MSU President's Newspaper Column
April 30, 2022
Thankful for Mayville State always, and especially as the academic year comes to a close
Another academic year is quickly coming to a close. This year seems to have flown by. We look forward to celebrating with the fall 2021, spring 2022, and summer 2022 graduates on commencement day, Saturday, May 14. We are grateful that we will have an in-person event that will look like pre-COVID-19 pandemic commencements. The pandemic has no doubt caused us to pause and recognize how much we appreciate the opportunity to celebrate together.
As is the tradition, the day will begin with a graduation brunch hosted by the Alumni Association. The brunch is considered the first official alumni event for the new graduates. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Bell Bank, graduates and their families will be able to attend free of charge. As part of the program, we’ll hear from some of the graduates who will speak on behalf of the class.
Commencement exercises will begin at 2 p.m. in the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse. The ceremony is open to the public.
Mayville State alumnus Tom Capouch, Portland, N.D., will be our commencement keynote speaker. Tom is currently Market President for First State Bank, a position he’s held since 2017. Previously, he was president of The First and Farmers Bank of Portland from 1992 to 2017. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mayville State in 1984. In 1990, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Moorhead State University.
Tom is a faithful supporter of Mayville State University, and is a current member and past president of the MSU Foundation executive board of directors. He is also secretary/treasurer of the May Port Economic Development Commission, a youth advisor for Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, and secretary and past president of the Portland Commercial Club.
While I am thrilled for the graduates who have reached their academic dreams and goals, I am a bit sad to know that we won’t be able to see them on a regular basis going forward, as they will be leaving the campus to pursue their exciting new careers and a new phase in their lives. Watching them set out for their new life adventures fills the faculty, staff, and administration at Mayville State with a sense of gratification.
I am Comet Proud of these special members of the Mayville State family. They are influential leaders who have excelled in athletics, clubs and organizations, and more. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them, mentoring them, and cheering for them in their competitions and activities. They will be missed. We will always treasure them and look forward to hearing about the exciting things we know that lie ahead for them as our future leaders.
We hope you will join us in showing your gratitude for Mayville State University during the MSU Foundation “I’m Thankful for Mayville State” annual fund drive on Thursday, May 5. Please consider making a gift on May 5 that will pay forward your thankfulness for “The School of Personal Service.” Your generosity will have an impact in the life of someone who is working to earn a college degree. See more at www.mayvillestate.edu/mayday.
If you are a Mayville State graduate, you might think back to the excitement of your graduation and the anticipation of the great adventures that were ahead of you. This is an opportunity for you to pay forward the benefits that Mayville State afforded you.
If you are a friend of Mayville State or a community member considering a gift, you might think about the many ways in which Mayville State strengthens our community and helps to make Mayville-Portland and all of Traill County a great place to live and grow.
We cannot thank our friends and supporters enough for all that they do to help make Mayville State an extra-special place, a place where lives are changed for the better. We are truly grateful.