Fall 2024 Pure Gold Recipients

When I called Emily Edwards to say I wanted to submit a Pure Gold award for Sara Heller, Emily's immediate reaction was "LOVE THIS. Seriously. Could she sparkle more?" 

And that's just it. Sara Heller sparkles in the work she does with and for students as the lead adviser for the College of EHHD. She cares deeply about students' experiences and understands that their stories are real and important. Having been on campus for a while as a student and a staff member (and now a student again, having just finished the mental health certificate and also working on a Ph.D.), Sara knows everything and everyone. She has earned mini-grants for her own professional development, but even more impressively, for other advisers across campus.  

Among her advising colleagues, Sara is known as our social planner extraordinaire! She finds creative ways to bridge training and professional development opportunities with good-ole-fashioned fun, and she is often lovingly called our “cruise director.” She is a positive, knowledgeable and caring resource for all, especially her students. They adore her and recognize that Sara knows them, is there for them and that she genuinely cares for their well-being. She knows how to listen, support, solve problems and empower others. She lifts up students and colleagues and takes the time to celebrate all their victories, big and small. She fosters trust and respect and brings calm and joy to our sometimes challenging work. 

She makes MSU feel like home and is the purest, sparkliest gold! 

Award received December 4, 2024. Nom inated by Kayte Kaminski and Emily Edwards.

Victoria is a born leader who always sacrifices her time and resources so that others will succeed and be happy. Her African colleagues nominated and selected her to chair the African Student Association, but her kindness extends not only to ASA members. She also puts smiles on the faces of all members of her department, the people she lives with on campus and everyone she meets at MSU. Victoria is Pure Gold and she deserves to be treated as such. Bello Mohammed Yunusa

Victoria welcomed me into this community and has been extremely supportive in terms of providing important information and processes that can help me in my move and integration into MSU.  Melisa Carter

Award recieved November 20, 2024. Nominated by Bello Mohammed Yunusa and Melisa Carter.

Kisa Young is the associate director of admissions for new student programs and orientation and has continuously gone above and beyond for our students and their families. She makes sure their questions are answered and their needs are met. When planning an event, Kisa puts thought into every detail so that our students feel both welcomed and excited to start their educational journeys! She knows how to bring an idea to life and makes it run seamlessly – all while having great hair, a smile on her face and an awesome Spotify playlist to go along with it. 

Chris repeatedly takes on the most difficult technology issues our office encounters. He not only fixes them in a timely manner but also takes the time to educate administrative staff about the problems in easily understandable terms. He does this all with a positive attitude.

Award received November 6, 2024. Nominated by Ian Dunham-Wheeler.

Hannah Sullivan is the team lead for the Fiscal Shared Services team that serves the College of Agriculture. Being a team lead involves training and supervising her team and fielding questions for the 12 departments that her team serves. Not only does Hannah lead a team of seven accounting analysts, but she is also the lead accounting analyst for the MSU Wool Lab, USDA-ARS Fort Keogh Research Station, and the BART, Ft. Ellis, and Red Bluff farm and livestock operations.

For more than a year Hannah has also been the acting accounting analyst for the Department of Animal and Range Sciences due to turnover in that position. Despite working above her appointed responsibilities for more than a year, Hannah continues to provide a timely, friendly, and critical services to our department, wool lab, and livestock operations ensuring our faculty and administrative team can effectively and efficiently carry out our research, teaching, and outreach missions. I do not see how we could operate without Hannah’s leadership, hard work, and dedication – she is certainly someone who leads by example and is a great asset to Montana State University.

Award received October 30, 2024. Nominated by Carl Yeoman.

If you happened to be in Herrick Hall on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 17, then you undoubtedly experienced an overwhelming amount of VIM. The first ever Community VIM: Volunteering, Internship and Mentoring event was planned, hosted and brilliantly delivered by Whitney Craven in the Department of Human Development & Community Health (HDCH). As the internship coordinator for the department, Whitney brought together over 20 community employers and campus organizations, masterfully creating a relaxed environment that allowed HDCH students - both majors and minors - to easily connect with community and campus leaders. This event perfectly highlights an essential aspect of our land-grant mission by bridging the gap between MSU students and our community. Through learning about "Volunteer, Mentorship and Internship" experiences, the nearly 100 student attendees not only gained insights about the amazing organizations on campus and in the Gallatin community, but many also expressed genuine interest in getting involved, whether through volunteering or employment. The feedback from our community partners has been equally impressive. Several mentioned how impactful the event was in fostering meaningful connections with students, with some already inquiring about a potential spring event!

Whitney truly serves as a connector within our department as she builds and sustains meaningful partnerships that strengthen our students' experiences as they prepare for their careers serving families and communities. She embraces every opportunity to build community within the Human Development and Family Science program. As an instructor (Whitney teaches classes across the HDFS curriculum), internship coordinator to students across multiple majors, Phi Upsilon Omicron Epsilon adviser (which includes traveling with students to a National Conference), and Human Development & Family Science Club adviser, Whitney models the importance of relationship-building by fostering opportunities and connections for students across the HDCH department and beyond. Whitney is an invaluable asset to our department and to MSU.

In addition to being our internship coordinator, she is an instructor, a colleague and a friend to everyone she meets. She is kind, patient, caring, and goes above and beyond to help our students reach their goals.

Whitney is Pure Gold!

Award received October 23, 2024. Nominated by Christine Lux, Michelle Grocke, Mitch Vaterlaus, Milana Lazetich, Sara Heller, Nicole Wanago, Austyn Holliday and Kayte Kaminski.

David is always willing to lend a hand to anyone in the office with their work, especially if they are overwhelmed. He is often there if you are feeling down to help cheer you up and he makes the working environment safe and enjoyable. David is also humble in his work, not afraid to ask when he is unsure. He is also a large contributor to campus, volunteering to be on several committees like Staff Senate and helping other offices out when they ask. 

David is not afraid to speak up for colleagues and students. David inspires me every day to be a better and more efficient person. He not only helps others but also pays attention to others’ needs and likes, being sensitive to what others can or cannot eat, making adjustments to office treats when he brings them in to share.

Award received October 16, 2024. Nominated by Kimberly Kost.

Since joining the Registrar's Office in 2012, Shelburn has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our office, our students and the entire Montana State University community. Starting her journey on the phones and at the window, Shelburn quickly became a trusted student advocate, adeptly navigating MSU policies, processing add/drop requests, managing curriculum changes and handling enrollment verifications. Her deep understanding of these processes laid the foundation for her subsequent roles, including that of an academic auditor and the "sticky wicket wrangler" within the Office of the Registrar. In each of these roles, Shelburn has consistently exemplified the values of respect, integrity, student success and excellence that are vital to the Registrar's Office. Whether the question is complex or complicated, Shelburn isn't afraid to navigate the nuance and details until she is able to provide the student, staff or faculty member with an accurate answer.

One of Shelburn's most remarkable qualities is her dedication to understanding and applying university policy. Her thoroughness in documenting even the most seemingly insignificant details has proven invaluable time and time again, not only in her work but to the entire community who often go to Shelburn for help with intricate questions. Her documentation has saved countless hours and has often provided clarity in complex situations, ensuring that our operations run smoothly and efficiently. Shelburn's approach to her work is guided by the principle of firm but fair. She ensures that students have appropriate expectations and a clear understanding of university processes, setting them up for success while maintaining the integrity of our policies. This balance of compassion and rigor is a hallmark of her work and an example for us all.

Shelburn's dedication to our office and the broader MSU community is invigorating. She is an invaluable resource for staff, faculty and students from all corners of campus, and she navigates all of it with a feisty energy and real MSU vim. Shelburn represents the best of what our university has to offer.

Award received October 9, 20204. Nominated by Kandi Greswell.

There cannot be enough said about Amy Kanuch that supports her being Pure Gold. She is THE person behind the scenes who coordinates the Pure Gold program, but that is only one of numerous blue and gold programs she leads. 

Dani is the community director of Hyalite Hall, and I have seen her go above and beyond to make sure students and student staff have an incredible experience. Most recently, she facilitated the move-in of new students at Hyalite Hall, and the department has received countless compliments on how smooth and welcoming the process was.  

One piece of this was a new program for parents started by Dani. She saw how parents wanted to be included in the joy of the start of the school year but sometimes felt out of place in the chaos of move-in. She created a program for every hall, not just hers, for parents to write a letter to their incoming student to be delivered in September, when statistics show students are the most homesick. We received a lot of praise for this program, and Dani made it happen all by herself! We even had to put tissues out at some of the tables because parents were getting emotional. This is just one example of how Dani connects to the needs of our residents and their families and finds a way to make their experience the best it can be. 

Award recieved September 25, 2024. Nominated by Maggie Schmutz.

Tanya Giop is an exceptional payroll associate with the payroll team in the Human Resources Office at MSU, where she manages payroll for 42 different departments across campus. Her remarkable responsiveness, constant patience and kindness make her an invaluable resource to the payroll team and the MSU community at large. Tanya consistently excels at problem-solving, handling even the most complex and timely challenges with a fantastic attitude. My numerous last-minute payroll emergencies have been no match for Tanya, who has always risen to the occasion. Her ability to approach problems with creativity and thoughtfulness has not only resolved issues but also inspired me to adopt a more thoughtful and innovative approach to problem-solving.

Tanya's dedication and her impact on those around her make her a truly deserving recipient of the Pure Gold award.  

Award received September 18, 2024. Nominated by Madison Hebner.

Jodi Duncan, our SNAP-Ed instructor for Glacier County, Toole County and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, consistently goes above and beyond in her service to our communities. She delivers vital nutrition education while tirelessly working to address food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles among our most vulnerable populations.

 Jodi's positive contributions touch countless lives. She frequently collaborates with local food banks, but her commitment extends well beyond her official duties – she also volunteers many personal hours to support these crucial community resources. Additionally, Jodi partners with schools to promote sustainable, healthy eating programs. Her unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of community members, especially those facing economic challenges, is truly inspiring. Jodi's commitment and innovative approaches to nutrition education motivate others to become more involved in local food security initiatives and to advocate for healthier food options in our area.

 Well-known and loved by many in our counties, Jodi makes an impact on the community that is both far-reaching and deeply personal, making her an exemplary candidate for the "Pure Gold" program.

Award received September 11, 2024. Nominated by Lisa Terry.

Wesley Smith has stepped up not just for his own department, but for other departments on campus such as the College of Nursing and the College of Arts and Architecture. He is polite, professional, and an excellent role model in terms of IT customer service and technical skill. He may not know it, but he is leading the push in creating a cohesive team environment for MSU's IT services.

I've been inspired by his positive attitude and attention to detail, both of which I will be sure to incorporate as an amateur IT professional at MSU.

Award received September 4, 2024. Nominated by Andrew Lander.

Mitch practices quiet excellence. Everything he does is thorough and thoughtful. He always goes above and beyond to provide outstanding service to our customers. He is a careful researcher and usually finds a solution, no matter how hard or how deep he has to dig to identify the problem. He is a wealth of tribal knowledge. The best thing about him is his demeanor. Never one to speak up, he is always quietly kind and helpful. He doesn't lose patience or get rattled. 

Mitch is Pure Gold, and we are fortunate to have him as the linchpin of our team.

Award received August 28, 2024. Nominated by Elizabeth Olson.

Shannon Bangen, the esteemed Associate Director of New Student Programs at MSU, has made a remarkable impact through her dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment. Overseeing fall, spring, and summer orientations, Shannon ensures that each new, transfer, Veteran, and international student transitions smoothly and feels welcomed into the MSU family. Her meticulous attention to detail and strategic planning guarantees that every orientation session is a seamless and enriching experience for not only our students, but faculty and staff. When many of us find ourselves caught up in the details of the day, we rely on Shannon to keep us all on track as she is already planning for next year!

In addition to managing these crucial orientation programs, Shannon also coordinates the MSU Friday visit program, which offers prospective students a comprehensive glimpse into university life. Her exceptional organizational skills and proactive approach to program coordination demonstrate her passion for fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Shannon's ability to create a welcoming atmosphere where students feel supported and excited about their academic journey is truly commendable. If coordinating some of the highest profile and largest front facing events MSU has to offer wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Shannon is an integral part of many other formal and informal leadership roles on campus. She is literally everywhere all at the same time! Shannon serves as a deeply invested as a mentor and role model for the personal growth and success of each student. Her empathetic nature and genuine care for student well-being are evident in every aspect of her work. Her investment consistently shines through no matter the setting from serving as instructor of the Orientation Leader course to volunteering in Shroyer Gymnasium the morning of graduation. As shared by one of her orientation leaders, “She really values students and is committed to getting to know us so she can help us grow as orientation leaders and in general.” By cultivating a sense of belonging and community, Shannon plays an instrumental role in helping students navigate their transition to university life with confidence and enthusiasm.

Her unwavering dedication to student success, combined with her ability to manage and enhance key programs, makes Shannon Bangen an invaluable asset to MSU. Her contributions not only enrich the university experience for new students but also set a high standard for excellence in student services. Shannon's leadership and commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment make her a true beacon of excellence at MSU.

Driven. Innovative. Inspiring. Shannon Bangen is Pure Gold through and through!

Award received August 21, 2024. Nominated by Joe Hicks and Liz Greenfield.