September 27, 2024
On Friday, Sept. 27, Mayville State University held a celebration in honor of the renovations to the historic Old Main building on campus.
Through the work of the 68th North Dakota Legislative Assembly, Mayville State University was granted more than $52 million for the project. The renovations include new, state-of-the-art classrooms and collaborative spaces for students and staff, and modernization projects that will make the building more accessible and efficient.
The celebration was held in conjunction with Mayville State’s homecoming activities, and brought together current students, alumni, faculty, staff, legislators, and community members, all who had the opportunity to swing a “golden sledgehammer” to mark the official start of on-site construction.
During the ceremony, speakers including Mayville State University President Brian Van Horn, North Dakota University System Chief of Staff and Director for Innovation and Economic Development Mark Gorenflo, and Policy Advisor to Senator Kevin Cramer Randy Richards, remarked on the importance of schools like Mayville State University, and the role Old Main plays in the campus community.
“Thank you to the legislature for understanding the significance of this project. Small, public universities are necessary and play a vital role in our state’s success,” said President Van Horn, who noted that with the completion of this project nearly fifty percent of Mayville’s campus will be new, helping the school grow into the future and provide the world class education students need, in a personal and welcoming environment.
NDUS’ Gorenflo also spoke to the special role of Mayville State University, and the value students get with a hands-on educational experience.
“Mayville State University serves a great purpose in the region and for students that want this experience that only Mayville can offer,” said Gorenflo.
Mayville State University sophomore Noelle Erickson shared the impact Mayville State University has had on her career path. Erickson, an elementary education major from Argusville, N.D., remarked on the need for teachers in rural North Dakota, and her gratitude that she can continue her education in the community where she hopes to eventually teach.
“The benefits and opportunities this new building will bring to campus are endless,” said Erickson. “I consider my attendance at MSU to be a blessing and an honor, and I am honored to call Mayville State my home away from home.”
The project marks a commitment to a growing Mayville State University student body, and the impact graduates have on North Dakota’s workforce and economy. Earlier this week the North Dakota University System released enrollment data for the fall 2024 semester, showing strong enrollment gains that are now above pre-pandemic levels. Enrollment numbers are at their highest since fall 2018, with Mayville State showing one of the most significant gains, with an 8.2% increase in enrollment.
Also in attendance at the celebration were representatives from Foss Architecture + Interiors of Fargo, lead architects on the project, and PCL Community Contractors of Fargo, the project’s selected construction managers.
“PCL is proud to be part of this historic project. Our experience in higher-education construction, specifically historic building modernization, directly supports the needs of Mayville State and the NDUS system. This renovation honors Old Mains’ legacy and supports the necessary growth to support students now and into the future; meeting the students’ needs to prepare them for success beyond the classroom. We are honored to be part of this historic event,” said Trent Johnson, district manager of PCL’s Midwest Operations.
“Foss Architecture + Interiors is honored to have collaborated with MSU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community over the past several months. It’s been awesome to hear their stories about Old Main and their ideas for the historic building’s future,” said Adam Peterson, Principal Architect. “With all the wonderful input from the people of Mayville, we are excited to break ground on construction and take that next step in seeing our combined visions come to life.”
The completion date for renovations is slated for June 30, 2026.
