MSU President's Newspaper Column
May 30, 2026
A season of energy, engagement, and Comet Pride
The academic year culminated a couple of weeks ago with commencement, and we have quickly made the transition to an active summer at Mayville State. Summer session classes have begun. We’re offering flexible options for students looking to stay on track or get ahead academically. Students and their faculty advisors continue their work in the research labs, and we’re welcoming students, alumni, families, and visitors for a wide range of events, programs and experiences that bring energy and life to all areas of campus.
One of the highlights of summer is the opportunity to host major regional events. We’ve just held the regional high school baseball tournament at Scott Berry Field, and soon the Shrine Bowl festivities will be underway. We are proud to serve as the site for Shrine Bowl practices and related activities, bringing some of the region’s top high school athletes to campus June 16-20. The excitement surrounding the Shrine Bowl goes beyond the field and creates a sense of community as participants and fans experience Mayville State and the Mayville-Portland community and beyond.
Youth camps are another cornerstone of summer at Mayville State. Volleyball and girls basketball camps will fill the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse with young athletes eager to learn and grow. These camps give participants and opportunity to develop their skills while experiencing the supportive and welcoming environment that defines Mayville State.
The university will also be the site for a portion of another important event this summer, the North Dakota Firefighter’s Association Convention, planned for June 4-6. Events like this bring professionals from across the state to the Mayville State campus, highlighting our ability to serve as a gathering place for education, collaboration, and community connection.
Beyond the physical campus, Comet pride continues to shine through a variety of summer events for alumni and friends. Golf tournaments are a key part of summer activity. They support athletic programs and strengthen connections with alumni and friends. The Gridiron Club and Comet Baseball will host golf tournaments at the Mayville Golf Course in August. The MSU Golf Classic Scramble will be held in Detroit Lakes on June 6, and the Harvey McMullen Memorial Golf Tournament will be held in Mayville on July 10. These events bring together supporters of all ages, combining a passion for student-athlete success with the fun and camaraderie of friendly competition.
Summer is also a time for alumni engagement and informal campus visits, as graduates return “home” to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the university’s continued growth. Don’t forget about the opportunity to see the Old Main renovation project in progress at the tour planned for Tuesday, June 2 at 10 a.m. Register and see the details at www.mayvillestate.edu/OMtours.
All the campus activity takes place with a beautiful campus in full summer bloom serving as a backdrop. From the historic charm of Old Main to the vibrant green spaces throughout campus, Mayville State provides a lovely setting for every event and experience. If you have a chance, be sure to enjoy some time on the grounds of the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center and the Legacy Plaza this summer. These are beautiful spaces that help to make Mayville State University and the city of Mayville shine!
Our physical plant and facilities staff have been working hard this spring, and the campus is looking beautiful! We are grateful for their tireless work that results in pride in our university and wonderful places for all to enjoy. Our devoted Alumni Association volunteers have set the stage in many cases, and they continue to offer their helping hands to bring the campus beauty to a new level. We are blessed.
Whether it’s the energy of the Shrine Bowl, the enthusiasm of youth camps, the collaboration of statewide conventions, or the camaraderie found on the golf course, summer at Mayville State University is special. It is marked by connection, purpose, and Comet pride, a spirit that sustains and strengthens the university year after year.