MSU President's Newspaper Column
October 7, 2023
Scholarship support is a sound investment in the future
We at Mayville State University are sincerely grateful for the wonderful scholarship support that comes from numerous alumni and friends. This assistance is extremely important to students who are in pursuit of their educational goals and dreams. Often, a scholarship makes the difference in whether a student can begin, and sometimes finish, the requirements of earning a college degree.
One such friend and supporter of Mayville State University and its students is the Edson and Margaret Larson Foundation. Edson and Margaret Larson were members of the Mayville community and constant supporters and donors of scholarship assistance at Mayville State University. They recognized the importance of the university to their community and took pride in helping Mayville State students, consistently participating in opportunities to socialize with other supporters at university-sponsored events.
This loyal support has been sustained even in the death of the Larsons as the foundation that bears their name has continued to provide funding for Mayville State University and its students. The Larson Foundation’s financial support has been key to the success of a number of Mayville State’s programs and activities. In addition, the Larson Foundation has consistently provided funding for the Edson and Margaret Larson Annual Scholarship. Last year, they provided an additional significant funding pool to provide scholarships for high achieving North Dakota high school students who enrolled at Mayville State as new students this fall.
Edson and Margaret Larson Annual Scholarships are available to Mayville State juniors and seniors. Recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated levels of community service and academics/entrepreneurial success. They must have a grade point average of at least 3.25; must be residents of North Dakota or graduates of North Dakota high schools; intend to attend a graduate school to pursue graduate studies at a North Dakota/Minnesota institution; and intend to work in the state of North Dakota following graduation. Similar criteria were used to select the recipients of the new student scholarship awards.
Twenty-three Mayville State juniors and seniors were selected to receive the Larson Annual Scholarship in the 2023-24 academic year. They are Seraphine Abugiche, Fargo; Zoe Agnes, Portland; Brennen Beaudin, Northwood; Courtney Boll, West Fargo; Allissa Bratager, Clifford; Miriam Carignan, Walhalla; Joshua Dixon, Casselton; Haley Gereu, Manvel; Jessica Gilbertson, Manvel; Garyn Hamre, Hampden; Mackenzie Hughes, Thompson; Mason Johnson, Mandan; Shawn Klabo, Portland; Jamison Kramer, Marion; Logan Maus, Thompson; Emma Passa, Velva; Logan Sherva, Northwood; Kennedi Soine, Mayville; Allisyn Tollefson, Cavalier; Riley Wass, Devils Lake; Takoda Westling, New England; Isabella Whiteside, Grand Forks; and Lauryn Wolfgram, Thompson..
Twenty students who began their studies as new students at Mayville State this fall semester were awarded the Edson and Margaret Larson New Student Scholarship. They are Jocelyn Aasen, Grandin; Taylor Anderson, New Rockford; Kelby Azure, Portland; Kathryn Bradner, Portland; Callie Cadwell, Voltaire; Xyler Carlson, Finley; Noelle Erickson, Argusville; Brooklyn Groth, Mayville; Kadence Hanson, Portland; Kasia Hoekstra, Grand Forks; Hazel Jensen, Hatton; Dylan Lamont, Grand Forks; Jayson Lunski, Reynolds; Noah Mehus, Mayville; Rachel Ralph, Burlington; Tristan Raymond, Grand Forks; Madison Richter, Beulah; Abby Robinson, Kindred; Samuel Schlepuetz, Ypsilanti; and Jacob Shriver, Bottineau.
We are Comet Proud of each and every one of these outstanding Mayville State students. They have all proven themselves to be exceptional individuals who are making a difference for others and displaying exemplary leadership as they make their journeys toward impressive educational and career goals. They are the future of our state, and I can say with confidence that because of them and others like them, the future is bright.
As an example, Miriam Carignan has been very active in Mayville State’s highly successful Collegiate DECA chapter. She is currently president of the state Collegiate DECA organization. In 2019, she began working in her hometown bank as a client service specialist. This summer she did an internship with AgCountry Farm Credit Services in Cavalier. During the school year, she’s serving as the administrative assistant in Mayville State’s Division of Business. She’s on the Mayville State golf team, and she’s a Peer Leader and so much more on campus. Her volunteer work includes serving as a religious education teacher at churches in Mayville and in Walhalla. Miriam has a passion for the banking and finance industry and intends to pursue a career in North Dakota. Not only is she an outstanding student leader, she’s an all-around wonderful person. She is without a doubt a shining star.
You can see how the generosity of the Larson Foundation and so many other supporters comes full circle in student leaders who have solid career goals and a desire to give back to their home state. It’s a great investment!