Deep Ties
Second-Generation Donor Lynn Turnquist Carries on Family Tradition of Scholarship Support
Robert “Lynn” Turnquist’s life was quintessentially Montanan. After moving to Helena at an early age, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in mathematics from UM and spent much of his career teaching at high schools in Lodge Grass, Whitehall and Helena, later joining the faculty at University of Montana-Western in Dillon.
Friends said he loved backpacking, flyfishing, skiing and Grizzly Athletics — not always in that order.
“He was a passionate person about the things he enjoyed and believed in,” said lifelong friend Lyle Manley. “One of them was the University of Montana.”
Lynn’s most influential support for UM came to fruition this year in the form of a transformative bequest to strengthen student scholarships at the Davidson Honors College. His generous gift added momentum to one of the College’s primary areas of need, endowing 16 Presidential Leadership Scholarships and elevating 14 existing funds.
Presidential Leadership Scholarships are among the University’s most prestigious academic awards for incoming students of the Honors College, recognizing outstanding talent, academic performance and contributions to the community.
“Awards at this level help the DHC attract, retain and provide world-class educational experiences to some of the best and brightest students anywhere,” said Davidson Honors College Dean Timothy Nichols. “Scholarships are critically important as we work to support our dynamic student body.”
Commitment to UM ran deep in Lynn’s family. His father Nels Turnquist served as President of the UM Foundation during the 1980s and took a leading role in “Extending the Tradition of Excellence,” the Foundation’s $7.8 million campaign that ran from 1984–1986.
In 1996, Lynn’s parents established the Nels E. and Margaret M. Turnquist Presidential Scholarship Endowment, which continues to uplift Honors College students today.
“His parents led the way in being loyal to the University and wanting to help it prosper and grow,” Manley said. “I would say it was a family tradition.”
After moving out of state for a successful teaching stint at Utah Valley University at Orem, Lynn couldn’t resist the call of Montana, returning to Helena in retirement, where he passed away in 2025.
His gift amplifies the collective support of other generous Presidential Leadership Scholarship donors, who remain committed to sustained investment in expanding scholarship opportunities for honors students. Together, this continued future giving will empower some of UM’s most accomplished students to reach their full potential.