MSU President's Newspaper Column
October 10, 2026
Belonging and the strength of a community
When the Mayville State Comets take the field on Saturday, October 10, it will be more than just another home football game. It will be the team’s first game at Jerome Berg Field since the Homecoming/Farmers Bowl game on September 19, when quarterback Matt Donovan suffered a very serious head injury. With Matt and his well-being top of mind, the Comets were able to rally together to claim an incredible and improbable win over Simpson University in the last few minutes of the game.
The extraordinary demonstration of love and support for Matt, his family, and one another that has stretched across every corner of the university and across the country over the past few weeks will undoubtedly be present at the October 10 game. Players, coaches, classmates, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members will carry Matt’s story with them. For the team, every snap, every tackle, and every yard gained will be played with renewed purpose. The Comets will be chasing another victory, not only for themselves, but for a teammate whose determination continues to inspire them every day.
There is reason for hope.
In an update on Tuesday, October 6, Matt’s dad, Terry Donovan, reported encouraging signs of progress. Matt showed more meaningful movement in his right arm, opened his eyes for longer periods, and continued taking small but important steps forward in his recovery. While progress may seem slow from the outside, Terry reminded supporters that every movement, every response, and every new milestone is significant.
“Matt moved the chains,” is a phrase that Terry has used consistently in his daily updates on Matt’s recovery. It’s a phrase that resonates with football players, but it has become something bigger. It is a reminder that recovery is measured one step at a time. One day at a time. One victory at a time.
Terry also shared how much the support they are receiving continues to mean to the Donovan family. During difficult days, the family has been surrounded by an outpouring of compassion that reflects the very best of the Mayville area, the Donovan family’s hometown area of La Crescent, Minn., and places across the country.
That’s the kind of support that has long defined Mayville State University. Belonging is part of the Mayville State culture. Students arrive from different backgrounds, experiences, and interests, and they quickly find a place where they matter, where they are known, and where people genuinely care about their success.
Some students find that connection through traditional athletics. Others find it through academics, music, theater, esports, shooting sports, student organizations such as Student Education Association and Collegiate DECA, or service opportunities. Regardless of the path they choose, Mayville State students become part of a community that celebrates their contributions and supports them through life’s challenges.
The commitment to creating a welcoming environment is embraced campus-wide, and I want to recognize Shanna Hanson, coordinator of the Office of Belonging. Her work helps ensure that every student can discover meaningful connections, build relationships, and find their place within the Mayville State family.
The story that has unfolded over the past few weeks is a powerful reminder of why belonging matters. When adversity strikes, communities built on belonging respond with compassion, encouragement, and strength. The strength of Mayville State is found in people. It is found in relationships. It is found in a community that shows up for one another when it matters most.
Looking ahead, that same spirit of belonging will be highlighted during Visit Days planned for October 16, 22, and 23. Prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to experience Mayville State firsthand and discover how they can become part of the Comet family. You can learn more and register for Visit Days at www.mayvillestate.edu/visitdays.
When people join us for Visit Days, they will learn what so many already know … At Mayville State University, everyone belongs. As the Comets take the field on Saturday, October 10, they’ll be surrounded by a community united in support of Matt Donovan. The spirit of belonging that defines Mayville State will no doubt be extremely visible. As Matt Donovan continues to move the chains in his recovery, the Mayville State family will be right there with him, celebrating every step forward, every new milestone, and every victory along the way.