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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

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 Recipient

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!

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.

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.