Dr. David Danahar, president of Southwest Minnesota State University, announced today that he plans to retire following the 2010-11 academic year after 10 years at the University.

Danahar, who holds a doctorate in history from the University of Massachusetts, is Southwest’s eighth and longest-tenured president, having served the institution since 2001.

“I have had the fortune to work with some truly exceptional colleagues, individuals who have dedicated their professional lives to our students and to their continuing success. They are teachers and scholars who have never lost sight of their principle responsibility to meet and challenge the intellectual potential of students,” he said.

Danahar came to Southwest Minnesota State from Loyola University in New Orleans, La., where he served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. He began his academic career at the State University of New York at Oswego, where over a 15-year period he was a Professor of History, Director of General Education and Associate Dean of Arts and Science. Following that he was at Fairfield University, where he was Dean of the College of Arts and Science.

The annual Mustang Shootout will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Shooters Sporting Clays east of Marshall.

This annual athletic scholarship fund-raiser draws both serious and not-so-serious sporting clays shooters from across the region.

“It’s for all levels, you don’t have to be a seasoned veteran to participate, you can be a novice,” said Tim Steinbach, athletic development director at SMSU and one of the event organizers. “It’s not different than a golf tournament, just come on out and have fun.”

Shooters Sporting Clays, Marshall Radio and Running’s are the major sponsors of the event.

Southwest Minnesota State University Homecoming will be held Oct. 1-2, with a host of events surrounding this year’s theme of “Vote Stanger.”

“Homecoming is a time when many alumni choose to return to campus,” said Alumni Director Tyler Bowen. “This year there are a number of events planned and we look forward to seeing alumni and friends of the university take part.”

Ag Bowl, a parade, Mustang athletics, the University Gala, alumni awards, Dueling Pianos, food and fun will be part of the weekend festivities.

The Alumni Association will honor six individuals this year at a noon luncheon on Friday, Oct. 1 in the Conference Center ballroom. Receiving Alumni Achievement Awards will be Bemidji State University associate professor of business administration Dr. Joann Fredrickson, Class of ’84; and a trio of U.S. Navy personnel, Cpt. Jim Norton, Class of ’78; Cpt. Ken Norton, Class of ’81; and Cpt. Reed Eckstrom, Class of ’79.