May 17, 2027
The Mayville State University Commencement Day 2026 celebration on Friday May 15 began with a brunch hosted by the Mayville State Alumni Association and sponsored by Bell Bank. The event welcomed the newest members of the alumni community, marking their first official alumni gathering. Student speakers Micaela Kocher and Anthony Johnson shared remarks, setting an uplifting tone for the day ahead.
The celebration continued that afternoon in a ceremony held in a packed Lewy Lee Fieldhouse, where faculty, staff, graduates, and proud families gathered to honor those who completed their degree requirements at the end of the fall semester of 2025 and the spring semester of 2026, and who will finish up their degrees after the summer session of 2026. The atmosphere was filled with pride, joy, and anticipation as graduates marked this significant milestone and prepared for bright futures ahead.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers encouraged graduates to carry forward the knowledge, relationships, and values they gained at Mayville State and to use them to make a meaningful difference in the world. Mayville State President Dr. Brian Van Horn encouraged graduates to embrace the limitless possibilities ahead, emphasizing that their Mayville State education has prepared them to become anything they aspire to be. This inspiring message was reinforced by North Dakota State Board of Higher Education member Michelle Kommer, a proud Mayville State graduate, who delivered greetings on behalf of the board.
In his remarks, President Van Horn urged graduates to move forward with gratitude and purpose, closing with a heartfelt reminder: “As you move forward, carry gratitude with you, and use what you’ve learned here to make a positive difference wherever your path leads … Mayville State will always be your home.”
A highlight of the celebration was the awarding of Mayville State’s first Honorary Master of Science in Leadership degree to Larry McGillis, honoring his exemplary leadership and the unwavering support and leadership he, his wife, Dixie, and their family have generously shown to Mayville State University and the Mayville-Portland community.
Mayville State alumnus Nick Storhaug delivered an inspiring keynote address, challenging graduates to lead lives of purpose by doing good for others and being of service in a rapidly changing world. He emphasized that this is both an opportunity and a responsibility, concluding with a powerful charge: “Go serve the world. The world needs you now more than ever.”
Student speakers Bethany Holter and Cara Hansen-Thompson reflected on their journeys and encouraged their classmates to confidently embrace what comes next.
The ceremony stood as a joyful celebration of achievement and possibility, sending graduates forward with the confidence that their Mayville State experience has prepared them to dream boldly, achieve greatly, and make a lasting impact.
