MSU President's Newspaper Column

May 14, 2022

Commencement, an end and a beginning, and a time to reflect

May 14 is a date that many have looked forward to with great anticipation, the day of Mayville State’s 2022 commencement ceremony - the annual culmination of teamwork that represents Mayville State’s mission and purpose. The event marks the end of one era and the beginning of the next. The work of faculty, staff, and administration to help a group of students achieve their goal of earning a college degree at Mayville State ends as our newest graduates embark on new chapters of their lives and begin their pursuit of new educational goals or begin their careers. We are proud and excited for our newest alumni, and we applaud them for their outstanding achievements.

I must admit, the thought of this day gives me reason to pause. While I am extremely happy for the graduates and proud of them for all that they have accomplished, I know how much I will miss seeing them and interacting with them on a regular basis. A majority of these graduates were new to Mayville State at the same time I was when I became president of Mayville State University in 2018. I consider these students to be a part of my extended family, and I will always treasure the opportunity to know them and to get to know Mayville State with them.

Kylee Heurung will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, earning a major in health and physical education and minors in coaching and developmental adaptive physical education. Kylee has been an outstanding student-athlete at Mayville State, acknowledging that she is a student first. She was recently recognized as the HPER Health Education Major of the Year. This award is given to a graduating senior who the division feels exemplifies the qualities and knowledge that MSU hopes our graduates will demonstrate as teachers of health education. She also received the Sorensen Scholar-Athlete Award, which is presented to the graduating senior who has reached an outstanding level of achievement in both academics and athletics.

A native of Brainerd, Minn., Kylee feels that attending MSU has helped her to grow and has shaped her into the person she is today. She said, “As I look back at my time here, I am extremely grateful for the memories made, the lessons learned, and the friendships I have made.” Kylee’s favorite Mayville State memory is making it to the national tournament with the Comets women’s basketball team.

Kylee will begin her career in teaching health and physical education in Montevideo, Minn. this coming fall. She is excited for her future and for what is yet to come.

Ryan Klath, Portland, N.D., has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with specializations in management and marketing. After graduation, Ryan will be working full-time at Scheels, managing various departments. He plans to grow with Scheels and use the knowledge and resources that Mayville State has provided.

Ryan appreciates that Mayville State is a family where faculty, staff, and fellow students want to see students succeed and strive to be their best. He likes that everyone is eager to lend a helping hand while pushing you toward what you’re capable of achieving.

Among Ryan’s favorite Mayville State memories was showing up for the Mayville State Christmas card photo shoot and being the only one there wearing a Christmas sweater. With tongue in cheek, he says that lots of community members were eager to point that out to him!

Ryan’s favorite Mayville State memory exemplifies one of the beauties of being a student at MSU. The campus and community are closely intertwined and whether you grow up in this community or in a community located miles away from Mayville-Portland, you are valued as a member of the community as a student. I can say with certainty that our students appreciate being a part of a friendly and supportive greater community.

Kylee and Ryan are two examples of the outstanding students who Mayville State faculty and staff have the privilege to teach, mentor, and assist. We are truly blessed to have them and all of the graduates who will be honored during the 2022 commencement festivities as members of the Mayville State family. We wish them well in all that they do and look forward to hearing more about the great things we know lie ahead for them.

Highlights from the Graduation Brunch and Commencement Exercises

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