Former Local Grocery Store Owner's Gift Benefits Missoula College Students

For more than three decades, Kent Hamer owned the Clinton Market, located a short drive east on I-90 from Missoula. To Hamer, the market was much more than a gas station and grocery store, it was a place to build relationships with customers who became lifelong friends.

He sold the business in 2020 and is continuing to serve his community into retirement. He recently made a significant gift through a trust that will contribute annual distributions to establish the Kent Hamer Emergency Support Fund and merit- and need-based scholarships at Missoula College. Hamer’s generosity will provide financial assistance for students pursuing occupational and technical degrees in fields such as industrial technology, health care and culinary arts.

Hamer chose to establish both an emergency support fund and scholarships at Missoula College so he could help a diverse population of students afford two-year degrees and work toward trade careers. His giving will assist some students facing unexpected financial hardship and reward others for their academic accomplishments.

“I wanted to support people who are interested in learning a trade and bettering their lives but have trouble paying for an education,” he said. “Making financial aid available to a broad group of students felt like the right thing to do.”

Originally from Great Falls, Hamer began his career at the age of 15, when his father passed away and he secured two jobs to support himself through high school. His work ethic continued as he became a meat cutter, then a manager at Buttrey Food and Drug Stores in Great Falls and Wenatchee, and finally a business owner in 1986. In 2002, he opened the current store with a new deli, where he still works part-time.

Hamer’s gift is transformative because it will improve access to higher education for students from many socioeconomic backgrounds. His generosity will help students overcome financial obstacles exacerbated by the pandemic, the current housing crisis and food insecurity.

“Some students are eligible for federal financial aid, but it’s usually not enough to pay for school,” said Missoula College Dean Tom Gallagher. “This gift will enable more students to make a career pivot, improve their economic status, and in some cases, pursue a baccalaureate degree. Ultimately, it will empower them to achieve their dreams.”

Hamer’s support will not only benefit scholarship recipients, but also their families and local citizens. Approximately 75% of Missoula College alumni remain in the region after graduating and continue serving their community.

For Hamer, investing resources to expand opportunities for students has been a rewarding experience, and he encourages others to do the same.

“It feels good knowing my gift will continue making a difference long after I’m gone,” he said. “If you can afford to help someone, you should.”