MSU President's Newspaper Column

May 9, 2026

Reflecting on a year well-lived at Mayville State

As we reach the end of another academic year at Mayville State University, I find myself reflecting on all that our students, faculty, and staff have accomplished. The year was filled with momentum, milestones, and meaningful moments. Each contributes to the amazing sense of community that defines Mayville State.

We’re closing the semester on a high note, as members of our esports program are competing for a national championship in Rocket League. At the time of this writing, the games were yet to be played, but the opportunity to compete for this championship speaks volumes about the dedication of our students and the evolving opportunities we offer at Mayville State. Watching our students on a national stage - no matter the venue – fills us with pride and reminds us that excellence takes many forms.

We also celebrate the hard-fought seasons of our baseball, softball, and golf teams. (See the details of these seasons at www.msucomets.com.) These student athletes represented Mayville State with resilience and exemplary sportsmanship. They make us CometProud.

I mentioned the softball players who are graduating in an earlier column. Baseball players Cam Goff, Kevin Conway, Jack McQueen, Jalen Denton, Peyton Doty, Ben Dawson, Gannon Hall, Robert Gurney, and Zach Evanochko have also met the requirements for graduation, as have golfers Damian Pokrzywinski, Masen Nowacki, Gracie Kaczynski, and Annika Reierson.

We look forward to celebrating with them and all graduates on Commencement Day on May 15. Their leadership and commitment have helped shape their teams and our campus, and we are grateful to have them as part of the Mayville State Family.

Reflecting on his Mayville State Experience, Cam Goff, from Punta Gorda, Fla., said he came to Mayville State to continue both his baseball career and his education, and in doing so, he’s grown as a student athlete and developed strong leadership skills. Cam will receive a degree in sport management. His goal is to become an athletic director in the future.

Expressing his gratitude for his time at Mayville State, Cam said, “During my time here, I have built many meaningful relationships with teammates, classmates, and staff. The close-knit environment has created a strong sense of community, making my experience both enjoyable and rewarding.”

Cam has developed a great appreciation of the university and its people, which has led to his plans to stay in the area and pursue a master’s degree in leadership through Mayville State.

Accomplishments matter, and so do the moments that simply bring us together. The Party on the Turf, held in conjunction with Mayville State’s Day of Giving on April 30, was a welcome reminder of the joy found in community. It was an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to step away from the pressures of the semester and connect with one another. These kinds of activities provide for a sense of belonging, along with moments of laughter and togetherness, values that are essential to a vibrant campus and are just as important as headlines and trophies.

I continue to be inspired by the energy and heart of this campus. Whether in classrooms, competitions, celebrations, or quiet acts of support, the Mayville State community shows up for one another. I am truly grateful for each and every person who made this a great year.

I wish our graduates every success as they begin their next chapters in life, and I look forward to a bright future ahead for Mayville State University.