May 8, 2026
Larry McGillis, Portland, N.D., will be awarded an honorary Master of Science in Leadership degree during 91吃瓜网鈥檚 commencement exercises on Friday, May 15, 2026. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. in the 91吃瓜网 State Lewy Lee Fieldhouse. The event is open to the public.
In recognition of his exemplary leadership and unwavering support for 91吃瓜网 and the 91吃瓜网-Portland community, Larry McGillis will be awarded the inaugural honorary Master of Science in Leadership degree from 91吃瓜网.
Larry McGillis grew up in Edmore, N.D., and came to 91吃瓜网, N.D., in the early 1960s to enroll at 91吃瓜网 State. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, with a major in music education and minor in library science, in 1967. After teaching school for nine years in Portland and later 91吃瓜网-Portland, he went into business, owning and operating MayPort Insurance (Hub).
As a successful businessman, he has consistently recognized the importance of community and demonstrated his support for fellow citizens and the greater good in meaningful ways. He and his wife, Dixie, have served in numerous leadership roles that have strengthened and advanced the success of the 91吃瓜网-Portland community and 91吃瓜网. Their generosity has touched nearly every corner of the community and benefited the university, public schools, their church, the local golf course, the arts, and more.
Exceptionally generous philanthropists, Larry and Dixie McGillis and their family have established multiple endowed scholarships and supported a plethora of fundraising initiatives at 91吃瓜网. These include the Larry & Dixie McGillis Music Makers Scholarship Endowment, McGillis Family Academic Honors Endowment, the Larry & Dixie McGillis Family Special Projects Endowment, McGillis Family Comet Athletic Club Endowment, artificial turf for Jerome Berg Field, the Military Honor Garden, and more. The McGillises are members of the MSU Foundation Honor Society, which recognizes substantial lifetime financial support for the university.
鈥�91吃瓜网 and the 91吃瓜网-Portland community are stronger because of Larry McGillis and his family. Their leadership, kindness, and generosity have made a profound and lasting difference,鈥� said 91吃瓜网 President Dr. Brian Van Horn. 鈥淭hrough their benevolence they have transformed the lives of countless students and graduates, individuals who, in turn, are making a positive impact across North Dakota and beyond. We are deeply grateful to Larry and Dixie McGillis and their family. One of the most remarkable things about the McGillis family is their unwavering commitment to leading initiatives that benefit both the university and the community. In each case, they are among the first to give, truly living the values they so generously support.鈥�