NE North Dakota News

Mayville State University has announced that its 2025 Homecoming will once again coincide with the annual Farmers Bowl, marking the third consecutive year of the combined event. Activities are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 27.

A main feature of the weekend is guided tours of Old Main, which is currently undergoing significant renovations funded by more than $52 million from the North Dakota Legislature. The project aims to modernize learning spaces while preserving historical elements and is expected to be completed in summer 2026. Tours will take place at 3 p.m. on Friday and at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday; participants must RSVP at www.mayvillestate.edu/OMtours and follow safety requirements including wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes.

The Homecoming Awards Dinner will recognize several individuals and teams for their achievements in athletics and alumni contributions. Inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame include the 1999 baseball team, Larry Omdahl, Dave Ouradnik, DeMarcus Rideaux, and Scott Terry. Bruce Belseth will be inducted into the Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame. Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are Marlene (Viseth) Kensrud and Alan O’Neil.

During Friday evening’s dinner, recognition will also be given to the Lyng family for their support of Mayville State University. The Dr. Merwin & Myrna Lyng Department of Mathematics naming and the opening of the Jim Lyng Athletic Hall of Fame will be acknowledged as part of these festivities.

Social gatherings for alumni and friends are planned before and after Friday’s dinner at the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center.

Saturday's events begin with an open house at the Larson Center starting at 8:30 a.m., followed by a Comets Volleyball alumni game at Lewy Lee Fieldhouse at 9 a.m., with additional matches against Bismarck State scheduled for Friday afternoon.

The Mayville State Bookstore will operate from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

At 9:30 a.m., there will be a Ceremony of Remembrance held at the Military Honor Garden located on campus grounds.

A parade begins at 11 a.m., starting from Main Street and Center Avenue toward Jerome Berg Field on campus; those interested in participating can contact Stacy Buchl via email or phone.

Athletic Hall of Fame teams celebrating five-year anniversaries since their time at Mayville State have been invited to join tailgating activities beginning at 11:30 a.m., hosted by the Comet Gridiron Club near Jerome Berg Field.

Mayville State athletic teams will serve corn on the cob and hot dogs outside Jerome Berg Field starting at noon as part of Farmers Bowl traditions, along with inflatable games for children.

Comets softball alumni are also invited to tailgate beginning at noon in “The Grove.”

The featured football game between Mayville State’s Comets and Arizona Christian University kicks off at Jerome Berg Field at 2 p.m.

Weekend events conclude with the Farmers Bowl Auction held in MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room; socializing and silent auction bidding start at 5 p.m., followed by a live auction beginning at 7 p.m.

Full details about Homecoming/Farmers Bowl activities are available online through www.mayvillestate.edu/Homecoming2025, where tickets can also be purchased for key events or obtained directly from MSU Foundation offices.