MSU President's Newspaper Column

June 15, 2024

Summer is a busy time at Mayville State

Things are hopping at Mayville State this summer! Many students and faculty are busy with online classes that are in session in May, June, and July, while staff members are keeping things moving along. There are a number of on-campus events and activities taking place, along with preparation for the fall semester.

This past week on Tuesday and Wednesday, the North Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics held their summer conference at Mayville State. The theme for the conference was “Infinite Possibilities: Rediscovering the Fun in Mathematics Education.” More than 50 North Dakota mathematics educators gathered to learn and refresh their skills.

“Answering All the Tough Questions You Secretly Hope Students Won’t Ask” was the title of keynote speaker Dr. James Tanton’s presentation. Numerous breakout sessions were held and included topics like “Standards Across the Grades K-8,” “Implementation & Resources of the 2023 ND Math Standards,” and “Teaching Playful Function Composition with Video Games.”

Mayville State graduate and Associate Professor of Mathematics Fred Strand was instrumental in Mayville State’s opportunity to host the conference, and he has worked very hard to make sure his colleagues would have a meaningful and enjoyable time at Mayville State. We applaud him for his efforts. Teachers of mathematics are critical to educating our state’s children and preparing them for future success, and we are grateful to have been able to host this important conference on our campus.

Several camps are being offered through Mayville State’s athletic department. The men’s basketball team hosted a future stars basketball camp for kids in grades K-8 the end of May. Volleyball camps for students in grades 7-12 are planned for July 8 and 9. Softball camps are being offered for students in grades K-5 on July 15, and for students in grades 8-12 on July 16. Comets Football is offering a youth football camp for kids in grades 3-6 on July 23 and 24. You’ll find links for details and registration information at www.mayvillestate.edu/camps.

We look forward to welcoming the North Dakota Shrine Bowl players and coaches, as well as several Shrine Bowl organizers and representatives, families, and fans to campus beginning on Tuesday, June 18. They’ll be participating in practices and various events throughout the week, culminating with the big games on Saturday, June 22. The 9-man game starts at 4 p.m. and the 11-man game starts at 7 p.m. at Jerome Berg Field. See more details at www.mayvillestate.edu/shrinebowl. This is an extra-special year for the Shrine Bowl, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the event which began in 1974.

Several golf tournaments are planned for Mayville State alumni and friends this summer. We’re excited about the great number of teams who participated in the MSU Golf Classic Scramble at Detroit Lakes on June 14. Proceeds of the event hosted by the Comet Athletic Club will benefit the student athletes of Mayville State. The annual Harvey McMullen Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled for July 12 at the Mayville Golf Course. Proceeds of this tournament also benefit Comet Athletics. See the details at www.mayvillestate.edu/mcmullengolf. The Around the Horn Golf Tournament benefits Comets Baseball and is planned for Friday, Aug. 2 at the Mayville Golf Course. See more at www.mayvillestate.edu/aroundthehorn. The Comet Gridiron Club will host a golf tournament at Mayville Golf Course on Saturday, Aug. 17. Details will be available soon.

As all of these events and activities are taking place, work on the Old Main renovation project is underway. Throughout the summer, we’ll be working to empty the building and occupy new offices, classrooms, and work spaces for a couple of years while the demolition and construction work takes place at Old Main. To help provide a more accommodating space for students, employees, and guests during this time and going forward, a wonderful renovation project is planned in the Campus Center as well. This project involves the bookstore and student lounge space.

When all this renovation work is done, about 50% of the campus will have been made “new,” and we could not be more excited for how these projects will impact the possibilities and the bright future that is ahead at Mayville State University. Please feel free to join us for events or stop by campus and check things out. It’s a great time to be a Comet!