MSU President's Newspaper Column
September 23, 2023
Great things happen when teamwork prevails!
For the first time ever at Mayville State, Homecoming met Farmers Bowl for what was an epic Comets Family Reunion Sept. 15 and 16. Students, alumni, friends, and community members honored the roots we all have in Mayville State while celebrating the agricultural way of life of this area. It was a fabulous weekend, and the highest level of teamwork among individuals who represent both the campus and the community made it happen. On behalf of Mayville State University, I thank each and every one who had a part. We are truly grateful.
One of the qualities valued most by Mayville State University students is a sense of community, not only locally on the campus, but in the towns that surround us. Almost to a person, when asked about what they like about being a student at Mayville State, students include their love for the community. Not only do our students experience personal service on campus and in the classroom, but they also experience it within the extended community.
Student athletes feel important when they stop at the grocery store and a community member congratulates them on a great game. Students appreciate the community members who attend their musical or theatrical performances. Students recognize the generosity of others who support them as they pursue their educational and career goals.
We can see examples of community spirit everywhere, and none is greater than the recently celebrated Farmers Bowl/Homecoming event.
Many community members participated in the parade, while others lined the streets for all the fun that goes along with a parade. Students, alumni, and friends paid tribute to veterans at the Military Honor Garden Ceremony of Remembrance and enjoyed visiting the gardens at the Larson Center. Families and friends joined in honoring Mayville State alumni and friends for their contributions at Mayville State and in their careers.
Community families came to campus and enjoyed corn on the cob and hot dogs prepared and served by Mayville State’s student athletes. They enjoyed inflatable games, face painting, and live music while interacting with Mayville students and alumni, inspiring a sense of community. Tailgaters showed up en masse to show their support for the Comets and to have a good time. On a beautiful fall day, Jerome Berg Field was filled with what may very well be a record attendance of fans who came to cheer for the Comets in the football game.
Alumni, friends, and community members (local and from a distance) went all-out to benefit Mayville State University and its students through the work of the MSU Foundation and Alumni Association at the Farmers Bowl Auction. A great selection of live and silent auction items was contributed to the cause by donors who thoughtfully considered what auction-goers would want to buy. Dozens of students, alumni, and friends worked as a team to plan and carry out the much-loved event. The night was complete when about 175 campus and community folks came to socialize, enjoy delicious food, and bid high and often in pursuit of a treasured auction item or two.
Sponsors lent their financial support too. When all was said and done, all Farmers Bowl activities brought in about $60,000. That’s a gigantic win for our campus and the community, and we could not be more thankful.
I tip my hat to the members of the Alumni Association board who have worked tirelessly to make sure the combined Farmers Bowl/Homecoming celebration would be successful and a time enjoyed by all. I think it’s fair to say they accomplished their goal and that a good time was had by all.
There is no doubt that the proverb “it takes a village” applies in the case of Mayville State. Many of our students come from small towns across North Dakota, where this is the norm. Others come from larger cities in North Dakota and beyond. If they have not grown up knowing the concept of personal service, they quickly learn what it means and place a high value on it.
Whether you are supporting Mayville State University directly or indirectly, financially or with your words of encouragement, you are an important member of Team Mayville State. Together, we are making a difference for students. That positive impact has a ripple effect as our Mayville State students graduate and go out into the world and make a difference in their careers and communities, and in our state. Now that’s a great reason to be Comet Proud!