Montana State University Alumni Foundation

Montana State University Alumni Foundation We create lifelong relationships and strengthen our resources to advance Montana State University.
(1)

The Montana State University Alumni Foundation exists to serve one mission, to “cultivate lifelong relationships and secure private support to advance Montana State University.”

With roots that go back to 1903, the Alumni Foundation has been instrumental in contributing to the long-term success of Montana State's land-grant mission to integrate education, create knowledge and art and serve commun

ities. We work to keep graduates and friends of our university connected to one another and to their alma mater, all while raising significant private financial support and providing stewardship for invested resources from many generous donors. At the end of 2018, we celebrated the conclusion of our first comprehensive fundraising campaign on behalf of the university. What it Takes—The Campaign for Montana State University was the most successful fundraising effort in the history of the state of Montana, having raised $413 million in support for the university.

Philip Brittan of Livingston, Montana, graduated from Park High School in 1984 and earned a degree from Harvard Universi...
09/10/2026

Philip Brittan of Livingston, Montana, graduated from Park High School in 1984 and earned a degree from Harvard University in 1988. He is CEO of Bloomfire, an enterprise software company, and founder and managing partner of The Innovation Ranch, a Montana-based technology incubator. His career has included leadership roles as founder and CEO of five startups, general manager at Bloomberg, chief technology officer and head of product at Thomson Reuters, and two positions at Google.

Brittan is most proud of returning to Montana after a successful career in New York and contributing to his home state through community involvement and technology innovation.

His connection to Montana State University began through his father, Gordon “Corky” Brittan, an MSU professor and the first Regents Professor in the Montana University System. Today, he serves on the Gianforte School of Computing Advisory Board, guest lectures in computer science courses, and supports MSU through leadership and engagement.

Chantel (McCormick) Schieffer ’99 of Helena, Montana, earned a B.A. in political science from Montana State University. ...
09/09/2026

Chantel (McCormick) Schieffer ’99 of Helena, Montana, earned a B.A. in political science from Montana State University. She is the founder and owner of True North Leadership, a national consulting firm that helps nonprofit, tribal, government and business leaders navigate change through values-based leadership. Her career began in political fundraising and public relations, where she raised more than $16 million for candidates and causes before transitioning to leadership development and executive coaching.

Schieffer is especially proud of nearly three decades of mentoring young women through Alpha Omicron Pi, from chapter adviser roles to her current service as International Vice President. She has also built opportunities for emerging leaders through initiatives such as Helena Young Professionals.

Her connection to MSU spans nearly 20 years of service as an AOII adviser, Bobcat mentor and Alumni Foundation Board member. Through mentoring and volunteer leadership, she has remained committed to helping the next generation of Bobcats find their path and purpose.

Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸 Our office is closed today in observance of the holiday and will reopen Tuesday.
09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

Our office is closed today in observance of the holiday and will reopen Tuesday.

Discover the best of Europe on this unforgettable 7-night voyage from Paris to Lisbon. Begin in Southampton and journey ...
09/05/2026

Discover the best of Europe on this unforgettable 7-night voyage from Paris to Lisbon. Begin in Southampton and journey through the renowned Bordeaux w**e region of Le Verdon, savor the flavors of Spain with a hands-on culinary experience, and explore the beautiful Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. From world-class w**e and cuisine to rich history and culture, every port offers a new adventure.

⚓ Location: Paris to Lisbon
🗓️ Date: September 21-29, 2027
💲 Price: From $2,599 per person, double occupancy. Airfare not included, but available from select cities.
🚢 Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises | Marina

Learn more at: msuaf.org/trailsofthevine-2027

Ken Kohoutek ’80 of Great Falls, Montana, earned a B.A. in art from Montana State University and an M.F.A. in sculpture ...
09/04/2026

Ken Kohoutek ’80 of Great Falls, Montana, earned a B.A. in art from Montana State University and an M.F.A. in sculpture from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1985. A nationally recognized ceramic artist, Kohoutek has built a distinguished career creating and exhibiting ceramic works while contributing to the arts community throughout Montana.

Among his proudest accomplishments is supporting art museums and arts programs across the state, helping expand access to and appreciation for the visual arts. Kohoutek credits Montana State University with providing an excellent education in ceramic arts that helped shape his career and artistic practice.

A dedicated Bobcat, he continues to support the MSU ceramics program and has strengthened opportunities for future students through the Kohoutek Family Scholarship in the MSU Hilleman Scholars Program, reflecting his ongoing commitment to art education and student success.

Cross the Atlantic in style on a remarkable 16-night voyage from London to New York. Departing from the historic port of...
09/04/2026

Cross the Atlantic in style on a remarkable 16-night voyage from London to New York. Departing from the historic port of Southampton, you’ll explore Dublin, sail past Iceland’s stunning fjords, and discover Nova Scotia's iconic lighthouses before sailing into the skyline of New York.

⚓ Location: London to New York
🗓️ Date: September 2–19, 2027
💲 Price: From $3,999 per person, double occupancy. Airfare not included, but available from select cities.
🚢 Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises | Sirena

Learn more at: msuaf.org/Atlantic-2027

Can't make it to Homecoming in person? 🎨🐾 Join the fun from wherever you are with our Bobcat coloring contest!Download t...
09/04/2026

Can't make it to Homecoming in person? 🎨🐾 Join the fun from wherever you are with our Bobcat coloring contest!

Download the coloring page, get creative, and submit your masterpiece by Sept. 21 for a chance to be featured on our social media. Two winners will also receive Bobcat Bookstore makeovers.

Download and submit at: msuaf.org/HCcoloring

Brett Gunnink of Green Valley, Arizona, earned a Ph.D. from Iowa State University. After serving on the civil engineerin...
09/03/2026

Brett Gunnink of Green Valley, Arizona, earned a Ph.D. from Iowa State University. After serving on the civil engineering faculty at the University of Missouri, he joined Montana State University in 2002 as head of the Department of Civil Engineering and was appointed dean of the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering in 2012. He led the college until his retirement in 2026.

Throughout his career, Gunnink championed engineering education, academic leadership and student success. He is especially proud of helping foster a more welcoming and inclusive culture for women and others who have historically been underrepresented in engineering.

During his tenure, the college experienced significant growth, including the construction of Norm Asbjornson Hall and Gianforte Hall, the establishment of the Gianforte School of Computing, and the naming of the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, reflecting the power of partnership and a shared vision for the future.

Get together with fellow MSU alumni at an event in September! ⁣Cheer on the Bobcats on the road in Reno, celebrate Homec...
09/03/2026

Get together with fellow MSU alumni at an event in September! ⁣

Cheer on the Bobcats on the road in Reno, celebrate Homecoming back in Bozeman, explore new adventures through CatTreks and join us for special campus celebrations, including the grand openings of Gianforte Hall and the Mark & Robyn Jones College of Nursing.

Learn more at: msuaf.org/events

Ellie Staley of Bozeman, Montana, serves as executive director of the Downtown Bozeman Partnership, where she leads effo...
09/02/2026

Ellie Staley of Bozeman, Montana, serves as executive director of the Downtown Bozeman Partnership, where she leads efforts focused on downtown revitalization, economic development and community collaboration. Her work brings together public and private partners to advance projects that strengthen Bozeman’s downtown and enhance quality of life.

Staley is especially proud of helping unite people around a shared vision for the community. Her accomplishments include advancing the I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park, supporting major public investments through the Downtown Urban Renewal District and fostering traditions that connect people and place.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Staley has supported Montana State University for more than 20 years. She helped launch the MSU Community Cat Walk tradition, championed numerous Homecoming and town-and-gown initiatives, and serves on President Brock Tessman’s Strategic Planning Outreach Committee, helping strengthen connections between MSU and the broader Bozeman community.

Address

1501 S 11th Avenue
Bozeman, MT
59715

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14069942053

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Montana State University Alumni Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Montana State University Alumni Foundation:

Shortcuts

Share