FROM THE CEO Thank you for making a lasting difference
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
Special Events & Stewardship Coordinator
Lisa McKinney
Advancement Coordinator
Jodi Byrne
Database Management
Specialist
Georganna Glen
Accountant
Drew Chenault
As the fall season settles in and campus comes alive with students once again, I’m reminded of just how special this time of year is at Montana State University Billings. The energy, excitement, and sense of purpose that fill our halls are a direct reflection of the support and encouragement we receive from alumni and friends like you.
September was a particularly meaningful month for our university community. We hosted our Chancellor’s Circle Reception, celebrating donors who gave $1,000 or more in the last fiscal year—individuals whose generosity continues to open doors for our students. We also held our inaugural Chancellor’s Community Breakfast, a new tradition that brought together community and business leaders to learn more about the incredible things happening at MSUB and to explore opportunities for partnership and growth.
Another highlight was our Outstanding Alumni Awards, where we honored the remarkable achievements of our graduates. Their stories of leadership, service, and success remind us of the lasting impact MSUB has in our region and beyond.
We also had the opportunity to reconnect with alumni through two special gatherings—one in Helena and one in Great Falls—bringing together Yellowjackets from across the state to share memories, celebrate their connection to MSUB, and strengthen the bonds that make our alumni community so special.
These events are more than gatherings—they’re celebrations of what we can accomplish together. Every scholarship funded, every program supported, and every student encouraged reflects the shared belief that education changes lives.
Thank you for being part of that vision. Your continued support strengthens MSUB and helps us build a brighter future for our students and community alike.
With gratitude,
Krista Montague CEO
Mark your Calendar
December 2 Giving Tuesday
December 4 Holiday Open House
After the Open House, join us for the Jazz Combo Concert!
December 25-26 Office Closed
January 1-2 Office Closed
February 2 Wine & Food Festival Tickets on Sale
Jackets
Connect
Alumni Platform
It’s officially live—connect, network, and stay engaged with your Yellowjacket community!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Jackets Connect, MSU Billings’ official alumni engagement platform built exclusively for our Yellowjacket community. This dynamic online space makes it easier than ever to reconnect with classmates, expand your professional network, and stay engaged with the people and stories that make MSUB special.
On Jackets Connect, you can join alumni groups based on your college, sport, or professional interests, explore mentorship and career opportunities, and keep up with the latest campus news and events. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with old friends, find fellow alumni in your field, or simply celebrate what it means to
be part of the Yellowjacket family, Jackets Connect is your home base.
Most importantly, the platform gives you the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and young alumni. By volunteering as a mentor, you can share your experiences, offer advice, and help guide others as they navigate their education or early careers. Every connection you make—no matter how small— has the power to inspire and uplift the next generation of Yellowjackets.
Once a Yellowjacket, always a Yellowjacket—join today and stay connected like never before!
Outstanding Alumni Awards
Merit Medallion: Cynthia Jessee ‘78 & ‘91 presented by
Outstanding Alumni Awards
This annual awards celebration honors alumni who have made exceptional contributions to society, their profession, and their alma mater and are honored in six categories.
More than 200 MSUB and EMC graduates have been recognized with Outstanding Alumni Awards since the first ceremony in 1982. We are proud to honor these exceptional members of the Yellowjacket family.
Outstanding Alumni Awards Class of 2025
Rising Star Award: Jaren Fritz ’24, Friend of MSUB: Joe & Jim Heins
Ronal P. Sexton Award: Florence Garcia ‘74 & ‘80, Recognition for Exceptional Achievement: Ron O’Donnell ‘90 & Marcy Mutch ‘82, Alumni
Ron O’Donnell Class of ‘89
Florence Garcia Class of ‘74 & ‘80
Marcy Mutch Class of ‘82
Jaren Fritz Class of ‘24
Cynthia Jessee Class of ‘78 & ‘91
Jim & Joe Heins
Krista Montague, MSUB Foundation & Alumni CEO, honored the legacy of Dr. Ron Sexton during the Outstanding Alumni Awards.
It is with deep gratitude and admiration that we honor Dr. Ronald P. Sexton (1937-2025), a beloved educator and longtime Chancellor of Montana State University Billings (1998- 2010). Dr. Sexton devoted more than 30 years to higher education, championing access, innovation, and student success. His leadership shaped the identity of MSUB and left a lasting mark on generations of Yellowjackets.
Long before his passing, Dr. Sexton’s profound influence was recognized through the creation of the Ronald P. Sexton Award for Professional Commitment, presented annually at the Outstanding Alumni Awards. This honor celebrates alumni who have devoted ten or more years of service to MSUB and made significant contributions to the advancement of the university—reflecting the same values Dr. Sexton lived every day.
His spirit of mentorship, compassion, and excellence continues to guide our work and inspire all who call MSUB home.
Dr. Ronald P. Sexton Honoring
Join Us in Continuing Dr. Sexton’s Impact
Beyond his leadership, Dr. Sexton was also deeply philanthropic, working to eliminate financial barriers for students.
He created two meaningful scholarships:
• Marilynn A. Sexton Endowed Scholarship – in honor of his wife; supports incoming Montana freshmen with financial need, helping launch them toward academic success.
• Ronald P. Sexton Endowed Scholarship – open to students of any year with financial need, ensuring financial barriers do not stop them from continuing their education.
Together, these scholarships reflect Dr. Sexton’s dedication to access, opportunity, and student success.
Even after his passing, his legacy lives on through these scholarships, continuing to support and inspire generations of students to come.
To contribute to the Ronald P. Sexton Endowed Scholarship or Marilynn A. Sexton Endowed Scholarship, please scan the QR code below:
FROM THE CHANCELLOR’S COMMUNITY BREAKFAST
Insights and Initiatives from the Heart of MSUB
MSU Billings hosted its inaugural Chancellor’s Community Breakfast, proudly sponsored by Intermountain Health. This new annual event brought together local business and community leaders to learn updates on the exciting progress happening across campus.
Chancellor Stefani Hicswa shared highlights of the university’s recent achievements, new initiatives, and future goals— emphasizing how MSUB continues to strengthen workforce development and economic vitality in Billings and beyond.
The breakfast served as a meaningful opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the many ways our university and community work together to create a brighter future for Montana.
4,145 students enrolled at MSUB in the Fall 2025.
Northcutt Steele Gallery Exhibition
Lawn in a Prairie
Jesse Blumenthal
October 23 - December 11
Northcutt Steele Gallery
Assistant Professor Stephanie Dishno’s solo exhibition
January 22
Northcutt Steele Gallery
MSUB contributes $540 million annually in economic impact in our region.
College of Business received AACSB accreditation, a prestigious international recognition, signifying a commitment to excellence in education, research, and student success.
Stephanie Dishno Faculty Exhibition – Artist Talk: January 22 • 4:30pm • Northcutt Steele Gallery
Exhibition Reception to follow, 5:30pm – 6:30pm Scan to learn more.
For more information, please visit msubillings.edu/gallery
Nick Brailer earned the Goldwater Scholarship, a prestigious national scholarship to support undergraduate students in their studies and research in the fields of natural sciences, engineering, or mathematics.
MSUB and Billings Public Schools partner for direct college admission
Ava VanKrieken, a senior and dualenrollment student at West High
Montana State University Billings and Billings Public Schools are collaborating on a new program that puts graduating high schoolers on an automatic and direct path to college admission at MSU Billings. Called Direct Admit and used in other states, the program is the first of its kind in Montana. Through the program, graduates from Billings Senior, Billings West, and Billings Skyview high schools, along with graduates of the Billings Early College School, Billings Opportunity School and Billings Multilingual Academy, will receive an offer of admission to study at MSUB’s University campus or City College campus.
The program is great news to students like Ava VanKrieken, a 17-year-old senior at Billings West, who sees this is as an opportunity to start her college career in her hometown, maintain her academic pursuits and launch her career. She has worked hard to maintain a high grade-point average, she said, and automatic admission to college feels good.
“It’s rewarding to easily get on the right path,” she said.
VanKrieken is a dual-enrollment student at MSU Billings and is planning to start her studies in elementary and special education in the fall of 2026. Her ultimate goal is to be the kind of teacher she had when she experienced hard times as a youth.
“I had a rough childhood, and I had teachers who made school a safe place,” she said. “I want to do that for other students.”
A New Way to Say “Thank You”
Donors will now receive an email receipt for each gift, followed by one easy-to-read, mailed year-end giving statement summarizing all contributions for the calendar year.
This update is designed with you—our valued donor—in mind. You’ll receive prompt acknowledgment for every gift via email, ensuring confirmation and documentation. The consolidated year-end statement will then simplify your recordkeeping by providing one comprehensive summary of your generosity for the year.
Starting with gifts made in January 2026, you’ll receive an email receipt after each donation, and a printed, official year-end statement will be mailed in January 2027, summarizing all 2026 contributions.
Wine & Food Festival
Mark your calendars for the 34th MSUB Wine & Food Festival, returning April 16–17, 2026, at the MetraPark Pavilion! Join us for two unforgettable evenings celebrating fine wine, exceptional food, and community generosity—all in support of scholarships for MSUB students.
Questions? Contact Lisa McKinney at lisa.mckinney@msubfoundation.com or call 406-657-1623.
Tip: save give@msubfoundation.com in your contacts so you don’t miss your receipt.
We are deeply grateful for your continued generosity and partnership. If you have any questions, please contact us at 406-657-2244 or info@msubfoundation.com —we’re always happy to connect.
Scan the QR code below to make sure your email address is up to date and ready to receive your receipts.
