Summer 2026
100 Years
of Yellowjacket Nation
F R O M T H E C EO
Thank you for making a lasting difference
Dear Friends, I hope you’re enjoying your summer and finding time to relax, recharge, and make a few memories with family and friends. As we wrapped up our fiscal year on June 30, I wanted to share a few exciting updates from the MSUB Foundation & Alumni. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, donors, and friends like you, we finished FY26 with more than $5.0 million in cash gifts received in support of MSUB students and programs.
MSUB Foundation & Alumni Staff CEO Krista Montague ’99, ’18 CFO Jeff Clarke Director of Annual Giving & Athletic Advancement Nick Schmidt Director of Principal Giving Kelly Schrock Director of Alumni Relations & Marketing Luca Battistotti ’21, ’23 Director of Advancement Services Lisa McKinney ‘13 Director of Leadership Giving Matt Schoonover ‘12
Every gift matters. Whether supporting scholarships, academic programs, athletics, or campus priorities, your generosity helps create opportunities for students and strengthens the future of our University. On behalf of the students whose lives are changed through philanthropy, thank you. We also celebrated another successful Wine & Food Festival, raising more than $730,000 to help advance the mission of MSUB. Even more remarkable, the event has generated more than $2 million over the past three years, a testament to the incredible support of our sponsors, volunteers, donors, and community partners. Looking forward, one of the highlights of the coming year will be the celebration of MSUB’s Centennial. For 100 years, this University has transformed lives through education, opportunity, and innovation. As an alumnus, donor, or friend, you have been part of that story, and we hope you will join us for the Centennial Kickoff Celebration on August 26 as we begin a year-long celebration of our past, present, and future. Thank you for your continued support of MSUB and for believing in the power of higher education to change lives. We are grateful to have you as part of the MSUB family and look forward to celebrating this historic milestone together.
Advancement Coordinator Jodi Byrne Database Management Specialist Georganna Glen Accountant Drew Chenault
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Summer 2026
Krista Montague CEO
Upcoming Events August 26
Centennial Kick-Off Party
September 17 Chancellor’s Community Breakfast October 10 Outstanding Alumni Awards October 13
Helena Alumni Gathering
October 14 Great Falls Alumni Gathering October 30 Athletics Halloween Auction November 4
Bozeman Alumni Gathering
Scan to see the full university calendar.
Theodore V. Lechner
Memorial Scholarship
For nearly three decades, Ted Lechner dedicated his career to improving the lives of underserved children and juveniles across Montana. His leadership and advocacy helped shape the state’s juvenile justice system, including the creation of the Youth Justice Council and the Montana Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, leaving a lasting impact on countless young people and families. To honor Ted’s extraordinary legacy, the Theodore V. Lechner Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established at the MSU Billings Foundation. The scholarship supports students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in criminal justice and mental health counseling, fields that reflect Ted’s
lifelong commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and compassionate service.
Since its creation in 2022, the endowment has grown through the generosity of family, friends, and community members who believe in Ted’s vision. Our goal is to grow the fund to $50,000, ensuring a meaningful scholarship can be awarded year after year to students who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others. By supporting the Theodore V. Lechner Memorial Scholarship, you are investing in future professionals who will continue Ted’s legacy of compassion, advocacy, and public service.
In Loving Memory of Ted Lechner 1939 - 2021
To make a donation, please call 406.657.2244 or send an email to matt. schoonover@msubfoundation.com Scan to donate to the Theodore V. Lechner Memorial Scholarship.
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Save the Date! August 26, 2026
August 26, 2026 5:00 pm University Campus
Students jumping into the ditch on the University Campus in 1969
Our birthday’s coming up. Celebrate with us! MSU Billings, starting out as Eastern Montana Normal School and transitioning to Eastern Montana College, has been a critical part of Billings since 1927. And Billings has been important to us. We’re so excited to celebrate our 100th birthday, we want to kick it off early! And we want you to join us. Save the date for an evening of music, merriment, and community connections. You’ll be able to enjoy local food trucks and reconnect with alumni and community friends. Please RSVP by scanning the Scan to RSVP for the MSUB QR code to enter a prize drawing. There’s going to be a lot of cool giveaways! Centennial Kick-Off Party 4
Summer 2026
Wine & Food Festival Reaches Record Goal The Wine & Food Festival 100th Anniversary Endowment has reached its $100,000 fundraising goal, creating a lasting legacy that will support MSU Billings students for generations to come. Established in 2016, the endowment was funded through proceeds from the popular Heads or Tails game at the Wine & Food Festival, with the goal of reaching $100,000 in time for the University’s Centennial celebration. Thanks to the generosity of our community, that goal has now been achieved. This milestone belongs to the hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, donors, and guests who have supported the Wine & Food Festival over the years. Their dedication has transformed a fun festival tradition into a lasting source of scholarship support, helping make higher education more accessible for MSU Billings students. As we prepare for the 35th annual Wine & Food Festival and celebrate the MSU Billings Centennial in 2027, this achievement reflects the incredible impact our community can make together. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this remarkable journey and helped create a legacy that will continue changing lives for generations.
Save the Date! 2027 Wine & Food Festival April 15-16 msubfoundation.com/wff
Scan to read the full article about the The Wine & Food Festival 100th Anniversary Endowment
Please contact Lisa McKinney with any questions at lisa.mckinney@msubfoundation.com or call 406-657-1623.
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FROM THE CHANCELLOR
Insights and Initiatives from the Heart of MSUB
Dear friends, As we begin a new academic year, I am excited to launch our new strategic plan while celebrating MSUB’s centennial, a milestone that honors our remarkable history and inspires our vision for the future. I hope you can join us for the kick-off celebration on August 26. This is a time to celebrate. We have set new records for student retention, grant funding, and philanthropic support. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff, the determination of our students, and the generosity of supporters like you. Scholarships remain key to our success. They do far more than help students pay for college; they open doors, remove barriers, and empower students to pursue goals they may have never imagined were possible. Every scholarship represents an investment in potential. Creating opportunities for students has a ripple effect on their families, enriches the community, and fuels the workforce and economy of our region. As we chart the course for MSUB’s next century, your support helps us build on this momentum. Together, we are expanding access to education, inspiring innovation, and preparing the next generation for the future. Thank you for believing in our students and MSUB’s next 100 years. Your generosity is Artist Talk with Melanie Johnson: making a lasting difference, and we are September 17 • 4:30 pm deeply grateful to have you as a partner in Library, Room 148 this important work. Your investment is “Margins & Arm Ends”, transforming lives and strengthening Keeara Rhoades the MSUB community. October 1 • November 19 Northcutt Steele Gallery
“Margins & Arm Ends”, Keeara Rhoades November 5 • 5:30 pm Reception with performance at 6:00 pm “Alumni Exhibition Part 1” curated by Sherri Cornett (‘10) December 14 • January 28, 2027 For more information, please visit msubillings.edu/gallery 6
Summer 2026
Sincerely,
Stefani Stefani Hicswa, PhD Chancellor Scan to learn more.
New Board of Directors MSUB Foundation & Alumni Board of Directors recently welcomed two new members, who began their term July 1, 2026, and will serve a three-year term. Both newly appointed directors are graduates of MSUB.
Foundation Staff Updates
Roddy Lewis – Class of 2025 Staff Accountant, Wipfli Josh Reno – Class of 2002 Equipment Sales and Leasing, Westate Machinery Co.
Matt Schoonover, Class of ‘12
Lisa McKinney, Class of ‘13
The MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni has experienced several exciting staff transitions this year. In March, we welcomed Matt Schoonover as our new Director of Leadership Giving. An MSUB alumnus, former Yellowjacket studentathlete, and Hall of Fame inductee, Matt brings a lifelong connection to the university and nearly two decades of experience building relationships throughout the Billings community. In his role, Matt leads efforts to cultivate and steward leadership-level donors while strengthening partnerships that advance the university’s priorities and support student success. We are also pleased to announce that Lisa McKinney has transitioned into the role of Director of Advancement Services. After two years of leading our events and engagement efforts, Lisa now oversees the Foundation’s advancement operations, helping strengthen the systems, processes, and data that support fundraising, stewardship, and donor engagement.
Tia Brown Appointed as new Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance
With Lisa’s transition, we are currently searching for our next Assistant Director of Annual Giving – Events & Engagement. This position will play a key role in planning and executing Foundation events while creating meaningful opportunities for alumni, donors, and friends to stay connected with MSU Billings. If you know someone who would be a great fit for our team, we encourage them to apply. Scan to apply
Scan to read the full article
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Planning to Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)? If you’re planning to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA or other eligible retirement account, we encourage you to contact the Foundation before or shortly after you initiate your gift.
CONNECT
While every financial institution handles QCDs a little differently, donor information isn’t always included or clearly identified when the distribution arrives. A quick call or email helps us ensure your gift is properly credited, acknowledged, and directed according to your wishes.
Are you an EMC or MSUB alum?
Our goal is simple: to make sure you receive full credit and recognition for your generosity. Questions? Please call the Foundation’s main line at 406.657.2244 or email giving@msubfoundation.com. We’re happy to help make the process as smooth as possible.
Join Us
September 17, 2026
Chancellor’s Community Breakfast
Be in the know about MSUB! From recent achievements, to future initiatives, to the university’s vision... there is a lot going on. Enjoy breakfast, connect with community friends, and hear from Chancellor Stefani Hicswa about opportunities ahead. Don’t miss the excitement!
Scan to RSVP
Sign up for Jackets Connect today and stay connected with your Yellowjacket community!
Jackets Connect is the online community for EMC and MSU Billings alumni. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with classmates, expand your professional network, mentor students, explore career opportunities, or stay informed about alumni events and campus news, Jackets Connect makes it easy to stay engaged with the Yellowjacket community, wherever life takes you.
Scan to sign up!
1500 University Drive Billings, MT 59101-0245 406.657.2244 info@msubfoundation.com
msubfoundation.com