, a play about a man’s journey through the Midwest. This play tells the story of Don, fulfilling his dad’s final wish to have his ashes spread at his childhood home. Don’s encounters with diverse... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
February 11, 2013
Filed under News
As Southwest Minnesota State University prepares to celebrate Black History Month, it also prepares to celebrate other inclusional events. Black History Month and other events are being celebrated once again at SMSU and there are a number of events that one can attend. Some events include hip-hop... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
January 30, 2013
Filed under A&E
Signe Stuart’s “Paintings, Texts and Scroll” in the William Whipple Gallery replicated the feeling of being in a library filled with ancient scrolls. The exhibit is ideal for anyone who appreciates the subtle art of punctured texts. A variety of artwork from the talented artist is currently... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
January 30, 2013
Filed under News
As we head into a new semester at Southwest Minnesota State University, we must prepare for new classes, new professors (for some) and a completely new schedule. Even with all of these new changes, we immediately become accustomed once again to life at SMSU. This isn’t always the case, however,... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
January 30, 2013
Filed under News
She has worked with various student organizations, she’s been the adviser of the International Students Organization (ISO) for 12 years, she’s the coordinator of International Student Services (ISS), and has worked with many students in events such as the International Art Festival, the... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
January 30, 2013
Filed under News
“We are the change: Where do we go from here?” was the main question and central theme of the fourth annual Power in Diversity Leadership Conference, held at St. Cloud State University. Students and faculty from five universities were in attendance for the conference this past weekend to... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
December 12, 2012
Filed under Commentary
For those of you who have been skeptics of the ever-popular, not to mention sparkly, vampire story, “Twilight,” the last movie might just have you jumping on the bandwagon rooting for Edward or Jacob…or possibly Renesmee. Ever since Stephanie Meyer began writing the book series back in... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
December 12, 2012
Filed under A&E
The night was full of colors at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) as the SMSU Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. John Ginocchio, performed a list of tunes in a rainbow-themed concert. “Across the Jazz Spectrum” was the name for this year’s Jazz Fall Concert, with tunes... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
December 12, 2012
Filed under A&E
The stress of holiday shopping and finals are upon us and what better way to take the pressure off than to sit down and listen to live music by the many musical groups of Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). If you find yourself wanting a break from studying, shopping or wrapping presents,... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
December 12, 2012
Filed under News
In the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War, countless indigenous peoples lost their lives due to starvation, inclement weather, the war and the hanging of 38+2 Dakota men. This was a war that raged on throughout Minn. while the Civil War continued in the East. The Southwest Minnesota State University Oyate... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 27, 2012
Filed under A&E
For those with doubts about the continuation of the famous Bond series, you can let that go because Skyfall has dominated countries worldwide with its fierce action and compelling storyline. With Daniel Craig taking the helm of the Bond series back in 2006, many speculated whether the blond... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 27, 2012
Filed under A&E
Those classic stories of old line the shelves of bookstores, come alive in cinematic theatres and end up visiting the stage of Southwest Minnesota State University. Characters of Myths, Legends & Literature was the theme for the annual Fall Concert Band performance, which was held in the... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 27, 2012
Filed under A&E
The Southwest Minnesota Jazz Ensemble brought their talents to the Brookings High School from Brookings, South Dakota in a performance alongside the BHS Marching Band. With a salute to the armed forces, a number of jazzy pieces and a finale in the dark, it was a night full of variety for the... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 27, 2012
Filed under News
As many people know, the SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) organization recently changed their name to Enactus. The big question is, why? “The main reason why the organization’s name changed from SIFE to Enactus is because Enactus is more universally understood. Enactus stands for entrepreneurs,... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 27, 2012
Filed under News
As a university that embraces international learning, Southwest Minnesota State University’s ISO (International Student Organization) club and other clubs celebrated International Education Week, which began on Nov. 12, with two events. International Education Week celebrates the benefits... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 27, 2012
Filed under News
The Southwest Minnesota State University Enactus team is heading to Jamaica, but this isn’t just an ordinary and relaxing vacation. It’s an effort of the team’s to help and work with an orphanage over the winter break. The team will be working at the Robin’s Nest Children’s Home,... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 13, 2012
Filed under Sports
Now at an overall record of 2-5 in the 2012-2013 season, the Southwest Minnesota State University wheelchair basketball team started making a comeback during this weekend’s 3-game battle against the Madonna Magic. The team came back from a four game loss against the University of Illinois.... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 13, 2012
Filed under A&E
To truly understand the message within a piece of art, an art enthusiast must study the different types, forms and designs within the artistic world. Where is the best place to begin? Well, just stop on by the William Whipple Art Gallery for a start. The theme for the new Whipple Gallery exhibit... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 13, 2012
Filed under News
With November comes a celebration of veterans, a celebration to give thanks and a celebration of Native American history. Native American History month is being celebrated nationwide by a number of people and Southwest Minnesota State University is doing their part to honor indigenous tribes... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 13, 2012
Filed under News
With celebrations and dedications being made throughout November for Native American History month, Southwest Minnesota State University is hosting several events in commemoration of indigenous history. Such events include the Social Science Museum exhibit, Commemorating Controversy: The Dakota-U.S.... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 1, 2012
Filed under A&E
There is always a risk to be had when making a sequel to a highly popular film and the producers of the “Paranormal Activity” series are, once again, pushing the limits of horror to reach the high that the original achieved. The question is, did it work? “Paranormal Activity 4” is the... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 1, 2012
Filed under A&E
When wine evaporates from oak barrels, about five to ten percent of it is lost. This is known as The Angel’s Share. This is also the name of San Franciscan, Rayme Waters’, new novel. As part of the Creative Writing Author Series at Southwest Minnesota State University, Waters was on hand... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
November 1, 2012
Filed under News
When the Udon Thani Rajabhat University students and faculty come to Minnesota they hope for a chance to learn about a part of American culture, to see how schools and businesses are run, to get in touch with the community and, hopefully, to see some snow. Southwest Minnesota State University... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
October 31, 2012
Filed under Commentary
I have to admit it, back in 2008 with all the hype and excitement of history being made and the election well on its way to being finished, I had one thing to say: “I don’t care.” It was juvenile, it was stupid. All I could think was that if I wasn’t old enough to vote, why should it... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
October 31, 2012
Filed under News
What came from a course at Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, Minn. turned into a project that portrays a controversial, yet important topic in U.S. history. “Commemorating Controversy: The Dakota-U.S. War of 1862” is a traveling museum exhibit that will be on display Nov. 5-29 at Southwest... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
October 31, 2012
Filed under News
With a visit from Chancellor Steven Rosenstone earlier this month and several interviews prepared in the foreseeable weeks, the Southwest Minnesota State University presidential search is well underway. For those who don’t know, SMSU is currently in the process of finding a new president... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
October 16, 2012
Filed under A&E
You can take a chair, stack it on top of another chair…and then you can call it art. That’s how limitless art can be and that proves true in Southwest Minnesota State University’s William Whipple Gallery. Going hand- in- hand with Homecoming, the Gallery is featuring the works of four... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
October 4, 2012
Filed under News
After what has seemed like weeks and weeks of getting used to school, attending classes, and studying, the time has finally come for a break. It’s Homecoming, folks! It’s time to cheer on our teams and enjoy an exciting week of coronations, hypnotism, karaoke and more. The theme for this... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
October 3, 2012
Filed under News
The month of September is full of many important occasions: the start of the school season, the changing colors of the trees and the slightly colder weather. It is also a month that marks the period when many Hispanic countries declared their independence—a fact less known to many. The Latino... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
September 20, 2012
Filed under Variety
With pops of bright reds and deep blues with hints of green, white, yellow and more, Elso Schiavo’s “Fantastic Creatures” exhibit brings an array of art to life. The William Whipple Gallery at Southwest Minnesota State University is showing a collection by Swiss artist, Elso Schiavo.... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
September 20, 2012
Filed under Commentary
Following the Republican National Convention, the Democratic National Convention was held Sept. 2-6 in Charlotte, N.C. With the G.O.P electing Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan as president and vice-president candidates, respectively, the Democratic Party chose Barack Obama and Joe Biden for a re-election. “After... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
September 20, 2012
Filed under News
When one heads to college, one expects the usual ritual – registering for courses, buying books, attending classes, taking tests, writing papers and, hopefully, getting good grades. So if the opportunity comes along to attend classes with no tests and no grades to worry about, who wouldn’t... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
September 20, 2012
Filed under News
When the school’s former president David Danahar retired, Southwest Minnesota State University was put in a state of transition. The search for a new president was underway. During this time, interim president Ronald Wood has taken the reins and has jumpstarted several projects in the past... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
April 17, 2012
Filed under A&E
To the moon and back again, the Southwest Minnesota State University Jazz Ensemble performed in their final concert on April 16, 2012 in the Fine Arts Theatre as a part of the Fine Arts Celebration. The 14-member ensemble performed under the direction of Dr. John Ginocchio. The members included... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
April 17, 2012
Filed under News
For nine years, Dr. Sharon Kabes has been a member of the Southwest Minnesota State University family. She is a professor of education at the school and has worked hard to help the development and process of many committees and programs at this school and the community. For her achievements... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
April 17, 2012
Filed under News
441 lives. That’s how many people were saved by the donations at the Southwest Minnesota State University’s Bi-Annual Blood Drive, held on Wednesday, April 11 in the Lower Conference Center. We ended up collecting 147 units of blood, which saves 441 lives. The head nurse, Debbie, said that... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
April 3, 2012
Filed under News
We’ve all heard of donating old clothes and canned food to community shelters, donating books to the library and donating money to various charities, rescue missions, etc. All of these donations can improve a life. By donating your blood, you will be helping save even more lives. Southwest... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
April 3, 2012
Filed under News
The Southwest Minnesota State University SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) team is on its way to Nationals after a big win at Regionals. The team competed in Minneapolis at the March 24 competition, marking their ninth straight regional win. With this victory, the team will be heading to Kansas... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
April 3, 2012
Filed under News
Four speakers gathered at Southwest Minnesota State University to talk about the discrimination against those with disabilities and racism that is still very apparent in our society today. The Disabilities and Racism Conference was held on Thursday, March 22 in the SMSU Conference Center from... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
March 21, 2012
Filed under A&E
The Guest Artist program has been a part of the Southwest Minnesota State University jazz ensemble and other performing groups for a number of years. This year is no different as guest trumpeter, Michael Philip Mossman, will grace the stage for two back-to-back performances with the SMSU Jazz... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
March 21, 2012
Filed under Variety
In honor of Women’s History Month, there are a number of events that have been planned at Southwest Minnesota State University. Many events have been happening around campus and are continuing throughout the month of March. A panel discussion was held on Tuesday, March 13 presented by Joan... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
March 21, 2012
Filed under News
Worried about what classes you need for next semester? Wondering what to prepare for in the year ahead? Well, no worries. Advising and registration begin next week for those of you who need that extra push in the right direction. Advising will begin from early to mid-next week, with Wednesday,... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
March 21, 2012
Filed under News
The conference will be held on March 22 from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Southwest Minnesota State University is getting down to the bigger and more serious issues that are still a big part of today’s society. A Disabilities and Racism Conference will be held on March 22 in the lower ballroom of... (more...)
Kim Watkins, News Editor
March 21, 2012
Filed under News
A photo, surrounded by signatures and memories, shows a person that will be missed dearly by friends, family and the community. Southwest Minnesota State University students, faculty and staff remember Katie Hancock, who gave over 15 years of service to the school and who will always be remembered... (more...)