BUZZ
The MSUB campus is buzzing with energy again...
Board of Directors
Tom Potter, Chair
Michael Monson, Vice Chair, ‘03
Ken Lutton, Treasurer, ‘06
Brittany Cremer, Secretary, ‘06
Kay L. Berry, ‘83
Tyler Elkin, ‘95
William Henry
Karen Moses
Donald Roberts, D.M.D., M.S.
David E. Wanzenried
Buddy Windy Boy, ‘06
Janiel Begger, ‘15 & ‘17
Becky Anderson, ‘02
Krista Montague, Ex Officio, ‘98 & ‘18
Stefani Hicswa, PhD, Ex Officio
Jessie Perius, PhD, Ex Officio, ‘12
Anne Cole, Ex Officio 8:07pm, March 21
FROM THE CEO Thank you for making a lasting difference
Dear Friends,
As the fall semester unfolds, there’s a sense of excitement at MSUB. The campus is buzzing with the energy of students eager to learn and grow. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to support many of these students in their academic journeys.
This year, I’m proud to share that 600 scholarships have been awarded thus far, totaling $1.16 million. These scholarships go far beyond financial assistance; they represent hope, opportunity, and a brighter future. Your contributions have made this possible, empowering our students to focus on their education and personal growth without the heavy burden of financial stress.
While we celebrate the remarkable impact of these scholarships, we also recognize that many more students still need help. With your continued support, we can extend that opportunity to even more individuals, helping them achieve their dreams. Your investment truly transforms lives.
As we approach the holiday season, a time that reminds us of the value of community, giving, and support, I encourage you to continue being part of our students’ success stories. By contributing to scholarship opportunities, you ensure that every deserving student has the resources to succeed.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to MSUB.
Krista Montague CEO
October
Athletics
December 3
Giving Tuesday
December 11
Holiday Open House
Please note that the MSUB Foundation & Alumni office observes all federal holidays.
Yellowjackets Athletics will host the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tip-Off Classic November 1-3 Ten teams from across the country will compete throughout the weekend at the Alterowitz Gym. Don’t miss the excitement!
To purchase tickets, scan the QR Code
The Cultural Corner
October 24: 5:30 pm
Artist Talk, Dr. Mara Pierce and Robin Earles, Liberal Arts Building, Room 148
November 7: 5:00-7:00 pm Nortcutt Steele Gallery Reception
November 14: 5:30 pm
Artist Talk, Keeara Rhoades and Dr. Brian Leahy, Liberal Arts Building, Room 148
October 21 - December 12: Faculty Exhibition Nortcutt Steele Gallery
Outstanding Alumni Awards, Class of 2024 with MSUB Foundation & Alumni CEO Krista
and
2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards
The MSUB Foundation & Alumni announced the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award winners. Seven award winners were recognized in six categories this year.
Presenting Sponsor
Corporate Sponsor
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARDS WINNERS
Distinguished Alumni
Recognition for Exceptional Achievement
Friends & Family
Jon Egeland’s Family Swains & Cole Families
Friend of MSUB
Darell Tunnicliff, 1952 - 2022
Robin Tunnicliff ‘82, 1952 - 2022 represented by Jo Swain ‘82
Montague
MSUB Chancellor Stefani Hicswa, PhD
Cheryl Bentley ‘83
Jeanne Moller ‘84
Jon Egeland ‘89
Kalli Allen ‘12
Nik Wong ‘13
Heather Eggum ‘08 & ‘15
Alumni Merit Medallion
Alumni Merit Medallion Rising Star
Ronald P. Sexton Award
Darell Tunnicliff Robin Tunnicliff ‘82 posthumously
Alumni Voices
Showcasing Yellowjacket alumni owned businesses. These leaders have a tremendous impact on our communities and make our cities special.
Marya Pennington, Class of ‘19
Marya chose MSUB as a non-traditional student because she wanted the full in-person college experience. Having fond memories of her dad attending Eastern Montana College, she was drawn to the community feel of the campus. The MSUB professors, particularly Dr. Boehm, Dr. Boerboom, and Dr. Lynn, served as inspiring mentors who pushed her to think outside her comfort zone. Some of her favorite memories are from working in New Student Services and the Student Union, and helping with the Wine & Food Festival and new student orientations. While she’s proud of starting her own company, Moxie Marketing & Public Relations, Marya values the relationships she’s built throughout her journey. A special highlight of her experience was attending MSUB alongside two of her daughters, which made it all the more rewarding. Her advice to current students: lean into your professors’ challenges, get involved, and discover your independence.
For more information about Marya’s business, visit itsjustmoxie.com
Miranda Gilbert, Class of ‘02
Miranda chose MSUB because of her love for Billings and the financial benefits provided by scholarships like the Chancellor’s Scholarship. Although she planned to transfer, she found herself drawn to both the city and the university, staying for all four years. During her time at MSUB, Professor Nancy Swanson played a significant role in shaping her journey, especially as a mentor when Miranda was Editor-in-Chief of The Retort, MSUB’s student paper. Miranda cherishes this unique experience to this day. Her advice to current students is to step out of their comfort zones— college is what you make of it, and trying new things is key. Professionally, Miranda is most proud of founding Girl Geek Communications, a thriving digital marketing agency. On a personal note, she has been happily married for 11 years, has a son, and volunteers as a Google Local Guide. One of her most memorable achievements outside of work was fulfilling a lifelong dream by meeting her childhood hero, Bette Midler.
For more information about Miranda’s business, visit girlgeek.rocks
Are you an alumnus? Share your story with us! MSUB Alumni Relations Coordinator Luca Battistotti at luca.battistotti@ msubfoundation.com or 406.657.2246, or scan the QR code
FROM THE CHANCELLOR
Insights and Initiatives from the Heart of MSUB
Dear Friends,
The beginning of Fall Semester always fills me with excitement. Welcome Week was a great time for our new students to make friends and connect with the community. Now that the semester is in full swing, everyone on campus is hard at work on our many student success initiatives.
I am proud of our efforts to support our students. This year, we were able to fund 307 renewable Yellowjacket Excellence Scholarships. Over the last three years, we have increased grant funding by 35% and last year we brought in almost $4.4 million. Additionally, we have launched a “Belong and Be Well” initiative to support the well-being of students, faculty, and staff, and to create a campus where everyone feels like they belong.
With sincere thanks,
Stefani Hicswa, PhD Chancellor
Wine & Food Festival - Dynamic Duo
Jeremy Vannatta ‘99 & Julie Seedhouse ‘89 join forces to co-chair the ‘25 festival
Friends and Fellow MSUB Supporters, We can hardly contain our excitement—Wine & Food Festival is coming up this April!
WineMaster Soirée
An evening with the Winemasters
Thursday, April 17
MetraPark Pavilion
A
Vintage Affair
Dinner, wine, silent & live auctions
Friday, April 18
MetraPark Pavilion
As proud MSUB alumni, it’s an absolute honor for us to co-chair and emcee this spectacular festival! We’re not just gearing up for an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, incredible wines, and lively company—we’re here to rally behind something much bigger: MSUB student scholarships. We both know firsthand how powerful an MSUB education can be, and we’re fired up to raise as much as we can to support the next generation of students!
"Every
sip, every bite, and every generous contribution fuels the future of these hardworking students, giving them the chance to chase their dreams—just like we did.
"
Jeremy Vannatta & Julie Seedhouse
Whether you’ve been with us from the start or this is your first time at the festival, we promise you a night full of fun, inspiration, and community spirit. So come with your glasses raised and your hearts open! Together, we’re going to make this year’s Wine & Food Festival the best one yet—and all for a cause that’s so close to our hearts. Get ready for a night to remember! We can’t wait to see you there!
With excitement and gratitude,
Jeremy Vannatta & Julie Seedhouse
Proud MSUB Alumni
For more information about Wine & Food Festival, contact Lisa McKinney: lisa.mckinney@msubfoundation.com Visit MSUBFoundation.com/WFF
MSUB Foundation & Alumni Reimagines Giving Societies
The MSUB Foundation & Alumni is proud to celebrate philanthropy through giving societies. Chancellor’s Circle and Beardsley Society have been thoughtfully reimagined, while the 1927 Society is an exciting new addition. We are incredibly grateful for the remarkable generosity of our donors and friends.
We invite you to join the Chancellor’s Circle, a community of over 300 generous supporters. Your annual gift of $1,000 makes a lasting impact on MSUB and the Billings community. As a member, you can direct your gift to the areas most important to you, whether it’s a specific college, department, scholarship fund, program, or MSUB’s Greatest Needs. Your contribution will make a significant difference.
Founded in 1927, the Eastern Montana Normal School in Billings has evolved into MSUB through years of dedication and progress. The 1927 Society honors donors who have generously given a cumulative $25,000 or more over their lifetime. 1927 Society Members are the catalysts for change, empowering our students and providing perpetual resources for a brighter future in Montana and beyond.
The Beardsley Society honors supporters who include the MSUB in their future plans. By making a planned gift, you create a lasting legacy that supports generations of students. Membership begins when you notify us that you’ve named MSUB Foundation as a beneficiary through a bequest, trust, annuity, IRA, or life insurance. As a member, you’ll join a visionary group committed to ensuring future resources.