Reisa Walker

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.

Harriette E. Cushman worked for the Extension Service at Montana State College in Bozeman from 1922 to 1955, serving as Montana's State Poultry Specialist from 1922 to 1954. Harriette was the first woman poultry specialist in the United States.

After retiring, Harriette devoted herself to promoting the success of native students at Montana State University. She willed her estate to MSU, providing scholarship funds for outstanding American Indian students.

The Harriette E. Cushman Scholarship — a permanent endowment — has been assisting American Indian students at MSU for over 40 years. In 2017, eight students received scholarships through the endowed fund.

One of those students was Reisa Walker, a full-time student and mother from Busby, Montana. Her Harriette E. Cushman Scholarship has played a significant role in helping her succeed. The scholarship has eased financial burdens so that Reisa can focus on earning her nursing degree and lactation consultant certification.

After graduation, Reisa plans to return home to serve her people on the Northern Cheyenne reservation. "My goal is to specialize in obstetrics and provide medical and emotional support to young mothers," Reisa says. Reisa also hopes to be the first Certified Lactation Consultant on the Northern Cheyenne reservation.

If you'd like to help students like Reisa with a gift from your estate, contact Kevin Brown at 406-994-4815 or kevin.brown@msuaf.org to learn more.