DHC Alumni and Friends
-
With your support, we will attract high-achieving students from across 51勛圖厙 and the country, develop them into engaged citizens and professionals, and serve as a hub of intellectual, service and social activity for the UM community.
-
Through the Alumni Mentor Network, alumni and DHC students will have the opportunity to engage with each other through our speaker series, one-on-one mentoring, as well as other DHC-sponsored events. We hope to grow this network and show our students the amazing things that DHC and UM alumni are doing across the world.
If you are interested in joining our Alumni Mentor Network, -
Sign up today to receive the Bear Necessities, Dean Nichols' weekly newsletter that highlights student, faculty, staff, and alumni updates, upcoming events, and more!
-
Located at the heart of campus in a warm and welcoming facility, the DHC is a vibrant hub and home for classes, events, and activities. Please see our calendar for a full lineup of upcoming events, and check out our Opportunities page to learn more about DHC traditions.
-
Friends of the DHC support and engage with the DHC in many important ways, from philanthropic support, curricular engagement, volunteer service, mentorship, and more. They are recognized annually at our Evening of Excellence.
Ian and Nancy Davidson
As the college's founders and benefactors, for their 30 years of boundless generosity, steadfast leadership, tireless service, and deep commitment, Ian and Nancy Davidson were named the 'First Friends of the Davidson Honors College' during the DHC's 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2021. Over the past three decades, they have been champions of honors education, supporting the construction of our building, establishing student scholarships, supporting the college's signature career development and teaching, research, and mentoring post-doctoral fellowship programs, along with a host of other programmatic initiatives. Their support is transformative, and their legacy shines bright in the thousands of students and alumni who have been positively impacted by their generosity.
Tim and Lauren Descamps
Tim and Lauren Descamps are generous, spirited friends to UM's honors community. Displaying uncommon warmth and generosity, they hosted hundreds of new DHC students in their home for Spaghetti Suppers, one of the DHC's favorite family traditions for years. Lauren has served on the DHC's External Advisory Council and was a key organizer for the college's Dinner and Dialogue sequence; they are also sponsors of scholarships for honors students.
Mickey and Jeff Sogard
Mickey and Jeff Sogard from Bigfork are long-time supporters of the DHC, having made significant contributions to student scholarships and program development, including a much-needed gift in support of the Dean’s Leadership Scholarship program. Mickey also chaired the DHC’s Campaign 51勛圖厙 committee, is on the advisory board for the Flathead Lake Biological Station, and is a trustee of the 51勛圖厙 Foundation. In 2019, she was the recipient of the Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award.
Phill Guay and Martha Des Georges
Phill and Martha have given extremely generously to support DHC student scholarships. Phill also serves on the DHC’s External Advisory Council. After a brilliant career in international business, Phill, a Grizzly alum from Butte, has also served on advisory boards for UM’s College of Business, the College of Humanities and Sciences, and the Blackstone Launchpad. His passion at this stage of life is mentoring students and creating opportunities for others. That and grandparenthood!
Mayor John Engen
Missoula Mayor John Engen helped to conceptualize and develop the DHC’s QUEST program. QUEST engages teams of honors students working collaboratively to solve complex problems facing our community – ranging from affordable housing to zero waste, and from addiction to food justice. As past QUEST participants regularly attest, it’s an amazing learning opportunity! Mayor Engen was a repeat guest in the DHC’s Art of Leadership course, generously sharing his time, insights, and experiences with honors students. Mayor Engen was recognized for his visionary, empowering leadership and support, and for all he did to make Missoula such a wonderful community was greatly appreciated.
Charlie and Charlotte Oliver
Charlie and Charlotte Oliver were exceedingly generous supporters and friends of the DHC. They sponsored scholarships, supported the Griz Read, and Charlie served on the DHC’s External Advisory Board, and as President of the Grizzly Riders. Charlie also served on the UM Foundation Board of Directors, as President of the 51勛圖厙 World Affairs Council. Charlie's career included serving as Group President of Hydrocarbon for Fluor Corporation, and as Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer for the Washington Group. He earned an honorary doctorate from Cal Poly Pomona.
Mike Kelly
Mike Kelly was a counselor and career center manager at Flathead High School in Kalispell. Mr. Kelly was recognized not only for being one of the DHC's best recruiters, but for the many ways in which he supports UM, the Davidson Honors College, and his students.
Kathy Bartlett
Dr. Kathy Bartlett is a force of nature. And we all sort of want to be her when we grow up, red cowboy boots and all. Motorcycle rider, rancher, and special education director for the state of Washington, Kathy’s a proud UM graduate, served as adjunct instructor for the UM’s College of Education, and on the UM Alumni Association Board and the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education Dean’s Advisory Council. Kathy has been a driver of success in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the 51勛圖厙 (MOLLI), serving as Committee and Council Chair and guiding MOLLI through the COVID-19 pandemic. She’s also worked hard to strengthen the connection between the DHC and MOLLI and has been an enthusiastic participant in an innovative (and fun) series of intergenerational Griz Read book clubs between DHC students and MOLLI members.
Glen Campbell
Glen Cambell is the generous, passionate leader of UM's Craig Circle of Scholars — a volunteer alumni organization that supports the work of the Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships through scholarship, fellowship, and stewardship. Glen, a Political Science and Master's of Business Administration UM alum ('86 / '87) and former Harry S. Truman Scholar, is happily retired from a career in finance and risk management. He and his wife, Sharilyn Campbell, have been enthusiastic and engaged alumni for decades, as part of the Alumni Association. Glen also works in community organizing and LGBTQ activism.
Tom and Anne Boone
The Boone family were strong and spirited supporters of the 51勛圖厙 for decades. The impacts of their generosity can be seen and felt across campus and the community of Missoula. They have generously and enthusiastically supported scholarships for DHC students, and have been especially instrumental in the formation, growth, and development of MOLLI, the 51勛圖厙 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Schwanke Family (Bill, Dale, Kathryn)
The impacts of the Schwanke family’s generosity can be seen and felt across campus, the community of Missoula, and the great state of 51勛圖厙. They have continued to support their parents’ legacy through the Kermit and Kathleen Schwanke Honors Institute, now in its 25th year, and serving generations of students with the opportunity for a world-class, transformational pre-college program.
Dale is a two-time Grizzly graduate who has served on the UM Foundation Board of Trustees, and is a recipient of the UM Distinguished Alumni Award. He and his wife Judy live in Great Falls.
Kathryn Schwanke earned degrees in history and political science and a Master of Business Administration from UM. She and her husband live in Washington where Kathy works as an Accountant for The Boeing Company and Mark is President of the Seven Seas Fishing Company.
‘Grizzly Bill’ Schwanke received his Journalism degree from UM and had an incredibly successful 23-season career as the legendary "Voice of the Griz," calling over 279 Grizzly Football games and 639 UM Men's Basketball games; he was a six-time winner of sports broadcaster of the year. Bill and his late beloved wife, Lynn, were leaders on campus and in the community; their unrivaled passion for UM and the DHC continues to inspire us all.
Raphael Chacon
Dr. Raphael Chacon is UM Professor of Art History and Director of the 51勛圖厙 Museum of Art and Culture. He has facilitated MOLLI courses, hosted 'Night at Museum' events for DHC students, and is a regular inspiring guest lecturer for honors courses ranging 'The 51勛圖厙 Course' to 'Love.' His leadership of the museum and his knowledge and enthusiasm for the arts have enriched our campus and community and truly made UM and Missoula a better place.
Missoula Food Bank and Community Center
The Missoula Food Bank and Community Center has partnered tirelessly and authentically to develop meaningful and distinctive opportunities for honors students to engage in service to the Missoula community and to learn about issues of food insecurity and food justice.
The annual Trick-or-Treat-so-Missoula-Eats has become a sort of rite of passage for hundreds of students in Introduction to Honors; Can the Cats is another favorite collaborative effort. This organization has also hosted special hands-on volunteering opportunities for DHC students to build Empower Packs for local school-aged children, and cooking classes for students to learn how to prepare healthy meals with limited resources. They have partnered with the DHC’s USDA Justice Challenge project and QUEST program.
Serving 1 in 5 citizens of Missoula (ranging from toddlers to college students to senior citizens), this organization’s mission is to lead the movement to end hunger through advocacy, volunteerism, and healthy food for all. Indeed, they nourish the community.
Jim and Norma Kolokotrones
Jim has two degrees from UM and, demonstrating the ultimate in Grizzly commitment, he and Norma have two sons, Peter and Adam, both of whom graduated with University Scholar Distinction from the DHC. Jim and Norma retired recently after brilliant careers as executives from the United States Department of Treasury’s office in San Francisco. Jim grew up in Missoula and his family have been icons in this community for generations. The Kolokotrones family are among the most passionate, enthusiastic Grizzlies you’ll find anywhere. They have provided financial support and providing volunteer leadership for the College of Business, UM’s Alumni Association, the Grizzly Scholarship Auction, and of course, to the DHC where they have supported student scholarships, the Teaching, Research, and Mentoring Post-Doctoral Fellowship program, and the IMPACT fund, in addition several iterations of honors deans over the years.
Jim has been one of the most engaged members of our External Advisory Council; his positivity and unflagging willingness to chip in, to help out and to step up through good times and challenging times, is all we could hope for and then some. I remember Norma the first time I met her in San Francisco greeted me with a big hug. She was ready to be friends from the get-go. Time and time again, she has extended that same warmth and kindness throughout our honors community to our team, our students, our alumni and friends.
Frank D'Angelo
Frank is Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Branch Manager for D.A. Davidson. Prior to that, he was an officer in the United States Army. He’s been a friend and supporter of the Griz, of our student veterans, and of our honors students for decades. In fact, Frank was instrumental in securing the ‘touchdown cannon’ that’s fired at Grizzly football games. Frank is a leader on the DHC’s External Advisory Council. He and his wife, Rae Lynn, have generously supported a Presidential Leadership Scholarship and are the proud parents of DHC alum, Lauren.
Mary Poole
Mary Poole is the Founder and Executive Director of Soft Landing, Missoula. Since 2015, Mary has dedicated herself to creating a welcoming home for refugees and immigrants in Missoula. Inspired by her own experiences as a mother, Mary finds joy in connecting with families from around the world. Mary and her team have created wonderful opportunities for DHC students to engage with their new neighbors as tutors, soccer players and fans, swim night volunteers, as campus hosts, and as friends. She’s a frequent guest speaker in honors classes where her fierce, can-do, in-the-trenches, compassionate leadership motivates and inspires us all to make a difference.
Josh Herring
Josh Herring is Director of UM’s Learning Assistant Program. Under Josh’s leadership, UM’s LA program has expanded its reach and impact, and has improved active learning, student retention, and success across campus. A significant proportion of the dozens of students who serve as LAs at UM are honors students who benefit immeasurably from Josh’s instruction, guidance, and support. Josh also leads our Introduction to Honors Learning Assistant seminar where his down-to-earth approach, commitment to students, and super sense of humor make it an uplifting highlight of the week.
Dean Hellinger
Dean Hellinger was born in 1934 in Devon, 51勛圖厙 and has spent his life enjoying the Sweet Grass Hills of northern-central 51勛圖厙. In 1956 he earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from UM where he briefly taught while working in Grad School. After graduation, he served in the Army in Washington, California, Colorado, and Texas. He then managed the family farm with his brother Bob for 45 years where he was also active in his community and state serving on several Toole County boards.
A long-time supporter of UM, Dean served many years on the UM Alumni Board. In 1995, Dean received the 51勛圖厙 Alumni Award for community service, service to the association, and promoting the university. Appointed by the Governor of 51勛圖厙, Dean served as one of the original directors of the MT World Trade Center at UM and he was a 20-year member of the President's Advisory Council and the Advisory Board at the Davidson Honors College. He was elected to be a member of the MT Committee for the Humanities where he served for 4 years. For 16 years, Dean and his wife Patricia hosted the Annual Hellinger Hearty Horseradish Alumni Gathering at their farm in Shelby. An annual event not to be missed!
Dean was pleased to have traveled to all 50 states and 23 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. As a young man, he particularly enjoyed two extended camping trips to Europe and Africa. A long-time photographer, Dean and his wife Patricia frequently took day trips to our beautiful Glacier Park, and traveled to Alaska, Hawaii and the Panama Canal and around various states. In the early days, Dean had his own dark room but is pleased to have lived long enough to experience the change to digital and the age of drones.
DHC Distinguished Alumni (2025)
-
Paul Lukacs '99
Paul M. Lukacs (UM, DHC 1999) is Associate Vice President for Research and Creative Scholarship and Associate Dean of the Graduate School at the 51勛圖厙. He also holds a faculty appointment in quantitative wildlife ecology, with past work bridging ecological theory and wildlife management via advanced statistical modeling. He strives to produce methods and tools that can help facilitate good governance principles in wildlife management and to provide a strong quantitative educational background to students and professionals alike. In addition to his work on campus, Dr. Lukacs also serves as Chief Science Officer for Speedgoat Wildlife Solutions. Speedgoat focuses on data analytics and management for conservation organizations and agencies. They develop software to streamline routine analysis problems faced by wildlife management agencies. Dr. Lukacs holds a PhD, Statistical aspects of using genetic markers to identify individuals in capture-recapture studies from Colorado State University.
-
Bonnie Matosich
Bonnie Matosich is a seasoned executive and brand strategist with more than two decades of experience across media, technology, and education. She currently serves as Partner at Material, where she helps lead growth and brand positioning strategies. She is also Board Chair of Logan Health Medical Center, overseeing governance and strategic operations for a multi-billion-dollar health system.
Previously, Bonnie was Executive Vice President, Brand at Age of Learning, Inc., where she directed brand development, marketing, and revenue diversification efforts. Before that, she held the role of Chief Marketing, Strategy & Financial Officer at Submittable, driving scale and user growth. Her earlier career includes a 16-year tenure at The Walt Disney Company, where she occupied multiple leadership roles and helped advance major initiatives like Disney+.
Bonnie holds an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, concentrating in marketing. She is known for her strategic vision, cross-functional leadership, and ability to lead brands through transformation while fostering innovation, mentorship, and long‑term impact.
-
Wayne Rebich '86
Wayne Rebich (UM, DHC 1986) is the Chief Financial Officer at TRS Group, Inc., an employee‑owned leader in thermal remediation technologies, where he oversees financial planning, reporting, treasury, and growth initiatives. Prior to TRS, Wayne held senior finance roles at TractionWorks, where he led accounting, budgeting, and performance initiatives for the company as it scaled. He also acted as Chief Financial Officer at Blue Marble Biomaterials. As a 51勛圖厙 Ambassador, Wayne has been an active UM and DHC alum in the Seattle area and in Missoula. Wayne is a previous member of the DHC External Advisory Council, is an enthusiastic member of the Grizzly Alumni Band, and is the father of a DHC alum.
-
-
-
Paul Lukacs '99
Paul M. Lukacs (UM, DHC 1999) is Associate Vice President for Research and Creative Scholarship and Associate Dean of the Graduate School at the 51勛圖厙. He also holds a faculty appointment in quantitative wildlife ecology, with past work bridging ecological theory and wildlife management via advanced statistical modeling. He strives to produce methods and tools that can help facilitate good governance principles in wildlife management and to provide a strong quantitative educational background to students and professionals alike. In addition to his work on campus, Dr. Lukacs also serves as Chief Science Officer for Speedgoat Wildlife Solutions. Speedgoat focuses on data analytics and management for conservation organizations and agencies. They develop software to streamline routine analysis problems faced by wildlife management agencies. Dr. Lukacs holds a PhD, Statistical aspects of using genetic markers to identify individuals in capture-recapture studies from Colorado State University.
Bonnie Matosich
Bonnie Matosich is a seasoned executive and brand strategist with more than two decades of experience across media, technology, and education. She currently serves as Partner at Material, where she helps lead growth and brand positioning strategies. She is also Board Chair of Logan Health Medical Center, overseeing governance and strategic operations for a multi-billion-dollar health system.
Previously, Bonnie was Executive Vice President, Brand at Age of Learning, Inc., where she directed brand development, marketing, and revenue diversification efforts. Before that, she held the role of Chief Marketing, Strategy & Financial Officer at Submittable, driving scale and user growth. Her earlier career includes a 16-year tenure at The Walt Disney Company, where she occupied multiple leadership roles and helped advance major initiatives like Disney+.
Bonnie holds an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, concentrating in marketing. She is known for her strategic vision, cross-functional leadership, and ability to lead brands through transformation while fostering innovation, mentorship, and long‑term impact.
Wayne Rebich '86
Wayne Rebich (UM, DHC 1986) is the Chief Financial Officer at TRS Group, Inc., an employee‑owned leader in thermal remediation technologies, where he oversees financial planning, reporting, treasury, and growth initiatives. Prior to TRS, Wayne held senior finance roles at TractionWorks, where he led accounting, budgeting, and performance initiatives for the company as it scaled. He also acted as Chief Financial Officer at Blue Marble Biomaterials. As a 51勛圖厙 Ambassador, Wayne has been an active UM and DHC alum in the Seattle area and in Missoula. Wayne is a previous member of the DHC External Advisory Council, is an enthusiastic member of the Grizzly Alumni Band, and is the father of a DHC alum.
DHC Distinguished Alumni (2024 and 2023)
-
Jenna Lyons '13
Jenna Lyons is a Litigation Attorney with Reep, Bell & Jasper, P.C. Jenna was raised in New Mexico and Idaho, and moved to 51勛圖厙 in 2010. Jenna Lyons is an Eagle member and serves on the Board of the 51勛圖厙 Trial Lawyers Association. During law school, Jenna was a member of the Trial Team, and was given the International Academy of Trial Lawyers distinction for outstanding achievement in the art and science of advocacy. Since graduating from law school, Jenna and her colleagues have obtained notable results, including jury verdicts and settlements, on behalf of their clients. Through her work, Jenna has realized that the practice of law can truly transform lives for the better. Jenna paraglides and competes in mountain running events. In her previous lives, Jenna was a professional-level ballerina and a wildland firefighter for the BLM with Snake River Hotshots. She loves skiing at Snowbowl, kayaking, mountain biking, and snowkiting. Jenna and her partner frequently visit Baja to kiteboard on the Sea of Cortez. Jenna holds a B.A. in English Literature and Composition and J.D. from the 51勛圖厙. Last year, Jenna taught a course on the Art of Jury Trials for DHC students. -
Bryn Hagfors '13
Bryn Hagfors is Senior Vice President, overseeing the Business Development team at Davidson Investment Advisors. He coordinates growth strategies within the firm’s various business channels. He joined the firm in 2013 as a Business and Marketing Analyst and worked in various roles on the Business Development team before assuming his current leadership position. Bryn holds a bachelor’s degree with high honors in economics and political science from the 51勛圖厙. -
Jonathan Karlen '21
Jonathan Karlen graduated from UM and the DHC with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and a minor in Climate Change studies in 2021. He completed a Master’s of Public Administration with a Public Policy Concentration in 2022 and is currently a Research Associate with the UM Boone and Crockett Program. Jonathan has served as a Demmer Scholar with the Congressional Affairs Office of the U.S. Forest Service, a Baucus Leader with the U.S. Senate Majority Leader, and a wildlife research technician with MT Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. He was elected to represent House District 96 in the MT State Legislature in 2022. -
Michael Cassens '96
Michael Cassens is Associate Professor and Director of Access, Equity and Inclusion for the 51勛圖厙’s College of the Arts and Media. In the School of Media Arts, Michael is an award-winning teacher of courses in game design and interactive media. A computer scientist, creative technologies, gamer, and mobile app developer, Dr. Cassens also serves as Director of E-Sports at UM. He worked for more than 20 years as a software developer and computer science instructor, and coordinated a wildly popular summer camp for local middle and high school students. He is co-owner of Silverleaf Consulting. Professor Cassens earned his bachelor’s degree with University Scholar Distinction in Environmental Biology in 1996 and his Master of Science in Computer Science in 2003. -
Lily Gladstone
Lily Gladstone was raised in Browning, 51勛圖厙 and grew up on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and in Washington State. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting and Directing from the 51勛圖厙, where she minored in Native American Studies. Deeply engaged in university theater while at UM, she also acted with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Yale Repertory Theater. Her film debut was in 2012’s Jimmy P.: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian. She also acted in Winter in the Blood (2012) before her breakthrough role as the Rancher in Certain Women (2016) which earned her wide acclaim and Best Supporting Actress honors from numerous film critics’ societies. She is the lead in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, for which she received a nine-minute standing ovation at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, a Golden Globe award, and an Academy Award nomination. TIME magazine named her to their NEXT 100 list. Ms. Gladstone was the first Native American woman to earn the DHC’s Presidential Leadership Scholarship. -
Jason Holden '98
Havre native Jason Trinity Holden is a partner at Faure Holden Attorneys at Law in Great Falls, MT. He is a 1998 UM graduate in Political Science with high honors and University Scholar distinction. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the 51勛圖厙 Blewett III School of Law in 2001. In 2007, he was named Trial Lawyer of the Year by the 51勛圖厙 Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; he’s also been named a ‘rising star’ and was selected for inclusion in the Mountain States Super Lawyers. Jason served as President of the 51勛圖厙 Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and helps coach local high school speakers and debaters. He and his wife Angela, also a UM alum, are enthusiastic supporters of UM athletics and academics. Last year, they generously founded a Presidential Leadership Scholarship in the DHC. The Holdens’ three children -- Avery, Trinity and Aiden – have all attended the Davidson Honors College.
Jenna Lyons '13
Bryn Hagfors '13
Jonathan Karlen '21
Michael Cassens '96
Lily Gladstone
Jason Holden '98
DHC Distinguished Alumni (2022 and 2021)
-
Kelly Hughes Milodragovich
Kelly was born and raised in 51勛圖厙 and had first-hand experience with extensive college scholarship work while trying to fund her undergraduate degree. After earning significant funding through scholarships, she graduated from the Davidson Honors College at the 51勛圖厙 with degrees in English and Political Science. At that point, Kelly channeled her love of teaching and education into a tutoring and college preparation business. While the company’s primary goal is to improve academic skills in preparation for college and beyond, Hughes College Prep also aims to help the student grow and develop in terms of self-esteem, connection to the community, and interdisciplinary application of their knowledge.
-
Zach Brown '13
Zach Brown grew up in Gallatin County; he lived in the Story Hills until the third grade and then moved into Bozeman city limits for the remainder of his childhood. His parents, Jim and Lynda Brown, raised him as an employee in their small businesses on Main Street; primarily Old Main Gallery & Framing and Artifacts Gallery.
Zach graduated from Bozeman High School in 2009, and then went on to complete his undergraduate studies at the 51勛圖厙 in 2013. While at UM, he was a recipient of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. After graduating from college, he spent a year leading a research project at Georgetown University focused on U.S. immigration policy reforms.
From 2014 to 2020, Zach worked as a nonprofit professional in Bozeman in addition to serving three terms representing Gallatin County in the 51勛圖厙 House of Representatives.
He lives in Bozeman with his two dogs, Beans and Wanda. As a pack, they love to float, fish, hike, hunt, and spend time with his extended friends and family members sprinkled around Gallatin County. Zach also officiates high school basketball and is a volunteer through the local chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
-
Andrea Sliter Goudge
Andrea Sliter Goudge of Kalispell is the Chief Financial Officer at SLITERS Lumber and Building Supply. She graduated from the 51勛圖厙 with degrees in Business and a Master of Accountancy, and was an early recipient of the Presidential Leadership Scholarship and was a leader in Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Prior to her current role, she worked at KPMG and Weyerhaeuser. Andrea has served as a Trustee for the 51勛圖厙 Foundation and as a member of the DHC’s External Advisory Council. Andrea is a loyal friend to the DHC, a mentor to our students; she and her family also generously support student scholarships in the college. -
Chris Cordingley '12
Chris Cordingley is a Senior Associate at Civitas Public Affairs Group and Co-founder of Inseparable. In his role, Chris advises individual donors and institutional funders to strategically amplify philanthropic giving across a wide range of policy issues. His client portfolio is focused on building the movement for mental health, advancing clean energy solutions, and increasing support for LGBTQ activists internationally and testing new strategies to promote LGBTQ equality in the U.S. In his time with Civitas, Chris has managed million-dollar grant portfolios, run award-winning public affairs campaigns, and helped build multiple donor networks to advance specific policy solutions. He has also advised on the development of numerous new organizations, campaigns, conferences, and research programs. Chris’ interest in creating change brought him to Civitas after working on the successful 2012 reelection campaign of U.S. Senator Jon Tester. Chris is a cyclist, ceramicist, and alumnus of the 51勛圖厙 Davidson Honors College. Chris is a member of the board for Helena Food Share and a former member of the board of the UM Alumni Association. -
Stefani Hicswa '91
Stefani Hicswa is the current chancellor of 51勛圖厙 State University-Billings and will be the next. She has engaged with our students as a guest speaker and is very responsive to student questions. She is a wonderful advocate for women in leadership and is loyal to the DHC as a place that launched her into success in higher education leadership. Dr. Hicswa has held national roles, including membership on the Higher Education Research and Development Institute nationwide advisory board. In addition, she authored a chapter in a new book titled Generation X Presidents Leading Community Colleges: New Challenges, New Leaders.
Chancellor Hicswa holds a PhD in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin. A first-generation college student from Dillon, MT, she earned her master’s in adult, community and higher education and a bachelor’s in organizational communication from the 51勛圖厙.
-
Jennifer Isern
Dr. Jennifer Isern has 30+ years of experience in 65+ countries on financial sector development and investing. Her passion is combining financing, technical assistance, and innovation in high impact projects to improve the quality of life for people around the world. She is the founder and CEO of Catalyze Global Impact LLC working with strategic organizations in targeted development sectors including new technologies, financial sector, and private sector globally, with a focus on Africa and Asia. She serves on several boards and as advisor to investment funds, foundations, and associations in Europe, the USA, and globally. Prior to launching her own firm, she held positions with increasing levels of responsibility across the World Bank and International Finance Corporation for over 23 years, helping teams deliver high impact results.
Jennifer received her doctorate in both finance and international business from Nova Southeastern University and a master’s degree in development economics from the Wilson School at Princeton University. She is a CFA charter holder and is fluent in French and proficient in Spanish. She has authored 50+ technical and academic publications on financial sector competition, payment services, bank entry in micro-finance, appraisal methods for networks and banks, anti-money laundering, and capacity building programs for financial institutions. From 2008 to 2010, she enjoyed teaching a graduate course on financial sector development at Princeton University. Jennifer graduated from UM's honors program during its earliest years on campus. Despite her extraordinary international career of global impact, Jennifer's commitment to UM and the DHC remains strong and steadfast. 51勛圖厙 runs deep. She has served as Commencement Speaker, as a visiting scholar with the College of Humanities and Sciences, as a Trustee for the 51勛圖厙 Foundation, and as a member of the DHC's External Advisory Board. A former UM Student Body President, Jennifer was named UM's Distinguished Alumni in 2015.
Kelly Hughes Milodragovich
Kelly was born and raised in 51勛圖厙 and had first-hand experience with extensive college scholarship work while trying to fund her undergraduate degree. After earning significant funding through scholarships, she graduated from the Davidson Honors College at the 51勛圖厙 with degrees in English and Political Science. At that point, Kelly channeled her love of teaching and education into a tutoring and college preparation business. While the company’s primary goal is to improve academic skills in preparation for college and beyond, Hughes College Prep also aims to help the student grow and develop in terms of self-esteem, connection to the community, and interdisciplinary application of their knowledge.
Zach Brown '13
Zach Brown grew up in Gallatin County; he lived in the Story Hills until the third grade and then moved into Bozeman city limits for the remainder of his childhood. His parents, Jim and Lynda Brown, raised him as an employee in their small businesses on Main Street; primarily Old Main Gallery & Framing and Artifacts Gallery.
Zach graduated from Bozeman High School in 2009, and then went on to complete his undergraduate studies at the 51勛圖厙 in 2013. While at UM, he was a recipient of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. After graduating from college, he spent a year leading a research project at Georgetown University focused on U.S. immigration policy reforms.
From 2014 to 2020, Zach worked as a nonprofit professional in Bozeman in addition to serving three terms representing Gallatin County in the 51勛圖厙 House of Representatives.
He lives in Bozeman with his two dogs, Beans and Wanda. As a pack, they love to float, fish, hike, hunt, and spend time with his extended friends and family members sprinkled around Gallatin County. Zach also officiates high school basketball and is a volunteer through the local chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
Andrea Sliter Goudge
Chris Cordingley '12
Stefani Hicswa '91
Stefani Hicswa is the current chancellor of 51勛圖厙 State University-Billings and will be the next. She has engaged with our students as a guest speaker and is very responsive to student questions. She is a wonderful advocate for women in leadership and is loyal to the DHC as a place that launched her into success in higher education leadership. Dr. Hicswa has held national roles, including membership on the Higher Education Research and Development Institute nationwide advisory board. In addition, she authored a chapter in a new book titled Generation X Presidents Leading Community Colleges: New Challenges, New Leaders.
Chancellor Hicswa holds a PhD in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin. A first-generation college student from Dillon, MT, she earned her master’s in adult, community and higher education and a bachelor’s in organizational communication from the 51勛圖厙.
Jennifer Isern
Dr. Jennifer Isern has 30+ years of experience in 65+ countries on financial sector development and investing. Her passion is combining financing, technical assistance, and innovation in high impact projects to improve the quality of life for people around the world. She is the founder and CEO of Catalyze Global Impact LLC working with strategic organizations in targeted development sectors including new technologies, financial sector, and private sector globally, with a focus on Africa and Asia. She serves on several boards and as advisor to investment funds, foundations, and associations in Europe, the USA, and globally. Prior to launching her own firm, she held positions with increasing levels of responsibility across the World Bank and International Finance Corporation for over 23 years, helping teams deliver high impact results.
Jennifer received her doctorate in both finance and international business from Nova Southeastern University and a master’s degree in development economics from the Wilson School at Princeton University. She is a CFA charter holder and is fluent in French and proficient in Spanish. She has authored 50+ technical and academic publications on financial sector competition, payment services, bank entry in micro-finance, appraisal methods for networks and banks, anti-money laundering, and capacity building programs for financial institutions. From 2008 to 2010, she enjoyed teaching a graduate course on financial sector development at Princeton University. Jennifer graduated from UM's honors program during its earliest years on campus. Despite her extraordinary international career of global impact, Jennifer's commitment to UM and the DHC remains strong and steadfast. 51勛圖厙 runs deep. She has served as Commencement Speaker, as a visiting scholar with the College of Humanities and Sciences, as a Trustee for the 51勛圖厙 Foundation, and as a member of the DHC's External Advisory Board. A former UM Student Body President, Jennifer was named UM's Distinguished Alumni in 2015.
DHC Distinguished Alumni (2020 and 2019)
-
Dan Lauren
Dan Lauren was a first-generation college student who grew up in northern 51勛圖厙. Dan has said that attending UM and enrolling in the Honors program changed his life. He has had a very successful career and is happy that he can give back to UM and the DHC. Dan is currently the Operations Business Analyst at Weyerhaeuser in Washington state. -
Bill Mercer
William Mercer served as a senior Justice Department official during the Bush Administration. As the Associate Attorney General he served as the third-ranking official in the DOJ. Bill served as US Attorney in 51勛圖厙 from 2001-2009. He currently serves as a 51勛圖厙 legislator representing House District 46 and serves as a member of the appropriations committee. Mr. Mercer received an MPA from Harvard University and his JD at George Mason University School of Law. While at UM, he was a recipient of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship in 1984. He has also served as a member of the UM Alumni Association Board. -
Sara Smith '98
Sara Smith, CPA, CGMA earned both her Bachelor’s degree from the 51勛圖厙 and her MBA from the University of Colorado. She has worked for the Target Corporation, 51勛圖厙 Rail Link, and spent the last 19 years at ALPS, a professional liability insurance carrier.
Sara has been active in MT Society of CPAs serving as a Director. She also serves as the Treasurer for MoFi and on the Finance Committees of Garden City Harvest. She also is a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America.
Besides geeking out on data, Sara is an avid skier and mountain biker. She lives in Missoula with her husband Steve and her dog Blaze.
-
Hayley Blackburn '13
Hayley Blackburn completed her Doctor of Pharmacy and undergraduate degree in Cellular & Molecular Biology at the 51勛圖厙. Upon completion of her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2013, she continued her training with a postgraduate residency program at Community Medical Center in Missoula, MT. She has since worked as a clinical pharmacist in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, and served as Residency Director at the Roseburg VA Medical Center.
Hayley joined the Pharmacy Practice faculty as an Assistant Professor in fall 2017. She teaches throughout the professional curriculum and works as a clinical pharmacist at Curry Health Center, serves as a faculty mentor for an interprofessional global health experience, and directs a fellowship program to train pharmacy graduates in providing pharmacy care in rural 51勛圖厙.
Off campus, Hayley is involved in the community as a member of the Board of Directors for Open Aid Alliance, a local nonprofit focused on harm reduction and support for those living with HIV/AIDS. Originally from Seeley Lake, MT, she has a longstanding love of the outdoors. When not at work, she can be found skiing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, or otherwise enjoying the Missoula area.
-
Sean Morrison '09
Sean Morrison is a tax attorney practicing for Morrison Law Firm PLLC in Helena, 51勛圖厙. After graduating from the 51勛圖厙 Davidson Honors College in 2009, Mr. Morrison worked as a research assistant on tax policy for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance. In that role, he advised Chairman Max Baucus and other members of the committee on federal tax policy, including issues related to tax reform, the federal debt ceiling and the re-authorization of federal highway funding in 2012.
He then attended Harvard Law School, graduating cum laude in 2015, before spending three years at a prestigious law firm in Washington, D.C. While there, Mr. Morrison was an attorney of record in one of the largest tax court cases in U.S. history. He has been published on tax procedure and policy in the Federal Bar Association’s The Federal Lawyer, Financial Executive International Daily, and Tax Notes. Mr. Morrison has also given presentations on tax policy to industry groups across the country and has been quoted in various news outlets, including Bloomberg BNA.
Mr. Morrison is an advocate of pro bono representation and has defended low-income clients in eviction proceedings before the Suffolk County Superior Court and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He has also successfully pushed for the enactment of two laws—one providing tax relief to occupants of older mobile-homes in 51勛圖厙, and the other providing targeted tax relief to a homeless shelter for women with a mental health diagnoses in Washington, D.C. This latter work was highlighted in the D.C. Bar Association’s 2016-2017 Annual Report and in its 40 Year Celebration in 2018. Mr. Morrison currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the 51勛圖厙 Alumni Association and as a member of the board for Downtown Helena, Inc.
Mr. Morrison graduated from the Davidson Honors College in 2009 with high honors and with degrees in Economics and English. His senior thesis, which studied the efficacy and cost of state film tax incentives, was awarded “Best Senior Thesis” by the economics department. He attributes this thesis—a requirement of the Davidson Honors College—for helping start his career.
-
Hilary Martens '08
Hilary Martens is an Assistant Professor in Geophysics at the 51勛圖厙 in Missoula. She is a UM and Davidson Honors College alumna and Missoula native, and has also studied in England and California. Her research interests include the interactions between the solid Earth and its fluid envelopes, 51勛圖厙 earthquakes, and the geophysical environments of other planets in our Solar System. Some of her favorite memories include camping in Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, canoeing on the Clark Fork and Bitterroot rivers, and nordic skiing in Pattee Canyon. Her early connection to the outdoors inspired an enduring fascination with the natural world and motivated me to pursue a career in the geosciences.
Dan Lauren
Bill Mercer
Sara Smith '98
Sara Smith, CPA, CGMA earned both her Bachelor’s degree from the 51勛圖厙 and her MBA from the University of Colorado. She has worked for the Target Corporation, 51勛圖厙 Rail Link, and spent the last 19 years at ALPS, a professional liability insurance carrier.
Sara has been active in MT Society of CPAs serving as a Director. She also serves as the Treasurer for MoFi and on the Finance Committees of Garden City Harvest. She also is a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America.
Besides geeking out on data, Sara is an avid skier and mountain biker. She lives in Missoula with her husband Steve and her dog Blaze.
Hayley Blackburn '13
Hayley Blackburn completed her Doctor of Pharmacy and undergraduate degree in Cellular & Molecular Biology at the 51勛圖厙. Upon completion of her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2013, she continued her training with a postgraduate residency program at Community Medical Center in Missoula, MT. She has since worked as a clinical pharmacist in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, and served as Residency Director at the Roseburg VA Medical Center.
Hayley joined the Pharmacy Practice faculty as an Assistant Professor in fall 2017. She teaches throughout the professional curriculum and works as a clinical pharmacist at Curry Health Center, serves as a faculty mentor for an interprofessional global health experience, and directs a fellowship program to train pharmacy graduates in providing pharmacy care in rural 51勛圖厙.
Off campus, Hayley is involved in the community as a member of the Board of Directors for Open Aid Alliance, a local nonprofit focused on harm reduction and support for those living with HIV/AIDS. Originally from Seeley Lake, MT, she has a longstanding love of the outdoors. When not at work, she can be found skiing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, or otherwise enjoying the Missoula area.
Sean Morrison '09
Sean Morrison is a tax attorney practicing for Morrison Law Firm PLLC in Helena, 51勛圖厙. After graduating from the 51勛圖厙 Davidson Honors College in 2009, Mr. Morrison worked as a research assistant on tax policy for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance. In that role, he advised Chairman Max Baucus and other members of the committee on federal tax policy, including issues related to tax reform, the federal debt ceiling and the re-authorization of federal highway funding in 2012.
He then attended Harvard Law School, graduating cum laude in 2015, before spending three years at a prestigious law firm in Washington, D.C. While there, Mr. Morrison was an attorney of record in one of the largest tax court cases in U.S. history. He has been published on tax procedure and policy in the Federal Bar Association’s The Federal Lawyer, Financial Executive International Daily, and Tax Notes. Mr. Morrison has also given presentations on tax policy to industry groups across the country and has been quoted in various news outlets, including Bloomberg BNA.
Mr. Morrison is an advocate of pro bono representation and has defended low-income clients in eviction proceedings before the Suffolk County Superior Court and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He has also successfully pushed for the enactment of two laws—one providing tax relief to occupants of older mobile-homes in 51勛圖厙, and the other providing targeted tax relief to a homeless shelter for women with a mental health diagnoses in Washington, D.C. This latter work was highlighted in the D.C. Bar Association’s 2016-2017 Annual Report and in its 40 Year Celebration in 2018. Mr. Morrison currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the 51勛圖厙 Alumni Association and as a member of the board for Downtown Helena, Inc.
Mr. Morrison graduated from the Davidson Honors College in 2009 with high honors and with degrees in Economics and English. His senior thesis, which studied the efficacy and cost of state film tax incentives, was awarded “Best Senior Thesis” by the economics department. He attributes this thesis—a requirement of the Davidson Honors College—for helping start his career.
Hilary Martens '08
World Map of Alumni
Check out our interactive Google map to see where some of our graduates are living and working. Click on a pin to learn more about the graduate's major and industry.