MSU President's column for Traill County Tribune
April 23, 2016
‘I’m Thankful for Mayville State’ Day will provide critical annual fund support
Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 28, “I’m Thankful for Mayville State” Day, a 24-hour online give-a-thon that will benefit MSU students through the annual fund. We’ve designated this special day as a time when you can remember the importance of Mayville State University and show your gratitude with a monetary gift. Please give serious consideration to making a financial contribution to Mayville State on this day, and encourage your friends to join you in the effort on this first-ever annual giving day at Mayville State University.
Contributions to the annual fund at Mayville State are critical. Every dollar given to the annual fund helps the MSU Foundation to exist and complete its work, which is essential to Mayville State’s success. Last year, each dollar given to the annual fund created more than twenty new dollars of charitable support. After operation costs, the remainder each year goes to wherever the needs are the greatest at Mayville State.
To give you an idea of just how important the work of the MSU Foundation is to Mayville State, during the 2014-2015 fiscal year, 164 annual academic scholarships were awarded to MSU students. The Foundation’s endowment and other funds grew to more than $5.5 million, paving the way for awarding 175 endowed scholarships each year. One hundred thirty-eight Music Makers Scholarships were awarded to students who participate in band and choir. The goal to raise $500,000 in start-up funds for the new online RN to BSN nursing program was not only met, but exceeded. This program is now exceeding enrollment goals. Comet Athletic Club memberships and events produced more than 125 academic scholarships for student athletes. Nearly $90,000 in unrestricted funds which help the Foundation assist students and alumni was raised. For every dollar raised through the annual fund drive in 2014-2015, $21.42 more was raised for Foundation projects such as scholarships, academic programs, and facilities.
The goal of the MSU Foundation was to raise $2,000,000 in 2014-2015. The actual dollars raised came to $2,013,990! We are grateful to our wonderful supporters whose generosity, together with the good work of the MSU Foundation staff, made this happen. MSU Foundation fund-raising for the 2015-2016 is right on track to reach or exceed goals once again.
Without an annual fund drive, there would not be an MSU Foundation. With enrollment increasing every year, you can be assured your gift is helping to fuel Mayville State’s growth for the future. Enrollment records continue to be set at Mayville State. New programs and activities are enhancing the Mayville State experience for students. The physical transformation of the campus over the last several years is amazing! Help keep the momentum going with your financial support. The goal for “I’m Thankful for Mayville State” Day is to have 100 donors participate. Will you be one of these generous participants who help us reach our goal?
Generosity is contagious! To add to the fun, a class challenge component is being incorporated. If you’re a Mayville State graduate, please be sure to note your class year when making your online donation. Will your class raise the most and make the biggest impact in this year’s annual fund drive? After you’ve made your gift, be sure to let your classmates know, so they can be a part of the excitement too.
Why are you thankful for Mayville State? Did you earn a degree that has paved the way for a career and better life for you and your family? Did an MSU faculty or staff member go out of his or her way to make a difference in your life? Do you enjoy attending the concerts, athletic contests, and other events on campus? Is your business or organization impacted by the existence of Mayville State? Are you a Mayville State alum who received scholarship assistance as a student?
The reasons to be thankful for Mayville State are many. We invite you to let your Comet pride shine with an attitude of gratitude on April 28! You can make your online contribution from the convenience of your own home, or you may stop at Mayville State’s Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center on April 28 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to get assistance with your donation. Refreshments will be served throughout the day.
The success of the “I’m Thankful for Mayville State” Day fund-raiser will most definitely translate to continued success for our beloved Mayville State University. We hope you’ll commit your financial support to this very important cause. On April 28, go to www.mayvillestate.edu/givingday to make your gift, which is tax deductible. For more information about “I’m Thankful for Mayville State” Day, you may contact Dena Bergstrom at 701-788-4864 or dena.bergstrom@mayvillestate.edu. Thank you for your consideration.