MSU President's Newspaper Column
August 17, 2024
Campus is full of life as a new academic year is on the horizon
To say there is a lot happening on campus is an understatement. From north to south and east to west, the Mayville State University campus is full of life.
All faculty and staff who had offices in Old Main have now moved to temporary locations elsewhere on campus. We’re currently working to develop a campus map that will help people know where they can find the various offices.
On Tuesday of this week, PCL Construction conducted observation excavations at Old Main. The soil around the foundation was dug out in several places so the foundation could be checked. The soil has been replaced and work related to the Old Main renovation continues.
Before too long, bids will go out and we’ll be one step closer to demolition and construction work within the building.
Mark your calendars and plan to join us for the ceremonial kickoff of the Old Main renovation project on Friday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. We look forward to celebrating this historic project with all of our stakeholders. Watch for more information that will be coming soon. The kickoff is the first event planned for Homecoming 2024 festivities. (See the details at www.mayvillestate.edu/homecoming2024.)
Following the Old Main project kickoff, you’re invited to join in celebrating the completed Legacy Plaza, which is currently under construction in the corridor that runs east and west between the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse and Classroom Building. A light picnic-style lunch will be served.
Legacy Plaza will be a destination for gatherings, photo ops, and activities for students, employees, alumni, and the community. Landscaping and patios will be incorporated in this highly visible and well-traveled space. It will connect with a beautiful new entrance that will be on the north side of the renovated Old Main.
The Legacy Plaza project is being spearheaded by the Mayville State Alumni Association. Landscaping crews began their work Tuesday, Aug. 13, and we anticipate the project will be finished by mid-September.
We are grateful for the work of the Alumni Association board members who so freely give of their time, talents, and resources to support their beloved alma mater. After the board met on Thursday of this week, board members stayed on campus to clean up a big flower planter on the east side of the Classroom Building and assemble furniture that will go into Legacy Plaza. It is very typical to see board members doing good deeds that beautify the campus, including weeding and watering plants and more. This is above and beyond their work as board members who represent all Mayville State alumni in so many ways. Their volunteerism is invaluable to the university.
While all this is going on, the volleyball team reported for camp this week and the football team started their pre-season work last week. It’s great to see new and returning student athletes back on campus. Soon, the campus will be abuzz with faculty, staff, and students engaged and enjoying the fall semester.
Next week, all faculty and staff will gather for pre-service activities, preparing for the upcoming academic year. I invite all alumni and community members to join us at Mayville State for the annual state of the university address at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21 in the Classroom Building Auditorium. All employees and community members are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch in the campus dining center following the address.
As a new academic year is on the horizon, I am filled with a sense of excitement. Great things are all around us and the future is bright. We sincerely appreciate all the members of Team MSU who are playing a crucial role in making the most of the opportunities that are ours.