91´ÎÔª

Might of Montana Award

Established in 2024, the Might of Montana Award recognizes UM employees for their outstanding service to our campus community. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Recipients will be announced once a month. See below for more details.

Award Recipients

August 2025 Award Recipients

Gabe Semenza, Computer Software Engineer, IT

Excerpt from Gabe's nomination

Gabe is a massive pillar of Canvas support and makes a lot of progress in helping students and teachers, while also being considerate and caring of the work he does. Whether it is a student or instructor that he is helping, he takes the time to make sure they are taken care of and their problems are resolved to completion. Not only does Gabe take on his work with care and compassion, he makes the university (not just IT) community a better place to be supported.

What’s your favorite part about working at UM?

I have many favorite parts about working at UM: the people, the atmosphere and tradition, and the constant evolution of technology and challenges. Together, they make sure there’s never a boring day here.

Who inspires you to do your best at work?

The colleagues I work most closely with inspire me. They’re top-notch, talented, and genuinely good people. They deserve the best from me in return. And, ultimately, all the work we do as a team is inspired by the students, staff, and faculty we serve.

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

Since childhood in Helena—through high school with friends who went on to play here—my favorite UM tradition has always been Griz Football season. Whether I’m in the stadium or at home grilling with the game on TV, football season here is always one of my favorite times of year.

What's your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the Social Sciences building. It's where I got my start here in IT.

Beverly Hawkins-Llewellyn, Accounting Associate, Center for Translation Medicine

Excerpt from Beverly's nomination

Beverly consistently demonstrates the behavior and attitude you would want from any employee and has such compassion for our entire team and campus. She just loves helping our students succeed. Beverly's entire career focus has been to aide and improve the 91´ÎÔª and she is a huge supporter of Griz Football! Go GRIZ!!! Beverly exhibits a great work ethic and quality of work that we have grown to depend on. She never hesitates to help others or take on challenges. Bev successfully keeps our department running on a positive note every day.

What’s your favorite part about working at UM?

The people! The past 29 plus years have given me the opportunity to get to know many people across campus. Everyone is working to make this the best place to get an education and to make a difference in the community.

Who inspires you to do your best at work?

My co-workers. They all put in their best effort to do amazing research and I am happy to be a small part of their support system.

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

Homecoming. Brings so much energy to campus and it is wonderful to see those who have gone on to do great things after graduation.

What's your favorite spot on campus?

The Grizzly Statue – always know you are home when you see it!

July 2025 Award Recipients

Daniel Marx, Accounts Receivable Specialist, Treasury Services

Excerpt from Daniel’s nomination

Daniel consistently demonstrates initiative and a proactive mindset, especially in improving processes within the Treasury department. He is often the first to step up and assist with technology upgrades, showcasing both his adaptability and technical acumen. Beyond his primary responsibilities, Daniel readily supports students and staff who come into the office, offering help even when their needs fall outside his direct scope of work. His genuine curiosity and eagerness to learn are evident in his daily interactions and reflect his strong commitment to advancing the goals of the office.

What’s your favorite part about working at UM?

My favorite part of working at UM is all the different people I get to work with on a daily basis. I’m fortunate to be in a position that meets and works with nearly every department at the University eventually and every day brings new challenges and new experiences.

Who inspires you to do your best at work?

I remember that all the work we do is for our students. Even when I’m not working directly with a student I’m still helping someone else who does work with students, and I remember that the work I do will have an impact on our students, either directly or indirectly.

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

I love the annual Can the Cats food drive. I love how we’ve taken that rivalry and used it to create an event that directly helps some of the most vulnerable people in both communities.

Johanna Anderson, Director of Strategic Fiscal Planning, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics 

Excerpt from Johanna’s nomination 

When I was informed by my other University (University of Lethbridge, Canada) that it was not eligible to receive a grant I was going to submit there only two days before its due date, after spending weeks preparing this grant for submission, I submitted the grant at UM instead. Johanna immediately sprang into action. She helped me with a revised budget, completed all the reviews, and mobilized all other necessary units on campus to help me getting this grant submitted with 1 hour to spare! She responded to my texts after 6:30 p.m. and before 7 am to make sure everything would work smoothly. Johanna went above and beyond to help me. Her dedication to helping secure research funds for UM is commendable!

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

In the same vein, my favorite UM tradition is the annual Employee Celebration Breakfast during the UM Week of Excellence. We get to celebrate our colleagues, as well as be celebrated ourselves. We all are very important individuals whose daily efforts make this ship sail. And they serve bacon

What’s your favorite part about working at UM?

My favorite part about working at UM is my wonderful teammates and colleagues. I have gotten to know so many amazing, knowledgeable, and kind people in various roles and positions in the 10 years I have worked on campus. They are always there to support me, to bounce ideas off them, to problem solve, and to commiserate or have a laugh with. Go Team!

Who inspires you to do your best at work?

The same supportive people I mentioned before. Their collegiality, willingness to share tools and information, and their desire to do things right inspires me to do my best work, to help others when I can, and to continue improving myself.

May 2025 Award Recipients

Kevin Harding, Assistant Director, UM Conference & Event Services

Excerpt from Kevin's nomination

“Kevin is a dedicated employee at the University Center, focused on providing quality events for clients and attendees. He is often thinking of unique event ideas to create the best experiences for visitors to campus, which improves the reputation of the University. Additionally, he has represented the University well in several external organizations through his work with ACUI, Leadership Missoula, NASPA, and B2B Missoula meetings. Overall, Kevin continually excels in his position by attracting business and delivering a well-developed and organized product.” 

Favorite part about working at UM

My favorite thing about UM is the people. We truly have some of the most incredible people around. Whether it be employees or students, seasoned or new to campus, I am fortunate that I have the opportunity to work with a variety of people in areas. I especially love that I get to pass along my extensive knowledge and event expertise to students as they plan and prepare for their own student organization events and meetings.

Who inspires you to do your best at work? 

I am continuously inspired by the energetic and caring team I am fortunate enough to part of. Our continuous collaboration and endless fun along the way inspires me to do and be my best all the time.

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

My favorite UM tradition is Homecoming Yell Night Pep Rally. It brings together the UM and Missoula community for an uplifting evening, celebrating ALL GRIZ!

Nicole Thompson, Director, Office of Sponsored Programs

Excerpt from Nicole's nomination

"While Nicole's Director position is normally busy and stressful, the ever-changing world of federal regulations, terminations and funding has taken on a whole new level of stress... When things are new and unknown, Nicole is always there to lend a hand to teach, assist, and redirect any employee with grace, poise and support."

Favorite part about working at UM?

My favorite part of working at UM is being part of the Griz Family!

Who inspires you to do your best at work? 

I have been blessed to work with some amazing supervisors and colleagues. They have inspired me to do my best work even when things are challenging.

What’s your favorite UM tradition?

My favorite tradition is the Homecoming desk decorating contest.  My mom worked at UM for almost 25 years, and I remember as a kid growing up when she would work on her desk decorations for the contest. 

Find other Might of Montana Award Recipient features in the archive.

Nominate someone today!

Click the button below to submit a nomination for the Might of Montana Award. Please address the award criteria (above) in your nomination.