MSU President's Newspaper Column
October 11, 2025
Recent events and activities inspire sincere gratitude
The last several weeks have been filled with an abundance of goodness. There is so much for which to be thankful at Mayville State University, and recent events and activities have brought thoughts and feelings of gratitude to the forefront.
We treasure the opportunity to recognize our alumni and friends for their outstanding accomplishments, and the recently held Homecoming Awards Dinner underscored that sentiment. It fills my cup to see how our alumni go into the world to make it a better place. Equipped with a Mayville State education and lessons learned at “The School of Personal Service,” our alumni consistently make a difference for others, whether it be in their careers and/or in their communities. The good works of 1996 Mayville State graduate Jeff Granrud and 1957 graduate Gene Gaffney have recently come to my attention.
Jeff Granrud has been named National Rural Teacher of the Year. He is a mathematic educator with nearly three decades of teaching experience at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winstead (Minn.) Schools. Over his 28 years at HLWW, Granrud has built a reputation for engaging instruction, a supportive classroom environment, and a commitment to fostering both academic and personal growth in his students.
At age 90, Gene Gaffney continues to inspire through a life devoted to music and service. His journey as a teacher, conductor, and community leader is a testament to the enduring impact of passion, purpose, and personal commitment. Gene’s career in education began in Neche, N.D., continued in Lakota, N.D., and eventually led him to Detroit Lakes, Minn., where he made a lasting mark. Today, he remains a vital part of the community as the director of the Lakes Area Community Band, a role he has embraced since the band’s founding in 2006. For 19 years, Gene has led with heart and harmony, sharing his musical gifts and enriching the lives of countless individuals.
Another source of gratitude comes from our record enrollment growth this fall, including a headcount AND a full-time equivalent (FTE) figure greater than any recorded in the history of the university! A record number of North Dakota residents is included in the final official headcount of 1,215. Residents of 47 of North Dakota’s 53 counties are enrolled at Mayville State University this fall.
The spirit of positivity that is radiating from Mayville State University is truly unmistakable. MSU is moving in great directions and is the university of choice for so many local students. Many of the attributes that have made Mayville State exceptional since its establishment in 1889 are alive and well today, and an eye to the future is keeping these attributes fresh for the students of today.
The post-win celebration following the Mayville State football team’s exciting triple overtime win over Dickinson State on Saturday, Oct. 4 was electric! It was the Comets’ first victory over Dickinson State since 2011. The strong presence of local students on the team made Saturday’s victory feel even more personal and meaningful. I love that so many local kids are making their mark and are a part of something so special.
I think about Ada-Borup-West High School teammates Cameron Spaeth and Aiden Marcusson, who are making a big impact for the Comets. There’s Jack Simmers, Tristian Raymond, and Dylan Lamont from Grand Forks Central; Xyler Carlson, Finley; Caleb Hatlestad, Hillsboro; Kelby Azure, Portland; Landon Olson, Reynolds; Daniel Suda, Halstad; Mantana Jorgenson, Fisher; Bryson Heck, Valley City; Brock Jungels, Pingree/Buchanan; and so many others who are pursuing their higher education close to home on a campus where it important not only to be a good student, but also to be a good citizen and person. I wish I could name them all here, but of course, that is not possible.
As I consider that extraordinary moment in time on Saturday, Oct. 4, I can’t help but see it as a reflection of a broader cultural shift - not only within our football program, but across the entire university. The energy surrounding all that is happening at Mayville State is undeniable. Students and their families value what Mayville State University stands for - educational excellence, hard work, opportunity, determination, personal values, citizenship, safety, consideration for others, and more.
Whether students are from near or from far, we treasure each and every one of them. I constantly remind them that there are no limits to what you can become with a Mayville State diploma in hand. From the bottom of my heart, I mean that. I have seen this over and over again in our alumni who are good people making a difference in our world. I am honored to know our students who are impactful as students today, and I look forward to learning about the good things we know they will be doing as they graduate and begin their careers.