MSU President's column for Traill County Tribune

September 17, 2016

Induction of hall of famers will highlight Homecoming 2016 festivities


Homecoming is a wonderful time because old friends are reacquainted as they reconnect with their alma mater. We look forward to renewing acquaintances and making new friends during Mayville State’s homecoming activities the first weekend in October. Mayville State students will enjoy homecoming festivities throughout the week prior, and special events planned especially for alumni and friends are scheduled for Oct. 7-9.

We extend a warm invitation to all Mayville State alumni, retirees, and friends, and all members of the Mayville-Portland and surrounding communities. The traditional activities are all on the schedule. We’ll also continue the tradition of honoring our military veterans at the Military Honor Garden, which began with the dedication ceremony last year. Former Mayville State homecoming queens and kings will also have a reunion. We encourage everyone, young and old, to join us at Mayville State for what we know will be a great weekend.

Andee Burris Thompson, Randy Capouch, Herb Hasz, Tim Miles, and the 1995-96 and 1996-97 men’s basketball teams will inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame during a dinner program in the Campus Center Luckasen Room beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 7. Players coaches and staff on the basketball teams included John Maus, Damir Radjenovic, Reed Roisum, Pete Hansen, Aaron Fearne, Kent Bauman, Derrick Dotson, Brandy George, Jay Jesperson, Doug Orvik, Dave Finlayson, Jeff Walen, Brad Raymond, Tim Grove, Rick Karboviak, Kris Brekken, Jason Sunde, Aaron Thompson, Lance Roisum, Jeremy Macejkovic, Brady Roisum, Justin Turnquist, Craig Smith, and Tim O’Brien. During the same Oct. 7 program, Rick Anderson, Mike Belseth, Ryam Brantl, Gary Gillis, Rick Metcalf, and Chad Omdahl will be inducted into the Mayville State Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame. Advance tickets are required if you wish to attend the dinner.

Saturday, Oct. 8 will begin with a meet and greet at the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center. Everyone is welcome to stop by for socializing and refreshments and stay to watch the homecoming parade, which begins at 11 a.m. The former homecoming queens and kings are also invited to gather there. This will be a great way to begin the day!

The route for the parade will change this this year. Watch for updates on this. We know the parade will be going by the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center, as well as through downtown. A map will be provided at www.mayvillestate.edu/homecoming and also in the Traill County Tribune as the date gets closer. In the meantime, if you’d like to register an entry in the parade, contact Adam Edwards at 701-788-4822 or adam.edwards@mayvillestate.edu.

A ceremony of remembrance will take place at the Military Honor Garden, located on the grounds south of the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center. The program begins at 12 noon. The names of all alumni and friends who have been honored with plaques in this special garden will be read. The Alumni Association board will be serving up chili immediately following the program.

Stop by the MSU Bookstore after the parade until 1:30 p.m. to get your Comets gear, so you can wear it to the homecoming football game, which will feature the MSU Comets versus Valley City State University. Game time is 2 p.m. at Jerome Berg Field. Be sure to come out and cheer on the home team! All homecoming honorees will be recognized at half time.

The homecoming fun continues at the all-alumni homecoming social from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Mayville Golf Club. A picnic-style supper will be served from 4 p.m. until the food is gone. This will be a great place to gather and catch up with your Mayville State friends. A special invitation is extended to former Mayville State homecoming queens and kings.

The icing on the cake for Homecoming 2016 will be the MSU Music Department homecoming concert, which begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 in the Classroom Building Auditorium. Performing Arts Hall of Fame inductees Patti Baker, Cordell Bugbee, Janet Klevberg Day, Donna Severson Evenson (deceased), Robert Hetler, Larry Pladson, and R. Craig Sheppard will be recognized during intermission. They’ll be the guests of honor at a social in the MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room following the concert. Everyone is invited to stop by and congratulate the newest members of the Performing Arts Hall of Fame.

For all the details regarding Homecoming 2016, including information on how to purchase Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner tickets, go to www.mayvillestate.edu/homecoming. All events are open to the public, and we look forward to celebrating with you!