MSU President's Newspaper Column
May 18, 2024
Commencement festivities mark a significant milestone
May 11, 2024 will be remembered by many as a milestone, the day they walked across the stage at Mayville State’s Lewy Lee Fieldhouse to receive their college diplomas. In the annual commencement ceremony, those who completed their graduation requirements at the conclusion of the Fall Semester of 2023 or the Spring Semester of 2024, as well as those who will complete their degree requirements during the Summer Session of 2024, were recognized.
Just over 230 individuals were eligible to participate, and about 130 did so. Degrees earned included Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Bachelor of Science in Education, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of University Studies, and Associate of Arts.
The Lewy Lee Fieldhouse was filled with Mayville State faculty, staff, family members, and friends of the graduates who came to celebrate this significant milestone with them. Nearly every seat in the bleachers and the chairs on the floor were taken, and many more watched online. This demonstrates the level of support that these special new Mayville State alumni have from both near and far.
The day began with the traditional graduation brunch, hosted by the Alumni Association. Each year, the brunch serves as the official first alumni event for the graduates and provides an opportunity for the graduates and their families to enjoy a meal together before the commencement exercises. Current graduates Brennen Beaudin, Taylor Dean, and Angella Jenson gave their reflections on their Mayville State experiences. It was truly heartwarming to hear from these individuals. We are grateful to Bell Bank for their financial contribution that allowed graduates and their families, as well as faculty and staff, to attend free of charge.
It was our honor to have Mayville State alumnus, retired employee, and legendary baseball coach Scott Berry join us as the keynote speaker for commencement. In addition, State Board of Higher Education member Curtis Biller brought greetings on behalf of the board, and Pastor Ben Tacoma from Riverside Evangelical Free Church in Mayville delivered the invocation and benediction. Kennedi Soine, a 2024 Mayville State graduate, beautifully led the singing of the National Anthem and “Alma Mater,” and Mary Trudeau shared her talents as pianist and accompanist. Thyra Peterick and Marisa Ostendorf spoke on behalf of the Class of 2024. Each added an element that helped to make the occasion special for all.
Commencement is always a bittersweet time for me. I’m thrilled for the students who have worked so hard to earn their college degrees, often overcoming great obstacles. At the same time, I’m sad because this means they will be moving on to new chapters in their lives beyond Mayville State.
I have been blessed by the gift of getting to know so many of our students. Their involvement in band, choir, athletics, Collegiate DECA, or any number of other activities lends itself to opportunities to get to know them. Perhaps they are students who eat at the cafeteria when I am there or maybe they work in a university office. When or where it happens matters not. It’s the fact that the family atmosphere at this extraordinary place lends itself to people knowing and caring about one another that matters most.
As I reflect on the members of this particular class, I think about the high-quality student athletes like Marcus Hughes, Tom Gieske, and Taylor Dean who have now earned their degrees; as well as Collegiate DECA high achievers like Brennen Beaudin, Lauryn Wolfgram, and Breck Fugleberg; business office employee Josh Dohman; Student Senator and math club member Riley Wass; agribusiness student Sam Satrom; and elementary education major Hanna Millar. I smile as big as possible when I think about how Kris Brekken and his daughter, Sydney, a member of Mayville State’s highly successful women’s basketball team, both graduated on the same day. Way to go, dad and daughter!
For a number of the commencement participants, graduation day was their first time on the Mayville State campus. They had completed their degrees through online work. Doing so requires a great deal of discipline and drive. Many of these determined students also have full-time jobs and families. I have tremendous respect for adult students who complete their education while balancing so many challenges.
Whether they are students I have had the privilege of getting to know or students who are working from afar, each is a treasured member of the Mayville State Family. To know that they are embarking on new opportunities to succeed and better their lives after a great start at Mayville State fills my cup.