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Gift stories and news

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1893 Society stories

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.