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These are the counties with the most college graduates in Montana. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Montana State University Billings’ scholarship program for freshman in the school’s business program was awarded $20,000 this week.
Part of the Judith Covert and Sam E. McDonald, Jr. Family College of Business Freshman Incentive award, the gift will help fund 10 incoming first-year students in the MSUB College of Business with a two-semester, $2,000 scholarship.
The 2024-25 academic year marks the 15th year that this scholarship has been awarded. It aims to attract business students to MSUB and is named for Sam E. McDonald, Jr., a Billings native, entrepreneur and philanthropist, and best known as chairman and CEO of Wendy’s of Montana.
He and wife Judith Covert McDonald donated millions of dollars to causes and organizations across the state. Focusing on education and youth, they helped young people get through college and get started in life.
“Our parents would be proud to see how their investment in the MSU Billings Foundation and specifically the College of Business is paying dividends. The earnings from their endowment provide a long-term funding source for these student scholarships and much more,” said Greg McDonald, president of McDonald Land Development and Sam and Judith’s son.
Dr. Susan Gilbertz, Dean of the College of Business, said the gift helps local students take part in the strong programs at the College of Business.
“Our faculty report that this system motivates the awardees, and we know the awards make a real difference in the lives of our students. We are very grateful to the McDonald family for their support of our College of Business students,” Gilbertz said.
Intended as “financial jump-starters,” these scholarships provide promising students with the financial support and motivation to begin their college journeys. The second semester installment depends on strong academic performance in the first semester, a structure that has proven effective in fostering academic dedication and resilience.
Successful applicants need to be graduates of accredited Montana high schools, choose a major within the College of Business, be a full-time enrolled student, and have a 2.75 cumulative GPA or better. The award is specifically for incoming freshmen and applicants with financial need may receive preference.
The application priority deadline each year is Feb. 1, however awards may be granted throughout the year.
The MSU Billings Foundation is grateful for the McDonald family’s legacy and ongoing dedication to making higher education both accessible and transformative for MSUB students.
“Words cannot express how grateful I am to be a recipient of this scholarship,” said Shauna Schafer, a current scholarship recipient in the MSUB College of Business. “This award has eased the financial burden, allowing me to support both myself and my child while pursuing my academic and professional dreams. After gaining experience in the corporate world, my goal is to launch my own business. This scholarship has paved the way for me to better myself, support my child, and start on a career path I’m proud to pursue.”
To learn more about the benefits of the Montana Endowment Tax Credit through establishing a scholarship endowment at MSUB, please contact Kelly Schrock, Director of Principal Giving at the MSUB Foundation & Alumni, at 406-657-1625 or kelly.schrock@msubfoundation.com.
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