President's Column for Traill County Tribune

November 30, 2019

Volunteers make a difference for Mayville State

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”

John F. Kennedy 

We at Mayville State University could not be more thankful for the many volunteers who give of their time, talents, and resources to benefit the university. Each and every day, there are volunteers who are making a difference in the life of our university and the lives of our students.

I was touched to see the extent to which the local Sons of Norway group supported Mayville State when they provided and served Scandinavian treats for the reception that followed my inauguration on Sept. 13. Everything was delicious … and beautiful too! These folks most definitely put their hearts and souls into making it an extra-special occasion, and I am truly grateful.

A number of various community organizations devote time to supporting Mayville State. I couldn’t begin to name all of them, but I will mention the PEO Sisterhood organization that provides scholarships for local students who attend Mayville State, and the Masons group that puts on an annual breakfast to raise scholarship funding for local students who wish to attend Mayville State. Examples of this kind of dedication can be seen all around the Mayville-Portland community. What a wonderful blessing!

The Comet Athletic Club board members invest so much of themselves toward the success of their organization’s mission, providing scholarship assistance for Mayville State student-athletes. They host a number of fundraising events throughout the year, including the annual Sportsmen’s Raffle, the 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a couple of golf tournaments, and more.

This past year, the board has taken on the responsibility of having workers to facilitate bingo games at the Top Hat every Thursday night. That’s a big undertaking! They have done it to help augment scholarship funding, and the venture has been most successful. I would be remiss in not adding my thanks to the patrons who play bingo on Thursday evenings. We appreciate your support for Comet Athletics!

The Comet Athletic Club board is “all in” in everything they do, and it shows. They have been very successful in bumping up the amount of scholarship assistance they provide. We are truly grateful.

Our Alumni Association board is another group of volunteers dedicated to making Mayville State University the best that it can be. They demonstrate servant leadership at its best! They sponsor and host numerous events for alumni and friends. They are there to do the grunt work, to socialize, and most of all, to support the students of Mayville State.

When not hosting events, you’ll find various board members cleaning and doing yard work at the Larson Alumni & Leadership Center, polishing the statue in the Military Honor Garden, decorating the Larson Center for the holidays, raising scholarship funds, supporting fundraising events, and more. We treasure your friendship and thank you for your faithful support.

We are fortunate to have a board of directors for the MSU Foundation who are dedicated to the success of the foundation and thus, Mayville State. Many board members travel considerable distances to attend board meetings, committee meetings, and events. They use their knowledge and expertise to the benefit of Mayville State University. This commitment is sincerely appreciated and valued beyond words.

As I’ve said many times before, it is the people who make Mayville State special. This is most certainly true when you consider all of the volunteerism that goes into the success of the university and its students. We are truly blessed. On Thanksgiving, and every day, I include our volunteers among those for whom I am most thankful.