The sixth annual MSU Foundation Honor Society President's Dinner was held Friday evening, November 16, on the campus of Mayville State University. The event is held each year to recognize and thank members of the MSU Foundation Honor Society for their support for Mayville State University. Honor Society members have contributed a total of $10,000 or more to Mayville State.
The MSU Foundation board members and staff, together with Mayville State University President Dr. Gary Hagen and his wife Debbie hosted the event. Bell State Bank & Trust of Fargo, the first-ever event sponsor, supported the event with their financial contribution. Several Bell State representatives were among the approximately 100 people who attended the November 16 dinner.
The MSU Foundation Honor Society recognizes those who have made cumulative financial contributions of $10,000 or more to Mayville State University through the MSU Foundation. The group is organized into clubs based on various giving levels. The Bronze Club includes donors of $10,000-$24,999; the Silver Club, donors of $25,000-$49,999; the Gold Club, donors of $50,000-$99,999; the Platinum Club, donors of $100,000-$249,999; the Diamond Club, donors of $250,000-$499,999; the Ambassador Club, donors of $500,000-$749,999; the Legacy Club, donors of $750,000-$999,999; and the Founder, donors of $1,000,000 and more. The Honor Society roll currently includes 168 giving units, including individuals, couples, businesses, and other organizations.
The program included student reflections from Adam Petkau, a physical education major from Morden, Manitoba, and Eric Domier, a business administration major from Mayville. Adam and Eric shared their feelings about how receiving scholarships has made a difference in their lives. On behalf of all Mayville State student scholarship recipients, they thanked Honor Society members for their support. Musical entertainment was provided by Jeremy and Jessica Marquardt of Mayville.
During the evening, 13 new Honor Society members and eight current Honor Society members who have reached greater levels of support during the past year were recognized. In addition, the Outstanding Philanthropist Award was presented to 1961 Mayville State graduate Donald Grage.
Donald Grage is a native of Hunter, N.D. He has been a great supporter of Mayville State University and has honored his family members by starting a number of endowments with the MSU Foundation, including the Harry Grage, Elvina Grage, and Dolores Grage Winger Endowments. He also established the Donald Grage Class of 1961 Endowment several years ago. Don's parents, Harry and Elvina, did not have the opportunity to attend college, but they placed a high value on education and encouraged their children to attend college. Donald's brother Dennis and now-deceased sister Delores are also graduates of Mayville State. In honoring Donald for his generosity and commitment to Mayville State, Bell State Bank & Trust made a $1,000 contribution to the Donald Grage Class of 1961 Endowment through their event sponsorship.
"The Honor Society President's Dinner provided a wonderful opportunity to thank our many friends and alumni for their loyal and generous support for Mayville State University in a beautiful setting," said MSU Director of Development John J. Klocke. "At this time of Thanksgiving, we reflect on our many blessings. There are so many who are making an impact on the lives of others through their support. We are truly grateful."
For more information about the MSU Foundation Honor Society, contact John J. Klocke at 701-788-4787 or john.j.klocke@mayvillestate.edu.