October 27, 2012

"This scholarship is a blessing, not only to me, but to my family as well. It will help me achieve my dream. By awarding me this scholarship, you have lightened my financial stress, which allows me to focus on the most important aspect of school - learning."

Courtney Hendrickson, Math Education Major, Williston, N.D.

Scholarship assistance is very important to students who are in pursuit of their academic dreams and goals. Through the efforts of the MSU Foundation, Mayville State alumni and friends play a major role in providing financial support for students who enroll at Mayville State University. Students are able to earn scholarships based on academic excellence, as well as involvement in campus and community activities. Having the ability to offer scholarships is important to the university as well, as they help us to recruit and retain students.

On Saturday, October 27, we had the pleasure of recognizing the 2012-2013 MSU Foundation scholarship award winners at a brunch sponsored by the Foundation. Meals for the scholarship recipients were purchased by Mayville State alumni and friends. Their parents and guests were invited to attend, as were those who have helped to provide scholarships through their financial contributions via the MSU Foundation. We are very proud of all of our scholarship recipients and we enjoyed recognizing them for their accomplishments. We are grateful to Gate City Bank for sponsoring the brunch through their financial contribution. This was the first time we've had a corporate sponsor for our annual scholarship recipient recognition brunch.

Student recruitment for the 2013-2014 school year is in full swing.  Enrollment services representatives have attended numerous college fairs in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and their work continues as they visit high schools sharing the good news of what Mayville State has to offer. Last week, when high school students were on break because of the fall instructional conferences for teachers in North Dakota and Minnesota, many prospective students visited the Mayville State campus.

The ability to offer scholarships to the prospective students is very important. The competition is keen, and scholarship assistance often makes the difference. As Mayville State University reaches out to prospective students, having the opportunity to offer scholarships can really help us compete for the best students, whether they are academic scholars or students who just need a little help financially. A scholarship for as little as $250 can really make a difference.

To help make scholarship assistance possible, the MSU Foundation has kicked off the 2013-2014 Dream Maker Campaign for annual scholarship contributions. The goal is to raise $70,000, and the need has never been more critical. We have experienced record enrollment for the third year in a row. More than 1,000 students are taking classes online or on campus. To continue this upward enrollment trend, which helps make MSU financially stronger, student scholarship funding is needed.

Last year, more than 250 students benefitted from scholarship assistance. Our generous donors are not only investing in Mayville State, but also in the students we are helping. Together, we are developing successful students and citizens of communities throughout North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, and across the entire United States. Our graduates are second to none.

Thank you to the many Mayville State alumni and friends who have so generously supported scholarships for Mayville State students. We are truly grateful for your generosity. I encourage everyone to join in assisting this effort that has a big impact on the lives of individuals, as well as on the university as a whole. For more information about the Dream Maker Campaign for annual scholarship contributions, contact the MSU Foundation at 701-788-4687.