MSUB_Foundation_2024_AnnualReport_Final Digital by msubfoundation

A Message from Our Leadership

At MSUB, our mission is centered on breaking down barriers and helping students succeed. Our students will always be at the core of everything we do. Thanks to the commitment of our dedicated faculty, staff, board members, and community partners, we’ve made a lasting difference in their lives.

Reflecting on the past year, we’re incredibly proud of the accomplishments made possible by your generosity. Donor support has had a powerful impact on MSUB students, as highlighted in the following report.

There’s a lot to celebrate at MSUB. In the 2024 fiscal year, MSUB Foundation & Alumni raised over $3.9 million directly supporting our students and enriching their college experience. We awarded 307 Yellowjacket Excellence Scholarships, easing financial obstacles for students on their path to a degree. Fall student data showed that over 60% of Yellowjackets hail from Yellowstone County, and retention rates for nontraditional and transfer students have reached their highest levels since 2013. Across Montana, flexible learning options have made education more accessible, with nearly 30% of our students enrolled fully online or in Hyflex courses. These achievements underscore the commitment to delivering education that aligns with our students’ diverse needs.

As we celebrate these milestones, we know this success is shared. It’s a testament to you—our dedicated supporters—whose volunteerism, generosity, and personal connection to MSUB are essential to advancing our mission. Together, we help students realize their hopes and dreams.

On behalf of the entire MSUB community, especially our students, thank you for your continued support. Your involvement is helping shape the future of our community, our state, and our region.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

Why

As we approach the 100th birthday of Montana State University Billings, it is essential that while we look forward and get ready to celebrate the next 100 years of Billings’ Public University, we also must look back and cherish its history.

From 1928 until 1972

“The Rimrock” chronicled life on (at that time) Eastern Montana College’s campus, and now it will once again tell the campus’s story. However, it will tell the story to the larger Billings Community and Yellowjacket Nation everywhere.

(L-R) Krista Montague, Tom Potter, Stefani Hicswa, PhD

CEO, MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni

Tom Potter Chair, MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni Board of Directors

Stefani Hicswa, PhD Chancellor, Montana State University Billings

Philanthropic Donor Rights

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is essential to the quality of life. To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organization and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

1. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.

2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgement in its stewardship responsibilities.

3. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.

4. To be assured gifts will be used for the purposes for which they are given.

5. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

6. To be assured that information about their donations are handled with respect and confidentiality to the extent provided by the law.

7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

8. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization, or hired solicitors.

9. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from the mailing lists and organization may intend to share.

10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.

Mission

Support and grow MSUB through philanthropy, stewardship, and engagement.

Vision

Champion higher education for a better tomorrow.

Core Values

• Excellence: We strengthen MSUB’s pursuit of excellence, attained through high standards, continuous improvement and surpassed expectations.

• Integrity: We are guided by making honorable decisions with sincerity, transparency, and fairness

• Pride: We foster a sense of belonging and community

• Trust: We act in a consistent, responsible, and ethical manner

• Hope: We instill a belief in the potential for positive change

• Inclusion: We create an inclusive environment ensuring that each individual feels valued, respected and empowered.

Giving Priorities

• Yellowjacket Excellence Scholarship supports first time freshmen based upon their high school academic performance.

1. Double Giving by 2027.

Strategic Priorities (2023-2027)

• Finish Line Scholarship helps students overcome financial barriers as they approach the completion of their education.

• General Athletic Scholarship supports student-athletes in pursuing their dream of a college education.

• Motivate supporters to sustain their contributions, implement strategies to attract and engage new donors, and encourage a cycle of ongoing and heightened giving through pride in being a part of championing MSUB.

• Greatest Needs support university’s greatest needs ensures that we can maintain and elevate our commitment in academic excellence and students’ success.

2. Demonstrate exceptional stewardship of donor contributions and intentions.

• Be transparent and genuine in our interactions, communications, and expressions of gratitude, fostering trust and meaningful connections with supporters.

3. Collaborate with MSUB to build excitement and Hope for the potential of positive change.

• Strengthen the culture of philanthropy among the MSUB community, volunteers, alumni, partners, and supporters around the globe.

4. Foster the values of Excellence and Inclusion that empower the MSUB Foundation Team to exemplify Integrity, Pride, Trust & Hope.

• Communicate the meaning and purpose of the team’s work; encourage their innovation; ensure they have all the resources to be efficient and effective; and celebrate their successes.

LeAnn Anderson

Daniel & Kay ’83 Berry

Bill Brown & Amy Gibler Brown ’82

Tom ’68 & Norma ’69 Brown

John & Claudia Decker

Jon ’89 & DeeAnn Egeland

N.J. Marc ’77, ’83 & Carla

Gomez ’76

Dona ’66 & Paul Hagen

Ken Heikes

Joseph Howell

Kermit M. Hummel

William F. Kamowski

Jeanette M. Longman ’80

Mitch Marks ’84 & Mel Holm

Jeanne ’84 & Wayne ’02 Moller

Patricia Petersen

Dan Roadhouse ’73

Beverly T. Ross ’91

Michael & Cara Schaer

Rachel Schaffer

Deborah Schaffer

Ron ’59, ’64 & Marilynn ‘60 Sexton

Gareld Krieg

David J. Krueger ’70

Karen Hummel Kinsley & Dan Kinsley

Altana FCU

Briggs Distributing Computers Unlimited

Dennis and Phyllis

Joanne Sheridan ’76 & Michael Campbell

Joanne Timm ’80

Dave ’72 & Roxanne Spildie ’80 Warne

Linda Rogers Wiedeman ’71

Grand Total: $1,258,315

Organizations who have given for 30 or more years consecutively

Fortin Foundation of Florida

Heins Creative

Washington Foundation

First Interstate Bank

Jane Buttrey Memorial Trust

Par Montana

St. Vincent Regional Hospital

Grand Total: $2,706,591

News and Highlights

The MSUB Foundation & Alumni received a $500,000 gift from Terry and Patt Payne directed towards advancing the educational opportunities and addressing financial challenges faced by students pursuing their college education. The Paynes’ contribution will benefit the Finish Line Scholarship, which honors a student’s determination to earn a degree while removing financial barriers on their path to graduation.

Jacket Giving Day nets over $115K to support students.

The MSUB Foundation & Alumni received a substantial contribution of $50,000 from Altana Federal Credit Union. This contribution is specifically designated to enhance educational opportunities and alleviate financial obstacles encountered by students in their pursuit of higher education.

The MSUB Foundation & Alumni added three new members to the team: Luca Battistotti, Alumni Relations & Marketing Coordinator, Drew Chenault, Accountant, and Lisa McKinney, Special Events & Stewardship Coordinator.

The MSUB Foundation & Alumni announced its partnership with Double the Donation, a premier provider of employee-matching gift programs. This collaboration aims to enhance charitable contributions by leveraging matching gift opportunities offered by donors’ employers.

Luca Drew Lisa

’24 Festival

Thanks to the generosity of MSUB alumni, friends, community partners, and the dedication of volunteers and sponsors, the festival reached new heights. With sold-out gatherings and enthusiastic auction participation, it marked a record-breaking milestone for this beloved MSUB tradition. Cheers!

$600,000 Over donated in support of MSUB students

Experience two extraordinary evenings at the MetraPark Pavilion, where fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and community come together in support of MSUB student scholarships. The 2025 festival offers two distinct gatherings, blending relaxed elegance with grand celebrations.

Experience wines with the experts who crafted them, including selections rarely seen outside the winery. Each flight is thoughtfully paired with a menu designed to complement and enhance every flavor.

WineMaster Soirée Thursday, April 17 Tickets go on sale March 1

A Vintage Affair Friday, April 18

Begin your evening with a Champagne reception, setting the stage for a gourmet dinner. As you dine, indulge in the exhilarating bidding at both live and silent auctions, featuring curated offerings such as fabulous getaways, rare wine collections, exclusive chef experiences, and inspiring art.

Yellowjacket Athletics by the Numbers

236 Student Athletes

85 students from Montana

79 Academic All-Conference Selections

38 All-Conference Selections

The Total Number of NCAA Division II Institutions in Montana – JUST US!

3.29 Cumulative Student-Athlete GPA

24 consecutive semesters above 3.0 department GPA

37 Student Athletes who graduated in June 2024

2 All-American Selections

Kola Bad Bear (Women’s Basketball) Teagan Seeton (Softball)

10 All-Region Selections

10 GNAC Special Selections

2,052 hours of community service performed in 2023-2024

Men’s & Women’s Basketball Claim the 2024 GNAC Regular Season Basketball Titles

2024 Yellowjacket Athletics Hall of Fame & Distinction Inductees

• Adam Cox – Baseball

• Devon Crotteau – Volleyball

• Heather (Tracy) Peterson – Softball

• Jo Elyn & Jim Swain – Honor & Distinction

• Whitney Mickelsen – Cross Country

2025 Yellowjacket Athletics Hall of Fame & Distinction Inductees

• Barb & Carl Ueland – Honor & Distinction

• Steen Frederickson – Baseball

• Alisha Breen – Women’s Basketball

• Dave Austin – Men’s Soccer

Scan here for more information on this year’s class and ceremony or visit msubsports.com.

• First time in 18 years BOTH programs won the league title in the same year

• Both Programs advanced to the NCAA tournament for together in back-to-back years for the first time in school history – WBB advanced to the Regional Final/Sweet 16

$345,500

$231,600

The MSUB Foundation & Alumni is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards, presented by Northwest Pipe. These distinguished alumni have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their professions, contributed to their communities, and advanced MSU Billings through their ongoing support and dedication. The honorees were recognized at the annual Outstanding Alumni Awards on October 5, celebrating their outstanding accomplishments and contributions.

Outstanding Alumni Awards Class of 2024

Rising Star Award

Nik Wong ’13

Alumni Merit Medallion

Jon Egeland ’89

Friends of MSUB posthumously

Robin ’82 & Darell

Scan

MSUB Alumni Advisory Committee Members:

Caitlin Morrison, ’18

Sarah Schroefel, ’19

Alisha Breen, ’18

Cody McCraken, ’18

Sean Phelps, ’87

Mary McClarty, ’85

Tunnicliff

Alumni Employee BBQ

In August of this year, we hosted an MSUB Alumni Employee BBQ, bringing together our community of over 100 MSUB alumni who are also current employees of the university. It was a great opportunity to foster engagement and celebrate the strong ties between MSUB and its dedicated staff members who continue to contribute to the success of the institution.

Alumni Happy Hour at Meadowlark Brewery

We also held a successful alumni happy hour at Meadowlark Brewery in September, where fellow graduates reconnected and networked. With approximately 13,000 MSUB alumni living in Yellowstone County, this event was a fantastic chance to build connections and strengthen the local alumni community.

As we continue to celebrate the MSUB alumni family, we encourage you to stay engaged! Whether through attending future events, volunteering, or supporting the university in other ways, your involvement helps strengthen the vibrant MSUB community. Let’s continue building these meaningful connections together!

Connect With Us! msubfoundation.com/connect-with-us

Ways to Give Beyond Today

We’re Here to Help You Make a Lasting Impact

Montana State University Billings Foundation & Alumni is here to help you achieve your philanthropic and financial goals. From supporting student scholarships to transforming campus resources, your legacy can make a lasting impact.

Popular Giving Options

Wills, Trusts, and Beneficiary Designations

Leave a legacy by including MSUB in your will, trust, or as a beneficiary. You can specify an amount or percentage of your estate, ensuring your wishes are fulfilled while caring for your loved ones. We’re here to help you shape your gift to match your vision.

IRA Charitable Rollovers

If you’re 70½ or older, make a tax-free gift from your IRA directly to MSUB. This popular option lets you transfer up to $105,000 annually, and for those 73 and older, it can satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution.

Donor-Advised Funds

Recommend grants to MSUB through your DonorAdvised Fund (DAF), either now or in the future. You can also name MSUB as a beneficiary to create a lasting legacy, allowing your support for education to continue for future generations.

Gift Annuities

Montana State University Billings Foundation & Alumni provides information about the benefits of charitable gifts and does not provide legal, financial or tax advice. Please consult your advisors(s) before making a gift.

Make a gift of cash or stock to support MSUB and receive fixed income for life. With a Deferred Gift Annuity, you can start payments at a future date, maximizing tax benefits. A Charitable Gift Annuity allows you to begin payments immediately. For Montana residents, both options qualify for the Montana Endowment Tax Credit, offering extra tax advantages. Let’s Start a Conversation

To explore these giving options, contact Kelly Schrock, Director of Principal Giving I’m here answer your questions and help find the right plan for you.

Endowments of $200,000 and Above: Fueling Student Success

The endowments listed here, each exceeding $200,000, are vital to transforming lives at MSUB. These contributions are strategically invested to generate income, supporting immediate needs while ensuring their growth and sustainability. Together, just these 36 endowments make it possible to provide over $760,000 in annual support – empowering students to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future for our community. These are just a portion of the many endowments that contribute to the ongoing success of our students and the university. As

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 donors and friends.

Chancellor’s Circle

We invite you to join the Chancellor’s Circle, a community of over 290 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. (Note: Chancellor’s Circle membership runs from July 2023 to June 2024.)

1927 Society

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.

Beardsley Society

The Beardsley Society honors supporters who include 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.

Financials

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

For years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

Other

PROGRAMS AND EXPENSES

Programs:

Student

Staff

Tracy McLuskie Database Management Specialist Class of ’21

Nick Schmidt Director of Annual Giving & Athletic Advancement

2024-2025 Board of Directors

Brittany Cremer Secretary

Coordinator Class of ’21 & ’23

Kelly Schrock Director of Principal Giving Coordinator Class of ’13

Jodi Byrne Advancement Coordinator

Thank you for being a part of the Yellowjacket family

Each year, hundreds of Yellowjackets embark on new journeys after earning their degrees from MSUB. Your generous contributions help these students focus on their studies, reducing the financial pressures that come with pursuing higher education. Because of your support, future leaders are being equipped to shape a brighter tomorrow. As alumni and supporters like you make an impact across the globe, some may lose touch with MSUB. If you or someone you know is a graduate, past volunteer, retired faculty, or friend of the university, we invite you to reconnect with the MSUB Foundation. Visit msubfoundation.com/connect-with-us to stay updated or to update your contact information.