MSU President's Newspaper Column
November 1, 2025
Empowering the future: how Mayville State supporters make a lasting impact
The annual Mayville State University Honor Society President’s Dinner, held Wednesday evening, Oct. 22, was a celebration of the generosity that means so much to Mayville State’s success. My wife, Nina, and I had the great honor of hosting the event, which recognizes Mayville State supporters who have made cumulative financial contributions of $10,000 or more to the university during their lifetimes. The Honor Society now includes donors who have reached levels of giving well above the $2,000,000 level.
We are grateful for not only the generosity of our donors, but also for their belief in the Mayville State University mission and their shared commitment to empowering our region through education. We’ve made incredible progress together.
The record-breaking enrollment we’re experiencing this fall is very much the result of a team effort that includes private financial support. With 1,215 students enrolled, we’re seeing a strong presence of North Dakota residents coming from 47 or the state’s 53 counties. In addition, our freshman class has increased by 43.7% over the Fall of 2024. The numbers show that families see value in what we offer: small classes, personal support, and real outcomes. Four keys to Mayville State’s success are affordability, safety, quality of education, and proximity to everything.
Scholarships provided by Mayville State alumni and friends change lives. This financial assistance is key to attracting and retaining students. We are grateful for the fact that available scholarship funding, assisted by North Dakota Challenge Grant matching dollars, is up 169% from 2020-21 to 2026-27.
At the dinner, elegantly decorated tables were the backdrop as several of Mayville State’s shining student stars mingled and got to know many of Mayville State’s best friends during the dinner. It filled my cup to see the interaction between students and donors, people at varying stages in their lives, enjoying the company of one another.
Three of our exceptional students had the opportunity to address the crowd. They thanked alumni and friends for their support that is so critical not only to the success of the scholarship recipients, but also to the university as a whole.
Mayville State University senior Noelle Erickson from Argusville, N.D., was spot-on when she said, “Behind every scholarship is someone who believes in students like me and shares a passion for Mayville State. Your generosity sends a powerful message that our goals and futures matter. When students receive that support, it lifts a huge weight off their shoulders and replaces it with confidence and hope.”
Junior Lindsey Tulla, from Bovey, Minn., shared her gratitude for the opportunity to be involved in an out of the classroom because of donor support. She said, “What truly sets Mayville State apart is the incredible support we receive from the community and from generous donors. Your contributions don’t just help us pay for school – they give us the freedom to fully engage in everything this university has to offer. This has allowed me to dedicate my time to leadership roles, volunteer work, and building the skills I’ll carry into my future career. Thank you for believing in us and for helping us build the foundation for a meaningful future.”
Daniel Suda, Halstad, Minn., who is in his third year at Mayville State, talked about how Mayville State has exceeded his expectations. He said, “Professors here actually take the time to get to know you, not just your grades, but your goals too. Coaches push you to be better, both on and off the field, and the students here genuinely support one another. That sense of community is what makes Mayville different, and it’s one of the reasons I am grateful to be at this university.” He wrapped up his remarks with the following statement. “Thank you to everyone who makes Mayville State what it is. I’m proud to be a Comet, and I’m grateful every day for the experiences and opportunities this university has given me.”
Mayville State supporters - whether through financial gifts or other meaningful contributions - can take great pride in knowing their support is truly transformative. Thanks to these special people and organizations, our students are entering the world equipped not only with an outstanding education, but also with the essential power skills that are shaping their careers and enriching their communities.
I am Comet Proud in ways words cannot adequately express, and deeply Comet Grateful for our alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and all who make our mission at Mayville State University possible. We are truly blessed.