October 24, 2026
Mayville State University alumni, friends, donors, and students gathered for the annual MSU Foundation Honor Society President’s Dinner on Wednesday, October 21 at the Mayville State Campus Center Luckasen Room. The evening was a celebration of the generosity that continues to create opportunities for students and strengthen the university’s future.
The Honor Society recognizes individuals, couples, businesses, and organizations whose lifetime giving through the MSU Foundation totals $10,000 or more. Their support benefits scholarships, academics, athletics, facilities, and programs across the campus.
In his remarks, Mayville State President Dr. Brian Van Horn emphasized the university’s strong momentum, and the transformative role philanthropy plays in student success. Van Horn shared updates on enrollment growth, campus facility improvements, and the many ways donor support is helping position Mayville State University for a bright future.
The evening also provided a way for students and donors to connect as several current Mayville State students were invited to attend the dinner and meet the guests of honor, the members of the Honor Society. In their formal remarks to the audience, Mayville State students Hannah Stark, Granite Falls, Minn., and Aleks Koppel, Kiili, Harjumaa, Estonia, expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded them at Mayville State University.
Hannah Stark, a Mayville State senior who will be furthering her education to become a physician assistant after she graduates from Mayville State next spring, said she thought a lot about what makes Mayville State so special as she was preparing her remarks, noting that there are many answers to that question. “The academics, the opportunities, the professors, the athletics - but for me,” she said, “it has always come back to something a little harder to put into words. It is the feeling of belonging.”
After thanking the donors for their support for her and for all Mayville State students, Hannah concluded by saying, “I am incredibly grateful that I get to call myself a Comet.”
When addressing the audience, Aleks Koppel explained his journey to Mayville State and how in his home country of Estonia there are only 20 baseball players. He is the first person from his country to play baseball in the United States.
Acknowledging the Honor Society members for their support, Koppel said, “Some of you fund scholarships. Some of you support teams, programs, and buildings. Most of you will never meet the students you help or see the full impact of what you’ve done and continue to do. But we know you’re there. You’re the reason a place like Mayville can take a chance on a kid from a country with 20 baseball players.”
The announcement of the expansion of the Honor Scholarship program was a highlight of the evening. Thanks to the generosity of Mayville State supporters, Mayville State will expand Honor Scholarship opportunities for new first-time students. Beginning in the Fall of 2027, the scholarships will be renewable and available to the students for up to four years. Scholarships are based on final high school grade point average. A student with a 4.0 grade point average could receive $5,000 per year for up to four years, for a total of $20,000. When the Honor Scholarship program began in 2023, scholarships were one-time and not renewable. This expanded last year, when Honor Scholarships became renewable for a second year.
At the event, President Van Horn made a surprise presentation of two special awards recognizing exceptional service to Mayville State University.
Doug Anderson, Cavalier, N.D., received the Lifetime Impact Award in recognition of his extraordinary dedication, generosity, and leadership. From scholarship fundraising and participation in Farmers Bowl festivities to leadership in campus beautification in creating the Edson & Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center, Anderson’s contributions have enriched the lives of countless students, alumni, and friends.
Tim Garrett, Mayville, N.D., was presented with the Legacy of Leadership Award for his vision, service, and commitment to advancing Mayville State. Garrett was recognized as a co-founder of the annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament fundraiser, as well as his leadership in the success of the annual Arizona golf event for alumni and friends and his consistent encouragement of others to support the university.
In his formal address to the group, President Van Horn said, “The progress we celebrate tonight has been made possible by people like you. Together, we are not just sustaining Mayville State’s future; we are helping shape the workforce, communities, and leaders who will define North Dakota’s future for generations to come.
“The story of Mayville State’s future is one of growth, opportunity, and impact, and we are grateful that you are helping to write that story together with us.
“Our best days are ahead of us at Mayville State University.”
The Honor Society is organized into clubs based on various giving levels. The Honor Society Bronze Club includes donors of $10,000-$24,999; the Silver Club, donors of $25,000-$49,999; the Gold Club, donors of $50,000-$99,999; the Platinum Club, donors of $100,000-$249,999; the Diamond Club, donors of $250,000-$499,999; the Ambassador Club, donors of $500,000-$749,999; the Legacy Club, donors of $750,000-$999,999; the Founder Club, donors of $1,000,000-$1,999,999; the Comet Club, donors of $2,000,000-$4,999,999; and the 1889 Club, donors of $5,000,000 or more.
The honor roll currently includes more than 300 benefactors, including individuals, couples, businesses, matching gift programs, and other organizations, whose cumulative gifts have helped generations of students pursue and achieve their educational goals.
Over the last year, Mayville State supporter Terry Bachmeier joined the Honor Society Comet Club with cumulative gifts of more than $2,000,000.
The new member of the Platinum Club this year is Maxine Garrett. Joining the Gold Club are Marilyn Aarsvold, James and Rhonda Nelson, Mark Osland, and Robert Thorsness. New to the Silver Club are Agassiz Drain Tile, Edward Birmingham, Jeff Eliason, Randy McKay, and Jerry and Kristina McLain.
This year, several new members joined the Bronze Club. Michael & Jennifer Carr, Michelle Feland, Jon and Nancy Fugleberg, Brian & Emily Halverson, Alan and Mary O’Neil, Jeannie Orke, Richard and Roxanne Parker, Davy and Ilene Ouradnik, Paulson Gravel Service, Jerry and Debbie Soholt, James and Brenda Sondreal, Jason and Jessica Washington, and Michael and Susan Zier.
“We are fortunate to be blessed with loyal alumni and friends who truly care about Mayville State University and who give of their financial and other resources to support the university,” said Dr. Lon Jorgensen, Executive Director of the MSU Foundation. “This steadfast support is crucial to Mayville State’s success.”
The 2026 Honor Society president’s dinner was sponsored by Bell Bank Wealth Management. Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops of Grand Forks and Fargo contributed as well.
If you’d like to make a financial contribution to Mayville State University or are interested in learning more about the MSU Foundation Honor Society, please call the MSU Foundation at 701-788-4687.
