2023 Day of Student Recognition Recipient Biographies
All students are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Evelyn Adams
Award(s): Academic Excellence Award (Athletics)
Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Recipient Biography: Evelyn is originally from Edina, MN and is a junior studying Cell Biology and Neuroscience. Evelyn is a member of the Women’s Track and Field Team and her event is Hurdles/Jumps. She has been a part of the Women’s Track and Field Team since 2019.
Tara Applegate
Award(s): Erma Lessel Collins Junior Award
Major: Business Marketing
Recipient Biography: Tara is a junior from Golden, Colorado studying business marketing. The past two years she has worked as the Public Relations director for ASMSU leading the Marketing Team. Her love for service led her to Pi Beta Phi, which opened up various opportunities to better MSU's Fraternity Sorority Life community. Tara is proud to be a student athlete on MSU's Dance Team! She hopes to go into sports marketing and enjoys interning for Bobcat Athletics. Go Cats Go!
Nakola Bad Bear
Award(s): Academic Excellence Award (Athletics) and The Women's Center Student of Achievement Award
Major: Community Health
Recipient Biography: Nakola is a senior pursuing a degree in Community Health and grew up in Billings, MT. Nakola has been a member of the Women’s Basketball Team since she was a freshman and has had an impressive run with the team during her time as a student athlete.
Andee Baker
Award(s): Torlief Aasheim Community Involvement Award and The Women's Center Student of Achievement Award
Major: Agriculture Communications and Psychology
Recipient Biography: Andee Baker is a senior from Park City, Montana, studying Agriculture Communications and Psychology. She not only serves her hometown, but also the Bozeman community as well; volunteering with her local 4-H Club and FFA, serving as an intern for American Farm Bureau, volunteering as a riding leader at Eagle Mount, taking part in Service Saturdays and Gallatin County Foodbank, and taking advantage of numerous community service opportunities offered through Sigma Alpha, a professional agricultural sorority that promotes scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service.
Cassie Baker
Award(s): The Women's Center Student of Achievement Award
Major: Mathematics
Recipient Biography: Cassie will graduate in May with a degree in Math and Secondary Education and is a member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. Cassie has integrated Indian Education for All into her math classes at Gallatin High. She's been working to identify obstacles for young rural women in STEM fields to increase their participation. In addition to research, she's presented at conferences and served as a Miss Indian MSU Advocate. All these activities have allowed her to mentor and advocate for Indigenous people. Cassie has been recognized numerous times, including with a Dan Voyich Community Involvement Award and a Udall Scholarship.
Barla Beaudoin
Award(s): Spirit Activism Award
Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Recipient Biography: Growing up as a Latina in rural Montana, Barla has a unique experience and perspective to contribute to the world. Barla is passionate about her work and committed to building a better and more inclusive campus and Bozeman community. She has devoted most of her time to DEI work; for example, she has been a DISC Ambassador for the past three years. Barla serves in many capacities that help her advance inclusive environments. She is the inclusion lead in her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, where she aims to educate her chapter on important DEI issues and make sure the chapter maintains an inclusive and welcoming environment. She also serves as an at-large representative for the ASMSU DEI council and is working towards developing protections for undocumented students at the university. This issue disproportionately affects minorities in Bozeman. Barla considers this issue very important because of her values and support for DEI. Her off-campus involvements include work with the Bozeman Tenants United (formerly known as Bozeman United for Racial Justice). This organization highlights multigenerational diversity and fights for affordable housing in Bozeman. Last year, Barla was a part of Proyecto Salud, which focuses on immigrant health in Bozeman and works to provide free healthcare services to the growing immigrant population in the local community. In her continued vision for equity, Barla currently works for South-North Nexus (SNN), an organization that promotes global health and serves underrepresented populations. She hopes to continue advancing efforts that help shape a more inclusive world for herself and others.
Mark Bedsaul
Award(s): USH Calmer of Storms Award
Major: Secondary Education
Recipient Biography: Mark is a sophomore from Renton, WA studying teaching with a focus on history. Mark joined the USH team in the Fall of 2022 and has already made a huge impact in his role. His residents and fellow staff members see him as an invaluable resource and Mark has helped keep our community safe via his crisis response.
Hannah Beeman
Award(s): Earlene Hart Memorial Scholarship
Major: Pre-Nursing
Recipient Biography: Hannah Nellie Beeman is a first year student at Montana State University. Beeman is an intern at the Montana State University Leadership Institute where she helps put on inspiring events such as leadership training sessions for other students, and coordinates for speakers such as Dmitry Muratov, and Mae Jemison to give lectures on campus.
Elizabeth Berry
Award(s): Roland R. Renne Award
Major: Business
Recipient Biography: Elizabeth Berry is a senior from Las Vegas, NV who studying Business Marketing. She is an active member in ASMSU and her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. During her time in each of these organizations, she has had the opportunity to grow and develop as a leader. She is most proud of her time as the Media Productions Director for the ASMSU Marketing team as well as a Senator for the College of Business. Each day, she strives to lead her community via a servant leader style.
Madison Bierer
Award(s): The Montana Future Leaders Award
Major: Business
Recipient Biography: Madi Bierer, a Corvallis, MT native, will be completing her degree in Business Accounting a year early, this May. Madi was born a leader, and is deeply committed to building something better for herself and her community. She has served as a Hilleman Scholar lead mentor, the President of the Society & HR Management Club, and as a JABS Ambassador.
Breck Blanford
Award(s): Outstanding Freshman Service Award
Major: Marketing and Management
Recipient Biography: Breck Blandford is a first-year student at MSU. She is studying Business Marketing with a focus of international business. She was born and raised in San Diego, California. She is a part of the Leadership Institute, who hosts various speakers and trainings throughout the semester. All events are personal growth based and helping students become better leaders in a professional environment.
Nyah Boyd
Award(s): The President Cruzado Thinking Gender Award
Major: Pyschology
Recipient Biography: Nyah was nominated because her work in the WGSS201 class was consistently strong, and her participation in the class discussion was a significant asset to the class. Her final project on intersectionality was superb and her enthusiasm on the subject was so evident. Besides her academic work, she is actively engaged in feminist causes, as evident in her volunteering at the Voice Center.
Cole Buller
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Teaching Excellence
Major: Civil Engineering
Recipient Biography: Cole is from Breckenridge, Colorado and graduated from Montana State University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2021. He continued his education to get a master’s degree in civil engineering with a focus in Eco-hydraulics. Cole has been the teaching assistant for the Water Resources Engineering Laboratory for the past two years. His students have told me that he sets an inclusive and supportive tone the first day in class and that he cared deeply about their learning. Cole is always available and willing to help students increase their understanding of Water Resources, even for courses other that the one he is the TA for. Outside of school Cole loves to ski, mountain bike, and whitewater kayak.
Kate Burney
Award(s): The Women's Center Student of Achievement Award
Major: Film and Photography
Recipient Biography: Kate will graduate in May with a major in Film and Global/Multicultural Studies. While at MSU, Kate founded and served as president of the Women in Film club, coordinating speaker events and planning programs focusing on women in the film industry. She also worked as a tutor at the Writing Center and as an Honors Presents Lecture coordinator. Kate’s final film project, Give me Thunder, is a women led project that focuses on all- girl rock bands of the 1980 and 90’s.
Brandon Cabaniss
Award(s): Outstanding Freshman Leadership Award
Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Recipient Biography: Brandon Cabaniss is a freshman studying Cell Biology and Neuroscience on the pre-med track. He currently works at the MSU Leadership Institute, which brings leadership development events and opportunities to campus. He also serves as scholarship chairmen of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
Jack Cambria
Award(s): Christy Foundation Scholarship
Major: Biochemistry
Recipient Biography: Jack Cambria is a Junior studying Biochemistry. He is originally from a suburb North of Chicago and has spent the past two years on the ASMSU Events Team. While on the Events Team, he has helped plan numerous events on campus including Homecoming, MSU Debut, Rail Jam, and Battle of the Bands. Jack am a proud member of Ryan Matzinger’s One O’Clock Jazz Band, Dr. Mary Cloninger’s research group, and the Honors College where he served as an ambassador. Hoping to one day be a doctor, Jack has served as a phlebotomist at Bozeman Deaconess Health, and currently volunteers as a student assistant in the Cadaver Labs. Additionally, he is the President and Founder of the Pre-healthcare Inclusiveness Project at MSU. When he is not a full-time student, he is a part-time cowboy working in Paradise Valley as a wrangler.
Emily Cappis
Award(s): Blue & Gold Leadership Awards
Major: Business
Recipient Biography: Emily's VIM is exhibited in her upbeat tours and daily enthusiasm. Emily serves as one of the Advocat Coordinators in which she promotes MSU and helps new tour guides. Her pride for MSU and the Bobcat family is evident to all those around her.
Taylor Carey
Award(s): Leadership Institute Student Employee Leadership Scholarship
Major: Chemical Engineering
Recipient Biography: Taylor Carey is a sophomore studying Chemical Engineering. She was selected to receive this award based on her exemplary work and leadership through her position with MSU Rec Sports & Fitness.
Angela Cateora
Award(s): The Gold Standard MSU Student Employement Award
Major: Integrated Lens-Based Media
Recipient Biography: Angela has worked as a student employee in the School of Film & Photography for nearly six years and has time and again shown she is our most valued employee. She consistently solves problems and finds creative solutions while working and can train new employees on the responsibilities and tasks required for the work, all while uplifting other employees by cracking jokes and maintaining a positive attitude. Angela knows when she can solve a problem on her own and when she needs assistance from others, and always reaches out to coworkers for support when needed.
Micah Chang
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Land Grant Excellence
Major: History
Recipient Biography: Micah Chang, a PhD student from southern California with family roots in Montana, has completed an outstanding dissertation on the historical transformation of agriculture in Montana. Not only has his research reframed how we think about the history of crops, but also the history of the multi-racial communities that have worked long, hard days to tend to those crops. His outreach and collaboration with MSU's Extension program has been forward thinking and innovative. Micah embodies what humanities excellence looks like at Montana's land grant university.
Siri Christopherson
Award(s): Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success Teach and Mentorship Award
Major: Economics
Recipient Biography: Siri Christopherson is devoted to her students. In addition to tutoring students individually, she organized regular study sessions for her students and continued hosting her study sessions even when her schedule no longer allowed time for individual tutoring. She builds a sense of community and camaraderie with her students, even baking pumpkin bread for her students before final exams to relieve some of the stress! One of her students said that Siri is “super helpful and knowledgeable with great teaching and interpersonal skills.”
Kate Colson
Award(s): Una B. Herrick Award
Major: Elementary Education
Recipient Biography: Kate is a senior at Montana State University originally from Ryegate, Montana. She is graduating in May with a degree in Elementary Education, and will be licensed to teach both elementary education and special education. She has spent her college career being a SmaryCats tutor in over 20 classes, Adventures MSU mentor, and Orientation Leader. She is currently completing student teaching in urban Indiana where she is gaining experience in diverse areas. She looks forward to continuing her life in Montana as a teacher and bobcat alumni.
Madeline Conrad
Award(s): Leadership Institute Student Employee Leadership Scholarship
Major: Microbiology
Recipient Biography: Madeline is a sophomore studying microbiology and biochemistry. She was chosen for this award based on her exemplary work at the MSU Women’s Center.
Marina Correa
Award(s): USH Extra Mile Award
Major: Health and Human Performance
Recipient Biography: Marina is a senior studying Health and Human Performance. Marina joined the USH team as a Desk Clerk in the Spring of 2021. Since then she has worked as a Desk Clerk during the academic years but also as a Conference Assistant in the summer of 2022. Marina is a fantastic student employee who goes above and beyond to create successful front desks via customer service and peer mentorship.
Madelyn Cortes
Award(s): The President's Award for Gender Equity and the Women's Center Student of Achievement Awards
Major: Sociology
Recipient Biography: Maddy will graduate in May with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Maddy is passionate about her coursework, her time with the VOICE Center as a Survivor Advocate, and her work with the Oh Hi Collective. Serving as a Sexual Health Community Education intern with the Oh Hi Collective has led her to research and activism around the concept of incorporating pleasure in the conversation around healing from sexual and interpersonal trauma. Maddy has attended violence prevention workshops, completed Indian Education for All, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as a trauma-informed Advocate Training.
Cassidy Crawford
Award(s): Honors Excellence in Leadership and Service Award and the Women's Center Student of Achievement Awards
Major: Food and Nutrition
Recipient Biography: Cassidy Crawford is a senior in Food and Nutrition – Dietetics and a member of the Honors College, graduating Cum Laude this May. She is an MSU Presidential Scholar and currently has a 3.96 GPA and is completing minors in both Anthropology and Hispanic Studies. Beyond the classroom, Cassidy is very active serving as a CAP Mentor with Thrive Bozeman, an Education Intern with Gallatin Valley Farm to School, a Co-Director of Honors Presents Lecture Series in the MSU Honors College, a Program Coordinator for the World Language Initiative-MT, a Health Interpreter with Proyecto Salud as well as a Nutrition Consultant and Undergraduate Researcher with Proyecto Salud.
Rebecca Cross
Award(s): Junki Yamakawa Award for Outstanding International Undergraduate Service & Leadership
Major: Secondary Education
Recipient Biography: A native of Turner, Australia, BJ is pursuing a second bachelor's degree in secondary education with a concentration in social studies broadfield. BJ is vice president of the Aspiring Educators of MSU Club and a member of the National Educators Association. She has spent time volunteering with America Reads/America Counts, which improves numeracy and literacy in schools, and introducing citizen science to participants at Eagle Mount Bozeman.
Maeve Daley
Award(s): Honors Excellence in Leadership and Service Award
Major: English
Recipient Biography: Maeve is a Junior studying English Literature with a minor in Global Studies. She is from West Yellowstone, Montana and is a student in the Honors College. Maeve is a leader both on- and off-campus, and her numerous service activities include being the Co-Director of the Honors Presents Lecture Series, a Curiositas Journal of Undergraduate Research Editor-in-Chief, an MSU Writing Center Peer Tutor, participating in the Honors Climate Leadership Seminar, volunteering for the Campus Climate Coalition as well as for Bozeman United for Racial Justice as a Campus Voter Registration Volunteer.
Will DeDominic
Award(s): Bobcat Family Fellows Scholarship
Major: Construction Engineering Tech
Recipient Biography: Will is from San Rafael, CA and is a junior working towards his Construction Engineering Technology degree. Will works at Feast Raw Bar, but he is most known for starting Odigos, a non-profit community focused student organization that further entrepreneurial skills through network events in the outdoor. This group also helps students learn to flyfish!
Dylan Delay
Award(s): The Montana Future Leaders Award
Major: Elementary Education K-8
Recipient Biography: Dylan, a native Montanan from Belgrade, is a senior in Elementary Education. Dylan is deeply engaged with his campus peers through his work as a student associate with the Hilleman Scholars Program and as the Chair of the service -oriented Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Originally a Computer Science major, Dylan was inspired to work with children after volunteering at a camp for children with health issues. He is excited to begin student teaching in fall, 2023 at a rural school in Glendive.
Peter DelGiorno
Award(s): USH Emerging Leadership Award
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Recipient Biography: Peter is a sophomore studying engineering. This is Peter's first year working for University Student Housing. Peter has excelled at creating a tight-knit community and contributing to a very successful Langford staff this year.
TJ Dubler
Award(s): Fraternity New Member of the Year
Major: Environmental Design Foundations
Recipient Biography: TJ Dubler joined SigEp the fall of 2022 and immediately established himself as an indispensable part of the brotherhood. He has a way of always brightening the mood with an inviting smile, inspiring stronger community bonds and increased engagement for everyone around him. Aside from his contagious energy, TJ has quickly proven himself as a workhorse within his chapter. Having only recently accepted his invitation to join the membership, he took advantage of SigEp’s commitment to equal rights and responsibilities for all members, running for a leadership position within the chapter’s executive team. TJ received resounding support from the chapter and was elected as Vice President of Communications for the current leadership term. In this new position, TJ has completely revitalized SigEp’s social media presence, updating their website, and found new ways to share information within his chapter, and strengthened their outreach with other fraternities and sororities.
Brian Dunham
Award(s): The Montana Future Leaders Award
Major: Biochemistry: Pre-Med
Recipient Biography: An Anaconda native, Brian exemplifies service and commitment to others. As a Biochemistry – Pre Med major and Return-to-Learn Scholar, he has established the goal of becoming a periodontist. His father is his primary motivator and Brian is inspired by his commitment of medical service and compassion for others. Brian’s time in the Montana Air National Guard gave him a chance to serve in Djibouti, working directly with local populations. As a MSU student, Brian is committed to getting the best possible academic experience as he completes his degree.
Kira Falaschi
Award(s): Septemviri
Major: Biotechnology Plant Systems and Biotechnology Microbial Systems
Recipient Biography: Kira Falaschi is a junior studying Plant and Microbial Biotechnology with a minor in genetics. Throughout the last year she has managed to create a virtual space for students to meet each other and play on the ASMSU Discord and Minecraft server as the ASMSU Virtual Community Associate. Outside of this, she is actively participating in scientific research with the Lachowiec lab and enjoying Montana’s avians with other students in the MSU birding club.
Maria Fernandes Martins
Award(s): Award for Outstanding International Graduate Service & Leadership
Major: Microbiology & Immunology
Recipient Biography: Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Maria has mentored at least one student in each of her 7 semesters at MSU so far. Maria led a multi-day course for middle school students at the MSU NASA Explore Camp, and she is the graduate student representative on the DEI council for the department of microbiology. Maria also cofounded the "Women Doing Science" Instagram page, which have over 96,000 followers. Through this organization, she and her team help women network in science by offering free assistance on translating abstracts, posters, other texts, etc. into English.
Katie Fire Thunder
Award(s): Septemviri
Major: Politcal Science
Recipient Biography: Katie Fire Thunder, Junior, is apart of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe and is from Bozeman, Montana. She found her passion for leadership and service through the advocacy of issues most important to her. Advocating for Missing and Murdered Indigenous women showed her the power of how advocacy can result in policy change and solutions. Growing up in a variety of Bozeman’s Low Income Family housing, brought her to her passion of housing justice. Katie is currently the youngest board member of Bozeman Tenants United. Working daily, to fight for safe, dignified affordable housing for all Montanans. Currently, Katie is serving as ASMSU Student Political Action Director where she supports students to find their political power to create the change they want to see.
Nicolas Fitzmaurice
Award(s): Christy Foundation Scholarship
Major: Industrial and Management Systems Engineering
Recipient Biography: Nicholas Fitzmaurice is graduating this May in Industrial and Management Systems Engineering with a minor in Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship. Throughout his four years at MSU, he has acted as a leader in many capacities. These include President of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, ASMSU Senator for the College of Engineering, and champion of numerous environmental sustainability activities, programs, and initiatives.
Sage Foss
Award(s): Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success: Teaching and Mentorship Award
Major: Nursing
Recipient Biography: Sage is a post-bach nursing student who is eager to help the nursing students who are coming up behind her. Sage is an invaluable tutoring resource. She understands the particular needs of students in her discipline (nursing) and she does what it takes to meet those needs with innovative tutoring techniques. She puts students at ease and gives them confidence in their abilities. One of her students said this about Sage: “Sage was very flexible and easygoing when it came to covering certain topics. I love how she included simple questions to test my knowledge and let me lead the discussion without rushing through it.”
Elizabeth Green
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Teaching Excellence
Major: Education
Recipient Biography: Elizabeth Green is a native of St. Petersburg, Florida and is graduating from MSU with a Ph.D. in Education. In her role as a graduate teaching assistant, she has engaged preservice teachers in purposeful learning of how to support students with exceptionalities such as dyslexia in the K12 classroom. In addition to integrating her knowledge of dyslexia into her courses for both undergraduate and graduate students, Liz has shared her knowledge and scholarship at multiple conferences and her work has been published in an international education journal.
Treyton Grossman
Award(s): USH Pinnacle Award
Major: Computer Science
Recipient Biography: Trey is a junior studying Computer Science. He has been a Desk Clerk with University Student Housing since Fall 2021 and has also worked as a Housing Ambassador; Trey is a consistent and reliable member of every team he is a part of.
Grace Guerra
Award(s): Ethelyn C. Harrison Award
Major: Business Marketing
Recipient Biography: Grace Guerra is a Senior at MSU majoring in Business Marketing with a minor in Hispanic Studies. She plays club soccer for the school, interns for the ASMSU marketing team, and absolutely loves everything there is to do outdoors in Bozeman.
Amanda Haab
Award(s): Outstanding Sophomore Leadership Award
Major: Microbiology and Honors
Recipient Biography: Amanda is a driven and passionate sophomore at Montana State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Honors Baccalaureate. As the current Chief Justice of the Associated Students of Montana State, she is proud to have codified the Student Bill of Rights and of her work to amplify student voices in university policy. She is also a Vice President of Research and Economic Development Fellow and a Montana State Presidential Scholar. Amanda is committed to community health, civic engagement, and creating positive change in systems of shared governance.
Lucy Hanacek
Award(s): Septemviri
Major: Biochemistry
Recipient Biography: Lucy Hanacek is a junior at Montana State University majoring in biochemistry and minoring in economics. She had demonstrated leadership as a Resident Advisor through University Student Housing and as a TA for General Chemistry. Lucy has served as a mentor for other RAs, responded to difficult situations with a calm demeanor, and been a good support for other RAs and residents. As a TA, Lucy tries to impart the importance of chemistry and the relevance of different chemical intricacies.
Eric Hardwick
Award(s): USH Outstanding Health Advocacy Award
Major: Sociology
Recipient Biography: Eric is a junior studying sociology. Eric was an RA in the Residence Life Apartments for the 2021-2022 academic year and has served as an Assistant Community Director in South Hedges for the 2022-2023 academic year. Eric is a huge advocate for both resident staff and residents to receive excellent mental health support. Serving on the Senior Staff On Call rotation, Eric has helped keep our community safe via his crisis response, especially relating to mental health.
Cammy Heck
Award(s): Academic Excellence Award (Athletics)
Major: Nursing
Recipient Biography: Cammy Heck is originally from Sidney, MT and is a senior Nursing major. She has been a member of the Cheer Squad since her freshman year.
Gabriella Hecker
Award(s): The Gold Standard MSU Student Employement Award
Major: Business
Recipient Biography: In addition to serving as a peer writing tutor, Gabbi leads the Writing Center’s outreach efforts. She is the epitome of positivity, eager and excited to learn, and consistently volunteers to take on new tasks with genuine enthusiasm. Gabbi recently jumped on the opportunity to author an article for the Writing Center’s faculty newsletter, knowing that writing to a professional audience would take her out of her comfort zone. Her willingness to take on that challenge proved a success—and a tremendous help to the team. Gabbi is a proud Bobcat who truly represents the Gold Standard!
Jaime Henriquez
Award(s): Lawrence Hiller Scholarship
Major: Biological Science
Recipient Biography: Jamie is a Fish and Wildlife Major from Great Falls, MT that has shown exceptional determination to get his education despite some major life challenges. He has spent 9 years working to get his degree in an environment on campus that poses substantial challenges to someone with mobility issues. He is planning on graduating this spring and has worked to improve the physical accessibility of campus to provide access to himself but also others that have similar challenges. He is a great example of showing determination toward getting his degree and is an inspiration to the staff in Disability Services in how to overcome challenges that are very difficult.
Erika Hernandez-Garcia
Award(s): The Women's Center Student of Achievement Award
Major: Community Health
Recipient Biography: Erika will graduate in May with a degree in Community Health and a minor in Global Health. While at MSU, she became a member of the American Indian Club, TRIO, Fuerza Latinx and the Undergraduate Scholars Program. Outside of MSU, she was worked as a Community Health Intern with the Western Transportation Institute, as a Hopa Mountain Office Aide, and as a BELLA Program ESL Coach. Erika has also been working as a research assistant in MSU Department of Earth Sciences and with Proyecto SALUD which has allowed her to support Hispanic/Latino families and help tell their stories.
Karina Holcomb
Award(s): Outstanding Junior Leadership Award
Major: English: Writing, Psychology
Recipient Biography: Karina Holcomb is a junior from Palmer, Alaska pursuing a major in both Psychology and English: Writing with a minor in English: Literature. She is the President of the Creative Writing Club and the Director of Involvement of the Gamma Delta chapter of the Delta Gamma sorority.
Seamus Hoolahan
Award(s): Torlief Aasheim Community Involvement Award
Major: Chemical and Biological Engineering
Recipient Biography: Seamus, a Chemical and Biological Engineering major from Anaconda, MT, has immersed himself in civic duty by serving as a Page for the Montana House of Representative and an election judge in Deer Lodge and Gallatin counties. He has also counseled at numerous summer camps while maintaining an internship at Sandia National Laboratory. Seamus has logged over 1,300 hours of volunteer service – ranging from counseling to fundraising to mentoring kids.
Macie Hopkins
Award(s): Septemviri
Major: Exercise Science
Recipient Biography: Macie Hopkins is in her third year studying Exercise Science with a minor is Psychology in pursuit to attend medical school in the coming years. She has worked for the ASMSU Events team for the past three semesters and currently holds the position of Entertainment Director. Macie volunteers as a Big through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country, a Blood Donor Ambassador with the American Red Cross, and as an adaptive ski instructor through Eagle Mount.
George Horowitz
Award(s): The Gold Standard MSU Student Employement Award
Major: Psychology
Recipient Biography: George was our first research lab manager. He took on responsibilities of travelling to participants and evaluating them on psychological measures, as well as training new researchers. George is the epitome of professionalism.
Mia Hughes
Award(s): Torlief Aasheim Community Involvement Award
Major: Business
Recipient Biography: Mia, a senior in Business from Woodinville, WA, focuses on serving her communities in Washington and Bozeman through involvement in local police departments. Mia spent four years as an intern with the King County Sherriff’s Office in Seattle engaging in community outreach events and training courses, and building connections with local officers and citizens. This spring, she is taking part in the Bozeman Citizen’s Police Academy. Additionally, Mia focuses her energy on poverty alleviation in the Bozeman area by volunteering at the HRDC, where in 2021 she started a Food Bank fundraiser that raised over $1,000 in its inaugural year.
Liberty Hurley
Award(s): USH Connector Award
Major: Liberal Studies
Recipient Biography: Liberty is a senior from Mandan, ND studying Liberal Studies. Liberty joined the USH team as an RA in Spring 2022 and immediately jumped into forming community and getting involved with the department. Liberty fills needs she sees in others' knowledge or training by connecting residents and fellow staff members to resources across campus.
Caleb Igo
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Land Grant Excellence
Major: Agriculture Education
Recipient Biography: As a former Montana FFA State Officer, Caleb has always demonstrated the land grant spirit. His selected profession as the Agricultural Education Instructor at Beaverhead High School allows him to stay engaged with the community as well as the next generation of leaders. His expectation of excellence can be seen through the performance of his students as their chapter has been recognized as the FFA State Star Chapter for six consecutive years. Beyond his educational career but still building on the land grant mission, Caleb and his wife, Megan (DVM), operate a large animal veterinary clinic at their home property.
Treasure Imokhai
Award(s): Award for International Undergraduate Academic Excellence
Major: Chemical Engineering
Recipient Biography: Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, Treasure is pursuing a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. In addition to maintaining an impressive GPA throughout his career so far, Treasure is pursuing knowledge in the field of international education through his work in the Office of International Programs. His work on student immigration enables people from around the world to join MSU to pursue their own educational goals.
Robert Ivankowich
Award(s): Global Ambassadors Award
Major: Anthropology
Recipient Biography: A native of Columbus, Montana, Rob is a junior studying anthropology and Asian studies. Rob studied abroad in Jordan through Project Global Officer, a program that provides funding for ROTC students to study languages critical to national security. Rob's experiences in Jordan further developed his passion for intercultural connection and intelligence operations, and he is grateful to have had the opportunity to immerse himself in such a beautiful culture so different from his own.
Olivia Jakabosky
Award(s): The President's Award for Gender Equity and The Women's Center Student of Achievement Award
Major: Conservation Biology and Ecology
Recipient Biography: Olivia is a senior graduating in May with a degree in Conservation Biology and Ecology and minors in Sociology and Global Studies. She founded and serves as President of the Asian Student Interracial Association (A.S.I.A.) student organization and works as a Program Assistant for MSU’s DISC. She has served on ASMSU’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, as the Honors Presents Lecture Series Coordinator and as a Smarty cats Tutor. In her work with the Friendship Center in Helena, Olivia provided a safe haven for people affected by domestic and interpersonal violence.
Sarah Jarman
Award(s): Orientation Leaders of the Year
Major: Chemistry
Recipient Biography: Sarah is a second year Orientation Leader in the Office of Admissions. She is wise beyond her years, always volunteering to help, and a team player. Sarah has the ability to see the "big picture" when helping new students and mentoring new OLs. She is a trusted voice amongst her peers and her expertise and thoughtful words are always appreciated. She even instructs yoga during the summer Orientation programs!
Reid Johnson
Award(s): The Gold Standard MSU Student Employement Award
Major: Politcal Science
Recipient Biography: Reid is absolute sunshine in our office. She is bubbly, outgoing and engaging with everyone she works with, both student workers and our evaluators. She’s made it a point to make unique and strong connections to everyone in the office, to where she truly feels like a genuine friend to all of us. When our office was without a front desk specialist, we asked Reid if she’d be willing to work with customers and she jumped on it, even though it was listed as a typical job requirement. Her response was, “Whatever you all need!” . Reid never balks at any sort of work and is always willing to jump in when and where it’s necessary.
Dorianne Keiser
Award(s): Erma Lessel Collins Senior Award
Major: Psychology and Community Health
Recipient Biography: Doriane Keiser is a current sophomore. She has spent her time at college involved with different clubs, and groups, and volunteering her time. Most recently she volunteered as a member of AISES teaching 5th and 6th graders how to fly drones on Fort Peck Reservation. She is currently a Senator for the College of Letters in Science, the Treasurer for Active Minds, and a Founding member of Honor Bound.
Emma Kerkering
Award(s): Blue & Gold Leadership Awards
Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Recipient Biography: Emma has a "can do" spirit and is an excellent role model for new tour guides. Emma has mastered the juggling act of being actively involved on campus and was even a 2022 Newman Civic Fellow! She serves in the Office of Admissions as one of the Advocat Coordinators and has been a reliable member of the Admissions team for several years.
Lukas Kosel
Award(s): The Montana Future Leaders Award
Major: English
Recipient Biography: Lukas Kosel, from Roberts, MT, is a first year pursuing a degree in English Writing. Lukas consistently strives to be his best self, and treats those around him with kindness and compassion. He demonstrates curiosity and engagement both in the classroom and on campus as a Hilleman scholar and club volleyball player.
Annemarie Kozlowski
Award(s): The Montana Future Leaders Award
Major: Hospitality Management
Recipient Biography: A Belgrade native and Return-to-Learn scholar, Annemarie is a junior in Hospitality Management with minors in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management and Restaurant Management: Farm to Table. Her goal is to open a restaurant and wedding venue in the local area bringing together her love of creating amazing meals and her commitment to an employee focused work environment with exemplary customer service. She has committed to working in community businesses and gone out of her way to engage and learn from mentors in her field.
Jon Krivec
Award(s): Advocats of the Year
Major: Economics
Recipient Biography: Jon's humor and ability to tell a story makes our office an exciting and fun place to be. Jon serves as a student tour guide and a Student Ambassador in the Office of Admissions. He is always willing to give more energy and time than asked of him. He is selfless and is a light for all that interact with him. Jon has been a dedicated, reliable, fun student employee and his cheesy smile will be missed by many when he graduates.
Ryan Lawson
Award(s): Orientation Leaders of the Year
Major: Environmental Sciences
Recipient Biography: Ryan is an enthusiastic second-year OL with the ability to make others feel welcome almost immediately. Her peers look up to her for advice and she guides by example always giving her Orientation groups the energy and time they deserve even after long days. Ryan is an excellent community builder and includes everyone through her actions and funny conversation. She is a trusted student worker and we are so lucky to have her as a member of the Admissions team.
Lane Lerum
Award(s): Advocats of the Year and Fraternity Member of the Year
Major: Agricultural Business
Recipient Biography: Lane is an active and engaged student and has served in the Office of Admissions for over 3 years. A 3rd generation Bobcat, Lane illustrates what it means to give back to one’s campus and community every day. He loves all things agriculture and exemplifies the land-grant mission through his generous and hardworking spirit. In the Office of Admissions, Lane is employed as an Advocat student tour guide, a Student Ambassador, and works in the office 20 hours a week.
Anja Lincke
Award(s): Bobcat Family Fellows Scholarship
Major: Sociology
Recipient Biography: Anja Lincke, originally from Anchorage, AK is a senior studying Nutrition Science. Anja is involved on campus through student government where she serves as an ASMSU senator, as well as through her employment with the Outdoor Rec Program. Additionally, Anja started the women’s club volleyball team.
Keely Livingston
Award(s): Outstanding Junior Service Award, Septemviri
Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Recipient Biography: Keely is a junior studying cell biology and neuroscience with a concentration in biomedical sciences on the pre-medicine track. She hopes to attend medical school to specialize in dermatology. Keely is involved on-campus as an officer in the Student Health Advisory Committee and Alpha Epsilon Delta (pre-health professions honor society). She is also an Advocat for the Office of Admissions, and volunteers for the Bounty of the Bridgers food pantry. Keely volunteers in the Bozeman community at the Family Birth Center at Bozeman Health and as a brand ambassador for Bridgercare. She is a student fellow for the Honors College in Texts and Critics, and a student assistant for Anatomy and Physiology Lab.
Sasha Loewen
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Land Grant Excellence
Major: Ecology & Environmental Sciences
Recipient Biography: Sasha (Royden) Loewen is a PhD candidate at Montana State University where he will graduate with a focus on organic and precision agriculture in May 2023. Sasha grew up on a conventional grain farm in Steinbach Manitoba, graduated from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg with a master’s degree in molecular genetics in 2016, then switched his focus back to agriculture by helping transition the family farm to organic production in 2017. He was awarded a graduate fellowship at MSU from the USDA Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program to pursue research in the applications of precision agricultural tools in organic grain systems. Highlights of his time at MSU included exploring rural Montana through meetings with farmers and ranchers across the state and hearing their feedback on research directly, as well as attending the international conference on precision agriculture in the summer of 2022 in Minneapolis where Sasha was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Sasha plans to return home to Canada to continue exploring sustainable agriculture through a postdoc at a Canadian university and to apply his newfound knowledge on his family’s organic farm, Millview Grain.
Leah Lynch
Award(s): Torlief Aasheim Community Involvement Award
Major: Nursing
Recipient Biography: Leah, a Nursing student at the Billings campus, is also a Billing native and gives her time to provide vaccinations at clinics and pediatric assessments for children on the Crow reservation. Leah also volunteers with a local assisted living facility and tutors K-6th grade students in reading, language and math.
Katrina Lyon
Award(s): The President's Award for Gender Equity
Major: Microbiology and Immunology
Recipient Biography: Katrina is a Ph.D. candidate in Microbiology and Immunology. Her work as both a Graduate and Undergraduate Assistant have led her to realize her passion for science. Katrina is committed to diversity and inclusion around drug testing, experiments and patient care. As a leader in the Bozeman 500 Women Scientists group, and through her leadership roles with WISE at MSU, she has participated in numerous outreach efforts, conferences, and efforts to promote diversity in STEM both at MSU and in the broader community. Katrina has also used her proficiency in Spanish to improve accessibility to science in the Latinx community.
Zachary Maguire
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Land Grant Excellence
Major: Fish and Wildlife Management
Recipient Biography: Zach is from the great state of Massachusetts. He has lived in the Rockies for many years now, where he enjoys the outdoors, sharing opportunities to explore wilderness, and guiding backcountry hikes with others. His research informs conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems in Montana, and he likes to fish and hunt.
Kelsey Martin
Award(s): The President Cruzado Thinking Gender Award and the Women's Center Student of Achievement Award
Major: Sociology
Recipient Biography: Kelsey was nominated because he excelled in his Sociology of Gender class and wrote one of the best papers of the semester. You are especially skilled at using a critical gender lens. You’re a fantastic advocate for students and DEI policies in your role as the Sociology and Anthropology Business Operations Manager, as well.
Madison Maus
Award(s): The Gold Standard MSU Student Employement Award
Major: History
Recipient Biography: Madison is an exemplary individual. She goes above and beyond to help everyone on our team, and always has creative ideas. She is a fantastic communicator and has a positive “can-do” attitude. Whether it be helping us with website ideas or creating posters with study abroad locations, Madison always goes the extra mile and can navigate any issues that may arise. She doesn’t let any of the roadblocks that can happen get in her way, and always has an idea for how to move forward. She is always the first to volunteer in the office, even if she has other tasks on her plate, and manages her to-do list with grace. It is my belief that Madison is the perfect candidate for this award.
Liam Mayo
Award(s): The Montana Future Leaders Award
Major: Civil Engineering
Recipient Biography: Liam is a freshmen from Whitefish, MT studying Civil Engineering. Liam is an exemplary student and leader within the MSU Hilleman Scholars Program. He has been an active voice in lectures and asks insightful questions.
Rachel McBride
Award(s): Outstanding Sophomore Service Award
Major: Animal Science
Recipient Biography: Rachel is a sophomore at MSU studying animal science with a minor in Hispanic studies. She is from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She plans to go to Veterinary school after graduating and become a small animal veterinarian at an emegency clinic. She is proud of all the work she has been able to do to help animals in her community.
Mesa McKee
Award(s): USH Outstanding Leadership Award
Major: Political Sciecne
Recipient Biography: Mesa is a junior studying Political Science who has been a student housing staff member for the past two years. She was an RA in Roskie for the 2021-2022 academic year, and was promoted from Assistant Community Director to Student Community Director for Hyalite Hall in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Kathryn McKinstry
Award(s): Torlief Aasheim Community Involvement Award
Major: Graphic Design
Recipient Biography: A native of Boise, Idaho, Katie is a senior studying graphic design. Katie takes her creative passion into the community by creating wall hangings out of retired climbing rope, which are then made available to the public through limited commission opportunities or put on display at local galleries. When she originally moved to Bozeman, she engaged in the community by offering climbing instruction for all ages at Spire Climbing and Fitness. She currently serves as the social media coordinator for the Bozeman Ice Festival, a signature event of the Montana Mountaineering Association with the motto, “Because Mountains are the Best Teachers.”
Laura Meza
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Scholarship Excellence
Major: Curriculum and Instruction
Gianna Migliaccio
Award(s): Advocats of the Year
Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Recipient Biography: Gianna is a passionate and determined leader who guides by example. From the first time she stepped on campus, Gianna has been committed to assisting the Office of Admissions and the surrounding community. She is not only an outstanding member of AdvoCats, she is also exemplary student and active member of the Honors College. Gianna’s leadership in the AdvoCat program inspires others to build community with one another. We look forward to watching her continue to inspire others next year.
Norah Mish
Award(s): Blue & Gold Leadership Awards
Major: Sociology
Recipient Biography: Norah serves as the Orientation Coordinator for the 2023 spring and summer. Norah's ability to work fast and hard has been a huge help to the Orientation team. Her creativity, focus, and ambition keep us moving forward. While only a Sophomore, Norah has risen to every challenge and is a rising star in the Office of Admissions.
Giorgio Morales Luna
Award(s): Chunzi "Chris" Zhang Award for International Graduate Excellence in Research
Major: Computer Science
Recipient Biography: A native of Lima, Peru, Giorgio is pursuing a PhD in computer science. His recent work revolves around creating tools for farmers to utilize machine learning for prediction yield and protein in winter wheat through a user-friendly web-based interface. His research is supported by a four-year, four-million-dollar grant from the USDA and helps farmers manage their production with more predictability and adaptability.
Jackson Mundell
Award(s): Roskie Memorial Award
Major: Environmental Science
Recipient Biography: Jackson is a sophomore at MSU currently pursuing a degree in environmental science, with a minor in political science. Throughout his two years at MSU, he has strived to become more involved and make an active impact on campus. With a focus on sustainability, he has completed over 200 hours of conservation volunteering, including leading an MSU BreaksAway trip! Additionally, he excels at the ice rink, leading one of two very successful MSU hockey teams. He has wants to continue growing the game of hockey by completing more volunteer hours with Bozeman youth to spread his love for the game.
Alexis Okas
Award(s): Sorority New Member of the Year
Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Recipient Biography: Alexis Okas came into the Alpha Omicron Pi chapter a ball of sunshine and lifted every member up. She took on the position as Director of Academics after only being in the chapter for 3 months and has completely changed their academics. She has worked so hard to help improve the chapter’s GPA and make sure that every member is feeling confident in their academics. Alexis is overall an outstanding person, and the MSU Alpha Omicron Pi chapter is blessed to be able to call her a sister and a friend.
Savanah Olson
Award(s): USH Extra Mile Award
Major: Environmental Sciences
Recipient Biography: Savanah Olson is a junior from Tacoma, WA studying environmental sciences. Savanah joined the USH team in Fall 2021 as an RA in Yellowstone Hall. She began the 2022 school year as an Assistant Community Director in Johnstone Hall but was promoted to Student Community Director in Hyalite Hall following staffing shortages. Savanah has done an incredible job keeping up with changing demands and supervising peers while never missing an opportunity to ask how else she can help.
Gifty Osei
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Land Grant Excellence
Major: Statistics
Recipient Biography: Coming from the Ashanti region of Ghana, Gifty is a graduate student in the Statistics program with a passion for network data analysis. She is shining proof that graduate students can be involved in leadership and can offer support to the well-being of the MSU student. Gifty serves as the graduate champion for the Mathematical Sciences department as well as the PRO for the MSU African Student Association. She actively pushes progress for student welfare and emphasizes the need for community.
Alexi Panos
Award(s): Honors Excellence in Leadership and Service Award
Major: Chemical Engineering
Recipient Biography: Alexi is a senior pre-medical chemical engineering student and an MSU Presidential Scholar. He served on the 2021 Presidential Scholarship selection committee and as a hike and read counselor, honors ambassador, and honors chemistry TA. He is the founder and president of the Financial Literacy Club MSU working with the Office of Financial Education and Family Promise to provide personal finance advising. Outside of school, he has volunteered four seasons with Eagle Mount Bozeman. He works for Bridger Ski Foundation as a U.S. Ski and Snowboard U14 Alpine Championship Team and level 200 coach as well as recently certified Technical Delegate. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Pacific Northwest Ski Education Foundation. He also works on the standards board and programming committee for Sigma Phi Epsilon.
Kari Perry
Award(s): The Women's Center Student of Achievement Award
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Recipient Biography: Kari Perry will graduate in May with a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Statistics with Highest Distinction Honors. At MSU, she’s worked with the Society for Women Engineers, Women in Engineering, and the MSU Bike Lane Pop-up project. A summer internship with the Idaho National Laboratory and Bike Commuter Resource Center drove her passion for finding safer solutions for accessible bicycle commuting. Kari has also founded a company, Telepathy Labs Inc., to design bikes specifically for female anatomy. Kari has earned several awards including MSU Founder’s Day Award for Student Excellence and LR Duke Scholarship.
Izzi Petry
Award(s): USH Advocate Award
Major: Political Sciecne
Recipient Biography: Izzi Petry is a junior from Livingstone, MT studying Political Science. Izzi has been an RA with USH since Fall 2021; serving in Hannon and the Quads in the 2021-2022 academic year and Yellowstone Hall in the 2022-2023 academic year. Izzi has been an advocate for many equity initiatives, especially as she has served as Co-Chair for our USH Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory committee.
Rachel Pickel
Award(s): Blue & Gold Leadership Awards
Major: Animal Science
Recipient Biography: Pickel is a Student Ambassador, a student tour guide, and one of the Orientation Coordinators in the Office of Admissions. She is a "jack of all trades" and has been dedicating time to Admissions for the last several years. Next year, she is off to Veterinary School where we have no doubt she'll share in her College of Ag education!
Kathryn Ragsdale
Award(s): Office of Disability Services Outstanding Student Worker
Major: Environmental Design
Recipient Biography: Katie has shown outstanding customer service skills, reliability, and consistency in helping the Office of Disability Services meet the accommodation needs of MSU students with disabilities. She is always willing to go above and beyond to help our staff and students. She does a great job of balancing the responsibilities of being a student and working on campus. She is active in Greek Life and has a busy schedule being a student in the school of architecture. She is from Big Bear, CA and is in her second year of studies at MSU.
Melissa Ramirez
Award(s): Orientation Leaders of the Year, Newman Civic Fellowship and the Bobcat Family Fellows Scholarship
Major: Political Sciecne
Recipient Biography: Melissa is the prime example of why we do what we do in the Office of Admissions. Her zest for helping new students is evident in every conversation she has and her ability to make new students feel welcome is unmatched. A first-generation student, Melissa is dedicated to making every student that walks through the MSU doors feel welcome, heard, and accepted. Melissa is a second year Orientation Leader in addition to the various positions she holds on campus.
Ian Ray
Award(s): Max Worthington Service Award and the Women's Center Student of Achievement Award
Major: Chemical Engineering
Recipient Biography: Ian Ray is a senior majoring in chemical engineering on a pre-medicine track. He is currently an Advocate Mentor on the MSU VOICE Center’s student staff and serves on the Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA) Survivor Fund Board. Ray previously volunteered as a clinical support technician at the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades in Bend, where he provided patient care for low-income individuals--primarily in Spanish--and discovered a passion for providing medical care to minorities and underprivileged groups. After graduation, Ray plans to travel abroad to experience other cultures and improve his Spanish before attending medical school.
Taylee RidesAtTheDoor
Award(s): Bobcat Family Fellows Scholarship
Major: Business
Recipient Biography: Taylee RidesAtTheDoor, hails from Browning, MT and she is a junior studying Business Management. Taylee is extremely active with MSU housing as an ARD, RA. Outside of her academics and campus involvement Taylee is a passionate photographer.
Miller Rijfkogel
Award(s): Club Leader of the Year
Major:
Recipient Biography: Miller has been dedicated to Students Against Sexual Assault’s mission from their very start here on campus. They have worked late nights in order to support survivors, both directly through assisting with the VOICE Center's crisis line and forensic rape examinations, but also indirectly with their work for SASA. The Survivor Fund is a unique monetary assistance fund that is the only one in Montana to not be tied to federal, grant, or donor requirements. Miller understands the importance of the fund and how it has been life-changing for survivors and dedicated themselves to fundraising for it this year. This has been the most successful fundraising year for the fund on record. Miller is committed to SASA's mission in every way but their fundraising and event efforts are the most visible. Working with the Disabled Students Association, Miller has worked to ensure that the club is welcoming and accessible to all students who have disabilities at MSU.
Tyerra Roan
Award(s): The Montana Future Leaders Award
Major: Liberal Studies
Recipient Biography: Tyerra Roan is a junior pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies from Crow Agency, MT. She is passionate about helping others is curious about the world around her. In addition to being a Hilleman Scholar, Ty worked as a student ambassador with DISC, and currently works for the Office of International Programs.
Cate Rogerson
Award(s): VOICE Empowerment Award, Christy Foundation Scholarship and the Women's Center Student of Achievement Award
Major: Nursing
Recipient Biography: Cate Rogerson, a senior in Nursing from Seattle Washington, has dedicated 4 years to supporting survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking in her work at the VOICE Center. She worked as a student staff member at the VOICE Center and trained two cohorts of student advocates who are now making our campus a safer and healthier space. Cate has worked with Eaglemount as well as nursing projects in communities around Montana and Tanzania.
Mary Sanchez
Award(s): The Gold Standard MSU Student Employement Award
Major: Health Enhancement K-12
Recipient Biography: Mary is a junior in the Health Enhancement K-12 program and a work study student who has served the College of EHHD Dean’s Office since spring 2022. Mary does take out the trash and helps keep Reid Hall cleanly and safe. More figuratively, Mary takes initiative to handle the unseen or underappreciated tasks in our office that can be laborious, messy, or mundane. Their work ethic is motivated by an eagerness to learn by doing. To this end, I challenged Mary to organize projects that would connect and elevate our EHHD and MSU communities.
Walter Scheldorf
Award(s): USH Outstanding Peer Leadership Award
Major: Political Sciecne
Recipient Biography: Walter is a junior double majoring in Political Science and Environmental Science. Walter has been involved in Residence Hall Association since his freshman year. He serves on multiple hall councils as a Senator and has been serving as the Interim President of RHA this year. Walter has also been an RA with USH since Spring 2022. Walter was the lead author of the newly reconstructed and recently-ratified RHA Constitution and has lead all RHA Senate meetings.
Anna Schenfisch
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Scholarship Excellence
Major: Mathematics
Recipient Biography: Anna Schenfisch grew up in Casper, Wyoming and attended the University of Wyoming for her undergraduate degree before coming to Bozeman to pursue her PhD in mathematics. Anna enriches the MSU math department, in part, through her mentorship of undergraduate students. She has frequently been a mentor in the directed reading program and has also worked with undergraduates on research and presentations related to the Computational Topology and Geometry Club, of which she was president for several years. Anna also participates in outreach outside of the department through teaching community dance classes and volunteering for the senior center Befrienders program
Jeffrey Schulte
Award(s): Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success: Teaching and Mentorship Award
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Recipient Biography: Jeff is a junior majoring in mechanical engineering. He came to MSU from his home in Katy, Texas. Jeff consistently goes above and beyond. He shows initiative in organizing study sessions for students, is unusually conscientious, volunteers to take on extra work, and establishes ongoing mentoring relationships with the students he tutors. One of his students said this about Jeff: “He is very patient, informative, and never makes me feel insecure in asking questions.”
Moriah Schutt
Award(s): The Montana Future Leaders Award
Major: Sustainable Food and Bioenergy
Recipient Biography: Moriah, a native Montanan from Kalispell, is a junior in Sustainable Foods and Bioenergy Systems. In addition to seeking unique opportunities to learn all she can in the food systems realm, Moriah leads within her community as a student security guard at the Museum of the Rockies and as a soldier and water treatment specialist in the National Guard. She will spend this summer assisting the citizens of Teton County and planning the county fair as an MSU Extension Service intern.
Riley Seger
Award(s): Academic Excellence Award (Athletics)
Major: Business
Recipient Biography: Riley is a senior pursuing a degree in Business and originally comes from Vancouver, BC, Canada. Riley has been a part of the Men’s Alpine Ski team since he was a freshman and a notable outcome of his time on that team was earning Second-Team All-America honors after placing 6th in giant slalom at the 2021 NCAA Skiing Championships.
Calvin Servheen
Award(s): Honors Excellence in Leadership and Service Award
Major: Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Recipient Biography: Calvin Servheen is a Missoula-born student in his fourth year at MSU. He is pursuing dual degrees in Industrial Engineering and Directed Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Studies. Calvin has also spent the last 3 years working on startups in various industries, and he hopes to spend his career developing and commercializing the technologies that will help consumers live more sustainably in the future. Calvin believes strongly that greenhouse emissions represent an existential threat to humanity, and he is committed to tackling this issue with urgency.
Halle Snell
Award(s): Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success: Teaching and Mentorship Award
Major: Secondary Education
Recipient Biography: Halle Snell is a senior majoring in secondary education, with a science focus. She will make a wonderful teacher. Halle begins tutoring before she even meets her students -- taking the time to review her class notes and the students’ coursework prior to her tutoring appointments. Her twice-weekly drop-in tutoring sessions at the library are among the most popular with students. One of her students said this about Halle: “Halle is a wonderful tutor. She is great at explaining the material covered in class and even has tricks for working through more difficult problems. She has helped me a lot and I am so grateful for her! She is so kind-hearted and encouraging. I cannot recommend her enough!”
Peter Sunden
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Land Grant Excellence
Major: Family Nurse Practicioner
Recipient Biography: Peter will graduate with his DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner degree this May. Peter has been an exemplary doctoral student. He focused his final clinical experiences in the emergency department and has demonstrated an exceptional level of skill and critical thinking; managing cases that far exceed what is expected. His DNP Scholarly Project, entitled “Medical Flight Handoff, illustrates a highly effective process improvement effort to engage in the application of new knowledge to improve patient care outcomes.
Issac Thomas
Award(s): Christy Foundation Scholarship
Major: Business Management
Recipient Biography: Isaac Thomas is a super super senior studying Business Management and has spent most of his 6 years at MSU involved with the Associated Students of MSU as the Events Team Chairperson and in Fraternity/Sorority Life as the Vice President of Finance for Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity and as the Interfraternity Council President. He is passionate about bolstering the student experience and plans to pursue a master’s degree from MSU in Student Affairs next year. His goal is to continue working with students to help them develop their leadership skills and to continue facilitating co-curricular experiences.
Kass Thompson
Award(s): The Gold Standard MSU Student Employement Award and Septemviri
Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Recipient Biography: Kass is a third year student studying Cell Biology and Neuroscience with minors in Global Health and Hispanic Studies. She has exemplified leadership and involvement in her roles as student associate with the MSU Leadership Institute and undergraduate researcher in Dr. Jason Carter’s Lab, among others. Furthermore she is passionate about service, and volunteers in the Bozeman community primarily as a victim advocate with the VOICE center. She has demonstrated a long-term commitment to leadership and service through roles in her home community and feels grateful to be able to contribute to any community that she is a part of.
Katlin Tonkin
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Teaching Excellence
Major: Nursing
Recipient Biography: Katlin will receive her Nursing degree in May 2023. Her scholarly project: Improving Preeclampsia Outcomes: A High-Fidelity Simulation (HFS) for Undergraduate Nursing Students has baselined current preeclampsia epidemiological state and national data; demonstrated her advanced pathophysiological understanding of the condition; tapped the educational theory that supports HFS; adapted an evidence-based preeclampsia HFS scenario; identified ways to measure outcomes; and, provided an extensive microsystem assessment of the organizational unit (a MT nursing program) and the population-of-interest (nursing students). Katlin competed and was a member of the first-place team that included architecture, engineering, and nursing students at the PDC Summit Student Design Challenge in Phoenix, AZ in March.
Josey Urgin
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Land Grant Excellence
Major: Plant Science
Recipient Biography: Josey Ugrin obtained a BS degree from MSU in Horticulture with a minor in Genetics in 2020. She then began a MS program in Plant Sciences and will graduate in May 2023. As an undergraduate Josey enjoyed working on projects that helped ensure MSU agricultural research was translated to Montana growers by working as a field inspector for the Montana Seed Growers Association and with the MSU Foundation Seed Program. In her MS program, Josey worked on developing spring and durum wheat with height and yield traits specific for MT growing conditions. She also was a GTA for two classes and presented her work at three national meetings and four MSU field days. Josey excelled at creating, sharing, and applying new knowledge beneficial to MT farmers.
Mirte Van Baelen
Award(s): Academic Excellence Award (Athletics)
Major: Biological Engineering
Recipient Biography: Mirte Van Baelen is a junior pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering and comes to MSU from her hometown of Mol, Belgium. Mirte has been on the Women’s Tennis team since 2019. She was one of the top 100 players in Belgium ranking as high as 92nd overall. As a junior, she was listed as high as 18th in the country.
Taryn Van Steeland
Award(s): The President Cruzado Thinking Gender Award
Major: Political Science
Recipient Biography: Taryn was nominated because she is a wonderful addition to the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies minor. Not only is she inclusive in her comments, she is politically active and has worked to ensure the well-being of people of color at Montana State University. When white nationalists papered the campus with fliers, she organized a solidarity demonstration with those targeted. She is one of the finest students at MSU and represents the best of what the new generation has to offer. She is willing to critique powerful institutions and examine her own biases. We look forward to seeing how she develop as she progress in her journey as a scholar and activist.
Flor Vega
Award(s): Spirit Outstanding Student Award
Major: Public Administration
Recipient Biography: A first-generation international graduate student from Peru. Flor started a Master’s program in Public Relations at MSU Billings after graduating as a salutatorian with a Bachelor’s in Communications in her home country. She earned her Master’s at MSU-Billings 2022 and then continued her academic journey by seeking a second Master’s in Public Administration at MSU. Flor Vega exemplifies outstanding service to others as she truly advocates for underserved groups on campus and in the community. Her desire to provide opportunities for underserved student communities is evident in her unwavering commitment to initiate a student organization where she serves as the President of the First-Generation Students Association (FGSA). This first-ever student organization impacts first-gen students at MSU now and for generations to come!
Melody Wendt
Award(s): The Montana Future Leaders Award
Major: Political Sciecne
Recipient Biography: Melody, a native Montanan from Roundup, is a senior in Political Science. Before arriving at MSU, she ran for a state legislature seat in Billings in 2020 and, at MSU, she exemplifies leadership as the ASMSU Senator for the College of Letters and Science. Melody is also a tireless advocate for services and resources for students with children, co-founding the MSU club, Students Raising Children.
Mackenzie Westphal
Award(s): Graduate Excellence Awards: Scholarship Excellence
Major: Family Nurse Practicioner
Recipient Biography: Mackenzie will graduate with her DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner degree this May. Her DNP Project, Improving Communication and Patient Outcomes with SBAR in Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) featured the creation of an online educational program for Assisted Living Facilities throughout Montana to improve communication about changes in resident status to on call providers. Ms. Westphal adapted the SBAR communication tool for unlicensed care givers to provide accurate, useful, and comprehensive data about resident status to decrease deterioration of their condition while decreasing utilization of emergency services. Her project will positively impact the lives of frail older adults across the state.
Shannon Whitcraft
Award(s): The Montana Future Leaders Award
Major: Business
Recipient Biography: Shannon Whitcraft is a Bozeman native and freshman in Business Management and Hispanic studies. Shannon leads by example — she is an active member of the Society & HR Management Club, and also volunteers her time as a translator with Proyecto Salud, an organization that provides health resources to Gallatin Valley’s Hispanic community.
Victoria White
Award(s): Sorority Member of the Year
Major: Computer Science
Recipient Biography: Victoria White has been actively involved in her sorority chapter serving as Panhellenic delegate and facility manager. When she isn’t working hard for her sisters, she volunteers her time in the Bozeman community. She is a frequent volunteer at the Bozeman public library and the Cancer Support Community. Additionally, she has provided our chapter with a comprehensive list of community service opportunities in the Bozeman area to inspire her sisters to give back to their community. Her dedication to serving her community is inspiring to all who know her.
Samantha Wigen
Award(s): The Gold Standard MSU Student Employement Award
Major: Agricultural Education
Recipient Biography: Sam is an exemplary student associate—she’s responsible, timely, organized, and committed to completing every task with a level of excellence rarely found in young professionals. Sam isn’t afraid to take the reins on a new project, even if given very little direction. She comes into work each day with a bright, positive attitude, and we would be lost without her! Simply put, Sam is awesome.
Paytyn Wilson
Award(s): Val G. Glynn Award
Major: Agricultural Education - Communications
Recipient Biography: Paytyn Wilson is a senior in Agricultural Communications with minors in political science and English writing. She is from Bainville, MT and has loved calling Bozeman home for the past four years. She is most thankful for her time in her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and holds great appreciation for her friends at ASMSU. She is thrilled to be pursing a Graduate degree in Higher Education - Student Affairs, and she looks forward to pushing for innovative soltutions to the issues college students face today.
Mackenzie Winters
Award(s): Torlief Aasheim Community Involvement Award
Major: Exercise Science and Pre-Med
Recipient Biography: Mackenzie, an Exercise Science & Pre-Med student from Billings, Montana, has a rare blood disorder that prevents her from donating blood, but that doesn’t keep her from volunteering at and coordinating blood drives. Additionally, Mackenzie also serves at Eagle Mount, is a cycling instructor at Black Orchid, coaches skiing, and is a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Garrett Wright
Award(s): Septemviri
Major: Political Science
Recipient Biography: Garrett Wright is a junior from Indinapolis Indiana and is a Political Science major, minoring in international business and china studies. He works as an Associate Justice in ASMSU's Supreme Court which is responsible for the creation of the Student Bill of Rights, as well as working to create a mediation service at Montana State. In terms of service, Garrett has worked extensively in his home town of Indianapolis Indiana in food pantries as well as taking mission trips to Florida for hurricane relief. For Leadership, He is most proud of his work in ASMSU and helping to represent students on campus.
Vanessa Zamora Moreno
Award(s): Torlief Aasheim Community Involvement Award and The Gold Standard MSU Student Employement Award
Major: Psycology
Recipient Biography: Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Vanessa is a Psychology major with a minor in Business Administration. With her entrepreneurial and “give back” spirit, she recently opened English Para Todos, an affordable English program for Spanish speakers of Bozeman, and has taught over 30 individuals so far. She’s also given her time as an administrator, choreographer and performer for Sizzling Salsa and as an interpreter and translator for Montana Language Services. She’s served on local boards and helped on numerous Service Saturdays and is also the founder of South Flowers, the first DJ and entertainment company owned and ran by Latina women in Bozeman.
Chloe Zuraff
Award(s): The Women's Center Student of Achievement Award
Major: Sociology
Recipient Biography: Chloe will graduate next December with a major in Criminology and minors in Psychology and Native American Studies. She worked as a Forensic Psychology Teaching Assistant in the MSU Psychology department, and off-campus, Chloe has worked with the MSU Police Department, the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and as a paralegal assistant in Kidwell and Gallagher Law Office. Alongside this, she works at HAVEN as a legal advocate and at Families First Learning Lab. She is secretary of MSU’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Student Association where she has been able to advocate and raise awareness around MMIP.
