Gift stories and news
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1893 Society stories
Jim Jaffe
Jim Jaffe credits Montana State for everything he has accomplished in life. He regularly gives back to the College of Business, but decided his legacy gift would support nursing students — and honor his mother.
Cody and Joycelyn Christman
Alum Cody Christman and his wife Joycelyn love their cabin getaway in Montana. They knew they wanted to gift this gem to MSUAF and support the university Cody loves so much.
Bill and Cheryl Sanderson
Bill and Cheryl were both attending Montana State when they met on a blind date. Find out where their lives took them from there and the creative ways they are giving back to the place where it all started.
Kathleen (Kay) Chafey
Kathleen (Kay) Chafey, a valued campus leader, loves MSU and wants to see it thrive. Find out how she took advantage of annual gift annuities to support her favorite MSU programs and maximize her benefits from the Montana Endowment Tax Credit (METC).
Bill Anceney
Bill Anceney says his MSU education was as valuable as what anyone he knows who attended business school out East received. Today, he's helping future business students while receiving secure income during his retirement with a charitable gift annuity.
Agnes and LeRoy Luft
No matter where life took the Lufts, they always found their way back to MSU. To reflect the respect and passion they have for the university, LeRoy and Agnes have created scholarships for two areas close to their hearts using tax-wise IRA gifts.
David Kem and Judith Raines
For alumnus David Kem and his wife, Judith Raines, legacy giving is a smart and easy way to give back. Using IRA gifts and their will, they are able to help MSU students immediately and down the road.
Mike and Donna Ferris
Mike and Donna Ferris have a passion for education. The couple, both of whom graduated from MSU in 1968, are using a gift in their will to ensure future students have opportunities at MSU. In the process, they also reached a milestone charitable goal for themselves.
Mike and Nomie Ketterling
Mike and Nomie Ketterling say there's a lot to love about MSU. The couple, both alumni, want to make sure future students feel the love too and are giving back in their will to make it happen.
Douglas and Carol Bailey
When the Baileys opted to avoid student debt while Douglas earned his architecture degree, a scholarship meant the world to them. Ever since, they've been committed to giving back to future MSU students.
Brian Walter
The walls of Brian Walter's home are covered in stories. Whether it is a framed painting or picture by a favorite artist or a collection of local objects from around the world, each piece has a tale of where it was found and how it was acquired.
Dr. Jerry Coffey
Dr. Jerry Coffey, Professor Emeritus in the Department of English, came to Montana State University in 1972 seeking the allure of the mountains and an institution where he could thrive and pursue his research interests.
Julianne Bye
Julianne Bye knew for many years that she wanted to leave a lasting legacy for students at Montana State. "I always knew I would—in fact I wish I had done it sooner," said Julianne.
Larry and Maureen Gamble
In January, Larry and Maureen Gamble, of Overland Park, Kansas, worked with the MSU Alumni Foundation to expand their bequest in support of the University. In addition to supporting the Library's Trout and Salmonid Collection, they also wished to establish scholarship for students in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
Loren Schillinger
When Loren Schillinger ('75, Chemical Engineering) tells his story it always circles back to his time at Montana State University. Loren attributes almost all of his successes to his origins at MSU, as a chemical engineer.
Marla Patterson
In June, Marla Patterson worked with the MSU Alumni Foundation to document a bequest in her living trust. The gift, valued at $66,000, will be directed to the College of Nursing.
Victoria Barnick
When Victoria Barnick visited campus in October, it was her first time back on the hill since she graduated. Victoria had planned to support MSU through her estate, but meeting with students and professors showed her the impact she can make today.
The Impact of Giving
Scholarships are helping Kirsten pursue her dream
Kirsten, a freshman at Montana State University, hopes to one day serve the Hispanic community through translation, legal interpretation or teaching English as a second language. Support from donors like you enable her to focus on her studies rather than worry about how she will pay for her education.
You can shape lives today
By making room for MSU in your will, you can help shape the lives of MSU students—students like Reisa Walker. Read about how donor Harriette E. Cushman has made an impact on students at MSU for over 40 years, including recent student Reisa.
Megan McGill
Megan McGill is a senior studying plant biology at MSU. She works in the Herbarium on campus, where she has helped maintain the extensive collection of plant specimens.