May 25, 2023

Dear Friends,

By now, you may have heard that Sheila Stearns, our beloved colleague, mentor and friend, passed away on Tuesday morning. I know that you share my feeling of loss and, at the same time, gratitude for her service, leadership and life of impact, especially for Montana – the place she loved so deeply.

Our UM team has met with her family (Hal, Scott and Malin) to discuss their wishes for a public memorial and celebration of Sheila, in addition to private gatherings for the Stearns and MacDonald families.

Please hold Friday, June 2, to join us at the University of Montana in the University Center Ballroom for an afternoon of “campfire stories” that pay tribute to Sheila’s remarkable life. Doors will open at 1 p.m., and programming will begin at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages people to honor Sheila’s belief in the power of higher education by donating to one of the institutions she loved and/or led.

On behalf of Sheila’s family, I hope you’ll join us as we come together to share a special time in honor of one of our state’s true treasures.

Kind regards,

Seth