MSU President's Newspaper Column
August 26, 2023
Welcoming new and returning students: a special part of getting the new year off to a great start!
Every day is a great day to be a Comet, but that sentiment is especially emphasized at the kickoff of a new academic year when current students return and a brand-new class of freshmen and new students join the Mayville State family. I treasure the opportunity to catch up with those who are returning and to get to know the newest members of the Comet family. Our family is overflowing with many special individuals. Each brings their own attributes and experiences to share, allowing all to learn and grow.
Move-in at the residence halls began Saturday, Aug. 19. It was fun to be a part of the excitement when the students arrived along with their families, who helped them get settled in their new college home. It is a time of happiness and hope for the future, mixed with a little nervousness.
Mayville State’s Student Life department had a full slate of activities planned for all students during their week of welcome. Making new friends, renewing acquaintances, learning more about Mayville State, and just plain having some fun were the priorities. Activities throughout the week included outdoor games, a hypnotist show, grocery bingo, inflatable games sponsored by CRU, and more.
I had the privilege of formally addressing the new students at a program held Monday morning, Aug. 21. I encouraged the students to get involved and embrace everything about Mayville State University and the community that surrounds us. We hear over and again from our students about how members of the community have helped to make their Mayville State experience extra-special. We thank the members of the community for being an extension of the university. Each one is extremely important to the work we do.
In my remarks, I shared a moment that made me extremely proud. On Sunday evening, I got to campus with numerous things to carry in. Just as my wife and I began to unload the car, four young men came by and asked if they could help. They did not offer their help because I am the university president. They helped because they are kind and thoughtful gentlemen. This is just one of many such incidents I’ve experienced with Mayville State University students. We are blessed to have many students whose qualities include kindness and thoughtfulness for others.
I consider this to be one of the most important characteristics that makes Mayville State special. It sets “The School of Personal Service” apart from the others. Not only do we have amazing students, our faculty and staff work hard to make sure all students receive the attention and personal service they need to succeed.
Mayville State is a place where students are most definitely not numbers. They are individuals who are encouraged to do their best and who are given every opportunity to succeed. We take great pride in educating the whole student and encourage students to get involved, whether it be in attending planned activities and athletic events, or participating in intercollegiate athletics, intramurals, student government, band, choir, Collegiate DECA, Multicultural Club, Science Club, and many more clubs and organizations.
My parting words to the new students during my formal welcome were, “Go to class!” The first step to success in college is being present and participating. All the rest will follow and fall into place nicely.
Following the formal welcome, I joined the new students along with our Peer Leaders and residence hall assistants for a photo on the front lawn of Old Main. The group then headed out with peer leaders on an adventure that helped the newbies become more familiar with campus.
These are the kinds of things that make great memories and that make the family-style atmosphere at Mayville State extraordinary. We’re off to a great start for the new academic year, with happy hearts and optimism for a future filled with opportunity and success. A big “thank you” goes to members of the community and region who continue to serve as mentors for our students as they work toward their goals and dreams.