MSU President's Column for Traill County Tribune
November 16, 2013
MSU Foundation Honor Society members make a big impact at Mayville State
In July of 2007, the MSU Foundation implemented some changes that have simplified the way the general public and Mayville State alumni and friends interpret their roles in supporting Mayville State University. Changes have included improved recognition of donors and simplification of the Foundation structure.
Over the years, the MSU Foundation has been successful in expanding the donor base beyond the Mayville-Portland community, to alumni and friends living in all areas of the country and even out of the country. Along with the expansion of the donor base, and many new fund-raising events, has come a diversification of the projects that donors wish to support.
To allow for proper public recognition of all donors to Mayville State University, while keeping the process simple, the MSU Foundation has implemented a program of cumulative donor recognition. This means that donors are being recognized for their financial contributions to all projects at Mayville State, including academic scholarships, facility improvements, and Comet Athletic Club. The recognition program accounts for a donor’s gifts made through the MSU Foundation to all areas at Mayville State, and includes all gifts made over the donor’s lifetime.
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.
New members to the various giving clubs of the Honor Society are given recognition awards in appreciation for their support. Awards for the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Clubs feature a metal medallion impressed with the official Mayville State University seal. The color of the medallion corresponds with a giving level. The medallion hangs from a royal blue satin ribbon and is framed in a shadow box, together with a metal plaque indicating the name of the Honor Society member. Honor Society members of the Diamond, Ambassador, and Legacy levels receive gifts of crystal. Those at the Founders level receive a framed print of an original watercolor painting by Mayville State alumnus Doug Anderson.
The MSU Foundation board members and staff, together with my wife Debbie and I, have hosted the MSU Foundation Honor Society recognition dinner each year for the last six years. The purpose of the event is to recognize the members of the Honor Society and to thank them for their outstanding support that is so critical to the well-being of Mayville State University. The honor roll currently includes 181 benefactors, including individuals, couples, businesses, matching gift programs, and other organizations, who have given a cumulative total of $10,000 or more over the years.
The seventh annual MSU Foundation Honor Society Recognition Dinner is planned for Saturday evening, Nov. 16. All members of the Honor Society, as well as members of the MSU Foundation board, have been invited to attend the gala event which will begin with a social at the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center. While the official grand opening of the facility will not take place until June of 2014, renovation of the historic building is nearly complete. We are excited to have this opportunity to show our Honor Society members the work that has been completed so far. The dinner will be held in the MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room. We are extremely happy to have Bell State Bank & Trust of Fargo sponsoring the dinner for a second year in a row this year. The evening will include a gourmet meal and award presentations. Members who have reached new levels, or clubs, of giving will receive awards. We look forward to recognizing 15 new Honor Society members and six current Honor Society members who have reached greater levels of support during the past year. In addition, we will present an Outstanding Philanthropist Award.
We are so very fortunate to be blessed with loyal alumni and friends who truly care about Mayville State University and who give of their financial and other resources to support the university. This steadfast support is crucial to Mayville State’s success. If you’d like to make a financial contribution to Mayville State University or are interested in learning more about the MSU Foundation Honor Society, please call the MSU Foundation at 701-788-4687.