2025_25 March Digital

SPRING 2025

Foundation Newsletter

BUZZWORTHY UPDATES

INSIDE

The Buzz on Yellowjacket Nation

Chancellor Hicswa speaking with Dominic Estes ’24, student speaker at the 2024 Wine & Food Festival.

FR OM THE CEO

Thank You, Yellowjacket Nation Dear Yellowjacket Nation,

MSUB Foundation & Alumni Staff

CEO Krista Montague, '99, '18 CFO Jeff Clarke Director of Annual Giving and Athletic Advancement Nick Schmidt Director of Principle Giving Kelly Schrock Alumni Relations and Marketing Coordinator Luca Battistotti, ‘21, ‘23 Database Management Specialist Tracy McLuskie, '21 Special Events & Stewardship Coordinator Lisa McKinney Advancement Coordinator Jodi Byrne Accountant Drew Chenault

It’s hard to believe we are already closing out March 2025. This year is flying by, and as we take a moment to reflect, I am reminded of the incredible generosity and support that make MSUB such a remarkable community.

Jacket Giving Day was a tremendous success, and it’s all because of you—our dedicated alumni, friends, and supporters. Thanks to your generosity, we raised an incredible $88,441, directly impacting our students, scholarships, and campus programs. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a real difference, and I’m truly grateful for the way Jacket Nation continues to show up and give back.

We were also excited to connect with our alumni in the Helena area this spring. This gathering was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, share updates from MSUB, and celebrate the strong community that continues to grow beyond our campus. Stay tuned for more alumni events in the future—we look forward to reconnecting with graduates from all generations.

Looking ahead, we are gearing up for one of our most significant fundraising events of the year, the Wine & Food Festival on April 17 & 18, benefitting student scholarships. Scholarships open doors, ease financial burdens, and allow students to focus on their education and future aspirations. Whether you attend, sponsor, or contribute, you’re helping students pursue their dreams with fewer obstacles in their way.

And just like that, summer will be here before we know it. Whether you’re embarking on new adventures, traveling to exciting destinations, or simply enjoying the great outdoors wherever you call home, I hope this season brings you time to recharge and connect with the people and places you love most.

On behalf of all of us at the MSUB Foundation & Alumni, thank you for your generosity and commitment to our students and university.

Wishing you a fantastic spring and summer ahead.

Krista Montague CEO

2

UPCOMING EVENTS April 5 Alumni Powwow Breakfast April 17 & 18 Wine & Food Festival May 3 Commencement

Yellowjacket Athletics Summer Camps are coming! Keep an eye on msubcamps.com OR scan the QR code for updates and registration details.

Jerry Anderson ‘77 & Wanda Anderson ejoying the silent auction at the 2024 Wine & Food Festival

msubfoundation.com

3

Jacket Giving Day Yellowjacket Nation Unites for JGD Dear Yellowjacket Nation, A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated and helped make Jacket Giving Day 2025 an incredible success! Your generosity powers initiatives that create meaningful change within our community, and we are truly grateful for your support.

If you’re still interested in contributing, know that every donation—big or small—makes a difference. We always welcome your support!

A special shoutout to our dedicated project leaders, whose passion and hard work were instrumental in this year’s success. And congratulations to our Jacket Giving Day 2025 Challenge Winners!

Most Donors: College of Business & Yellowjacket Track & Field / CrossCountry First Hour Challenge: City College Last Hour Challenge: Yellowjacket Pantry Yellowjacket Athletics Power Hours: Yellowjacket Baseball Mark your calendars: Jacket Giving Day 2026 is set for March 18th & 19th!

We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together next year.

Thank you & Go Jackets!

Nick Schmidt Director of Annual Giving & Athletic Advancement

4

Invest in MSU Billings Today!

5

Wine & Food Festival Elevating Taste and Empowering Education WineMaster Soirée Thursday, April 17 MetraPark Pavilion

Experience an unforgettable evening of fine wines with Patrick Merry of Merry Cellars in Pullman, WA—the expert behind every bottle. Savor two thoughtfully curated flights, each perfectly paired with a menu designed

by Chef Daniel Burt of Scratch Kitchen for a truly exceptional tasting experience.

Spots are filling up fast! Limited tickets remain— scan the QR code to secure yours for WineMaster Soirée or visit msubfoundation.com/tickets.

Patrick Merry

Daniel Burt

While pursuing a doctorate in Pullman, WA, Patrick Merry discovered a passion for winemaking. What began as a small hobby, with friends and neighbors helping process fruit and bottle wine, soon grew into something more. With their encouragement and his family’s support, he founded Merry Cellars in 2004 with an inaugural vintage of 400 cases. Today, the winery produces 5,000 cases annually and operates from a new facility on the edge of town.

Daniel Burt is a caterer and personal chef serving Billings and surrounding areas with gourmet cuisine for all occasions. With 15 years of finedining and catering experience, he honed his skills under renowned chefs, including Cathy Whims (Nostrana) and Dirk Frickel. His cooking emphasizes high-quality, local, and sustainable ingredients, blending simplicity with bold, memorable flavors.

6

A Vintage Affair Friday, April 18 MetraPark Pavilion

Start your evening with a champagne reception, setting the tone for a gourmet dinner crafted by Chef Philipp Bond. Savor expertly paired wines from Torbreck Wineries (Australia) and Black Stallion (Napa Valley) as you dine. Throughout the night, take part in the excitement of live and silent auctions, bidding on exclusive experiences and treasures.

Founded in 1994, Torbreck Vintners crafts exceptional Rhône-style wines that honor Barossa Valley’s heritage. Partnering with dedicated growers, they highlight the region’s unique terroir through minimal-intervention winemaking, careful handling, and extended barrel aging. Using premium French oak, including Dominique Laurent ‘Magic Casks,’ Torbreck produces wines of remarkable depth and complexity, earning global acclaim.

Nestled on Napa Valley’s historic Silverado Trail, Black Stallion Estate Winery honors its equestrian heritage while crafting exceptional wines. Acquired by the Indelicato family in 2010, the winery blends tradition with innovation to showcase Napa’s unique terroir. Recognized for its excellence, Wine Enthusiast named it 2023 American Winery of the Year.

7

ALUMNI Yellowjackets Alumni: A Thriving Force in Yellowstone County With nearly 13,000 MSU Billings alumni in Yellowstone County, their influence on the community is undeniable. As business leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and public servants, they drive the region’s growth, innovation, and success.

Many have launched businesses, strengthened industries, and given back through service and philanthropy. In education, MSUB alumni inspire the next generation, while in healthcare, they play a vital role—Billings Clinic alone employs over 200 graduates, ensuring quality care for the region. Across small businesses, nonprofits, and government offices, they contribute to the county’s progress.

These 13,000 alumni are more than a number—they are mentors, innovators, and community builders. Their presence strengthens Yellowstone County’s economy, culture, and future, proving that an MSUB education is not just a degree, but a lifelong commitment to making a difference.

N OW ACCE PTI NG NOM INATIONS: 2 0 2 5 OUTSTA ND I NG A LUMNI AWARDS Do you know an MSUB graduate who has made a lasting impact on their profession, community, or alma mater?

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Awards, an annual program that honors exceptional alumni in six categories: Distinguished Alumni Alumni Merit Medallion Recognition for Exceptional Achievement Ronald P. Sexton Award for Professional Commitment Rising Star Award Friend of MSU Billings These awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of MSUB alumni and their contributions to society. If you know someone who deserves to be recognized, please submit a nomination today!

Scan here to nominate an outstanding alumni