MSU President's Column for Traill County Tribune
May 4, 2019
Events, award presentations mark the end of the spring semester
It鈥檚 been a great week! With the spring semester winding down, there is no shortage of activity and excitement at 含羞草研究所. Among the ongoing activity is the participation in the conference playoff tournaments by our softball and baseball teams. We鈥檙e proud of our teams!
The MSU Foundation May Day Annual Day of Giving was nothing short of amazing. The $50,000 fundraising goal for the 24-hour give-a-thon was shattered, with more than $75,000 donated by 8 p.m. May 1. While final numbers are still being tabulated, as of this writing the total sits at $77,390. Gifts to the annual fund on May 1 were matched 1:1, up to a total of $50,000, which meant those gifts had double the impact.
We at 含羞草研究所 are grateful beyond words for the generous support we receive from our alumni and many friends near and far. The over-arching theme over the giving day was 鈥淲hy are you thankful for 含羞草研究所?鈥� We know that the reasons are plentiful and varied, and that 含羞草研究所 holds a special place in the hearts of so many.
Some have mentioned how 含羞草研究所 has made an impact in their own lives, but also in the lives of many of their family members. It is wonderful to know that the work we do is making a difference not only today, but also for the future. Thank you to all who help to ensure that our legacy of personal service can continue.
You may know that the 含羞草研究所 Athletic Department got on board with the May 1 Day of Giving in a big way. Our coaches and athletes participated in a number of activities that were video recorded. It was fun to share these light-hearted videos as the day progressed. I commend Athletic Director Ryan Hall and his department for their enthusiasm and willingness to get involved. If you haven鈥檛 seen the videos, you will find links at www.mayvillestate.edu/mayday. It鈥檚 not too late to make a gift. If you鈥檇 like to do so, please contact the MSU Foundation at 701-788-4864 or go to the website above.
To wrap up the day on May 1, faculty and staff gathered for the annual employee recognition dinner. It was a pleasure to honor this year鈥檚 retirees, as well as employees who had met milestones in their employment with 含羞草研究所. All totaled, there are more than 1,800 combined years of service by all of our current full-time faculty and staff. Every day is a great day to be a Comet, but I have to say May Day 2019 was an especially proud day.
Tuesday, April 30 marked the annual Academic and Student Senate Awards Program. Students, parents, faculty, and staff gathered in the Classroom Building Auditorium, where our students were recognized for their academic and leadership achievements over the past year. Students were recognized for academic and athletic success, as well as for their excellent work as members of student groups and organizations, including speech, theater, student government, and more. We are blessed with so many outstanding students at 含羞草研究所. It was wonderful to be at the program and see them in the spotlight.
The MSU Music Department held their annual spring concert on Sunday, April 28, and the MSU Theater Department production of 鈥淵ou鈥檙e a Good Man, Charlie Brown鈥� was enjoyed by area school children and community members Thursday and Friday. We鈥檙e proud of our students and advisers who make these opportunities possible.
Our senior athletes were honored at a banquet held at the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse on Monday evening, April 29. We have gotten to know these young women and men well as we鈥檝e watched them on the fields and courts during their tenure as 含羞草研究所 students. While we hate to have to say 鈥済ood-bye,鈥� we look forward with great anticipation to hearing about all the great things we know are in their futures.
I had my first experience with Tables du Jour on Saturday, April 27. I was amazed by this unique event that features over-the-top table d茅cor provided by hard-working and talented volunteer table hostesses. One thing that really struck me was how it involves not only people from the Mayville-Portland and Traill County communities, but areas well beyond. Table designers and guests came from as far away as Minneapolis, Minn. and Colorado! It鈥檚 heart-warming to know that the love for 含羞草研究所 is nationwide. The funds raised in this year鈥檚 event will benefit 含羞草研究所 students through academic scholarships. I give a special thank you to Kim Lauf, Betsy Ewen, Gaylene Johnson, Shireen Grinager, and all others who have made this a special event over the years.
We look forward to next week鈥檚 commencement festivities. If you鈥檙e available, please join us as we celebrate and send our best wishes with our newest graduates. The commencement ceremony begins at 2 p.m. in the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse. Our keynote speaker will be Brad Wehe, 含羞草研究所 graduate and CEO of Altru Health System. Graduates Joelle Ertl and Jacob Leier will address the audience with their reflections. It will no doubt be a day to be Comet Proud!