MSU President's Newspaper Column
March 29, 2025
Springtime brings hope for the future and gratitude for blessings
As we enter the springtime and nature comes back to life after what at least seems to have been a long winter, we are filled with hope for the future and gratitude for the blessings that are ours. We’ve had a great year at Mayville State, and we look to finish the academic year on a very positive note.
Spring is a busy time for everyone, and this includes the students, faculty, and staff of Mayville State. Students and faculty are working hard to complete course work. The baseball and softball teams are in their seasons and are playing games both near and far. (We hope the weather will cooperate so we can host some home games this spring.) Spring ball has begun for the football team, and the band and choir will have their spring concert soon.
This is also the time of year when we recognize students and employees for their accomplishments. There will be awards programs for all during the next several weeks.
We are grateful for the opportunity to cheer for our athletic teams, support our students in their endeavors, and to recognize individuals for their outstanding work in and out of the classroom. In addition, we look forward to recognizing employees for their years of service at a banquet planned for April 30. Mayville State employees are the heart and soul of the institution.
On Friday, May 16 at 1 p.m., all that we work for at Mayville State will culminate in the annual commencement exercises. Graduates, families, friends, alumni, and employees will gather to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have completed degrees after the fall semester of 2024 and the spring semester of 2025, as well as those who will complete their degrees after the summer 2025 session.
The Old Main renovation project is coming along very nicely, on time and on budget. The renovation of Old Main became visible from the outside of the building last week. The removal of a cone-shaped roofline on the north side of the building set the stage for construction of a beautiful new conference center that will feature lots of windows and a wonderful vantage point from which to see the campus. This space will also become a feature of the beautiful new entrance that will be constructed on the north side of the building.
Mayville State was extremely fortunate to be granted $52,254,901 in state funding for the renovation of Old Main during the legislative session in 2023. The renovation of Old Main will be transformational, not only for the building, but also for the entire university, community, and region. See the vision for Old Main and stay up-to-state with the renovation process at www.mayvillestate.edu/oldmain.
The 69th Legislative Assembly is currently in the midst of their important work on behalf of the state of North Dakota. These citizen leaders give generously of their time and talents to make the State of North Dakota a great place to live and work. We are extremely grateful for them and for the North Dakota University System and State Board of Higher Education personnel who support us in the important work that happens at Mayville State University.
All that I’ve mentioned here really boils down to the people and the special blessings they are in our lives and roles they play in our ultimate success. At “The School of Personal Service,” we truly value people and appreciate what each person brings to the table.
Much like the April showers that will soon be heading our way, we are showered with blessings at Mayville State University, blessings that are transformational like the beautiful blooming flowers that will come in May.
Have a wonderful spring!