MSU President's Newspaper Column
November 23, 2024
Counting our blessings
In the words of William Arthur Ward, “Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” I believe that gratitude is integral to the personal service we value and hold in high esteem at Mayville State. While we are thankful for our blessings each and every day, at this time of year, our hearts and minds are especially focused on the good things that make our lives better.
We at Mayville State have so very much for which to be grateful. These are especially exciting times, and we are very mindful of the fact that these are the result of the good works of many, not only on campus, but in faraway places too.
The North Dakota 68th Legislative Assembly and Governor Burgum have provided more than $52 million in state funding to support the renovation of our beloved Old Main. Work is well underway, with completion slated for July of 2026. This much-needed project that will benefit our students, faculty, and staff from a life safety point of view is a great vote of confidence in the mission of Mayville State University. This project will be life-changing for our university and the individuals we serve. We could not be more grateful.
As abatement work has progressed in the Old Main renovation project, some treasures have been revealed, and we’re now able to see the beautiful brick and beams on the interior of the building. One can’t help but marvel at the amazing workmanship that went into constructing the majestic building during a time when there was no such thing as power tools. We are thankful for those who were responsible for the legislative funding that provided for the construction of the building so many years ago and for the people who brought Old Main to reality way back when, as well as the individuals involved in bringing our “new” Old Main to life.
Mayville State faculty and staff are outstanding! Our faculty members’ dedication to teaching and learning is second to none, and the staff are fabulous in providing the support that is so important in advancing the educational mission and keeping the university moving forward. Employees are dedicated to the university’s commitment to personal service. We are grateful for excellent employees.
Mayville State students are exceptional. I watch as they show respect for elders, open doors, and say “please” and “thank you.” I also watch them go to school full-time while they work one, two, or even three jobs, play a sport, sing in the choir, and/or play in the band. I feel very good about our future and our community with the leaders who are following us. They value our country, and they value each other. They have learned what personal service means, and they show it daily. It makes me proud to see how our students grow as individuals and as students while they prepare for exciting futures. It is our privilege to get to know them during their Mayville State Experience. We are grateful for our students and their families who entrust them to us as they work toward their educational goals.
Mayville State is blessed to be assisted by exceptionally generous supporters. We are grateful for the many alumni and friends who so freely share their resources so that others may earn a quality education and build bright futures.
The members of our community play an extremely valuable role in the success of the university as a whole, and the success of the students we serve. We are grateful for community members who are making a difference for Mayville State and its students.
It is a privilege to be a citizen of our state and our country. This citizenship provides each of us with a plethora of blessings. We are grateful for the rights we know as Americans and for military veterans and military personnel who give of themselves that we may enjoy our freedoms every day.
For these reasons and so many more, we pause and say “thank you” from the bottoms of our hearts. May you enjoy the gifts of good food and good company on Thanksgiving Day, and may you be showered with blessings upon blessings every single day of the year.