MSU President's Newspaper Column

October 29, 2022 

Scholarship support is an investment in the future

We at Mayville State University are sincerely grateful for the wonderful scholarship support that comes from numerous alumni and friends. This assistance is extremely important to students who are in pursuit of their educational goals and dreams. Often times, a scholarship makes the difference in whether a student can begin, and sometimes finish, the requirements of earning a college degree.

One such friend and supporter of Mayville State University and its students is the Edson and Margaret Larson Foundation. Edson and Margaret Larson were members of the Mayville community and constant supporters and donors of scholarship assistance at Mayville State University. They recognized the importance of the university to their community and took pride in helping Mayville State students, consistently participating in opportunities to socialize with other supporters at university-sponsored events.

This loyal support has been sustained even in the death of the Larsons as the foundation that bears their name has continued to provide funding for Mayville State University and its students. The Larson Foundation’s financial support has been key to the success of a number of Mayville State’s programs and activities. In addition, the Larson Foundation has consistently provided funding for the Edson and Margaret Larson Annual Scholarship.

Edson and Margaret Larson Annual Scholarships are available to Mayville State University juniors and seniors. Larson Scholarship recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated levels of community service and academics/entrepreneurial success. They must have a grade point average of at least 3.25; must be residents of North Dakota or graduates of North Dakota high schools; intend to attend a graduate school to pursue graduate studies at a North Dakota/Minnesota institution; and intend to work in the state of North Dakota following graduation.

Eleven students have been selected to receive scholarship assistance in the 2022-23 academic year. They are Brennen Beaudin from Northwood, N.D.; Tucker Bercier from St. John, N.D.; Preston Edinger from Mayville, N.D.; Jennifer Gebhardt from Mayville, N.D.; Logan Hoff from Richardton, N.D.; MiKara Johanson from Edmore, N.D.; Jenna Johnson from West Fargo, N.D.; Julia Kohls from Mayville, N.D.; Linda Schroeder from West Fargo, N.D.; Lauryn Wolfgram from Thompson, N.D., and James Zimmerman from Devils Lake, N.D.

We are Comet Proud of each and every one of these outstanding Mayville State students. They have all proven themselves to be exceptional individuals who are making a difference for others and displaying exemplary leadership as they make their journeys toward impressive educational and career goals. They are the future of our state, and I can say with confidence that because of them and others like them, the future is bright.

As an example, Brennen Beaudin has drawn on his work ethic and personality to blossom in and out of the classroom, becoming an outstanding leader. He coaches Peewee and high school hockey in his hometown, interns at General Atomics Aeronautical near the Grand Forks Air Force Base, works at the Ralph Englestad Arena on the ice crew, and writes hockey news columns for marketzone.com. He has coached softball during the summer and serves as an umpire for junior high baseball. He balances all of these activities with being a full-time student at Mayville State University.

After earning his degree at Mayville State, Brennen is considering the possibility of furthering his academic studies and earning a master’s degree. The best part of it all is that he plans to remain in the state of North Dakota to pursue a career in business and/or accounting or in the field of aviation. As you may know, accounting has been identified as an area of high need area in terms of employment in our state.

You can see how the generosity of the Larson Foundation and so many other supporters comes full circle in student leaders who have solid career goals and a desire to give back to their home state. It’s a great investment!