MSU President's Newspaper Column
November 22, 2025
Gratitude today and always
Roy T. Bennett reminds us: “Always remember those who have helped you along the way, and never miss the chance to lift someone up.” These words carry incredible insight - when we embrace gratitude and kindness, we not only make the world a better place, we inspire others to do the same.
I believe that gratitude is integral to the personal service we value and hold in high esteem at Mayville State University. While we are thankful for our blessings each and every day, at this time of year our hearts and minds are especially focused on the good things that make our lives better.
We at Mayville State have so very much for which to be grateful. These are especially exciting times, a time of renaissance, and we are very mindful of the fact that this is the result of the good work of many, not only on campus, but in faraway places as well.
We are extremely grateful to the North Dakota Legislature and our state officials who, on behalf of the citizens of North Dakota, have provided the funding for a complete transformation of our beloved Old Main. This project is life-changing for our university and the individuals we serve. The project is on time and on budget, and we look forward to seeing it come full circle when the building opens for the Fall Semester of 2026.
The steadfast support of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education is a source of deep gratitude. Their commitment to advancing higher education across the state empowers us to provide exceptional opportunities for our students and strengthen our mission while providing for the workforce needs of our great state. We are grateful that we can provide invaluable higher education opportunities at our small regional campus, where students from rural and urban areas of North Dakota and beyond thrive. Serving this niche population and producing well-prepared graduates and citizens makes a big impact.
Mayville State faculty and staff are exceptional! Our faculty members’ dedication to teaching and learning is second to none, and the staff go above and beyond in providing the support that is so important in advancing the university mission, keeping us moving forward. Our employees’ dedication to personal service is like the pebble that starts the ripple effect of service and respect for others that extends from our campus to near and far places. We are thankful for their dedication and tireless work to create an exceptional learning and living environment.
Our students inspire us every day with their determination and resilience. These are individuals who work hard in and out of the classroom. They know what personal service means, and they demonstrate it daily. We are grateful for our students and their families who entrust them to us as they work toward their educational goals. Our students are the heart and soul of our mission and the reason we strive for greatness every day.
Mayville State is blessed to be supported by unbelievably kind and generous supporters, both near and far. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the many alumni and friends who so freely share their resources so that others may earn a quality education and build bright futures.
The recent elevator fire, which was located just a few blocks from the campus, is another reminder of the important bond that exists between the campus and community. We are so very grateful for the many firefighters and emergency personnel from in and out of our community who kept all of us safe in a very dangerous situation.
Once again, our students stepped up to help. I am Comet Proud of the members of the Mayville State baseball team who joined others at the Mayville Fire Hall to make sandwiches for hungry emergency personnel. This lesson in service to others is so important for today and tomorrow.
As we celebrate this season of thanksgiving, we thank all who support Mayville State University. Thank you for partnering with us. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for all. May your holiday be filled with the joy of good food and the warmth of good company, and may blessings surround you on Thanksgiving Day and every day of the year.