SMSU receives $1.8 million donation from former student FILE — Southwest Minnesota State University announced Tuesday it has received a commitment of nearly $2 million from a former student. (Source: Randy W. Erb via Southwest Minnesota State University) By Jake Rinehart | February 23, 2021 at 4:49 PM CST - Updated February 23 at 4:57 PM MARSHALL, Minn. (KEYC) — Southwest Minnesota State University announced Tuesday it has received a commitment of nearly $2 million from a former student. The $1.8 million donation for the Student Success and Advising Center and scholarships was made by Deeann J. Griebel, who earned an accounting degree from SMSU in 1980. The investment from the Pipestone, Minn., native will allow for the creation of new tutoring and mentoring programs that will aim to ensure that all students have the resources and support they need to be successful.