MSU President's Newspaper Column
June 6, 2026
Service, stewardship, and sacrifice
Our dedicated alumni board members were on campus June 2. In addition to holding their quarterly meeting, they participated in a tour at Old Main, where they were able to join other community members in seeing the progress in the renovation project. They also did some work on the campus grounds, adding plants to pots in the beautiful Legacy Plaza as well as the Military Honor Garden, located on the grounds at the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center. We are so very grateful for their commitment and dedication to making Mayville State the best it can be.
Their work at the Military Honor Garden prompted my thoughts about how at Mayville State our respect for those who have served in the United States Armed Forces is not reserved for a single day. It’s woven into the fabric of campus life and tradition. Mayville State proudly honors the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of veterans past and present.
The Military Honor Garden is a place of reflection and gratitude. The space recognizes veterans, including many Mayville State alumni, as well as others whose lives have been shaped by military service. Each year during homecoming festivities, a special recognition ceremony is held in the garden, bringing together alumni, families, and community members to pause, reflect, and express appreciation.
That spirit of honor extends beyond the campus and into the broader community, I recently had the opportunity to visit with Mayville State alumnus and local veteran Harlan Johnson. He has just returned from an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., a meaningful trip designed to recognize veterans for their service and sacrifices. Honor Flights transport veterans, at no cost to them, to visit the memorials built in their honor, including those dedicated to World War II and wars in Korea and Vietnam. For many veterans, the experience provides long-awaited recognition and an opportunity to share camaraderie with fellow service members.
Harlan’s leadership in the region reflects his continued dedication to honoring service. He is active in the local color guard and leads the Avenue of Flags project, both of which are powerful tributes to veterans. In addition, he serves as the District 1 Commander for the American Legion Department of North Dakota, helping guide efforts that support veterans and preserve the legacy of military service.
Mayville State also joins in remembering those veterans whose stories are still being brought to light. One such story is that of Irvin Ellingson, a Mayville State alumnus who served during World War II. Ellingson survived being shot down during the war, but he was captured and held as a prisoner. Tragically, he died in a prison fire, and for decades, his remains could not be identified. Now, thanks to advances in forensic technology, Ellingson’s remains have been identified, allowing his family and community to welcome him home with the honor he so rightfully deserves.
Ellingson’s remains will arrive on a commercial flight in Fargo from Honolulu, Hawaii, on Thursday, June 18, where a dignified transfer will take place, and will include a military escort and the North Dakota Military Honor Guard. From there, his casket will be transported to Grand Forks Veterans Park, where a public program will feature remarks by Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski and others, along with music by the city band. The North Dakota Highway Patrol will then escort Ellingson’s casket to a local funeral home.
On Friday, June 19, family members will gather in remembrance, honoring Ellingson through shared gratitude, patriotism, and connection. His life will be formally celebrated during a funeral service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Dahlen Lutheran Church. Following the service, in a meaningful tribute to his roots, Ellingson will be carried past the Ellingson Family Farm, where he was born and raised, before being laid to rest at Middle Forest River Cemetery beside family members who have gone before. Burial will be with full military honors.
For me, honoring veterans is both a professional and deeply personal commitment. My own father was a World War II veteran, which gave me firsthand understanding of the sacrifices made by those who serve. I have profound respect for veterans and active service members. and I value the importance of remembrance, gratitude, and continued support.
From the Military Honor Garden to the Honor Flight, and from Harlan Johnson’s service to Irvin Ellingson’s long-awaited return, Mayville State University remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring those who have served. These acts of remembrance ensure that the legacy of service members endures, inspiring future generations to recognize the cost of freedom and the value of dedication to something greater than oneself.