MSU President's column for Traill County Tribune
April 22, 2017
$35,000 dollar-for-dollar match available in ‘I’m Thankful for Mayville State’ Week
Mark your calendar for Monday, April 24 through Friday, April 28, “I’m Thankful for Mayville State” Week, a five-day online give-a-thon that will benefit MSU students through the annual fund. This year, generous donors and our MSU Foundation Board of Directors have created a $35,000 matching fund to match dollar-for-dollar the first $35,000 in gifts. We’ve designated this special week as a time when you can remember the importance of Mayville State University and show your gratitude with a monetary gift. Please give serious consideration to making a financial contribution to Mayville State during this week, and encourage your friends to join you in the effort.
Contributions to the annual fund at Mayville State are critical. Every dollar given to the annual fund is put to work to help the MSU Foundation raise scholarship and program dollars to help students. Last year, every dollar given to the annual fund created more than $22.65 in new dollars of charitable support.
To give you an idea of just how important the work of the annual fund drive is to Mayville State, during the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the seed money raised in the annual fund drive provided the resources to raise 635 scholarships for MSU students in 2016-2017. Thanks to the annual fund drive seed money, endowment funds were increased by $500,000. They now total 165 endowed scholarships in 2016-2017. One hundred fifty Music Makers Scholarships were awarded to students who participated in band and choir. The goal to raise $100,000 in start-up funds for the Master of Arts in Teaching program was also achieved. The annual fund drive also provided the fuel for the Comet Athletic Club membership drive, producing 150 academic scholarships for student athletes.
In all, $1.4 million was raised in 2015-2016 because of the seed money donated to the annual fund drive. We are grateful to our wonderful supporters whose generosity, together with the good work of the MSU Foundation staff, made this happen. MSU Foundation fund-raising for the 2016-2017 year is right on track to exceed goals. With the $35,000 match available, it is the foundation’s goal to match every dollar of the match fund during “I’m Thankful for Mayville State” Week.
It’s key to remember that without an annual fund drive, there could not be an MSU Foundation. With enrollment increasing every year, you can be assured your annual fund drive gift is helping to fuel Mayville State’s growth for the future. Enrollment records continue to be set at Mayville State. New programs and activities are enhancing the Mayville State experience for students. The physical transformation of the campus over the last several years is amazing! Help keep the momentum going with your financial support. The goal for “I’m Thankful for Mayville State” Week is to have 200 donors participate. Last year, 116 donors contributed more than $14,000 in the one-day giving event. Will you be one of these generous participants who help us reach our goal?
Why are you thankful for Mayville State? Did you earn a degree that has paved the way for a career and better life for you and your family? Did an MSU faculty or staff member go out of his or her way to make a difference in your life? Do you enjoy attending the concerts, athletic contests, and other events on campus? Is your business or organization impacted by the existence of Mayville State? Are you a Mayville State alum who received scholarship assistance as a student?
The reasons to be thankful for Mayville State are many. We invite you to let your Comet pride shine with an attitude of gratitude April 24 through 28! This year, there are four ways in which to give and be eligible for the match. You can make your online contribution from the convenience of your own home, call the foundation office to make your gift by phone at 701-788-5275 or 701-788-5277, stop in at Mayville State’s Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. April 24-28 and get assistance making your gift, or make a gift from your smartphone by texting “Mayville” to 71777. Refreshments will be served at the Larson Center throughout the week.
The success of the “I’m Thankful for Mayville State” Week fund-raiser will most definitely translate to continued success for our beloved Mayville State University. We hope you’ll commit your financial support to this very important cause. For more information about “I’m Thankful for Mayville State” Week, you may contact Dena Bergstrom at 701-788-4864 or dena.bergstrom@mayvillestate.edu. Thank you for your consideration.