Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award
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.
Joe Whittinghill | 2025 Recipient
The University of Montana Foundation has awarded Joe Whittinghill, of Seattle, the Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award. The award recognizes Whittinghill for his extensive support of and service to UM.
The award is named for former UM President Neil S. Bucklew, who served from 1981 to 1986. It recognizes individuals for their extraordinary effort to deepen Montana’s understanding of UM’s needs and strengths. The award has been presented annually by the UM Foundation since 1988.
Whittinghill received the award on Thursday, Oct. 9, at a UM Foundation event celebrating the UM Foundation’s 75th anniversary and the University’s most loyal supporters and volunteers. Recent honorees of the Bucklew Award include Loren and Michele Hansen in 2024; Suzanne Peterson in 2023; and Don and Donna McCammon, Lillian McCammon and her late husband George McCammon in 2022.
A Billings native, Whittinghill earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from UM in 1989 while participating in student groups such as the UM Advocates, Associate Students of UM, Montana Model United Nations and Sigma Phi Epsilon. His service to UM has continued throughout his life and career.
After graduating from UM, Whittinghill served as associate executive director of the UM Foundation, then joined Rayner & Associates Inc. as a management consultant. He earned a Master of Science degree in organizational development from Pepperdine University in 1998 before joining Microsoft Corp., where he held multiple global leadership positions in finance and people, including serving as the managing director of the Venture Integration mergers and acquisitions group.
Whittinghill served as corporate vice president and the chief talent and learning officer for Microsoft – leading people strategy, culture, organization development, talent management and learning – before retiring in 2024. Whittinghill now teaches at UM, Pepperdine University and the University of Washington and is a regular industry speaker on strategy, culture and leadership.
Whittinghill and his husband, Blake Takamura, are committed to giving back to UM to help prepare students for professional and personal success. Their generosity has been especially impactful for the Department of Political Science and student scholarships. Their leadership gift to establish a Career Planning Center serving students pursuing degrees in humanities, science, and social science programs was instrumental in providing students with resources to build lives and careers of impact.
Whittinghill and Takamura donated to establish the Leading OUT West workshop, and Whittinghill continues to serve as an adviser and instructor for the program in partnership with the College of Business and the broader University.
"Supporting universities isn’t charity," Whittinghill said. "I think of it as an investment in the next big idea, the next up-and-coming leader, the next change-maker."
“We are deeply grateful for Joe’s enduring impact on the University of Montana and the College of Business, where his leadership and generosity strengthen career opportunities for students and recent graduates,” said Suzanne Tilleman, the Sprunk and Burnham Endowed Dean of the College of Business. “His corporate experience and deep networks enhance the connections and possibilities for our students and alumni. Joe’s incredible philanthropic commitment evidences his belief in the power of education and his dedication to the potential of future generations.”
Like previous Bucklew Award recipients, Whittinghill’s contributions to the UM community extend beyond philanthropic giving. From 2007 to 2018, he served the UM Foundation as a member of the Board of Trustees, leading the board as chair from 2014 to 2016. He holds the distinction of being the only person to have been both a UM Foundation employee and chair of the board.
He also worked as an employee or as a volunteer on three of UM’s capital campaigns, including Campaign Montana, which concluded in 2020 as the most ambitious and successful higher education fundraising campaign in state history. He continues to serve the UM Foundation as an active strategic adviser and donor.
“We are deeply grateful and inspired by Joe’s commitment to the University and Montana communities,” said Cindy Williams, president and CEO of the UM Foundation. “His continuous generosity and service make a transformational impact and empower future leaders.”
Whittinghill also served on the UM Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1999 to 2003 and as chair from 2001 to 2003, and served on the first External Advisory Board of UM’s Davidson Honors College. He currently serves on the boards of D.A. Davidson, Gaia Ag, Grizzly Riders International and the Montana Ambassadors.
“One of the greatest gifts we can give is our time helping others succeed,” he said.
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
2024 - Loren and Michele Hansen