Small Acts Spark Big Changes
UM Alumni Land Dream Jobs with Scholarship Support
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.
“From a young age, we knew we would have to financially support our own education and goals, and UM offered an affordable path to follow our interests,” Jaiden said.
Both sisters finished their undergraduate degrees in only three years. They credit this achievement to having time to focus on their studies rather than working to cover the cost of tuition.
Jaiden is a wildland firefighter for the National Park Service. She received the John Fidler Scholarship and the Zane and Betty Smith Scholarship, allowing her to dedicate time to UM clubs, serve as “chief push” of the Foresters’ Ball, and earn the prestigious Truman Scholarship – an achievement she said wouldn’t have been possible without scholarship support.
“Scholarships allowed us to take in the full UM experience and develop a strong sense of community,” she said.
Jocelyn works with avian and carnivore species at Grand Teton National Park. She received the W.A. Franke Scholarship and conducted fieldwork in Yosemite and Olympic National Parks while attending UM. Scholarship support enabled her to afford necessary research gear, gain hands-on experience and choose opportunities based on passion, rather than income.
Both sisters attributed their success to donors who give to the UM Foundation in support of scholarships.
“Donors are investing in students’ futures and shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” Jaiden said. “We wouldn’t have the education we have today without them.”
“Our entire careers and lives are progressing differently than expected because of donors’ generosity,” Jocelyn agreed. “Scholarships make space for small moments and decisions that can change the course of students’ lives.”
Learn More
Visit SupportUM.org to learn more about making a gift in support of the University of Montana.