MSU President's Newspaper Column
April 27, 2024
Students thrive through optimal opportunities for leadership, learning, and growth
Mayville State’s 2024 Commencement Day will be here very soon. On Saturday, May 11, we’ll be celebrating a huge milestone in the lives of many students who have become treasured members of the Mayville State family. It will be a great day shared with the graduates, their family members, and friends.
Commencement Day is always a bittersweet day for me. While I am extremely happy for the graduates and the bright futures that await them, I can’t help but be a little sad about knowing that I won’t be able see and interact with them on a regular basis, which is something I truly enjoy. It fills my cup to watch as our students learn and grow throughout their time at Mayville State.
The opportunities for leadership, learning, and growth are optimal at Mayville State University. The family-like atmosphere provides a supportive environment in which to explore possibilities, and our cozy community has the things we need without a lot of distractions, allowing students to be more focused on their studies and campus activities.
Campus involvement adds a huge component of value to a college education. When I think about this year’s graduates and campus involvement, one student really stands out.
Thyra Peterick came to Mayville State from her hometown of Hatton, just about 20 miles from Mayville. She knew some things about the university even before she arrived on campus as a freshman. Many of her family members, including both of her parents, are Mayville State graduates. Thyra had been on the Mayville State campus for various events, including music contests, throughout her high school years.
As a freshman, she did not miss a beat getting involved not only in her studies, but also as a student athlete, and as someone who made the most of every opportunity to be engaged on campus. One could find Thyra at most campus activities. She was on the varsity volleyball team for four years, served as a resident assistant in the residence halls for a year, was a member of the science club, and participated in band and choir for four years. She was a lifeguard at the campus pool and helped with lighting in MSU Theater productions. As a member of the volleyball team, Thyra helped with camps for high school students. She participated and made presentations as a member of one of Mayville State’s scientific research teams. She was a part of the homecoming court in 2023. This past winter, she was selected to play her trombone in the North Dakota Intercollegiate Concert Band. In addition to all of this, Thyra managed to have an off-campus job, helping our local area with workforce needs.
To say that Thyra made the most of her Mayville State Experience is an understatement. She took every opportunity to enjoy what students find while attending Mayville State, where we embrace all that goes along with a small campus. This advantage prepares students for the world by providing huge opportunities for involvement and leadership. We are proud to provide a quality education for students with the value-added opportunities to become well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the workforce.
Thyra will graduate this spring with a major in allied health and a minor in fitness and wellness. She will be going on to earn her master’s degree in athletic training at NDSU, and some day she hopes to be back in this area where she can be close to her family and work as an athletic trainer.
We will miss Thyra and her fellow graduates who have made an impact on Mayville State University. These people have set an example for those who follow, and we encourage all who are considering a college home to take a serious look at Mayville State University. This is a place that provides almost limitless possibilities for students to learn, engage, and grow while being surrounded by kind and caring faculty and staff members, along with a supportive community. To learn more about what Mayville State has to offer, go to www.mayvillestate.edu or call our enrollment representatives at 701-788-4842.
Mayville State’s annual Day of Giving is coming up on Thursday, May 2. I hope you will consider making a gift on this day to show your love for Mayville State and to support students like Thyra who are in pursuit of their academic dreams and goals. Gifts received on Mayville State’s Day of Giving will go to the Honor Scholarship Fund for new first-year and transfer students. Gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $25,000, thanks to the generosity of a supportive alumni family. An additional 50% match will be applied for as long as North Dakota Challenge Grant dollars last. Learn more at www.mayvillestate.edu/dayofgiving.