MSU President's Newspaper Column
May 23, 2026
From commencement to a summer filled with purpose
As the excitement of commencement fades and graduates move into their next chapters, the Mayville State University campus is quieter. Most students have left the residence halls, classrooms are empty as most Summer Session courses are offered online, and the academic year gives way to an in-between time that is full of purpose. That quiet extends beyond the campus too. In the surrounding community, the daily buzz has shifted with the absence of students, prompting a noticeable gap after months of activity.
This being said, summer is far from a time of inactivity at Mayville State. Many students remain engaged through online summer courses, continuing their academic journeys from wherever they may be, in Mayville or elsewhere. On campus, the work of renewal is underway. Physical plant and custodial employees are tending to landscaping and maintenance projects, breathing fresh life into campus spaces. Inside the residence halls, the quiet will soon be replaced by the sounds of painting and upkeep as preparations begin for the return of students in the fall. This summer, the interiors of all residence halls will be painted and refreshed.
One of the most visible signs of progress is the continued renovation of Old Main, the university’s historic centerpiece. The project represents both preservation and transformation, honoring the past while preparing for the future. I invite all community members to see that progress firsthand during a public tour planned for Tuesday, June 2 at 10 a.m. The tour will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the work shaping the iconic building’s next chapter. Participants must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and check in at the construction offices located to the south of Old Main for a safety briefing before the tour begins. Please let us know if you’ll be participating by registering at www.mayvillestate.edu/OMtours.
Elsewhere on campus and beyond, additional improvements are taking shape. The restroom facility outside of Jerome Berg Field, which was lost in a fire last fall, is being rebuilt. At the same time, exciting upgrades are underway at Paul Karlstad Field, Comets Softball home field in Portland, N.D. Among the enhancements is a new scoreboard, just one of several improvements that will elevate the game-day experience.
Thoughts of Commencement 2026 linger. On that day, I reminded the graduates of their potential … as Mayville State graduates, they are prepared to do anything they wish to do in life. Dr. John Lyng’s journey stands as a powerful example of that promise.
Just a few days after the Mayville State commencement festivities, Dr. Lyng, a 2001 Mayville State graduate, delivered the prestigious 71st Louis H. Bauer Lecture at the Aerospace Medical Association and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society Annual Scientific Meeting in Denver. The event brought experts in medicine and aviation together.
Dr. Lyng’s presentation highlighted his leadership in advancing emergency medical preparedness during in-flight incidents. His work is helping to improve onboard medical kits and strengthen response capabilities on commercial aircraft.
An emergency and EMS physician, Dr. Lyng earned his medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He has built a career dedicated to improving patient care beyond traditional clinical settings. His recognition on an international stage reflects the values instilled at Mayville State: innovation, service, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference. We’re CometProud of John Lyng!
The campus may be quieter right now, but it is far from still. Progress continues, possibilities expand, and alumni proudly carry the Mayville State legacy into the world. Summer is simply a pause filled with purpose, anticipation, and the promise of what’s ahead.