MSU President's Newspaper Column
December 21, 2024
A wonderful Mayville State life
Those who read my column on a regular basis likely know my appreciation for the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life. The movie tells the story of disappointed businessman George Bailey who felt like a failure until he was visited by an angel who showed him what life would have been like if he’d never been born. The angel shows how George has made his mark, just as each of us leaves our mark in the world.
The story demonstrates that we should never underestimate the importance of integrity and good character. It shows that we are making a difference for others, often without even knowing it. It underscores the importance of doing the right thing and always being positive.
I liken the story of It’s a Wonderful Life to the good work that happens at Mayville State University. Our commitment to personal service and making a difference in the lives of others is a gift to the recipient as well as to the giver. By lifting others up, we lift ourselves. I see this every day in the interactions of our students, faculty, and staff.
We are blessed to be a part of a family, the Mayville State family. When our graduates leave Mayville State University to begin their careers, they are going into the world equipped with unique experiences that will help them to make a positive difference in their jobs and their communities. The positive ripple effect is making the world around us a better place.
The holiday season is a time for reflection. It is a time when we should all pause and think about what is important in our lives. At Mayville State there is so much for which we are grateful.
The steadfast support of our community members, alumni, friends, the North Dakota University System, our chancellor, the State Board of Higher Education, and North Dakota legislators is fantastic. We are extremely blessed to be surrounded by people, near and far, who have the best interests of Mayville State in mind. They know the important role Mayville State University plays in making lives better and they are kind in their words and deeds, supporting the legacy of personal service.
We are especially grateful for the funding to support the renovation of Mayville State’s Old Main. The $52+ million project will be life-changing for the university. Work is well underway and we look forward with great anticipation to occupying the new and improved state-of-the-art facility in the fall of 2026.
All around me, I see acts of kindness and people helping one another. These things can be as simple as greeting one another in the hallways and along the sidewalks or holding the door for someone, or they can be a little more involved.
Recently, students involved with CRU were in the Campus Center sharing a message of Christmas, along with packets of hot chocolate mix and candy canes in an effort to spread Christmas cheer to those who passed by. At a basketball game in November, the Student Athlete Advisory Council held a toy drive to support Toys for Tots. Proceeds of a 50-50 drawing at a recent home football game were donated to assist family members of Mayville State student and football player Dante Frank. Dante’s five young brothers and their dad were seriously injured in an explosion near Bagley, Minn. The Student Senate sponsored one of two annual blood drives in November. In the way members of the Mayville State family reach out to help others, one truly can find good no matter where you turn.
As we turn the calendar page to 2025, we are filled with optimism for a bright future and gratitude for the many members of the Mayville State University family who help to make Mayville State the extraordinary place that it is, a place where one can find the best in people and the best in human nature.
Thank you, friends and neighbors, for your support. We wish you all good things in 2025. Stay safe and be well.