MSU President's Newspaper Column
March 18, 2023
Activities and opportunities highlight the spring semester
It seems a little odd to look at the huge amount of snow outside and think that it really is spring and that our students are on spring break this week. It seems that the remnants of this last weekend’s weather event might be around for a while. It is nice, however, that the power of the sun works quickly at melting icy roads. Thank goodness!
This last week, we had the pleasure of hosting the Region 3 high school large group music contest. It’s always very exciting to have the high school musicians, their directors, and the judges on campus. We look forward to hosting the small group contest in April as well.
Another nice music opportunity for high school students is coming up on April 28 and 29 during Mayville State’s first Honor Band Festival. Registrations and audition videos are currently being accepted from participants who will practice together on Friday evening and Saturday morning of that weekend. The festival will culminate in a public concert on the afternoon of April 29. The high school students will be joined by our Mayville State band students. See more at www.mayvillestate.edu/honorband2023.
The audience in the Classroom Building Auditorium enjoyed great music, fun duets, and a few surprises when Mayville State’s student musicians performed in a noon program on Friday, March 10. We’re Comet Proud of our music students and their director, Dr. Byron Ward!
The Mayville State softball and baseball seasons are underway. Coaches have been working hard to find places to play where temperatures are warmer and the playing fields are not covered with snow. Recently, the teams have played games in Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. You can stay up-do-date with how the teams are doing at www.msucomets.com.
We are Comet Proud of our players and coaches who represented Mayville State University in NAIA national men’s and women’s basketball tournament play. The women won one and advanced to the second game of the opening round played in Sioux Center, Iowa. Their loss to Dordt University ended national tournament play for them. The men came up short against Peru (Neb.) State in their opening round game in Jamestown, N.D.
During the games in Sioux Center, Mayville State’s Jordan Zrust was able to break the all-time scoring record by a Comets women’s basketball player. It was definitely an exciting moment in history. The fact that the previous record holder was there to share in the celebration when it happened made the milestone even more special. Beth Koppang Hughes and her husband, Jeremy, are the parents of another Comets player, Mackenzie Hughes, who was also playing in the tournament. Congratulations to Jordan and to Beth for holding this record for so many years!
In just a few weeks, members of Mayville State’s Collegiate DECA will head off to Orlando, Fla. for their international conference. At the recent state conference, all 20 of the chapter members who competed in various events qualified to attend and compete at the international conference. The Mayville State chapter received the Community Service Award. The members of the chapter take significant pride in giving back to the community through volunteer service. Their time and effort are making a difference for others. In addition, the chapter and its individuals received several state and national leadership awards. Lauryn Wolfgram, Mayville State's chapter president, and Julia Kohls, Mayville State's vice president of public relations, both received the North Dakota Collegiate DECA Outstanding Service Award.
Our Collegiate DECA students are shining stars in the way they represent Mayville State University. Not only are they amazing on the local level, Mayville State students are also leaders on the state level. Julia Kohls is this year's North Dakota Collegiate DECA state president, and Jamison Zaun is the state vice president. Mayville State's Miriam Carignan has been elected to serve as state president next year, and Samantha Passa has been elected to the position of state vice president.
Mayville State students are off enjoying spring break this week, but things will be back in full swing next week, when the flurry of end-of-the academic year activities will begin. There will be class work to complete and lots of activities that traditionally mark the closing of an academic year, including recognition programs, concerts, and the much-anticipated commencement ceremony on May 13. We all look forward to this special occasion that is the culmination of a huge accomplishment, the earning of a college degree, and the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the lives of our newest alumni, whether it be the beginning of a new career or the pursuit of further education. It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to be among our students as they achieve victories in so many ways and at so many levels. What a wonderful blessing!