MSU President's Newspaper Column
January 17, 2026
Scholarships empower students to achieve more
The MSU Foundation annual scholarship fundraising drive kicked off in December and is still underway. Scholarship assistance truly makes a difference for students who are becoming the leaders of tomorrow. Knowing the character and work ethic of Mayville State students makes me optimistic for the future.
The opportunity to earn scholarships weighs heavily into a student’s decision to attend Mayville State. While our costs are very affordable, a scholarship makes our university even more appealing and may mean the difference in whether a student chooses to attend Mayville State, or whether to attend college at all. Gifts made during the annual scholarship drive will help to relieve the financial stress that can go with earning a college degree and may be the very thing that makes it possible for a deserving person to earn a college degree.
Through the collaborative work of several Mayville State staff members and administrators, we were able to establish the Honor Scholarship Program a couple of years ago. This program gives students who are considering enrolling at Mayville State the opportunity to know up-front what they would qualify for in the way of scholarship assistance.
All new first-year students are eligible to receive scholarships based on high school grade point averages. To be eligible, a student must enroll with Mayville State as their first post-secondary institution. First-year students who have taken dual credit, PSEO, or concurrent enrollment credits are eligible for the First-Year Honor Scholarship. Students transferring from another institution of higher education and who have earned 24+ college-level credit hours and are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree are also eligible to receive Honor Scholarships. College GPA is used to determine the award level for transfer students, and the students must maintain at least a 2.00 grade point average in order to continue to receive funding in the second semester.
All Mayville State students may apply for competitive scholarships that are annual named or endowed scholarships provided through the MSU Foundation. Generous alumni and friends have established these scholarships through the Foundation over the years, and they are critical to student success, as well as overall success of the university.
When Mayville State students Noelle Erickson, a senior from Argusville, N.D.; Daniel Suda, a junior from Halstad, Minn.; and Lindsey Tulla, a junior from Bovey, Minn.; addressed Mayville State supporters at the Honor Society President’s Dinner last October, they expressed their gratitude for scholarship assistance on behalf of all students.
Noelle said, “Behind every scholarship is someone who believes in students like me and shares a passion for Mayville State. You may never meet every student you help, but your kindness becomes part of their story, shaping their path long after they graduate. Thank you for believing in the power of education to transform lives.”
Daniel talked about how scholarships have made a real difference for him. “I’m fortunate to be involved at MSU as a member of the football team and a residence hall assistant. I also work for the facilities department. These experiences have taught me time management and leadership. Scholarships allow me to be involved without constantly worrying about finances. I’m incredibly grateful.”
Lindsey reflected on the support Mayville State receives from the community and from generous donors. “Your contributions don’t just help us pay for school - they allow us to fully engage in all this university has to offer. Thank you for believing in us and for helping us build the foundation for a meaningful future,” she said.
Please consider a gift to support scholarships at Mayville State University, where we believe that education is not just a pathway to opportunity. It is a promise of possibility. Every scholarship awarded is a testament to that promise, and the reflections shared by Noelle, Daniel, and Lindsey are an echo of the donors’ generosity and belief in the students’ potential. Your gifts to academic scholarships will be matched by North Dakota Challenge Grant funding at a rate of 50 cents on the dollar, making an even greater impact for students! Learn more at www.mayvillestate.edu/scholarshipdrive.