May 10, 2025
Terry Bachmeier will be awarded an honorary Bachelor of Arts in Social Science degree during Mayville State University’s commencement exercises on Friday, May 16, 2025. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. in the Mayville State Lewy Lee Fieldhouse. The event is open to the public.
Terry Bachmeier grew up in Mayville, N.D., where his father, Dr. Thomas Bachmeier, was a member of the faculty of Mayville State University. As such, Terry became well-acquainted with the university. He graduated from Mayville-Portland High School in 1975. He took college-level placement tests to give him roughly one year of credits before enrolling at Mayville State for two quarters. He left Mayville State to locate to Arizona.
Mr. Bachmeier has devoted his life to serving others, and he is thoughtful and consistent in making their needs a priority. He spends a great deal of his time and effort serving as a chaplain who has for decades counseled troubled youth in the Phoenix, Ariz. area. “This makes Terry Bachmeier the perfect example of someone who practices the personal service that Mayville State embraces,” said Mayville State University President Dr. Brian Van Horn.
As an exceptionally generous philanthropist, Terry honors the people who are important to him while making a difference in the lives of the recipients of his monetary gifts. At Mayville State University, he has established several endowed and annual scholarships, including the Bachmeier Family Agribusiness Scholarship, the Thomas Bachmeier Family Psychology Scholarship, the Mary Bachmeier Birmingham Endowment, the Bachmeier Family Criminal Justice Scholarship, and the Thomas Bachmeier Family Music Scholarship.
In addition, he has kindly supported the Mayville State University nursing program and all athletic programs. He sponsored a room in honor of his high school classmates when the university’s historic alumni center was being renovated. He was a major financial supporter when turf was installed at Jerome Berg Field, and he also sponsored a space in the beautiful new Legacy Plaza on the Mayville State campus.
“Mayville State University is a better place because of Terry Bachmeier,” said President Van Horn. “His kind and thoughtful ways have truly made a positive difference. As one of Mayville State University’s most generous financial donors, Terry has impacted the lives of countless Mayville State University students and graduates, who have in turn made a difference in the state of North Dakota and beyond. We are forever grateful to Terry Bachmeier.”