MSU President's column for Traill County Tribune
September 19, 2015
Homecoming 2015 will include a salute to our heroes
Homecoming is a wonderful time because old friends are reacquainted as they reconnect with their alma mater. We look forward to renewing acquaintances and making new friends during Mayville State’s homecoming activities the third weekend in October. Mayville State students will enjoy homecoming festivities throughout the week prior, and special events planned especially for alumni and friends are scheduled for Oct. 16-18.
We extend a warm invitation to all Mayville State alumni, retirees, and friends, and all members of the Mayville-Portland and surrounding communities. The traditional activities are all on the schedule. We’ll also be dedicating the Military Honor Garden on the grounds of the Larson Alumni and Leadership Center, and the former Mayville State cheerleaders and the 1990 championship football team will be having reunions. We encourage everyone, young and old, to join us at Mayville State for what we know will be a great weekend.
Darin Everson, Mike Mahlen, Kathy Maltrud, Robin (Brantl) Torkelson, and the 1959 baseball team will inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame during a dinner program in the Campus Center Luckasen Room beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 16. Members of the 1959 team were Jim Bisenius, Mike Bill, Darryl Gulbranson, Donald McIntyre, Alden Holte, Gary Bjerke, Dallas Kopp, Rex Haugen, Jim McChesney, Don Ostenson, Howard Strom, Donald Overbo, Dennis Fogelson, Willard Jacobson, Stanley Barta, Mike Strand, Graydon Rostberg, Kenneth Nessa, and Dennis Kiedrowski. Head coach was Al Meyer, and Jerry Fleming was the student manager. During the same Oct. 16 program, Ryam Brantl, James Evanson, Lisa (Gylten) Strand, and Tyrone Wacker will be inducted into the Mayville State Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame. Advance tickets are required if you wish to attend the dinner.
Saturday, Oct. 17 will begin with a meet and greet at the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center. Everyone is welcome to stop by for socializing and refreshments and stay to watch the homecoming parade, which begins at 10 a.m. The former cheerleaders and 1990 football team are also invited to gather there. This will be a great way to begin the day!
The route for the parade will change this year. Since we’ll be dedicating the Military Honor Garden, we want to make a special point to bring the parade past the Larson Alumni and Leadership Center. The parade will begin east of the MSU Campus Center, head west through campus on Stan Dakken Drive, then turn south on Third Avenue, take a right on Main Street and head west through downtown. The parade will end on Main Street, just north of Island Park. If you’d like to register an entry in the parade, contact Adam Edwards at 701-788-4822 or adam.edwards@mayvillestate.edu.
The dedication of the Military Honor Garden begins at 11 a.m. on the grounds at the Larson Center. The construction of this beautiful new tribute to Mayville State alumni and friends who have served or are serving in our country’s Armed Forces is underway. Project chairmen, Lt. Gen. Emil “Buck” Bedard (USMC ret.) and Dr. Martin Johnson (former Marine) will be on hand to offer their remarks. A special patriotic salute is planned. Details will be available soon. Our ever-supportive Mayville State alumni from Pembina County and Hoople are going to sponsor an all-American meal of hot dogs, chips, and more following the dedication. Everyone is welcome!
Stop by the MSU Bookstore after the parade until 1:30 p.m. to get your Comets gear, so you can wear it to the homecoming football game, which will feature the MSU Comets versus University of Jamestown. Game time is 2 p.m. at Jerome Berg Field. Be sure to come out and cheer on the home team! All homecoming honorees will be recognized at half time.
The homecoming fun continues at the all-alumni homecoming social from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Mayville Golf Club. A picnic-style supper will be served from 4 p.m. until it’s gone. This will be a great place to gather and catch up with your Mayville State friends. A special invitation is extended to former Mayville State cheerleaders and the 1990 football team. Everyone is welcome.
The icing on the cake for Homecoming 2015 will be the MSU Music Department homecoming concert, which begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 in the Classroom Building Auditorium. The participation level in our music program is very high this year. You won’t want to miss this concert! Performing Arts Hall of Fame inductees Beth Aufforth, C.T. Hanson, Otto Muecke, Kirk Overmoe, and Herb Thomson will be recognized during intermission. They’ll be the guests of honor at a social in the MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room following the concert. Everyone is invited to stop by and congratulate the newest members of the Performing Arts Hall of Fame.
For all the details regarding Homecoming 2015, including information on how to purchase Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner tickets, go to www.mayvillestate.edu/homecoming. We look forward to celebrating with you!