MSU President's Newspaper Column
November 29, 2025
Celebrate the season of light and renewal while honoring Old Main and our shared values
The holidays are upon us and it’s time to celebrate! I invite all students, employees and their families, alumni, friends, and community members to join us at Mayville State on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 16, when we’ll celebrate the renovation of our beloved Old Main together with the ties that bind us as a campus and community.
Join us as we light the Christmas tree, share in festive music and fellowship, and mark this milestone in our university’s story. The evening will be a celebration of heritage, community, and the bright future we are building together. All who attend are invited to enjoy a light meal at the Campus Center immediately following the Old Main tree lighting program.
Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, reminds us of the power of kindness, community, and transformation during the holiday season. Just as Ebenezer Scrooge discovers the true meaning of Christmas through generosity and togetherness, our celebration is a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate the spirit of giving and hope.
In the story, Scrooge experienced a transformation as a person. Mayville State’s Old Main is also experiencing a major transformation. The 68th Legislative Assembly granted Mayville State $52,254,901 in state funding for the renovation of the building. Preliminary work began shortly after. The contents of the building were removed by October of 2024, when abatement work began.
With Foss Architecture + Interiors and PCL/Community Contractors, Construction Manager at Risk, leading the way, the renovation project is slated for completion in the summer of 2026.
The renovation project is modernizing the historic building, providing state-of-the-art classroom facilities, greater accessibility, and better efficiency. Students, staff, and faculty will enjoy more classroom and communal space. The renovation honors Old Main's legacy as a cornerstone of the Mayville State University campus, while growing into the future as the university continues to meet the needs of students and prepare them for success in the classroom and beyond.
For more than a century, Old Main has stood as a symbol of learning, community, and resilience. Its walls have witnessed countless stories of students, faculty, and alumni who shaped the legacy of Mayville State. The renovation of this beloved landmark honors that history while embracing a future filled with opportunity. With every passing day, the excitement for Old Main’s return to campus life in the fall of 2026 continues to grow.
Please plan to join us at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16. We’ll gather on the lawn at the PCL/Community Contractors construction offices just across the street from the south side of Old Main for a short program that will blend the warmth of tradition with the promise of progress. You won’t want to miss this special time for celebrating the historic heart of our campus.
Holiday lights shine with a meaning that goes far beyond seasonal cheer. They symbolize renewal and hope. Just as Old Main is being restored to serve generations of students, these lights remind us that traditions grow even brighter when paired with progress. On December 16, we’ll come together to celebrate the spirit of Mayville State and the enduring values that bring us together.
Our best days are ahead of us at Mayville State University.