MSU President's Newspaper Column
November 2, 2024
Learning lessons in perseverance with support from the Mayville State Family
As we make our way through life’s journey, we all have ups and downs, but to be successful, it’s important that we work hard and persevere through the valleys as we make our way back to the tops of the mountains. I’ve talked a lot lately about the goodness of young people who are intelligent, kind, thoughtful, respectful, and courteous. The Mayville State campus is full of them. These are without a doubt special people who make us optimistic for the future.
Mayville State seeks to provide for the education and development of the whole student, providing an immersive experience both in and out of the classroom. The importance of civic values is impressed upon Mayville State students. The seven pillars of this experience include intellectual development; personal growth; volunteerism; community involvement; character development; social, emotional, and personal development; and leadership development.
As a part of this package and life lessons in general, our students also learn valuable lessons in perseverance while at “The School of Personal Service.” As they make their way through difficulties, they are supported by coaches, faculty, staff members, and fellow students who most certainly have the best interests of those who have struggles in mind.
While I know there are others who are facing challenges, off the top of my head I can think of a few students who are currently in the midst of difficult legs in life’s journey.
At the Comets football game on Saturday, fifth-year senior and tight end Darrick Frederick from Belcourt, N.D. suffered a very serious knee injury that ended his football career with the Comets. Unfortunately, this was not Darrick’s first serious injury. A few years ago, he hurt his other knee very badly and worked like crazy to be able to come back to playing with the team. This is a prime example of ups and downs … beginning your college career with the highest of hopes, suffering a devastating injury and working extremely hard to come back, only to have your goals and dreams cut short by another serious injury. This is a challenging life lesson. I have no doubt that with hard work, Darrick will recover and be a very successful professional.
In the first game of the season, senior quarterback Tim Salmon from New Richmond, Wis., experienced a devastating season-ending injury.
Women’s basketball player Greta Hillukka, a junior from Perham, Minn., hurt her shoulder and likely will not be able to play this season.
My heart breaks for these students who are the best of the best, great students, fine athletes, and outstanding people. They will make it through these challenges and be stronger in the end, but to know that they face these struggles is painful, not only for them, but for their teammates, coaches, faculty members, and so many others who have the highest admiration for these exceptional individuals who mean so much to the people they know.
The ray of sunshine in these circumstances is knowing that at Mayville State, they truly are surrounded by people who care and who support them through thick and thin. That is a characteristic that most certainly sets Mayville State apart. “The School of Personal Service” is not just our motto, it’s the way we live our lives day in and day out.
We wish Darrick, Tim, and Greta … and all students who are facing life’s struggles … all the best always. We encourage them to keep their chins up, work hard, and know that no matter what happens, their Mayville State family supports them through every single step. Our care for them is not for what they play or participate in, but rather for who they are and what they stand for as great young people.