MSU Alumni Foundation Annual Report FY 2014

F ISCAL YEAR 2014JULY 1, 2013–JUNE 30, 2014

ANNUAL REPORT

The Montana State University Alumni Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation comprised of three entities that serve one mission. The MSU Alumni Association is a membership body that keeps graduates and friends of our university connected to one another and to their alma mater. The MSU Foundation raises significant private financial support and serves as the steward for more than $200 million in total assets from many generous donors. The MSU Innovation Campus offers powerful opportunities for partners to invest in a creative, entrepreneurial environment that offers state-of-the-art facilities, supports start-up companies and provides students with hands on learning experiences that can result in employment opportunities upon graduation.

OUR MISSION:

WE CREATE LIFELONG

RELATIONSHIPS AND

STRENGTHEN OUR

RESOURCES TO ADVANCE

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY.

Cover photograph by Kelly Gorham

OUR MISSION:

WE CREATE LIFELONG

RELATIONSHIPS AND

STRENGTHEN OUR

RESOURCES TO ADVANCE

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY.

FROM THE CEO The Montana State University Alumni Foundation’s enduring partnership with Montana State University affords us a unique vantage point to see first-hand the incredible accomplishments the students and faculty achieve every day. MSU is truly a university of the new American West, directed by great leadership and exhibiting a deep sense of passion and promise.

Helping MSU build on that promise is at the heart of what the Alumni Foundation has set out to do, encouraging a growing number of alumni and friends to find ways they can actively engage and generously give.

In listening to our friends and alumni, I know that we have what it takes to help MSU deliver on its promise of a world class education. As MSU continues to grow, so has our Alumni Association, now nearly 12,000 strong with members in every state of the country. Over the past year, those strong connections with MSU have helped inspire nearly 8,000 donors to give $23.8 million to support MSU’s people, places and programs. Our work in the year ahead is backed by $208 million in assets, up from $180 million the year before, helped in part by a 15.1 percent return on our long-term investments.

We are also seeing strong returns on the investments we have made in our new programs to help more people become deeply engaged with MSU. Since initiating the alumni chapter program in 2013, we have established eight chapters around the country that are helping the more than 2,600 alumni in those areas reconnect with MSU and each other. Our Student Alumni Association continues its rapid growth, connecting current students with the Bobcat spirit and traditions that they will carry long after graduation. Additionally, our Innovation Campus has positioned itself to support MSU’s research programs and contribute to Montana’s economy.

I am excited to be part of such a remarkable organization that is singularly committed to helping MSU achieve its land-grant mission of learning, discovery and community engagement, and I am honored to lead an incredible team of talented and passionate professionals and volunteers who care so deeply about serving our alumni, donors and MSU’s students and faculty.

I look forward to working with you to continue and grow our efforts to advance MSU.

In Blue and Gold,

Christopher D. Murray President and CEO, MSU Alumni Foundation

The Montana State University Alumni Foundation is our most important partner. Together, we are bringing more donors, alumni and friends than ever before into close connection with Montana State University. It is their engagement, and their strong sense of spirit and love

for MSU, that strengthens our Bobcat community and positions us to educate learners and leaders for generations

to come. Together as a community and as the MSU family, we have what it takes to ensure our great university continues to deliver

on its land-grant promise of learning, discovery and engagement throughout Montana, our nation and the world.

President Waded Cruzado

p. 3

FROM CORY PULFREY BOARD CHAIRMAN

The MSU Alumni Foundation’s increasing strength and growth this past year places us in a position to support Montana State University better than ever before. There is excitement

building around what the Bobcat community can accomplish. We can see it in the construction

of Jabs Hall, funded by Jake's groundbreaking $25 million gift and set to open in 2015 as the

new home of the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. MSU alumnus Norm Asbjornson added to

the momentum, pledging $50 million for the creation of a new engineering complex which will offer state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, common learning spaces and a presentation hall that will transform interdisciplinary education and community engagement at Montana State University.

These inspirational alumni have spurred a renewed sense of excitement among our donors, our volunteers and our alumni community about what we can accomplish when we commit to join together to support MSU. It’s an excitement that has spread far beyond Bozeman to cities across the country.

In fact, more people are finding ways to connect their interests and support with MSU than ever before. Part of this stems from our decision to merge the Alumni Association and the Foundation at the start of 2012. With a strong strategic plan and seasoned leadership in place, the Alumni Foundation is using its resources more efficiently than ever before to pursue its mission.

A quick glance at the details contained in this annual report show that the Alumni Foundation is operating from a position of strength, with a strong financial base and even stronger support. It is this momentum that gives me the confidence that we as a community have what it takes to help MSU continue on its trajectory of growth in student enrollment, research capabilities and academic excellence. With the experience Chris brings to our organization as our new president and CEO, we are certain to accelerate that momentum.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all of you who have so generously given to the Alumni Foundation. It is your support that creates the strength and flexibility the Alumni Foundation needs to continue to build a strong alumni network while providing unprecedented levels of private funding to MSU.

And this is why we ask for your continued engagement. Contributions from our alumni and friends have a tremendous impact and your continued loyalty helps ensure the success of MSU’s students for generations to come.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The MSU Alumni Foundation would also like to acknowledge the tremendous service and contributions of the following individuals whose terms on the Alumni Foundation’s boards recently concluded:

BRIAN CLARK, LOIS NORBY, BILL PERRY, SUSAN RAPH, LINDA REYNOLDS, KEVIN SETH, WENDY SIRE, STEVE SKAER, CAROL SMITH, WALT SMITH and LOWELL SPRINGER.

CHAIRMANCory Pulfrey

’82

Morgan Stanley, retired Bozeman, Mont.

VICE CHAIRJean Sweeney

’763M

St. Paul, Minn.

SECRETARY/ TREASURER

Tony Waller ’81

U.S. GSA, retired Falls Church, Va.

PAST CHAIRMike Ferris

’68Pure Water Components

Columbus, Ga.

Mark Bacigalupo ’80

UBS Financial Services St. Paul, Minn.

Alexander Blewett ’67

Hoyt & Blewett, PLLC Great Falls, Mont.

David Jackson ’62

Jackson, Murdo & Grant P.C.

Helena, Mont.

Susan Carstensen ’85

RightNow Technologies, Inc., retired

Bozeman, Mont.

Kay Chafey Faculty

Montana State University, retired Bozeman, Mont.

Richard Harte ’70

Businessman and Entrepreneur

Bozeman, Mont.

Helene Michael ’85, ’13 HDRBoeing Co., retired

Condon, Mont.

David Kem ’67, ’00 HDR

ConocoPhillips, retired Houston, Texas

Jeff Sipes ’86

Boeing Co. Lake Tapps, Wash.

Mary Beth Walsh ’86

Ruby Valley National Bank Twin Bridges, Mont.

Jim Williamson ’71

New West Technologies Larkspur, Colo.

Robert Morrison ’77, ’78 M

Morrison-Maierle, Inc. Clancy, Mont.

Tristan Renz ’79

TPR Investments, L.P. The Woodland, Texas

Mark Sherman ’97

Easter Seals-Goodwill Great Falls, Mont.

BOARD MEMBERS FY 2015

p. 5

Q&A WITH

JEAN SWEENEY ’76BOARD OF GOVERNORS VICE CHAIR

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE ALUMNI FOUNDATION’S BOARD? I joined the board because I believe in the mission of Montana State University. But I would also have to say it’s the people. Throughout my career, both in the U.S. and abroad, I have had an opportunity to work with great teams. And it has always been the talent and character of the people on those teams that made the difference in what we were able to achieve. The chance to work with Cory, Mike and the other members of the Alumni Foundation board to support MSU was an opportunity I could not pass up. This is a really dynamic team to be a part of.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE COMING YEAR? In my experience, great outcomes are the result of great execution. The Alumni Foundation has a strong team that is beginning to achieve our strategic objectives. That’s good. With the experience Chris brings to the table as CEO, I think we are going to see this organization really move in the right direction in terms of what we can do to support MSU.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD? The toughest thing has been really getting my arms around the breadth of everything people accomplish at MSU. I thought I was really well-versed as a member of the College of Engineering’s Advisory Board, but my volunteer work with the Alumni Foundation has shown me a lot in just this past year about the incredible and so-often unsung things students and faculty are achieving all across the university. Just about every college and unit at MSU is at the leading edge of their discipline, and we need to make sure people know that.

Jean Sweeney has been on MSU’s Board of Governors since 2011, and currently serves as Vice Chair. An alumna, Sweeney was one of the first women to earn a chemical engineering degree at MSU and is a recipient of the Alumni Foundation's highest honor, the Blue and Gold Award. She is currently the Vice President for Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Operations at 3M in Minneapolis, Minn.

BOARD COMMITTEES

• Budget

• Executive

• Governance

• Investment

• Nominating

ADVISORY BOARDS

Alumni Relations FY 2014

• Mary Beth Walsh ’86, Chairman

• Jeff Sipes ’86, Vice Chair

• Bill Perry ’02, Past Chair

• Pam Birkeland ’77, ’00 M

• Samantha Brandon

• Jaden Erwin ’01

• Joe Ginalias

• Marshall Kath ’81

• Nomie (Maria) Ketterling ’75

• Chantel McCormick Schieffer ’99

• Bill Miller ’64

• Doug Mohl ’86

• Rainey Peuse ’97

• Blake Rasmussen ’06

• Alyssa Reynolds ’99, ’01 M

• Nancy Seleski ’86

• Daniel Smith ’83

• David Yarlott ’94, ’96 M, ’99

Donor Relations FY 2014

• David Kem ’67, ’00 HDR, Chairman

• Mary Ann Pearce ’76, Vice Chair

• Linda Reynolds ’71, Past Chair

• James Alderson ’69

• Frank Benevento

• Edward (Jack) Cameron ’62

• Mike Ferris ’68

• Kathy Finney ’68

• Jill Jarrett ’94

• Barry Remely ’60

• Wendy Sire ’75

• Carol Smith

• Walt Smith ’85

• Lowell Springer ’70

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The MSU Alumni Association connects both our membership and the greater MSU alumni community to Montana State and everything Blue and Gold. Serving nearly 12,000 loyal MSU alumni and friends, the Alumni Association conducts exciting events and engaging programs that keep members updated on everything happening on campus, expands their professional and personal networks and reconnects them with their favorite MSU traditions.

“I am an Alumni Association member because first and foremost, I am proud to be a Bobcat. I am proud of the work ethic and reputation of the students and faculty here at MSU and I want to continue to be a part of that legacy.”

Jeffrey Lusin ’06, ’07 M Alumni Association member

“I love being a Future ’Cat because I love the Bobcats! I couldn’t believe I got a birthday card from Champ."

Bailey Kayser, age 8 Future ’Cat member

“The Student Alumni Association empowers you to figure out what kind of leader you want to be, while also teaching lessons that you will use in the job field. Joining SAA was one of the best decisions of my college career.”

Destini French ’15 ASMSU President

& SAA member

p. 7

Q&A WITH

KERRY HANSON ’93, ’08 MSENIOR DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

HOW DO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT MSU? Our nearly 12,000 members are passionate Bobcats who tend to be very engaged in MSU activities giving their time as volunteers, attending events, donating to the university and simply bragging about Montana State to friends and family. We are proud of our Alumni Association members and the positive impact they have on Montana State University and their communities.

WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB? During the course of my work, I have the absolute pleasure of meeting and building relationships with alumni and friends of MSU. In every corner of Montana and across our country, so many fantastic, rewarding interactions and connections happen at Cat Chat, out-of-state alumni events, Awards for Excellence, Commencement Reunions, during Homecoming weekend and the list goes on.

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR PAST YEAR AND WHY? This past year, I not only experienced a 2014 highlight, but a career highlight, no doubt: I met Barney Myers, MSC class of 1934. Barney, who at 103 years young, came to Bozeman to celebrate his 80th commencement anniversary from Montana State—the first we’ve ever had! He is one of the most inspiring Bobcats I’ve had the pleasure to meet.

LOOKING AHEAD, WHICH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PROGRAMS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT? We continue to think about how to best serve our alumni and our members. In doing so, we have offered new events such as the Science of Wine & Jazz evening last February, the Mountains & Wines event this summer and the recent trip to Yellowstone with three renowned MSU faculty. We’ll plan more events like these and partner with campus and our expert alumni to deliver exceptional opportunities. We will also consider how to best serve our Student Alumni Association, engage our youngest alumni and continue to grow chapters. Connecting our alumni, friends and fans to MSU is important work, and we are committed to doing an excellent job!

SARAH GILKERSONALUMNI LEGACY

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTMSU Senior Sarah Gilkerson is definitely

determined to get the most out of her education at Montana State. Con-fident in her plans for the future, she has chosen to pursue majors in history, political science and mod-ern languages, as well as an ecology minor focused on water resources.

In addition to these, Sarah will earn a degree from MSU’s Honors College.

Sarah plans to use what she has learned at MSU to one day pursue an environmental law

degree with the goal of returning to defend the environ-ment in her home state of Montana. Her strong vision for what she wants to accomplish, combined with her focus, passion and a dash of sheer grit, has enabled Sarah to craft a unique educational path at Montana State.

She believes that support from MSU’s faculty and the larger Bobcat community has played a key role in her success. During her time at MSU, she has found some incredible faculty who have helped her pursue research in the humanities, where it is notoriously difficult to find funding for the arts and languages. That’s where academic support like the Alumni Legacy Scholarship helps.

With graduation fast approaching, Sarah is now applying for Fulbright fellowships and submitting applications to graduate schools. After that, Sarah hopes to attend law school. She has a bright future, thanks to the strong academic foundation she has created for herself here at Montana State University.

“I would like to just tell those who funded the Alumni Legacy Scholarship thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” Gilkerson said. “Thank you from my entire family. This has meant a great deal to us all. My parents attended MSU, so it’s been a huge honor for them to have me rec-ognized through the Alumni Association.”

ALUMNI LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP

Increased from $500 to $1,000 each in FY 2014, the Alumni Legacy Scholarship is awarded by the Montana State University Alumni Association to continuing students who show excellence in academics, campus involvement and leadership. This year, ten scholarships were awarded to the children or grandchildren of Alumni Association members.

2014–2015 RECIPIENTS

Benjamin Butts Technology education

Spencer Dahl Chemical and bioengineering

Jacquelynn DeLay Nursing

Sarah Gilkerson French and international relations

Jordan Larsen Film and business marketing

Michaela Nelson History with teaching option

Madison Owens Bioengineering

Kathryn Riley Health and human development

Katherine Stocker Professional physics

Lauren Waldenburg Architecture and interior design

p. 9

Through this new annual program, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends who are MSU Alumni Association members can share the Montana State University tradition with the special children in their life by purchasing a Future ’Cat membership.

Future ’Cat members receive exciting benefits including a birthday card, an annual age-appropriate membership gift—from baby bibs, to Blue & Gold t-shirts, to a Champ growth chart and more—and invitations to Bobcat tailgates, other fun events and more!

In FY 2014, 194 new Future ’Cats joined the Alumni Association.

0 4,000 8,000 12,000

2012

2013

2014

3,323 Annual Members



7,856Life Members

7,414 Life Members

7,164 Life Members

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP

CHAPTERSChapters offer area alumni exclusive opportunities to learn about MSU, have fun and network—both professionally and socially—with fellow Bobcats. Chapters also provide alumni with new, unique ways to give back and support MSU, especially through volunteering and participating.

Current chapters include:

BILLINGS AREA

BOISE VALLEY

COLUMBIA RIVER Portland area

DC REGIONAL

GREATER TWIN CITIES AREA Minneapolis, St. Paul

HOUSTON AREA

MILE HIGH Denver area

PUGET SOUND Seattle area

Boise Valley chapter kickoff

MONTANA STATE ALUMNI

AND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

Mont.6101 members47714 alumni

Wyo.181 members1887 alumni

Colo.463 members3859 alumni

Utah98 members952 alumni

Idaho245 members2449 alumni

Ore.327 members2970 alumni

Calif.682 members5334 alumni

Nev.118 members892 alumni

Ariz.228 members1826 alumni

Ala.110 members1308 alumni

N.M.45 members580 alumni

Okla.26 members265 alumni

Kan.43 members290 alumni

Neb.28 members311 alumni

S.D.45 members576 alumni

N.D.78 members682 alumni

Minn.172 members1673 alumni

Iowa33 members340 alumni

Ill.73 members708 alumni

Mich.55 members551 alumni

Ind.31 members290 alumni

Ky.21 members153 alumni

Tenn.26 members301 alumni


Miss.4 members79 alumni

Ga.38 members388 alumni

S.C.23 members193 alumni

N.C.56 members504 alumni

Va.121 members757 alumni

W. Va.11 members70 alumni

Fla.98 members876 alumni

Ohio61 members540 alumni

Pa.36 members543 alumni

N.Y.37 members594 alumni

Vt.4 members202 alumni

N.H.17 members183 alumni

Maine6 members166 alumni

Mass.30 members385 alumni

Hawaii32 members244 alumni

R.I.6 members39 alumniConn.

18 members212 alumniN.J.

39 members321 alumni

Del.2 members47 alumni

D.C.10 members82 alumni

Md.53 members358 alumniMo.


Ark.10 members115 alumni

La.15 members129 alumni

Wis.70 members670 alumni

Texas283 members1753 alumni

Wash.950 members7574 alumni

MONTANA STATE ALUMNI

AND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

Mont.6101 members47714 alumni

Wyo.181 members1887 alumni

Colo.463 members3859 alumni

Utah98 members952 alumni

Idaho245 members2449 alumni

Ore.327 members2970 alumni

Calif.682 members5334 alumni

Nev.118 members892 alumni

Ariz.228 members1826 alumni


N.M.45 members580 alumni

Okla.26 members265 alumni

Kan.43 members290 alumni

Neb.28 members311 alumni

S.D.45 members576 alumni

N.D.78 members682 alumni

Minn.172 members1673 alumni

Iowa33 members340 alumni

Ill.73 members708 alumni

Mich.55 members551 alumni

Ind.31 members290 alumni

Ky.21 members153 alumni

Tenn.26 members301 alumni


Miss.4 members79 alumni

Ga.38 members388 alumni

S.C.23 members193 alumni

N.C.56 members504 alumni

Va.121 members757 alumni

W. Va.11 members70 alumni

Fla.98 members876 alumni

Ohio61 members540 alumni

Pa.36 members543 alumni

N.Y.37 members594 alumni

Vt.4 members202 alumni

N.H.17 members183 alumni

Maine6 members166 alumni

Mass.30 members385 alumni

Hawaii32 members244 alumni

R.I.6 members39 alumniConn.

18 members212 alumniN.J.


Del.2 members47 alumni

D.C.10 members82 alumni

Md.53 members358 alumniMo.


Ark.10 members115 alumni

La.15 members129 alumni

Wis.70 members670 alumni

Texas283 members1753 alumni

Wash.950 members7574 alumni

11,973ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

MEMBERS

551 international alumniand 16 international members

Q&A WITH

ALLISON HUPPDIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

HOW DO VOLUNTEERS STRENGTHEN MSU? Volunteers bring experience and expertise to our organization, building our capacity to support Montana State. The more volunteers we have, the greater the reach of the Alumni Foundation. Most importantly, there is a difference when you see volunteers involved in an organization. When you see a volunteer, you think to yourself, "Wow, there must be something truly special about that organization for a person to willingly donate their time and energy." The buzz created by volunteer service draws more resources and support to MSU. They are catalysts for action!

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING WITH BOBCAT VOLUNTEERS? When you ask a Bobcat to volunteer, they say yes! They are so thankful for the experiences and education they received from MSU, they want to give back.

HOW HAVE VOLUNTEERS OUTSIDE BOZEMAN MADE A DIFFERENCE? Their service has been vital in reconnecting alumni to MSU. In addition, their work is drawing more students from outside of Montana to MSU. Who wouldn’t want to come to a school that has such enthusiastic and passionate alumni?

HOW HAS THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM MATURED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS? We have focused on developing meaningful opportunities that engage both alumni and friends not just in Bozeman, but beyond. Our program has also developed more tools and resources necessary for our volunteers to be successful, not only in their role, but also as ambassadors for MSU.

Volunteering with the Alumni Foundation is an important expression of Bobcat spirit and provides opportunities that support students, alumni and our entire university community. Standing shoulder to shoulder, as members of one team, volunteers help the Alumni Foundation create lifelong relationships and strengthen its resources to advance Montana State University.

VOLUNTEERS

FY 2014567

VOLUNTEERS DONATED

9,125 HOURS IN

SUPPORT OF MSU

Volunteers bring real world experience and professional expertise to our organization and to Montana State University’s students and faculty. The passion and commitment of our alumni and friends is truly remarkable.

Christopher D. Murray MSUAF President and CEO

p. 13

On September 20, 2014, the Alumni Foundation held a special event to recognize 28 key volunteers from across the nation who have contributed their time, talent and energy to support MSU.

DANI CLARK: Student Alumni Association Volunteer of the Year

MARJORIE BARNES ’79 and AL NELSON ’78: ’Cat Event Coordinators of the Year

CORY PULFREY ’82: MSU Alumni Foundation Board of Governors Volunteer of the Year

CAROL SMITH: Donor Advisory Board Volunteer of the Year

DAVE ’65 and CAROLYN ’70 SWINGLE: Volunteers of the Year

BILL PERRY ’02: Alumni Relations Board Volunteer of the Year

PUGET SOUND: Chapter of the Year. The chapter leadership includes Stephanie Bunkley ’89, Phil Clum ’85, Melissa Donaldson ’09, Holly Kessler ’02, Gus Mehlhaff ’11, Nate Ostrander ’04, Marla Patterson ’73, Dee Dee Rixe ’82, Samantha Severin ’11, Jeff Sipes ’86 and Rob Ward ’86.

Dave ’65 and Carolyn ’70 Swingle

MONTANA GRAINSVOLUNTEER COMMITTEE OF THE YEAR

The Montana Grains Foundation Plant Science Chair Committee has been selected as the “Volunteer Committee of the Year” for 2014, recognizing the committee’s outstanding work to fund the Plant Sciences Chair within MSU’s Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology.

The committee’s ten volunteers—Darin Arganbright ’92, Gary Broyles, Lochiel Edwards, Matt Flikkema ’78, Todd Hansen, Ryan McCormick, Lola Raska ’79, Will Roehm ’92, Dale Schuler ’82 and Dan Works—spearheaded an effort that raised $1 million within their first month together. With nearly $2.5 million raised to date, the committee is on track to help the Alumni Foundation raise the targeted $5 million necessary to fully fund the chair by 2018.

“Farmers really see the need for the research to be done. When they realized how committed MSU is to them—to their livelihoods—it made a hugely positive impact,” said Montana Grains Foundation president Schuler. “Raising these funds is no minor effort. While we were somewhat daunted by the task, we knew from the beginning that this chair must be created.”

Once in place, the $5 million endowment will provide the revenue necessary to fund the chair, establishing it as a permanent position within the College of Agriculture. The committee is confident that they will be able to work with community members around the state to build on the momentum they have created to achieve this goal.

NANCY CAMERONENDOWING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS,

AGRICULTURE AND BUSINESSMontana State University alumna Nancy Cameron’s $3.5 million gift to the MSU

Alumni Foundation provided the funding necessary to establish endowments for three scholarship funds, a chair in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences and a business professorship at MSU.

Cameron’s gift impacts students and faculty across MSU. A 1954 graduate from the College of Business at what was then Montana State College, Cameron created endowments that both provide the encouragement and support necessary for students to achieve their academic goals and fund

distinguished faculty who enrich the student experience.

“Nancy’s thoughtful generosity will have far-reaching impact across Montana State University and in the communities we serve,” President Waded Cruzado said.

“Her gift helps MSU further its land-grant mission of learning, discovery and engagement, ensuring more Montanans have access to an education at Montana State while at the same time advancing the research and scholarship that will ultimately help ranchers and small business owners throughout Montana.”

The initial portions of Cameron’s gift establish three scholarships that will benefit students who, like Cameron, originally hail from Montana. Descended from a pioneering ranching family with a 125-year history in the state, Cameron’s endowed scholarships reflect her family’s own pursuit of the American Dream from their ranch southwest of Great Falls. Two of these scholarships, the Cameron Pioneer Memorial Business Scholarship and the Cameron Pioneer Memorial Pre-Med Scholarship, directly honor her family’s heritage. Each of these scholarships will provide annual scholarship support to full-time MSU students who enroll in these programs.

“I am very pleased with what I have been able to do, building on the long Montana heritage of the Cameron pioneer family,” Cameron said from her home in Boise, Idaho. “I have very fond memories of my time at MSU, and I am glad that this gift will further the educational activities there.”

FOUNDATION

Montana State University was founded on a visionary idea—that access to higher education for students of all backgrounds is critical to the social and economic development of our state, our nation and our world. Today, thanks to the work of many across several generations, Montana State University has established a tradition of excellence in education, research and outreach.

We owe this success to the generous support of our donors, who year after year fulfill the promise of future excellence for the university through gifts to the Montana State University Alumni Foundation. It is because of the continued relationships we help forge between our donors and MSU that we are building an enduring culture of private philanthropy that will be at the heart of MSU’s growth.

p. 15

IN THE PAST YEAR7,966

donors gave

9,358 gifts totaling

$23,809,137.Together with investment earnings of

15.1%this enabled the MSU Alumni

Foundation to provide

$3,201,470in scholarships and awards to

1,911distinct recipients,

$3,524,616for student focused programs, professorships and chairs, and

$11,912,173for essential facilities and equipment that support learning and leadership at MSU.

These donors share

1 common purpose:

ADVANCING MSU!

In 2014, the Alumni Foundation established the President’s Associates Giving Ranges comprised of alumni and friends who believe that consistent annual giving changes lives.

Through annual gifts of $1,000 or more, President’s Associates set an exemplary standard of helping

transform the lives of MSU students.

As of June 30, 2014, 233 donors are members of the

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE$100,000+

In FY 2014, 66 donors joined the

HYALITE RANGE$25,000+

72 donors joined the

GALLATIN RANGE $10,000–$24,999

92 donors joined the

MADISON RANGE $5,000–$9,999

and 391 donors joined the

BRIDGER RANGE$1,000–$4,999

THANK YOU!

NORM ASBJORNSONMSU ALUMNUS PLEDGES $50 MILLION

In spring of 2014, Norm Asbjornson, a Montana State University alumnus and Montana native from the small town of Winifred, challenged MSU friends

and alumni to rethink how we deliver education, to explore the value of interdisciplinary curricula and to grow our campus to include an innovation center, student-focused plaza and community presentation hall. Further, he pointed out the critical need for additional campus parking and better facility connectivity. His $50 million commitment to the South Campus Neighborhood vision is unprecedented. His challenge to raise an additional $20 million to complete this initiative is inspiring.

“I am excited to see the amazing growth of MSU and the College of Engineering. I hope my pledge challenges and inspires others who are in

a position to advance the university that has given us so much. MSU needs our support now and this is the time to give back,” said Asbjornson, a 1960

mechanical engineering graduate of what was then Montana State College.

Asbjornson’s pledge will fund the construction of an innovative laboratory and classroom facility that will enable the collaborative, hands-on learning and leadership that embody the university’s legacy and mission. The building, to be named the Norm Asbjornson Innovation Center, is envisioned to promote dynamic interdisciplinary engagement, meaningful student-faculty interaction and accelerated innovation that responds to and anticipates emerging trends in education, industry and society.

“Norm has inspired us and humbled us with not only his generosity, but with the depth of his character and his sense of responsibility for future generations,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado. “This pledge will transform the lives of generations of students, it will transform this campus and it will transform the state of Montana in profound ways.”

Open to all, and anchored in the university’s growing engineering programs, the building funded by Asbjornson’s commitment will bring to life an enduring, state-of-the-art asset that erects bridges between academic programs, serves today’s outstanding students and faculty and supports how learning and lead-ership will occur long into the future. University officials hope to break ground no later than the spring of 2016 and use the building to anchor development of the university’s South Campus Neighborhood.

p. 17

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY

• Big Sky STEM Scholarship

• Bill and Alice Fluegel Charitable Gift Annuity

• Cameron Pioneer Memorial Pre-Med Scholarship

• Groseth-Drange Fund

• John Anacker and Deborah Kane CRUT

• Jon Borchardt STEM Scholarship

• Michael J. and Donna C. Ferris Presidential Scholarship

• MSU Boeing Employee Alumni Scholarship

• Nancy Cameron Presidential Scholarship

• Norby Alumni Scholarship

• Robert L. Tichenor Presidential Scholarship

• Ron and Rita Sabins Scholarship

MSU ATHLETICS

• Jarrett-Williamson “Run Through the Tape” Student-Athlete Scholarship

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

• Montana Wheat and Barley Committee Scholarship

• Montana Wheat and Barley Committee Fund

• The Rice Family Scholarship

• Nancy Cameron Chair in Animal and Range Sciences

• Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology Chair

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE

• Merlyn H. Miller Memorial Scholarship

• Neotech Music Scholarship

• Paul Monaco Internship Award

• Terry and Leslie Jackson Architecture Scholarship

JAKE JABS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

• Cameron Pioneer Memorial Business Scholarship

• Cory and Diane Pulfrey Information Technology Fund

• Don Harrington Memorial Scholarship

• Nancy Cameron Professorship in Business

• Pat and Helen Ames College of Business Scholarship

• Sid and Keli Miner Fund for Business Excellence

• Susan Carstensen and Larry Haferman Excellence in Teaching Award

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

• Del Ballard Civil Engineering Scholarship

• Don B. Deyoe Memorial Scholarship

• Joe Alexander Chemical Engineering Scholarship

• Lieutenant General Patrick M. Hughes and Karlene K. Hughes Scholarship

• Lloyd Berg Initiative

• Margaret Taylor and Will Andrews Memorial Scholarship

• Paxton Family Computer Science Undergraduate Student Success Fund

• Robert and Elaine Michaels Scholarship

• Wilhelm Wurst Flathead County Engineering Scholarship

• Woodward Family Scholarship

COLLEGE OF LETTERS AND SCIENCE

• Alexander Saxton American Studies Research and Travel Fund

• Alexander Saxton Seminar Series

• Gary and Natalie Stoner Biomedical Summer Research Fund

• Kevin Hurley Wild Sheep Biology Award

• Mullen, Roeder, Barry History Scholarship

• Natural Sciences Scholarship

• Richard J. Carstensen Political Science Student Scholarship

COLLEGE OF NURSING

• Ellis Memorial Nursing Scholarship

• Ruth Alexander Nursing Scholarship

GREAT FALLS COLLEGE

• Gerry and Chuck Jennings Academic and Bright Beginnings Learning Center (BBLC) Scholarship

• Great Falls College MSU Annual Named Scholarship

• Janie and Stuart Nicholson Scholarship

• Knud and Katherine Grosen BBLC Scholarship

• Pacific Steel and Recycling BBLC Student Scholarship

• Roland and Helen Lapee Family Foundation BBLC Scholarship

• Stockman Bank Engineering Scholarship

NEWLY ENDOWED FUNDS CREATED IN FY 2014

Connecting donors with MSU’s most critical emerging priorities inspires the creation of newly endowed funds, fueling our continuing efforts to support the university's greatest needs related to people, places and programs.

VIKI MARTINEZHOW BEQUESTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Attending college was never a given for sophomore Viki Martinez, a native of St. Paul, Minn. “Growing up, my family was not a ‘college family’,” Viki said. “College was not an objective for me.” It wasn’t until her junior year of high school, when Viki realized she had a real aptitude for math and science and an interest in engineering, that she decided to continue her education.

Viki chose to attend MSU for its engineering reputation and because she felt she would be able to build better relationships with professors and other students at Montana State than at a larger university. It was MSU’s introduction to chemistry course that drove her to pursue chemical engineering. “Chemistry became really interesting,” she said. “I could see doing this for the rest of my life.”

With scholarship support, Viki has been able to extend her involvement at MSU beyond her studies, from working as a research assistant with MSU’s Western Transportation Institute researching de-icers, to volunteering with Engineers Without Borders and the student-led Student Community Outreach Project.

At the same time, Viki faces some of the lingering obstacles present in pursuing a career in a male-dominated field. “It is definitely a challenge, but it is a good challenge,” she said. “I can prove myself.” Knowing she has earned her scholarship provides additional incentive. “Scholarships are nice little pushes that remind me to keep going. It is great knowing that others believe in me.”

ADA GIUSTITHE CIRCLE OF GIVING AT MONTANA STATE

The recipient of MSU’s 2014 Academic Advising Award, French professor Ada Giusti, has an established track record of incorporating service learning and research opportunities into her French language curriculum, encouraging her students to engage directly with people who need assistance.

In Morocco, Giusti established a partnership that connected four students with civic leaders in the remote village of Zawiya Ahansal. There, MSU students spent a week using their French skills to teach locals how to use and maintain donated computers.

Giusti has searched for other avenues to

connect students to unique opportunities to learn and serve, nominating students to receive Emerging

Scholars grants. With guidance from

professors like Giusti, Emerging Scholars pursue

hands-on experiences that can advance their academic careers and their professional prospects for the future.

Giusti has seen so much value created through Emerging Scholars that she has personally donated to the success of the program and encourages others to support the experiential learning that is so important to MSU’s students.

p. 19

The 1893 Society honors and recognizes those who have made a planned gift commitment to Montana State University. Through planned gifts, more than 500 alumni and friends have shared their vision for the university’s next generation of excellence.

Montana State University’s success is rooted in the vision and investment of its founders and the dedication of its faculty, students and community to create the state’s first institution of higher learning in 1893. Today, members of the 1893 Society continue to invest in the future of Montana State University.

Membership in the 1893 Society is extended to those who have provided for MSU with a deferred or other planned gift, such as annuities, trusts, retirement plans or life insurance policies. Visit our member list at msuaf.org/1893members.

ESTATE, TRUST AND PLANNED GIVING

AS OF JUNE 30, 2014, ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

HAVE COMMITTED

$35.8 MILLIONTO THE MSU ALUMNI FOUNDATION

THROUGH BEQUESTS, CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES, CHARITABLE TRUSTS AND

LIFE INSURANCE GIFTS.

IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE MSU ALUMNI FOUNDATION

HAS RECEIVED

$7.8 MILLIONIN PLANNED GIFTS TO SUPPORT

SCHOLARSHIPS, PROFESSORSHIPS AND PROGRAMS.

Planned gifts represent a major source of financial support to Montana State University, enhancing our ability to develop high-quality students and programs with wide-reaching, long-lasting effects in an outstanding educational environment. These gifts are truly a special expression of our donors’ loyalty to MSU and their commitment to its mission.

Willis and Nancy Wetstein

ENDOWMENT COMPOSITION BY AREA OF SUPPORTJune 30, 2014

Capital$8,665,169

Faculty$14,149,997

Programs$35,473,823

Students$80,560,725

ENDOWMENT AND TOTAL ASSETS

$50M

$100M

$150M

$200M

’14’13’12’11’10’09’08’07’06’05’04

EndowmentTotal assets

$138

,849

,715

$208

,315

,142

$165

,291

,174

$150

,717

,371

$126

,206

,477

$113

,702

,519

$136

,576

,508

$140

,509

,937

$117

,980

,189

$106

,903

,476

$96,

943,

246

$180

,287

,584

$121

,748

,996

$108

,586

,050

$109

,557

,844

$93,

258,

881

$81,

992,

898

$102

,628

,100

$110

,358

,198

$92,

851,

875

$81,

511,

619

$67,

409,

130

FINANCIALS

1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years

Return 15.1% 8.6% 11.1% 6.6%

INVESTMENT RETURNSFor the year ending June 30, 2014

p. 21

CashFixedIncome

RealAssets

Private Equity

International Equity

Absolute Return

Domestic Equity

22.2%

21.0%

21.9%

12.9%

13.7%

7.8%

0.6%

ENDOWMENT COMPOSITION BY ASSET CLASSJune 30, 2014

THANKS TO OUR DONORS, THE MSU FOUNDATION HAS BEEN

ABLE TO PROVIDE

$49 MILLIONIN SUPPORT TO MSU

OVER THE PAST

FIVE YEARSWITH

$18.6 MILLIONPROVIDED IN THE LAST YEAR ALONE

UPDATE Receive important news about MSU, event invitations and more by updating your contact information. msuaf.org/update

VOLUNTEER Discover the powerful influence you can create by volunteering your time to help students, other alumni and our MSU communities.msuaf.org/volunteer

JOIN Become part of the fast-growing MSU Alumni Association and stay connected as your university builds on its history and traditions.msuaf.org/join

GIVE Help advance MSU by connecting what is most important to you with MSU’s strategic ambitions.msuaf.org/give

HOW TO GET INVOLVEDThere are many ways for alumni and friends to deepen their connection with

Montana State University through the MSU Alumni Foundation. Call us at 800-457-1696

Photography courtesy of MSU University Communications and the MSU Alumni Foundation

THANK YOUFor more than a century, MSU’s friends and alumni have supported Montana State University through extraordinary generosity and spirit. With each new generation, our family grows larger, closer and stronger, carrying a shared passion for our university. Together, we are helping to build MSU’s future for generations to come.

We are grateful to all who have invested their time, energy and resources in support of MSU, and appreciate the strong level of engagement our alumni and friends show today. Thanks to long-standing support, MSU is poised to better deliver on its promise of offering students a world-class academic experience.

[email protected]

msuaf.org

twitter.com/MTStateAlumni

facebook.com/msu.alumni.association

P.O. Box 172750 Bozeman, MT 59717-2750

instagram.com/mtstatealumni

800-457-1696

SOCIAL MEDIACONTACT

msuaf.org/join

msuaf.org/give

JOIN

GIVE

Documents

MSU Alumni Foundation Annual Report FY 2014