MSU President's Newspaper Column
May 16, 2026
A bittersweet milestone: celebrating achievement and saying farewell
Without question, the end of the academic year and commencement, are both the best and the hardest time of the year for me as Mayville State’s president, and I would guess many faculty and staff wholeheartedly join me in this sentiment.
It is the best of times because we gather to celebrate achievement. Dreams are realized, goals are reached, and futures are set in motion. It’s the hardest of times because it marks a turning point, one when students who we have come to know, mentor, and care deeply about, prepare to take their next steps beyond Mayville State University. We are immensely proud of our graduates, yet undeniably sad to see them go.
On Commencement Day, Friday, May 15, we recognized 236 graduates who completed their degree requirements in the Fall Semester of 2025 and the Spring Semester of 2026, and who will finish up at the end of the Summer Session of 2026. Each of these students came to Mayville State, in person or online, with potential, and through their experiences, that potential was nurtured into purpose. We as faculty, staff, and administrators pour our hearts and souls into the work of teaching, mentoring, encouraging, and creating opportunities that allow students to grow both academically and personally, preparing them for lives of meaning and impact.
Among this year’s graduates are students who began their journeys just down the road in area high schools. They chose Mayville State University because it offers exceptional education and experiences close to home. These individuals include Jocelyn Aasen and Noelle Erickson from Northern Cass Public School; Mykaela Anderson and Bethany Holter from Larimore Public School; Brandon Albrecht from Grafton; Brooklyn Groth, Kadence Hanson, Shawn Klabo, Isabell Parker, Addison Domier, Jacob Sherva, Madison Anderson, Jesse Halverson, Kinsey Hanson, Logan Krueger, and Harley Parrow from May-Port CG; Mallory Herberg, Ryan Strande, and Leighton Wolfgram from Thompson; Kelby Azure from Portland and who graduated from Northwood Public School; and Cassidy Mueller and Jillian Hurt from Hillsboro. They remind us how powerful it can be to remain connected to family, community, and opportunity while pursuing a college degree.
Reflecting on his Mayville State experience, Thompson High School graduate Ryan Strande said, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time attending Mayville State! The genuine care that the staff have for the students is unique to our university. Additionally, no other school could have prepared me for my future in education as well as Mayville State has. I could see the purpose of my courses and course work almost daily in my field experiences. Because of these courses and experiences, I am excited and confident in my abilities to have my own classroom next year. Finally, the great community that forms within the student body has allowed me to create friendships and memories that will last a lifetime!”
Ryan has accepted a position teaching social studies in Minto, N.D., starting next fall. It was the only social studies position he saw open on the eastern side of the state, and he was thankful to get it, as he wishes to remain close to home as he begins his career.
These local students and each of this year’s Mayville State graduates represent the very best of Mayville State University. We’re very proud to serve students from places across North Dakota and beyond. A recent statistic shows students from 47 of North Dakota’s 53 counties are enrolled at Mayville State University.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 2026 area high school graduates who are celebrating an important milestone in their own lives. As you look ahead, I encourage you to consider the powerful example set by Mayville State graduates who once stood exactly where you are now, students from nearby towns who chose to attend college close to home and went on to achieve great things. Mayville State University is ready to support you, challenge you, and walk beside you as you pursue your dreams.
Yes, commencement is a bittersweet moment. We are joyful in celebrating our graduates and confident in the impact they will make. As we do this, we are very much aware of the quiet that follows as they leave our campus. To this year’s Mayville State University graduates, I extend my most sincere congratulations! You will always have a home at “The School of Personal Service,” and we will forever be proud of you and the paths you choose to follow.