September 15, 2020
Mayville State University alumnus Dr. John Lyng will deliver the annual commencement address at Mayville State University Friday, Sept. 25. The commencement ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. at the Mayville State University Lewy Lee Fieldhouse. Mayville State University’s annual commencement exercises are normally held in the month of May, but the emerging coronavirus pandemic last spring prompted the decision to delay until September.
Current graduates Taylor Skjordal from Grafton, N.D., and Jennifer Pageler from Warren, Minn., will speak on behalf of the graduating class.
Mayville State’s graduation day festivities will begin with the traditional graduation brunch, hosted by the MSU Alumni Association. The meal will begin at 11 a.m. in the Campus Center Luckasen Room. The members of the graduating class and their families will be the guests of honor. Thanks to the generosity of event sponsor Gate City Bank, the meal is provided complimentary to all who attend.
All who participate in the commencement festivities will be required to wear masks or cloth face coverings to comply with Mayville State University’s policy related to the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing guidelines will be followed.
Mayville State University Commencement Speaker Biographies
Keynote Speaker
Mayville native Dr. John Lyng is a graduate of May-Port CG High School and Mayville State, where he was named to “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges” in recognition of his campus involvement. A member of the Alpha Phi Sigma honor society, Lyng graduated magna cum laude from MSU. He went on to the University of North Dakota medical school, where he began to demonstrate the leadership in advancing the cause of emergency medicine that has characterized his whole career.
Dr. Lyng is Board Certified in EMS Medicine and Emergency Medicine and is a nationally registered paramedic. He practices as an EMS physician through work as a medical specialist on the Minnesota Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team and as a medical officer on the Minnesota-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team. In 2012, the team was deployed to the East Coast to deal with the after-effects of Hurricane Sandy, and in 2020 to California and Arizona to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
From 2010-2019 Lyng served as the medical director for North Memorial Health Ambulance & Air Care, and continues to work clinically as an emergency physician at North Memorial Level 1 Trauma Center in Minneapolis, Minn. and at several suburban and rural Minnesota hospitals.
Dr. Lyng has special interests in pediatric emergency medicine, trauma management, and international emergency medicine. He participates in several local, regional, and national committees that are involved in advancing the field of EMS medicine and prehospital care, including a 2019 appointment to the Minnesota State Trauma Advisory Committee.
He has been an active leader at the national and international levels through his membership in the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), including leadership in several committees.
He is the vice chair of the NAEMSP Air Medical Transport Committee and is member-at-large of the charter NAEMSP state chapter in Minnesota. His leadership in both emergency medicine and EMS medicine has been recognized by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the NAEMSP with conferment of fellowship status in both organizations.
Dr. Lyng has the distinction of being one of the inaugural group of 205 EMS physicians who were conferred fellowship status in the Academic of Emergency Medical Services. He was awarded the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Distinguished Service Award for his role in community opioid overdose awareness programs as well as the NAEMSP President’s Award for his work as chairman of the NAEMSP Standards & Clinical Practices Committee.
Dr. Lyng lives in Minnetonka, Minn. with his wife, Megan, and children Evelyn, Elliot, and Ingrid.
Student Speakers
Taylor Skjordal is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. A Dean’s List student, she has earned magna cum laude honors and has completed the requirements for a major in biology and minor in psychology. Taylor intends to pursue further education and a career as a physician’s assistant. A first generation college student on both sides of her family, Taylor has been a member of the Comets women’s basketball varsity team for four years and was named an NAIA Scholar Athlete for two years. Her parents are Becky and Kevin Marier from Grafton, N.D.
Jennifer Pageler is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in elementary education. A scholarship recipient, Jennifer has earned summa cum laude honors. She is an active volunteer as a respite care provider and member of her church. She made the decision to return to school as an older, non-traditional student and has pursued a college degree while maintaining life commitments to her family, faith, and community.