MSU President's Newspaper Column
May 2, 2026
Celebrating achievement, pride, and the Comet spirit
Mayville State University’s 2026 Commencement will take place Friday, May 15, beginning at 1 p.m. in the MSU Lewy Lee Fieldhouse. The day’s celebration will begin with the traditional graduation brunch, hosted by the MSU Alumni Association. The event serves as the first official alumni event for our newest alumni and their families. A time of socializing and photo ops is planned in Legacy Plaza immediately following the commencement ceremony, weather permitting, of course. There is no doubt that May 15 will be an extra-special day at Mayville State.
We are pleased to welcome Nick Storhaug, a 1974 Mayville State graduate, as our commencement keynote speaker. Storhaug is a Certified Public Accountant and sole proprietor of an accounting and tax firm who has spent decades serving the Lisbon, N.D., community. He and his wife, LaVonne, demonstrate a deep and enduring commitment to Mayville State through generous financial support that helps students pursue their higher education goals. Nick further reflects that dedication through his service as a member and officer of the MSU Foundation Executive Board.
We also look forward to recognizing Larry McGillis during the commencement ceremony, when he will be presented with an honorary Master of Science in Leadership degree. This honor recognizes his exemplary leadership and unwavering support for Mayville State University and the Mayville-Portland community. The university and the community are stronger because of Larry McGillis, his wife Dixie, and their family. Their leadership, kindness, and generosity have made a profound difference. Through this generosity, they have transformed the lives of countless students and graduates, individuals who, in turn, are making a positive impact across North Dakota and beyond. We are deeply grateful to the McGillis family.
Commencement marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and growth by our graduates, made possible through the unwavering support of their families and the guidance of our faculty and staff. It is a moment to reflect on the challenges overcome, the knowledge gained, and the friendships formed along the way. As each graduate crosses the stage and receives their diploma, we celebrate not only an individual achievement, but the collective pride we share as a university community. This milestone represents both an ending and an exciting beginning, and we are honored to send our graduates forward as Comets prepared to make a meaningful difference in the world.
The ceremony will also feature student speakers Cara Hansen-Thompson of Starkweather, N.D., and Bethany Holter of McCanna, N.D., who will speak on behalf of the graduates. Earlier in the day, graduates Anthony Johnson of Mandan, N.D., and Micaela Kocher of Crosby, N.D., will share reflections on their Mayville State experience during the graduation brunch.
At Mayville State, we work very hard to impact the lives of the students we serve. From the start of my presidency, it has been my personal goal to foster a safe, supportive environment where students can learn, explore, and grow. It is incredibly rewarding to see Mayville State University and our students continue to flourish. Hearing from parents who are grateful for the safety, opportunities, and sense of belonging their children find here is one of the greatest affirmations of our work. That is a wonderful reason to be CometProud.
The public is invited to attend commencement exercises at Mayville State on May 15. The program begins at 1 p.m. in the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse.