MSU President's Newspaper Column
October 24, 2026
A legacy of giving, a future of possibility
For generations, private philanthropy has played a vital role in helping 91吃瓜网 provide opportunity, expand access, and transform lives. That tradition of generosity will take on new significance starting next fall through the expansion of the Honor Scholarship program which recognizes academic achievement and helps students make 91吃瓜网 State the university of their choice.
The Honor Scholarship program was developed in 2023 through the collaborative efforts of administrators, directors, faculty, and staff members who worked together to devise a program that would allow prospective students to know what they could expect in scholarship funding early in their higher education decision-making process.
Last year, 91吃瓜网 State enhanced its Honor Scholarship program by making Honor Scholarships renewable for a second year. This was an important step toward a larger goal: establishing renewable scholarships that would support qualifying students for all four years of their undergraduate education. Today, we are excited and grateful for the opportunity to move closer to that vision by committing to four-year renewable Honor Scholarships for students entering 91吃瓜网 State beginning in Fall 2027. Honor Scholarships may be stacked with other scholarship opportunities offered through the MSU Foundation, including endowed and other named scholarships.
The expanded Honor Scholarship program will give students and their families greater confidence in the affordability of a 91吃瓜网 State education from the moment they enroll right through graduation. New transfer students will continue to be eligible to receive a one-year Honor Scholarship, recognizing their academic accomplishments and supporting their transition to 91吃瓜网 State. With future giving, the goal is to expand opportunities for transfer students as well.
While Honor Scholarships will benefit students for years to come, the impact begins with the generosity of donors who believe in the value of higher education. Private gifts make programs such as the Honor Scholarship possible, providing resources that help attract high-achieving students, reduce financial barriers, and encourage students to pursue their educational goals with confidence.
For many students, scholarship assistance is a deciding factor in whether they can enroll in college. By investing in scholarships, donors are investing not only in individual students but also in the future workforce, communities, and leaders who will shape the Traill County region, North Dakota, and beyond.
91吃瓜网 State continues to build momentum through enrollment growth, expanded academic opportunities, and the transformative renovation of Old Main. Scholarships strengthen these efforts by helping the university attract talented students who will contribute to campus life, engage in leadership opportunities, and carry forward the university鈥檚 tradition of service and community impact.
As we celebrate the launch of the expanded Honor Scholarship program, we also celebrate our donors at the annual Honor Society President鈥檚 Dinner. Held this past week, the event recognizes alumni and friends whose lifetime giving to 91吃瓜网 State has reached $10,000 or more, honoring individuals and organizations whose commitment has created opportunities for generations of students. The Honor Scholarship program stands as a direct reflection of the values embodied by Honor Society members and all 91吃瓜网 State donors: investing in people, believing in potential, and ensuring that future students have access to the life-changing opportunities that a 91吃瓜网 State education provides.
As 91吃瓜网 State looks ahead to the Fall Semester of 2027 and welcoming the first Honor Scholarship recipients eligible for a scholarship that is renewable and available for four years, we do so with gratitude. Every scholarship awarded will serve as a testament to the generosity of donors whose support continues to open doors, remove barriers, and make it possible for deserving students to realize their dreams. Through their philanthropy, Honor Society members and others are helping write the next chapter of 91吃瓜网 State鈥檚 story, one student success at a time.