MSU President's column for Traill County Tribune
August 30, 2014
Homecoming 2014 will include tradition and a focus on Mayville State’s 125th anniversary
Homecoming is a wonderful time because old friends are reacquainted as they reconnect with their alma mater. We look forward to renewing acquaintances and making new friends during Mayville State’s homecoming activities the first weekend in October. Mayville State students will enjoy homecoming festivities throughout the week prior, and special events planned especially for alumni and friends are scheduled for the weekend of October 3-5.
We extend a warm invitation to all Mayville State alumni, retirees, and friends, and all members of the Mayville-Portland and surrounding communities. The traditional activities are all on the schedule, and we’ve also got some special things planned in recognition of Mayville State’s 125th anniversary, which is officially on November 2, 2014. We encourage everyone, young and old, to join us at Mayville State for what we know will be a great weekend.
The work of Mayville native and 1974 Mayville State graduate Doug Anderson will be on display in the Levon West Gallery, located in the Classroom Building, throughout the homecoming weekend. Stop by and see Doug’s depiction of local landmarks and people, along with other subjects, created in watercolor, pencil, and colored pencil. You’ll have an opportunity to visit with Doug and enjoy refreshments from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. October 3 in the Campus Center Heritage Room.
Richard Fugleberg, Ross Johnson, Travis Lindgren, Lindsey (Eliason) McMenamy, and the 1960-61 basketball team will inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame during a dinner program in the Campus Center Luckasen Room beginning at 6:00 p.m. October 3. Members of the 1960-61 team were Gil Herbel, Ray Herbel, Gene Anderson, Don Ostenson, Larry Wold, Doug Eiken, Dale Keena, Doug Halcrow (d), Vern Spitzer, Ross Julson, Don McIntyre, Vern Wegge, Duane Morris (d), and Grady Rostberg. Head coach was the late Al Meyer. During the same program, Rod MacDonald, Fabian Shoults, Curtis Strand, and Paul Twenge will be inducted into the Mayville State Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame. Advance tickets are required if you wish to attend the dinner.
Saturday, October 4, will begin with a meet and greet at the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center. Everyone is welcome to stop by for socializing and refreshments prior to the homecoming parade, which begins at 10:00 a.m. I encourage anyone who is interested to enter a unit in the parade. Because of the later date for Farmers Bowl this year (November 1), there will not be a Farmers Bowl parade. Homecoming will be your opportunity to shine!
Family-friendly fun will be the theme for the first-ever CometFest!, which will be held just outside of Jerome Berg Field after the parade and before the game. There will be inflatable and yard games and music. Food will be available for purchase. Another first is a coloring contest for kids. Coloring sheets will be distributed at Peter Boe, Jr. Elementary School soon. The sheet is also available on Mayville State’s Website. Kids are encouraged to bring their finished artwork to the CometFest! to have a chance to win a grand prize.
Speaking of games, you’ll have a chance to see both the Comets football and volleyball teams in home action on October 4. Both teams will play against Presentation College. The volleyball game begins at 11:30 a.m., and the football game will begin at 2:30 p.m.
The homecoming fun continues at the all-alumni homecoming social from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Mayville Golf Club. A picnic-style supper will be served from 4:00 p.m. until it’s gone. This will be a great place to gather and catch up with your Mayville State friends. Everyone is welcome.
The fabulous Downtown Horns are returning to Mayville State! You won’t want to miss out on the special 125th Anniversary Homecoming Dance that will be held at the MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. October 4. There will be light refreshments available. Advance tickets are required.
In honor of the 125th anniversary, a 125-voice reunion choir is being assembled. All Mayville State alumni and friends are invited to join in singing a couple of numbers at the Homecoming Concert, which begins at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 5. Sign up at www.mayvillestate.edu/125voices. In addition to the performances of the MSU Concert Band and Choir, this year’s Performing Arts Hall of Fame inductees, Kris Eylands, Jeff Nelson, Bob Sylskar, and Tony Thein will be recognized.
For all the details regarding Homecoming 2014, including information on how to purchase Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Homecoming Dance tickets, go to www.mayvillestate.edu/homecoming2014. We look forward to celebrating with you!