MSU President's Column
June 28, 2025
TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More
When a university is functioning well, certain attributes can be observed. During this past week, we’ve seen many of those attributes of success, including the willingness to work together toward a common goal.
As I have written previously, we at Mayville State University were happy to have had the opportunity to host the Shrine Bowl players and coaches as they prepared for and participated in the football games that were held at Jerome Berg Field on Saturday, June 21.
Preparations for the big week began months ago and all aspects of the event seemed to be well-handled. Then late in the afternoon on Monday, June 16, we learned that Agassiz Hall, where our guests were to stay, was not cleaned and ready to properly accommodate the approximately 160 people we were expecting to arrive the next day.
This prompted a chain reaction of employees from all areas of the university coming together to make it right. Individuals from Athletics, Physical Plant, Facilities Services, Student Affairs, and MSU Foundation promptly stepped up. Kudos go to Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Rocky Larson and his assistant coaches, Nick Flesland, Scott Olsen, Tim Martin, Andrew Roufs, Tim Salmon, and Tommy Enerson; Interim Dean of Students Rhonda Nelson, Student Activities Coordinator Megan Roller; Physical Plant employees Doug Eastman and Brian Poppema; MSU Foundation Executive Director Lon Jorgensen; and Facilities Services staff Nicole Midstokke and Marissa Blaufuss.
People brought their personal vacuum cleaners and began the task of cleaning the carpets. Refrigerators were cleaned out, glass and mirrors were polished, and more. In short order, these generous, dedicated, and hard-working folks demonstrated there is no doubt that “Teamwork makes the dream work.” All was in tip-top shape when our Shrine Bowl guests began to arrive Tuesday morning.
“Teamwork” became the overarching theme over the next several days. Not only were the Shrine Bowl teams preparing for and competing in their long-anticipated football games, members of the Kem and El Zagel Temples were working together with each other and with Mayville State personnel to make the experience the best it could be for everyone, including parents and other fans who would be at Mayville State to enjoy the banquet and Shrine Bowl games on June 21.
Mother Nature managed to get involved too, and teamwork became extremely important as dangerously strong winds and thunderstorms forced the Shrine Bowl teams and others to the basement of Agassiz Hall to ride out the storm on Friday evening, June 20. Mayville State residence hall assistant and student Daniel Suda was a strong leader and played a key role in keeping everyone safe that evening.
When the bad weather subsided, another massive team effort was required. Several trees and branches had broken and were strewn about the campus grounds and on the football field. Bright and early Saturday, volunteers and employees were hard at work ensuring the football field, tailgating area, and spaces that would be used for the Bowl games would be ready to go. At the outset, it seemed like an impossible task, but once again, teamwork, determination, and hard work came together for big success.
I am blessed to be a part of an organization made up of individuals who are always ready and willing to give of themselves for the greater good. We had an outstanding time with the Shriners and the Shrine Bowl players and coaches. The fact that our employees gave their very best in ordinary and extraordinary ways was a huge factor in being able to provide an over-the-top experience for all.
Mayville State University is a better institution because our employees care. In visiting with our guests, I heard many times about how impressed they were with the kindness of Mayville State employees. I could not be more Comet Proud of everyone who played a role, big or small, in accommodating our Shrine Bowl guests. Well done, Comets!