The Barbara “Malia” Kipp Scholarship has been created to celebrate the life of Lady Griz great Malia Kipp and support a tribal member from the state of Montana.
“Carl and I wanted to do something to honor Malia,” said Malia Kipp’s mother, Dee Ann, who along with her husband established the scholarship. “She cared deeply about her patients and was a fierce advocate for them. Marginalized people need health care workers like her, and she would approve of a scholarship supporting a student in the health field who will bring kindness and compassion to those who need it most.”
The scholarship will be annually awarded to a University of Montana undergraduate student who is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, with preference given to Montana natives. The honoree must also be a Missoula College student who is in a Health Professions Program, with a nod given to students studying nursing.
Malia Kipp received her R.N. from Salish Kootenai College and passionately served her elders and community for 22 years before passing away in December 2024.
During her time at the University of Montana, Kipp was a trailblazer: She was the first female tribal member in Montana to earn a full-ride Lady Griz scholarship. That opened the doors for many future Native American female athletes who looked up to her and aspired to play Division I athletics.
Kipp later became the first female inducted into the Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame.
A member of the Blackfeet Tribe, Kipp grew up in Browning and starred for the Lady Indians before graduating from Browning High in 1992. She spent much of her adult life working in Ronan.
Her story was recently told in the PBS documentary, “Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer,” an award-winning film from Family Theater Productions that was produced by former Lady Griz player Megan Harrington.
To support the Barbara “Malia” Kipp Scholarship, go to: supportum.org/give/ and under the donation amounts and contact info is “Designation Choices.” Select ‘Other’ and then in the box below, type in: Malia Kipp Scholarship. This will ensure your gift goes directly to support the scholarship.
All questions and donations can also be facilitated through Missoula College associated dean Grace Gardner or associate athletic director Dan Ingram.
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