MSU President's Newspaper Column
May 4, 2024
Employees make the difference for our students
Our faculty and staff are the heart and soul of the Mayville State University Experience for students. No matter their position or job description, each employee plays a very important role in the success of the university, and ultimately the success of our students. Our employees provide mentorship across the board. Whether a person is a professor, a clerk in the business office, or a custodian, their daily interactions make a big impression on students.
When I think about how employees make a difference for students, I go back to my own college experience. One of the people who had a profound impact on me was Ms. Jo. Ms. Jo was the cashier in the cafeteria. She greeted me every day. Not only did she greet me with a smile and a friendly face, she also took an interest in me. She never failed to ask how things were going for me, and that interest also extended to my family. She was sincere in wanting to make sure that all was well in my world.
The late Jim Lyng is a fine example of the kind of impact a Mayville State employee can make. Jim retired from Mayville State in 2007 after 32 years of service. During his tenure, he kept the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse and Athletics in order. His work was more than custodial, as he was not only in charge of janitorial and site preparation for campus athletic events, but he was also required to make repairs or adjustments to athletic equipment and/or facilities, often when budgets were limited.
While he did most of the day-to-day tasks himself, student employees helped with some of the work. He estimated that over time, he supervised approximately 2,000 student workers. One could not begin to measure the impact Jim made in the lives of all the students and student athletes he knew and supervised over the years. His fan base among alumni is immense.
Jim’s dedication and sense of responsibility were noteworthy. He was perhaps one of Mayville State's most familiar employees and was certainly one of its most dependable. Upon his passing, Jim left a considerable financial gift to Mayville State University. His generosity is benefitting students through scholarship assistance, and we’re excited for a new and improved Athletic Hall of Fame and Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame presence that will be installed at the entrance to the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse in honor of Jim. This presence will be expanded to include recognition for Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Service Award recipients, as well as Performing Arts Hall of Fame members.
On Thursday, May 2, we recognized and celebrated our current employees and retirees at the annual Mayville State Employee Recognition Dinner. Special honorees included retirees Dr. Pamela Johnson, Connie Kaldor, and Cheryl Angen. Other employees were recognized for reaching years of service milestones at five-year increments. They were Katelyn Aasen, Lindsay Bontjes, Matthew Dalrymple, Heather Hutchins, Dr. Janell Juelich, Jodi Larson, Leah Larson, Jeannie Northburg, Taylor Simon, Alexis Thompson, Dr. Brittany Hagen, Dena Bergstrom, Collette Christoffers, Doug Eastman, Ashley Henn, Jeff Hovde, Heather Hoyt, Shannon Skovlund, Kelly Kornkven, Bambi Manthey, Kara Schreiner, and Dr. Kelli Odden.
I thank these and all our kind, thoughtful, and caring employees who make a difference in the lives of students and others. It is our people who set us apart. This is something for which we can all be Comet Proud.
Do you know someone who would thrive in the environment of Mayville State’s legendary brand of personal service? Please encourage them to check out the opportunities we offer by contacting our recruitment office at 701-788-4842 or recruitment@mayvillestate.edu. It’s not too late to enroll for the Fall Semester of 2024!