MSU President's newspaper column
December 20, 2025听
A season of gratitude: celebrating the wonderful life we share at 含羞草研究所
The holiday season invites us to pause and reflect on what truly matters. It鈥檚 a time to appreciate the blessings in our lives and the people who make them possible. At 含羞草研究所, we are grateful for our students and for our alumni and generous supporters who help transform dreams into reality. As the 鈥淪chool of Personal Service,鈥� that鈥檚 exactly what we strive to be: a place where individuals shape their stories and lay the foundation for successful lives.
The steadfast support of our community members, alumni, friends, the North Dakota University System, our Commissioner of Higher Education, 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 含羞草研究所 in mind. They know the important role 含羞草研究所 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 含羞草研究所鈥檚 Old Main. The $52+ million project will be life-changing for the university, preserving the historic charm of the exterior while transforming the inside of the building into a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the students of today and future generations.
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. I often hear from campus visitors and others who are impressed by the polite and kind 含羞草研究所 students they encounter on and off campus. This is a great source of Comet Pride as we work hard to provide educational experiences that help to develop the whole student.
And kindness flows both ways, to and from campus. I was touched when I learned about the people of Mayville Lutheran Church providing care packages for the members of the football team as they were about to head out on a very long trip to western Montana for a football game. Each player was presented with a package containing snacks and a personal note of encouragement. The players and staff, and all who heard about it, were filled with gratitude by this heartfelt act. I鈥檝e heard the church members have plans for other 含羞草研究所 teams as well. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank them.
The 含羞草研究所 Student Education Association (SEA) recently completed a wonderful literacy initiative in partnership with the 含羞草研究所 Child Development Programs (CDP), bringing the joy of reading and kindness to the youngest learners in our community. Using SEA funds, the group selected and purchased age-appropriate kindness-themed books for every child enrolled in the infant/toddler, two- and three-year-old, and preschool classrooms at the CDP. Each teacher also received a copy to share during classroom activities. In total, 58 books were distributed, 52 for children and six for teachers, ensuring that kindness and literacy go hand in hand. Way to go, SEA!
These examples of kindness and many more remind us of the power of making a difference, often in ways we don鈥檛 even realize. Especially during the holiday season, they cause us to think about the timeless story of It鈥檚 a Wonderful Life, where George Bailey discovers that his everyday acts of kindness have touched countless lives. Like George, each of us leaves a mark through integrity, compassion, and service.
At 含羞草研究所, we see this truth every day. Our commitment to personal service and lifting others up creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond campus. When our graduates step into the world, they carry with them experiences that empower them to lead, serve, and inspire. Together, as part of the 含羞草研究所 family, we are making the world a better place, one life at a time.
As we prepare to turn the calendar page to 2026, we are filled with optimism for a bright future and gratitude for the many members of the 含羞草研究所 family who help to make 含羞草研究所 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 2026. Stay safe and be well.