MSU President's Column for Traill County Tribune
October 26, 2019
President’s Dinner provides special opportunity to recognize supporters
I had the great pleasure of hosting the Mayville State University Foundation Honor Society President’s Dinner on Thursday evening, Oct. 24. The annual event is extra-special as it is our opportunity to recognize Mayville State University supporters whose cumulative lifetime donations total $10,000 or more. Donors are recognized for their financial contributions to all projects at Mayville State. Their generosity is amazing, and we are truly grateful.
Bell Bank of Fargo sponsored the Honor Society President’s Dinner again this year as they have for the past several years. Bell Bank is extremely supportive of Mayville State University, and we appreciate all that they do.
The evening included a delicious meal prepared by our Dining Services staff. Honor Society members who have reached new levels, or clubs, of giving received awards. It was a pleasure to recognize 16 new Honor Society members and 13 current Honor Society members who have reached greater levels of support during the past year. We also were fortunate to hear from Mayville State students Abby Kohls and Darrel Wilson. Audience members were able to learn more about these extraordinary individuals and to hear first-hand about how their financial contributions are making a difference at MSU.
Having loyal alumni and friends who truly care about Mayville State University and who give of their financial and other resources to support the university is a wonderful gift! 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 701-788-4750.
Another wonderful source of support for Mayville State is the state of North Dakota-funded challenge grant. The North Dakota Legislative Assembly’s amazing matching gift program is once again available, as of July 1, 2019. The program to spur philanthropic giving to North Dakota state universities and enhance academic excellence has been very successful in past years and we are thrilled that funding of up to $700,000 is available during the current biennium. The Matching Fund for Enhanced Academics is providing a 50% match for each and every dollar donated to the Mayville State University Foundation for approved projects. Mayville State has received approval from the state committee for any gifts given to annual scholarships and endowed scholarships. Gifts to either of these areas will receive 50% in state matching dollars for every dollar given. We hope to claim as many of the match dollars as possible for MSU. To learn more about how the challenge grant can boost your gift to MSU, please call the MSU Foundation.
We are so very blessed at Mayville State to have people in and out of our community who support our students in many ways. They cheer for students at athletic events. They show their kindness to our students as they shop and receive services at the local businesses. They worship with our students at the local churches. They provide financial assistance that helps reduce their costs of receiving a higher education. The list could go on and on, but you get the idea. Kind-heartedness and generosity can be found everywhere.
As we get ready to turn the calendar page to November, thoughts of thanksgiving naturally fill our hearts. With all sincerity, I thank the countless friends of Mayville State University and its students for all that they do. Our tremendous friends are having a huge impact in many ways.
Photo above: Darrel Wilson, Brian Van Horn, Abby Kohls. Darrel and Abby were student speakers at the annual MSU Foundation Honor Society President's Dinner held on Oct. 24.