The Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award, established in 1988, honors those individuals or couples who exemplify service and commitment to the University of Montana — advancing its mission on campus and throughout the state of Montana.

The award is named for former UM President Neil Bucklew, who served as president from 1981 through 1986, recognizing his contributions to the University of Montana, Missoula and to the state of Montana. 

Suzanne Peterson | 2023 Recipient

Suzanne Peterson '78 was honored with the Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award on Thursday, Sept. 28, at the UM Foundation’s annual fall event honoring and celebrating UM’s most loyal supporters. The award recognizes Peterson's efforts to advance the University’s mission across Montana and her continuous support of UM’s students. 

Peterson’s extensive service to UM, the UM Foundation and the broader community has included 11 years as a UM Foundation trustee and service to the City of Missoula Police Commission. She and her husband Dave have given to the UM Foundation to establish an endowed professorship of gifted education in the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and to support students and faculty in the College of Business.

Read more about Peterson in this news release. 

Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award Past Recipients

1988 - Ian Davidson
1989 - Bruce Crippen
1990 - John Ruffatto
1991 - Robert Kelly
1992 - Sherman Lohn
1993 - Jack Dietrich
1994 - Kathy Ogren
1995 - Jack Burke
1996 - Tom Collins
1997 - Tom Boone
1998 - Greg Hanson
1999 - Ernie Corrick
2000 - Phyllis J. Washington
2001 - Bill Bouchee | Missoulian article
2002 - Bill Reynolds
2003 - Ann Boone
2004 - John and Katy Delano
2005 - John and Sue Talbot
2006 - Ev and Nikki Sliter
2007 - Charlie Oliver
2008 - Terry Payne
2009 - James and Joy Mariska
2010 - Robert Burke
2011 - Ty Robinson
2012 - Cathy Capps
2013 - Rockwood Brown
2014 - John and Marilyn Olson
2015 - Deborah Doyle McWhinney
2016 - Nelson Weller
2017 - Mike McDonough
2018 - Mickey Sogard | Missoula Current article
2019 - Gretchen and Dennis Eck
2019 - Eric Sprunk
2020 - Summerfield and Julie Baldridge
2021 - Mary Olson
2022 - McCammon Family
2023 - Suzanne Peterson