MSU President's Column for Traill County Tribune

April 18, 2020 

May Day, a day for us to show our thankfulness for Mayville State

Friday, May 1, May Day, will be a big day! This special day has been designated as a time when we can all show our gratitude for “The School of Personal Service.” It’s the MSU Foundation’s annual giving day.

“I’m Thankful for Mayville State” is the theme for the day. We know that there are many reasons why people are thankful for Mayville State. They include the following reasons given by past giving day donors:

  • I’m thankful for Mayville State because it was a nice small college that was a perfect fit for me in my college years, and it is still a great learning environment.
  • Best four years of my life!
  • I am thankful for Mayville State because of the education they gave me to be successful today.
  • Great education, friendships for a lifetime, wonderful professors, lots of fun! It taught me the art of teaching. MSU does a beautiful job!
  • I received an excellent education without accruing debt in a great community.
  • A great institution of higher education and a wonderful employer.
  • The people at Mayville State were hard-working, humble, and kind, helping students succeed!

We are asking our alumni and friends to consider making a gift on May 1 that will pay forward their appreciation for Mayville State University and how it has made a difference in their lives. At the same time, their generosity will have an impact in the lives of Mayville State University students in pursuit of their educational goals and dreams. It’s not uncommon for a scholarship to be the difference required to give a student a chance to attend Mayville State 

One of our thankful and supportive alumni families has pledged to match all gifts made on May Day, up to a total of $30,000! We could not be more Comet Proud and grateful for the thoughtfulness and generosity of this special family. We are truly blessed to count these and so many other big-hearted alumni and friends as members of the Mayville State family.

Every dollar invested through the May Day annual giving day helps the MSU Foundation to raise $25 more for scholarships! This funding helps to fuel the engine that keeps the MSU Foundation energized and supporting Mayville State and its students. This financial support is super-important to the success of our foundation and ultimately the university.

We understand that these are uncertain and difficult times for everyone and that a financial gift may not be possible at this time, but we encourage all to get involved by sharing their thoughts of gratitude on the May Day web page at www.mayvillestate.edu/mayday or on your social media platforms. One of the best ways to show your support for Mayville State is through your words. Please express your Comet Pride on May 1 and every day … #MSUthankful.

The coronavirus pandemic has meant that a number of MSU Foundation fundraising events have had to be canceled. These include the annual Comet Athletic Club 3-on-3 basketball tournament weekly bingo events, and the annual Tables du Jour event which helps to raise scholarship support. The loss of these events causes a financial hit, but the May Day annual fund drive provides an opportunity for people to make contributions that will help to turn lemons into lemonade for Mayville State students.

Mayville State is doing well and even though all of our students are studying from a distance right now, we are working hard to maintain business as usual while ensuring that they are getting the best possible education. Offices are open in person and/or remotely and our enrollment services and coaching personnel are busy recruiting and letting prospective students know about the benefits of attending Mayville State University. Our eyes are on the future and we are working hard to be prepared to welcome new and returning students to campus just as soon as we can. In the meantime, our efforts today will have a big impact tomorrow. Gifts to the May Day annual fund drive will strengthen the university and help us to be ready to support students with critical scholarship assistance needed for their opportunity to attend the university.

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our community, region, and state by providing quality higher education at an affordable cost for so many, and when we count our blessings, our students, faculty, staff, alumni, community, and friends are on top of the list. As I’ve said before, Mayville State is all about the people, and we are fortunate beyond words to be surrounded by people who are kind, generous, and supportive.

Please go to www.mayvillestate.edu/mayday to see the details about how you can make a gift and/or lend your words of support on May Day. Thank you in advance for your support!