Impact Stories
Family Bonds
Jan. 24, 2025
Bryce and Erika Burke are honoring their grandparents’ legacy and their connection to UM by supporting the next generation of law students. The Burkes established the Patricia Lynn Tunnell and Guy J. Ossello Memorial Endowed Scholarship at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law to alleviate financial burdens for students like Sapphire Carter, a dedicated mother and future tribal law attorney.
Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges
Nov. 8, 2024
This week, we celebrate First-Generation College Student Celebration Day and remarkable Grizzlies like Denise Evans Grills who are the first in their family to attend college. Against her high school guidance counselor’s advice to prepare for marriage rather than college, Grills enrolled at UM and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1980. The Butte native went on to earn a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University and blaze her own path through educational and corporate worlds.
Academic Harmony
October 18, 2024
Davidson Honors College student Lydia Garrick is making groundbreaking strides in the lab while also finding harmony in her love for the cello at UM, thanks to the generosity of donors. Balancing her passions for biochemistry and music, Lydia’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of scholarships.
Mission Control
September 23, 2024
With support from privately funded scholarships, Brenna Hatch graduated from UM and launched her dream career working for NASA. The Boise, Idaho, native helps to monitor temperatures on the surface of the Earth and inform climate-based issues, such as wildfire, droughts and more.
Small Acts Spark Big Changes
September 5, 2024
Twin sisters Jaiden and Jocelyn Stansberry developed their love for the outdoors while growing up in national parks across the nation. Aided by scholarships, they graduated from the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation this spring and are pursuing their dreams.
'It's Just Pure Magic'
September 5, 2024
Meg and Stew Weis donate in support of the Flathead Lake Biological Station to promote year-round monitoring of Flathead Lake, student opportunities and research. They are bolstering the bio station’s work to maintain world-renowned water quality and healthy aquatic ecosystems, ensuring residents and visitors live and recreate in a healthy, sustainable environment.
Giving with Purpose and Joy
September 5, 2024
Joel and Patti Meier’s lifelong commitment to wilderness and outdoor recreation has shaped UM and the future of conservation. Now, their generous estate gift will continue to support the University’s leadership in outdoor education for generations to come.
A Lifelong Advocate for Education and Democracy
January 19, 2024
When Steve Levine first passed through Montana on a road trip from the East Coast in 1986, he had no idea that UM and the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center would become important cornerstones in his and his wife Madeline’s lives – and provide inspiration for their philanthropic giving. In fall 2023, the Levines made a major gift to the Mansfield Center in support of programs, classes and activities that advance their passion for global affairs and democracy.
A Passion for Education
September 5, 2023
After decades of teaching and researching at UM, Kerry Foresman and Deana Pedersen are still helping students through philanthropy. They recently made a commitment in their estate plan to establish scholarships for biology, wildlife biology and microbiology majors. Their scholarships will help make higher education accessible for UM students pursuing degrees and meaningful careers in these fields.
'An Important Part of My Life'
August 2, 2023
Mike Dwyer’s love for UM began as a child, when he and his father attended basketball games at Schreiber Gym. He has since graduated from UM with bachelor’s degrees in anthropology, sociology and social work and enjoyed a career as a social worker. In this Q&A, Dwyer shares his motivation for funding scholarships for student-athletes through charitable gift annuities.
Hooks for Books Fundraiser Makes 'State Treasure' Shine
August 2, 2023
Together with Creative Writing Director Chris Dombrowski and support from the UM Foundation, entrepreneur, writer and fly-fisher Tim O'Leary '81 held the second annual Hooks for Books, a fundraiser to gather the literary and fly-fishing communities in support of UM’s nationally renowned creative writing program.
'Fighting Like a Mother'
June 12, 2023
When Amber Freed's son Maxwell was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called SLC6A1, she was fiercely determined to find a cure. She founded SLC6A1 Connect, a patient-led organization that has become a key philanthropic partner for UM’s neuroscience program and research led by UM professor Dr. Mike Kavanaugh. Ongoing private support will ensure Dr. Kavanaugh and other neuroscience researchers at UM can continue their critical efforts to help families like the Freeds.
'It Belongs to All People'
June 12, 2023
For retired U.S. Forest Service ecologist and Curator Emeritus Peter Stickney, the University of Montana Herbarium is more than the state's largest collection of plant specimens; it’s a culmination of rich botanical and historical knowledge that serves communities worldwide. He has generously established an endowment to enhance the herbarium’s facilities, support a part-time curator who manages the collection and ensure this treasured resource continues to benefit future generations.
Honoring an American Hero
September 26, 2022
A newly established scholarship will memorialize Vietnam veteran Sergeant First Class Alan L. Boyer, a UM student who enlisted in the U.S. Army Special Forces in 1966. Boyer's family established a scholarship to support UM students while honoring his legacy of military service, and his love for Montana and for the University of Montana.
High School Chemistry Teacher, Alum Gives Back to UM
April 25, 2022
Dr. Craig Pierson made a commitment in his estate plan to establish scholarships for music and journalism students. The UM alum and high school chemistry teacher will help driven, talented students earn degrees and pursue meaningful careers in these fields.
UM Professorship Honors Music Educators' Legacy of Excellence
March 30, 2022
Ralph and Norma Hartse were beloved UM alumni and educators who inspired young musicians through their teaching careers at Custer County High School in Miles City. Their daughter, Dr. Kristyna Hartse, is honoring their legacy by creating the Ralph J. and Norma M. Hartse Endowed Professor of Bands at UM’s School of Music.
‘A Breath of Fresh Air’: Stella Duncan Memorial Fellows Pursue Impactful Careers in Biomedical Science
January 26, 2022
Jill Farnsworth, Miyuki Hayashi and Jess Ray have all dedicated their professional lives to improving the health of others. These accomplished alumnae each exemplify the tradition of scientific discovery established by 1907 alumna and donor Stella Duncan Johnstone.
The Joy of Giving
September 30, 2021
When Sally Mauk launched her journalism career in 1980, she realized the importance of female mentors. In this Q&A, Mauk shares her motivation for establishing an endowment to foster and support MTPR journalists.
'Keepers of the Place' Empower UM Students
September 29, 2021
Don '64 and Suzanne Johnson have dedicated their lives to improving their community and environment. Through current and deferred gifts, the Johnsons are ensuring future generations can continue their legacy of service.
Philanthropy Enables UM Saxophonist to Pursue Promising Musical Career
August 30, 2021
With support from privately funded scholarships, UM junior Antonio Jarvey is taking advantage of every opportunity to prepare for a career as a solo artist as he earns a bachelor’s degree in saxophone performance from UM’s School of Music.
First-Generation UM Business Alumna Launches Cybersecurity Career
July 28, 2021
With access to hands-on learning experiences and support from scholarship donors, UM graduate Karen De La Luz Martinez has followed her dream of working in the field of cybersecurity. Now, the 2021 College of Business alumna works with KPMG's Cybersecurity Transformation Team in San Francisco.
Nurse, Mom, Missoula College Graduate Follows Her Purpose to Serve Others
May 6, 2021
Libby Steigers earned an Associate of Science in nursing this spring. In this Q&A, she shares her inspiration to pursue a career in health care and the role scholarship support played in her academic journey.
Herpetology Career Awaits Student Success Scholarship Recipient
April 28, 2021
Libby Riddle always dreamed of becoming a wildlife biologist. With assistance from UM’s Student Success Scholarship Fund, which focuses on assisting students with financial need, she is making her dream come true.
Around the World and Giving Back
February 24, 2021
UM alumna Judith Morgan has made generous gifts to the Montana Journalism Abroad Program, ensuring that when pandemic conditions allow, UM students can experience the transformative power of travel.
Montana Access Scholarships Provide More Than $1 Million in Need-Based Student Aid
November 24, 2020
Learn how Montana Access Scholarships help students like Kate Indreland to succeed in their dreams of earning an undergraduate degree.
Honoring a Presidential Legacy
September 8, 2020
The University of Montana has had an indelible impact on Bob and Judi Pantzer’s lives. Learn how the pair is using their estate plan to honor the place that has been such an important part of their story.
Gift Lets Students Support Criminal Justice Reform in Rural Areas
August 30, 2020
A newly expanded program at UM’s Alexander Blewett III School of Law will provide graduate students with opportunities to make immediate, meaningful impacts on justice policies that affect rural and indigenous communities.
Dream of Study Abroad Student Disrupted; Private Support Helps Her Stay on Track
August 30, 2020
When Allison Grigonis returned to the U.S. from Japan with unexpected expenses in March, her perseverance matched with private support from the UM Emergency Student Support Fund helped her stay on track to graduate in spring 2021.
UM Grad, Respiratory Therapist Works Pandemic Front Lines, Supports UM Students
June 22, 2020
Alumna Portia Fox shares her inspiration to donate to the UM Emergency Student Support Fund and her experience as a healthcare professional during the pandemic.
Clinical Psychology Center Transitions to Teletherapy During Pandemic
April 27, 2020
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the University of Montana’s Clinical Psychology Center to close its doors in late March, Center leaders launched a telehealth program to continue treating current patients.
A Lifelong Dream Realized: New UM Business Grad Works for L.A. Lakers
February 27, 2020
Myles McKee-Osibodu is living his childhood dream: He works as a media relations associate with the Lakers.