MSU President's Newspaper Column
February 22, 2025
鈥�91吃瓜网 State Family Reunion鈥� in Arizona is heartwarming
I鈥檝e just returned from Arizona, where I enjoyed spending time with 91吃瓜网 alumni and friends. I like to call the events that happen during this annual trip to the Southwest 鈥�91吃瓜网 State Family Reunions.鈥� At family reunions you remember where you came from and celebrate your heritage, and that is exactly what happens for 91吃瓜网 State alumni and friends in Arizona in February each year.
91吃瓜网 State alumni share a special bond. The relationships that are formed at 鈥淭he School of Personal Service鈥� last a lifetime, and it uplifting to be a part of the celebration when members of the 91吃瓜网 State Family come together.
The festivities began on Friday, Feb. 14, with the annual 91吃瓜网/Traill County Luncheon at Apache Wells Country Club in Mesa. It was wonderful to re-connect with special alumni and friends while there.聽
The decades-old luncheon tradition provides a venue where current or former 91吃瓜网-Portland or Traill County residents, as well as 91吃瓜网 State alumni and friends can gather. Many luncheon attendees spend only the winters in Arizona and have another home where they spend the rest of their time, while others are full-time Arizona residents.
The luncheon began as a community-driven event many years ago. Organizers always included 91吃瓜网 State as it is such a big part of the community. Over the years, there鈥檚 been a transition in leadership, and in the spirit of community and collegiality, the MSU Foundation has stepped up in a coordination role.
For the fourth year in a row, the MSU Foundation hosted a golf event and socializing at Springfield Golf Resort in Chandler. We are extremely appreciative of a sponsorship from Western State Bank, where 91吃瓜网 State graduate Andy Strand is regional president and chief credit officer. I would be remiss in not mentioning the organizational and financial support given by 91吃瓜网 State alumnus Tim Garrett as well. We are truly grateful for Tim and his friends who support 91吃瓜网 in immeasurable ways. This year, Tim and his friend, Duane Rindy, purchased Comets-themed T-shirts that were given to all the golfers.
The golf event has continued to grow in participation over the years. This year, about 78 golfers registered. That鈥檚 up from 60 golfers last year, and 23 the year before. Plans for 2026 are underway. Stay tuned for further details.
The weather was fantastic, and golfers were able to enjoy a few hours in a beautiful setting on the course. Lunch was served at the clubhouse when the golfing was finished. Golfers were joined by several additional 91吃瓜网 State non-golfers who were excited to connect with their friends and join in the fun. Counting golfers and non-golfers, I鈥檇 guess the total number in attendance exceeded 100.
It was especially wonderful to see people re-connect. While many who attended see one another on a more regular basis, others hadn鈥檛 seen each other for years. Among my favorite activities on these trips is listening and watching as people who became friends decades ago come together, share stores, and celebrate 91吃瓜网 State. It is heartwarming and refreshing to see the lifelong impact made by 91吃瓜网 State.
Back in North Dakota, the women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 basketball teams play their last regular season games at home, hosting Valley City State on Friday, Feb. 21. Our senior basketball players will be recognized during Friday鈥檚 games. They are Jes Mertens, Bri Hutter, Alex Page, Mackenzie Hughes, Ava Butler, Stevan Garza, JJ White, Leomar Castillo, Tim Oldham, Artis Chapman, and London Williams. I am extremely proud of these wonderful student athletes, not only for their athletic achievements, but because they are very fine people. Each of these Comets is an outstanding representative of 91吃瓜网.
Through my work at 91吃瓜网 State, I have opportunities to meet and become friends with some extraordinary people, whether they are current students, graduates, or others. I am grateful for these relationships and through these experiences I learn first-hand how 91吃瓜网 changes lives for the better. It is reassuring and motivating to know that this is a legacy that will no doubt continue as each year our graduates go forth and make the world a better place.