Past Might of Montana Award Recipients
April 2025 Award Recipients
Patricia Duce, Lecturer, Department of Computer Science
Excerpt from Trish's nomination
“Trish has done an excellent job of making me feel comfortable, informed, and onboarded as a new non-tenure track faculty member. Everyone in the department has been exceptionally kind but Trish has gone above and beyond to advocate status. She's an excellent source of wisdom and a pillar of our department.”
Favorite part about working at UM
I attended school at UM (in 1989) and then went on to work in the athletic department and then the computer science department. I really value the friendships I have made here at UM (teammates, players, coworkers, students).
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
The students! I care about helping students succeed, and that drives me to give my best. Computer Science is a challenging major. Every student comes into the program with a different background and level of experience. I am always trying to think of new ways to help students learn the material and make sure they are ready for the next class. Watching a student’s growth over time in their computer science skills and confidence is the most fulfilling part of my work.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
The homecoming parade! It brings the entire campus and community together. Over the years I have always looked forward to attending the parade with my husband and children, my parents, my siblings – at all ages. Everyone comes out to celebrate and have a good time.
Ciarra McCormick, Assistant Director of Residential Support and Community Responsibility, UM Housing
Excerpt from Ciarra's nomination
“Ciarra ensures that everyone in our department feels heard and has a place to express who they are and their unique ideas. Additionally, Ciarra takes the time to support each person, student and staff, through their situation by affirming they matter and offering collaborative and supportive ideas. She creates an environment that emphasizes how to learn from mistakes and how to be the best version of ourselves by listening first. Lastly, it means a lot that Ciarra remembers the little details in others' lives—her commitment to making others feel special and seen is noticed.”
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part about working at UM is building rapport with students and helping them navigate the challenges that come with attending college. I also love working with the UM Housing Community Directors and Area Coordinators and being part of their career journeys. It is very meaningful work to be able to support students and staff as they build their confidence, skill sets, and work toward their future goals.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
I continue to be inspired by my dad, Gary McCormick, and his outlook on both life and the connections we make with others. Gary always encouraged me to put my best foot forward in my work and instilled in me that there is never a triumph too small to celebrate and that it is always a valuable use of time to cheer for those around you. Working with students and staff, I try to think of the advice and support that he brought forth throughout my life, and do my best to pay it forward to the people I have the privilege to connect with on a daily basis.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
My favorite UM tradition would have to be the UM Housing Hall Brawls! Hall Brawls are student-planned events for all residence hall residents to come together for an evening of fun, food, games, and socializing. It is always so much fun to see what the students come up with for their Hall Brawl theme, and the events are nothing short of amazing! It is great to see the students gather and meet new people, all while building pride for their residence hall.
March 2025 Award Recipients
Maryann Dunbar, Academic Advisor, Missoula College
Excerpt from Maryann's nomination
“Maryann is an exceptional advisor to the health professions students at Missoula College. Students come first, if she doesn't know the answer, she will find it. Maryann is a wealth of knowledge from her years at UM and is always happy to assist her coworkers.”
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part of working at Missoula College is meeting the new students each semester and guiding and supporting them through their academic pathways. At this stage, students are often discovering their passions, shaping their futures, and figuring out the direction they want to take in life. It feels really fulfilling to be part of that process, helping them navigate their challenges, connecting them with necessary resources, and helping them make informed decisions that set them up for success. The variety of students I get to work with, each with their own unique goals and stories, really keeps things dynamic and engaging.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
I am inspired by my students and their success. Watching students complete the Health Professions programs I advise for and become professionals in their respective fields fills me with a deep sense of pride and fulfillment. It’s amazing to see how much they’ve grown and the dedication they put into achieving their goals. Every time I hear about their accomplishments—whether they’re landing their first job, passing licensure exams, or making a positive impact in the healthcare industry—it reminds me why I enjoy my job. The connections I’ve built with these students and witnessing their journey from students to professionals is a powerful motivator that drives me to continue doing what I do.
Also, the Student Success team at Missoula College is truly an amazing group of people to work with. They inspire me to become the best I can be every day.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
My favorite tradition is Montana Grizzly Football. I have been a long time season ticket holder and love the tradition of the players making the walk to the stadium, the band making their way around the stadium stopping outside the north end zone playing the school song, raising of the number 37 flag by a former Griz great, pizza with the President for the student section just after halftime, and at the end of the game the players making their way to the north end zone to sing “Up with Montana Boys” after a victory. People travel all over the country each weekend for Griz football and I continue to be amazed by the loyalty of the Montana Griz family and fans.
Joshua Tucker, Client Experience Manager, UM IT
Excerpt from Tucker's nomination
“Tucker has a remarkable ability to make our work more efficient, always looking for ways to improve processes that save time and reduce frustration. His leadership goes beyond just getting the job done—he genuinely invests in helping others succeed. He takes the time to mentor and guide team members, offering support that helps them grow both professionally and personally. One of his most notable contributions is looking for opportunity for student TECs to get to see how other parts of IT operate so that they can get hands on real world experience.”
Favorite part about working at UM
Seeing students develop career skills and becoming well rounded and informed citizens.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
The amazing group of students at the IT Helpdesk that bring new ideas and perspectives and are all aligned to do the best we can to assist with the technology needs of the University community.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
The Welcome Feast.
February 2025 Award Recipients
Shawn Monson, Associate Director, Facilities Services
Excerpt from Shawn's nomination
“Shawn goes above and beyond not only for Facilities Services, but for the entirety of campus. His positive attitude and willingness to work hard to get the job done makes campus a better place to be in every way."
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part would have to be interacting with our fellow faculty and staff on a day to day basis. While our main goal is to have safe, clean and usable facilities for students, faculty and staff who interact daily with students benefit from great facilities too.
I like knowing we have helped ensure the process of learning at UM can proceed by helping fellow faculty and staff with their office, classroom or building needs. The sense of accomplishment Facilities crews find in their jobs is motivating.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
The employees that on our crews. The collaboration of our new employees who are enthusiastic about their work along with our experienced crew members. The day to day interaction is amazing to see the willingness to learn on both sides. This along with the work ethic and “can do” attitude make Facilities Services a great work environment.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
My favorite tradition is a combination of the Brawl of the Wild Game and the #37 Jersey for football. I moved to Missoula as a kid with my family in 1980. I did not really watch any UM games until my brother went to school here in the 1990s. I became a fan in the student section. I am amazed at how Missoula with such a diverse background has a fan base that is united as one. Some of the best games I have watched are Brawl of the Wild games. The attitude and toughness of not only #37 but the team as a whole really helped me feel connected to the University when I started working here in 2009.
Aimee Elliott, Operations and Fiscal Manager, Montana Clinical and Translational Research Center
Excerpt from Aimee's nomination
"Aimee's willingness to train new staff, even in areas outside of her role, demonstrates her initiative, leadership, and unwavering professionalism. Aimee's dependability, positivity, and compassion make her a role model and invaluable asset to our team and the university community."
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part about working at UM is the constant opportunity for learning and growth. In addition to the opportunities UM provides employees, my colleagues are such diverse individuals with different areas of expertise, and I love learning from them. Equally as important are the students and their energy they bring to campus.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
My School of Public and Community Health Sciences colleagues' profound intelligence, commitment to UM, research, and values give me the motivation to continue working towards excellence and sharing the compassion and inspiration they have afforded me.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
I love graduation. It is so exciting to see the students at the end of their time at UM. You can feel their joy, relief, and pride in their accomplishments buzzing around campus and it's always such a happy time.
January 2025 Award Recipients
Sara Bunton, Associate Director of Finance, Broader Impacts Group
Excerpt from Sara's nomination
“Sara always responds with a problem-solving attitude, patience, and personability. Her hard work and diligent support of so many important programming efforts, both on and off UM's campus, should be celebrated and commended, especially her excellent performance that enhances UM's institutional impact!”
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part about working at UM is the people. I am grateful for the amazing people I work with every day. Over the years I have also been able to connect and grow bonds with employees across campus which makes working at UM more of a community where you can learn and grow from support on campus.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
In short my colleagues, when working with people who care about the impact they are making it’s hard not to want to contribute your best work. It’s empowering to reflect on how my work connects into the exciting work that my colleagues provide to the broader community. Starting at UM as a student, I was met with amazing, strong, and kind mentors this helped shape my work ethic and comradery here on campus. This is something I now strive to be with the students and young professionals here on campus.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
One of UM’s traditions that I enjoy every year is the “hello walk”. This tradition always makes me smile when walking across campus, there have been a few uplifting quotes that have turned my day around. I think it’s a creative and fun way to brighten up campus, and engage with students from all over!
Rachel Buswell, Controller, Business Operations and Finance
Excerpt from Rachel's nomination
“Rachel has enacted positive change in other areas of O&F including transforming the Accounts Payable department and being an integral piece of several software implementations. She consistently goes above and beyond for everyone, regardless of their title or if it is 'in her lane’.”
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part of working for UM is multi-dimensional: I thoroughly enjoy the work I do, and the team that I get to do it with. I’ve met so many extremely talented individuals in my time at UM and it makes every single day enjoyable. The “cherries on top” are the beautiful backdrop that is the UM campus and the work-life balance that I get to enjoy.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
My inspiration at work comes from those who come to work every day ready to do whatever it takes to help a student or employee, streamline a process, or build meaningful connections across the departments. These individuals are the foundation for our institution and contribute in so many meaningful ways.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
This may not be a tradition, but the colors of the changing fall leaves are truly breathtaking. I love coming to work in the fall.
December 2024 Award Recipients
Nathan Burkhart, Client Experience Manager, IT HelpDesk
Excerpt from Nathan's nomination
“Nathan's knowledge, compassion and professionalism have been an outstanding contribution to the UM Community and his unseen efforts deserve some recognition.”
Favorite part about working at UM
The education and student focused stance we can all agree on. Every office and department has their own internal workings and concerns, but at the end of the day, all of us are here for the common goal of helping students further their education, and that solidarity can be very rewarding.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
The staff and students that we can save the day for. The UM IT Helpdesk often gets people having their worst day due to a technical issue, but when we can salvage that situation, it’s a great feeling seeing some hope return to their eyes.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
I do like the classic “pumpkin mounted on University Hall”, but my favorite “tradition” is probably when the first big snow hits and the ambient noise on campus becomes more tranquil.
Jordan Patterson, Dual Enrollment Program Director & Distance Learning Advisor
Excerpt from Jordan's nomination
“Jordan not only regularly exceeds expectations from the University, but the state as a whole. She does by practicing passion, integrity, creativity and thoughtfulness. No one is doing more with less for the University at the moment and it is solely for the sake of the students.”
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part about working at UM Missoula College is the people. The colleagues I work with most closely feel like family, and that connection is truly special. What makes it even more meaningful is knowing that while we could all be doing something else, we choose to be here—to support and empower our students. The students themselves are incredible. From 15-year-olds to 60-year-olds, they bring unique perspectives, a shared desire to grow, and a drive to explore new opportunities. I’m deeply grateful to be part of their journey and to witness their transformation.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
I am inspired to do my best work for the students who rely on me to help guide them on their paths. I draw motivation from the incredible female mentors I’ve been fortunate to work with, Bonnie Dux and Grace Gardner, whose guidance and example have shaped my journey. I also couldn’t do my job without my partner in crime, Ben Nelson, who continually sets the bar high and challenges me to excel.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
My favorite UM tradition is the pumpkin on Main Hall. Despite efforts to put an end to this playful tradition, the urban climbers have successfully prevailed since my days as an undergraduate. Seeing the pumpkin every year fills me with a sense of nostalgia. My favorite new tradition is the Freshman Float. Being at the Missoula College campus, it’s a special experience to walk down to the river and welcome our newest group of students—it’s a fun and memorable way to kick off their journey.