MSU President's Newspaper Column
November 15, 2025
The kindness connection
Mayville State students truly value the community. We often hear from students who include the community among the reasons they are happy about their Mayville State experiences. We were very much reminded of the appreciation they feel last August when the members of the Comets football team launched an all-out effort to help community members whose homes and property received the wrath of a destructive windstorm. It was their way of repaying the favor.
Our students appreciate opportunities for employment in area businesses, as well as the chance to get to know the people of the community while they work. Student athletes enjoy the support of community members at their games, and that goes a step further when they are at the grocery store or gas station and a community member engages in conversation with them.
I believe these interactions bring students a warm feeling of “home,” when they are away from the families and friends. One could never underestimate just how much this means, and I thank all who extend their kindness to Mayville State University students.
My heart overflows with Comet Pride when I think about the ways in which our students reciprocate their appreciation for the community through activities that pay it forward.
Mayville State’s CRU group has just launched a food drive for members of the community who could use a little extra support right now. They’re accepting donations at a couple of food collection areas set up in the community and they’ll be packaging the food that is collected during their regular weekly meeting on campus on Dec. 3.
CRU is an international Christian organization. It was formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ. The group meets weekly on campus and often organizes opportunities to spread kindness on the Mayville State campus. I love to see how they also extend this kindness into the community. Kudos to the members and their advisor, John Peterson, who is a member of the facilities services staff at MSU.
In October, the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) organized a Halloween event for area children. Members of Mayville State’s athletic teams came together and transformed the Campus Center Luckasen Room into a Halloween-themed paradise, then provided games and candy for all who stopped by. The students really went above and beyond to provide a great experience for the children. I thank everyone involved, including SAAC adviser Jordan Olson, who is also our Sports Information Director and head softball coach.
The Alumni Association board members are so good about doing things to enhance and improve the Mayville State Experience. They’ve added another win-win project to their support for students - “Bingo! … with a side of thankfulness.” The event, which will be held the evening of Nov. 20, is meant to show Mayville State students how much they are appreciated by our alumni, and to send them into the holidays and final tests with that feeling of gratitude.
Board members have collected cash donations from several alumni from near and far. The cash is being used to purchase gift cards to be used at area businesses. In turn, the gift cards will become Bingo prizes.
Knowing how much Mayville State students enjoy the grocery Bingo event that has become a Mayville State tradition held at the beginning of every semester, I anticipate that the Luckasen Room will be packed with students who are eager to have some fun and win great prizes!
I love how this project is a “Bingo!” on so many levels. It gives our students an opportunity to get together for an event that evokes a sense of belonging … and the prizes are the icing on the cake. Winning a prize gives the student a reason to venture into the community and be a part of all that it entails. To top it all off, it supports our local businesses, something that is so important to our community’s success.
Mayville State University and the surrounding community share a bond, a relationship rooted in care, kindness, and generosity. Community members support the university in so many ways, including opening their hearts to students, providing a sense of home. In turn, students give back through their acts of service and gratitude. Each gesture of kindness, whether big or small, connects the campus and community, reminding us that when we lift each other up, everyone wins.