Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award
The Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award, established in 1988, honors those individuals or couples who exemplify service and commitment to the University of Montana — advancing its mission on campus and throughout the state of Montana.
The award is named for former UM President Neil Bucklew, who served as president from 1981 through 1986, recognizing his contributions to the University of Montana, Missoula and to the state of Montana.
Loren and Michele Hansen | 2024 Recipients
Loren '69 and Michele Hansen '70 were honored with the Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the UM Foundation’s annual fall event honoring and celebrating UM’s most loyal supporters. The award recognizes the Hansens' efforts to advance the University’s mission across Montana and their continuous support of UM students.
With a special passion for providing business training to students in Montana, the Hansens have given to the UM Foundation to create the Michele and Loren Hansen Endowed Faculty Chair in the College of Business, a position that will bolster efforts to attract and retain top talent in entrepreneurship or real estate. They also established a new media lab in the College of Business. Known as Studio 49, the audio recording space was a gift from Loren to Michele for their 49th wedding anniversary and is the home of A New Angle, a weekly podcast and radio program that creates educational conversations to benefit citizens across the state and beyond.
Avid art collectors, the Hansens have given generously to support the Montana Museum of Art and Culture. Their contributions helped UM construct a new facility for the museum’s permanent collection. The couple’s charitable remainder trust will also enhance the MMAC’s educational programming, help the museum acquire new art and support “19 Under 39: The Michele and Loren Hansen Biennial Exhibition.” The exhibition, to be launched in 2025, will award generous prizes for the top three selected artworks, which the MMAC will acquire as part of the permanent Michele and Loren Hansen Collection.
Read more about the Hansens in this news release.
Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award Past Recipients
1988 - Ian Davidson
1989 - Bruce Crippen
1990 - John Ruffatto
1991 - Robert Kelly
1992 - Sherman Lohn
1993 - Jack Dietrich
1994 - Kathy Ogren
1995 - Jack Burke
1996 - Tom Collins
1997 - Tom Boone
1998 - Greg Hanson
1999 - Ernie Corrick
2000 - Phyllis J. Washington
2001 - Bill Bouchee | Missoulian article
2002 - Bill Reynolds
2003 - Ann Boone
2004 - John and Katy Delano
2005 - John and Sue Talbot
2006 - Ev and Nikki Sliter
2007 - Charlie Oliver
2008 - Terry Payne
2009 - James and Joy Mariska
2010 - Robert Burke
2011 - Ty Robinson
2012 - Cathy Capps
2013 - Rockwood Brown
2014 - John and Marilyn Olson
2015 - Deborah Doyle McWhinney
2016 - Nelson Weller
2017 - Mike McDonough
2018 - Mickey Sogard | Missoula Current article
2019 - Gretchen and Dennis Eck
2019 - Eric Sprunk
2020 - Summerfield and Julie Baldridge
2021 - Mary Olson
2022 - McCammon Family
2023 - Suzanne Peterson
2024 - Loren and Michele Hansen