MSU President's Newspaper Column
September 6, 2025
Blessings are all around us!
Late in the afternoon on Friday, Aug. 29, I received the phone call no administrator or family member ever wants to receive. This is when I learned that Mayville State’s men’s and women’s golf teams were involved in a vehicle crash on I-94 east of Bismarck at about 5:45 p.m. The teams were traveling in two vehicles and were on their way back to campus from a meet in Bismarck. Six student athletes and a member of the staff were in the one vehicle that was involved in the crash.
There were injuries, and the driver and a passenger were transported right away by ambulance to the hospital in Bismarck for treatment. Once transportation could be arranged, the others were checked out at the emergency room in Jamestown.
When all was said and done, we learned that injuries were not life-threatening and that all were able to return to Mayville or stay with friends and family in Bismarck for the night and return the next day. We are beyond thankful that the injuries were not any worse. This is a tragic situation, but we know it could have been so much worse.
The well-being of the members of the Mayville State family is of utmost importance, and we are grateful for the many good samaritans who stopped at the roadside to help our students and staff, as well as for the emergency personnel and others who came to the aid of our golf teams.
I would be remiss in not recognizing Head Coach John Murphy and members of the team who sprung to immediate action and assisted in any way they could while they awaited medical help and throughout the ordeal. Mayville State assistant football coaches need to be recognized as well. Several made the trip from Mayville with vehicles to help get people where they needed to go.
I’m wishing all a speedy and complete recovery. Our heartfelt thoughts continue to be with those involved and their families.
One of Mayville State’s most popular student activities, grocery bingo, was held on Tuesday of this week. It was great to be there together with about 150 Mayville State students who were hoping to win some great grocery prizes that will help them to fill their cupboards. One of the best parts of the evening for me was to interact with members of the golf teams who were there enjoying themselves and getting back to life as normal after what had been a stressful weekend for them. Thank you to Mayville State’s Peer Leaders for providing this much-loved opportunity for all.
The last several days have been filled with a roller coaster of emotions. At “The School of Personal Service,” we are one big family, the Mayville State Family. When any among us hurt, we all hurt. From learning of the crash, to all that happened after, and now to be on the other side of the crisis, I cannot help but feel that we are blessed. The story could have ended very differently. We have much for which to be grateful. Many thanks to all who have expressed their care and concern.
This is one of my favorite times during the academic year. Our campus is bursting with many new and returning students who are enrolled in classes and involved in clubs and organizations. Our athletic teams have begun their fall schedules. The Student Life department is hosting many activities and events for students. Intramural athletics are underway. There are many new students, faculty, and staff to meet. It’s a great time to reconnect with those who are returning, and who I haven’t seen in a while. There are games and matches to watch, and games and matches to play in. Every day is a great day to be a Comet!
I encourage you to get involved with Mayville State too. Meeting and getting to know our students is a wonderful experience! Check out the opportunities at the campus swimming pool. Join us on campus for athletic events and musical and theatrical performances, as well as other events that are planned for the near future. The combined Homecoming/Farmers Bowl celebration will be on Sept. 26 and 27. You’ll have a chance to interact not only with current students and their families, but also with our alumni and their families. See the schedule at www.mayvillestate.edu/homecoming2025 and plan to join us. It promises to be a special time! To see the full campus schedule of events, go to www.mayvillestate.edu/campuscalendar.