NE North Dakota News

Gene Gaffney, a 1957 graduate of Mayville State University, has dedicated his life to music and education. His teaching career began in Neche, North Dakota, continued in Lakota, and later brought him to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. There, he became known for his leadership as the director of the Lakes Area Community Band, a position he has held since the group’s founding in 2006.

Gaffney did not originally intend to pursue music. As a student at Mayville State University, he was involved in athletics and played as quarterback for the football team. It was an introductory music course that led him to switch his major from social science to music. This decision influenced both his own path and the experiences of those he would teach throughout his career.

His connection with Mayville State University remained strong after graduation. In 1976, Gaffney worked with fellow alumni Dennis Hopman, Del Hultgren, and Paul Maltrud to start the Mayville State University Golf Classic in Detroit Lakes. Their efforts established what became recognized as the oldest medal play university golf tournament worldwide. For over forty years, this event has provided opportunities for alumni and friends of the university to reconnect each June while supporting Mayville State through fundraising activities.

The tournament's impact extends beyond annual gatherings; it has contributed to several endowed scholarships that support future students at Mayville State University.

Currently organized by the Comet Athletic Club in a scramble format, the Golf Classic continues its tradition of supporting student-athletes at Mayville State University while fostering community among participants.

To learn more about Gene Gaffney’s story and contributions to music and education, viewers can watch an interview with him on Lakes Area Television’s “6 Over 60” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBqmgEPpmf4.