2023 REPORT ANNUAL
FROM MAX & MEL
In last year’s annual report, Mel and I explained our calling upon returning to Montana from China. It’s service. We believe that the most noble human endeavor is service. That’s why we set up the Max Baucus Institute for Montana students: to encourage them to see and enjoy service. To be future leaders.
In 2023, we led the first delegation of American students to China since 2019. Students from Montana State University and the University of Montana met with America’s current Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, the CEO of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
Our Baucus Leaders and Baucus Climate Scholars spent the summer working across our nation on the world’s toughest problems. These students come back on fire. They’ve seen, they’ve served, they’re beginning to lead. They want to pursue the joy of service. That’s what we do. It’s as rewarding for us as it is for them.
In this annual report, we highlight the written reflections of our students. We hope you find them as inspiring as we do.
“The future of our children and grandchildren will depend greatly on how we manage our relationship with China .”
—Max Baucus
Max Baucus & Mel Hanes
Max S. Baucus Institute | 2023 Annual Report
BAUCUS LEADERS
“My internship with the World Affairs Council showed me how I can participate in international relations from our beautiful state of Montana.” 9
Seanna Pieper-Jordan
Montana World Affairs Council
11 CLIMATE SCHOLARS
Noah Gipson
International Energy Agency, Paris, France
“You have to be part of the conversation if you want to make meaningful change in the world.”
9 BAUCUS LEADERS DC
Norris Blossom
Senator Schumer
“Working in the majority leader’s office enabled me to see some incredible people and places that I couldn’t have imagined I would this summer.”
TOTAL STUDENT IMPACT FOR 2023
Funding is a major barrier for many students when it comes to participating in our programs. In 2023, we provided $257,850 in stipends and scholarships to 64 students.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE
CHINA STUDY ABROAD: WANXIANG
Jackson Mundell, MSU
“Talking with professors, students, and locals in China was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I recommend it to anyone who is eager to see the world.”
CHINA CULTURAL EXCHANGE: CUSEF
Augusta Reinhart, UM
“From the bustling streets of Hong Kong to the serene landscapes of Xinchang Ancient Town, every encounter provided valuable insights into the rich tapestry of Chinese traditions and customs. Whether it was sampling zongzi dumplings during the Dragon Boat Festival or hiking up the Great Wall, each experience deepened my appreciation for the cultural nuances that make China so distinct.”
TOTAL STUDENT IMPACT
Since 2017, the Institute’s China study abroad programs have created the opportunity for over 160 Montana students to travel to China to learn and live alongside Chinese students.
Max S. Baucus Institute | 2023 Annual Report
WE’RE PROUD OF WHAT WE’VE BUILT
Since the Baucus Institute was chartered in 2016, we’ve helped over 300 Montana students see, serve, and lead. And we’re just getting started.
2019
11 DC Leaders
25 China (self-paid)
2 Big Barn Fellows
2023
38 TOTAL 9 DC Leaders
10 MT Leaders
11 Climate Scholars
22 China scholarships
7 Ireland
5 Big Barn Fellows
64 TOTAL revenue
Thanks to the offices who hosted our 2023 Leaders and Scholars!
Baucus Leaders DC
Senator Brown (D-OH)
Senator Crapo (R-ID)
Senator Daines (R-MT)
Senator Grassley (R-IA)
Senator King (I-ME)
Senator Klobuchar (D-MN)
Senator Schumer (D-NY)
Senator Tester (D-MT)
Baucus Climate Scholars The Climate Initiative Climate Reality Project Ernst & Young International Energy Agency LanzaTech
The Nature Conservancy Northwestern Energy Paulson Institute U.S. Forest Service Wanxiang Corporation
Baucus Leaders MT City of Missoula Friends of the Children Missoula County
Montana Budget & Policy Center
Montana League of Cities & Towns
Montana Nonprofit Association
Montana World Affairs Council
ANNOUNCING NEW LEADERSHIP
We’re excited to introduce our new Executive Director, Andrew Person! Andrew was born and raised in Helena. He obtained his B.A. in Political Science at Gonzaga University, then was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. After U.S. Army Ranger School, he participated in a nighttime airborne insertion into northern Iraq and served year-long tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
After leaving the military, Andrew earned a Master of Science in Foreign Service at Georgetown University and served five years as the military, veterans, and foreign policy aide to Senator Baucus in Washington
DC. Andrew obtained his J.D. from the University of Montana Law School in 2014.
Andrew is passionate about the Baucus Institute’s mission to break down barriers so that Montana students can see, serve, and lead locally and throughout the world.
Our longtime Director, Sam Panarella, departed the Baucus Institute this year to become the Dean of the School of Law at University of Massachussetts, Dartmouth. We’re grateful for his work since our founding and wish him the best at UMass!
BIG SKY BIG PLANS
With state-wide partnerships and two full-time professional staff members, we are now positioned to pursue our most ambitious goal yet: by 2027, build a $10 million endowment for US-China Exchange, which will sustainably support 100 Montana exchange students in China every year for 100 years.
We plan to pair this with a $6 million endowment for Baucus Leaders, including the $1 million we have received from the Washington Foundation.
In 2024 we plan to announce the opening of the Native American Center (NAC) at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law. Funding from the Gates Foundation during 2022-2024 is helping us build robust support to recruit and retain more Native American students in our programs.
